Cabin camping is an amazing way to experience Altus, while still enjoying a little rustic luxury. Finding a place to cabin camp in Oklahoma is easier than ever. When you're looking for a quiet location in nature, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect cabin rental.
Located just 25 miles northeast of Lawton, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was established in 1901 to help preserve and provide habitat for native bison, Rocky Mountain elk, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. It is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States, and consists of nearly 60,000 acres of natural grasslands, small lakes and river bottoms. Today, it is home to more than 50 species of mammals, 240 varieties of birds, 100 reptiles, amphibians and fish, and more than 800 types of plants. Visitors are invited to discover and observe many of these unique species by exploring the refuge’s Visitor Center and 15 miles of nature walks and hiking trails. There are also interpretive programs and guided tours available for learning about everything from the refuge’s wildflowers to its seasonal eagle population. Visitors to the refuge are invited to stay in the Doris Campground, located near Quanah Parker Lake. This year-round campground offers a total of 90 campsites, ranging from drive-in tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, to more primitive, walk-in tent sites. There are also two group campsites, and a few ADA accessible sites. Sites are mostly wooded, and equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills. Amenities include both flush and vault toilets, a shower building, water faucets, and waste receptacles; a dump station is available near the campground entrance. Backcountry camping is available in the Charons Garden Wilderness Area. Dogs are welcome on the refuge, but must remain leashed. Campsites are available first-come, first-serve only; rates are $8–$20/night.
Beautiful cabin situated on 55 acres of prime hunting land. Whitetail, Muledeer, hog, turkey, dove, quail and other game are prevalent. 9 miles SW of Childress Texas
$180 - $250 / night
SAMS TOWN is a one-of-a-kind, rustic hangout and pit stop put together by Samuel Hagen, an artist and landscape photographer. He used all sorts of reclaimed materials and rescued nostalgic artifacts that give it a unique vibe, celebrating the good ol' days and a desire to reignite community spirit. Right on Old Route 66, in Erick, OK, this spot mixes up some classic Americana feels with a chill roadside rest or an overnight stay. If you're on the road and want a stop that's anything but ordinary, this is it!
Come visit or stay at one of our campsites or one of our unique accommodations:
100-year old One-Room School House
7-Ricks Loft Cabin (must climb a ladder to get to queen size bed)
Homestead Log Cabin
We welcome: Bicycles: Individual or groups, Walkers, Runners, Hikers, RVs, Motorcycles, well... we welcome everyone!
Campers: looking to pitch a tent or rent a rustic cabin. (some have more amenities than others
Hunters: Looking for a low-key place to chill out after a long day
Travelers: Anyone looking for a unique place to stay halfway between Oklahoma City and Amarillo Texas
Anyone needing a rest stop, come sit a spell, or stay awhile.
Pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash while outside and cleaned up after. We have rabbits and a turkey (named Pilgram) who roam the property, freely. We also have our mascot, Patsy, a lovely little terrier mix who will always be with Sam, our on-site host and creator of SAMS TOWN.
$75 / night
Scout
It's a good little spot on the edge of town to go eat lunch, do some thinking, or fish for fun. Around the holidays it lights up and is just an all around good place to go for free
Guide
Very nice national park. Very clean. Lots of animals to see. Gentlemen at the gate was very knowledgeable and had all of the information about the park.
TravelerDoris Campground is a cool little campground nestled in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. There are multiple areas to camp at Doris. The easiest way to reserve a site is to goto Recreation.gov and book online (This may be the only way, a lot about the booking process has changed in the last few years) There are two main campground areas with decently spaced but also high site density just past the information hut / entrance to the campground. A is immediately on the right after the entrance, it's a non electric loop and I believe (C?) is on the left just after the A loop with a loop of electric sites. There are also primitive campsites for tents further down the road and lake sites, as well as some more isolated sites spread throughout the campground and group camping areas. There are quite a few trees in the campground, but you can also see the sky fairly well. There are restroom buildings scattered throughout the campground and several shower areas. The campsites are almost all back in if you have a rig. There is zero cell phone reception, even with a booster. Many of the rig campsites have some sort of bench / picnic table and fire rings. There is a ton of wildlife in the area, and it is very peaceful.
GuideMilitary CG on Fort Sill's base. Spent 5 weeks here. Scenery and base is beautiful. It's in the Wichita Mountains near Mt Scott and Medicine Park. Clean lake with paddle boat and kayak rentals. Mini golf, beach and water slides. Nice museum and Indian Cemetaries on base. Saw geese, fox, Coyotes, Buffalo, prairie dogs and rattle snakes.
All sites are pull through and fairly level. Full hookups with 30 & 50 amp service. Laundry room with 4 washers & dryers, $1 (when working). There is also a laundrette by the Commissary. Didn't use showers or restroom but checked them out. Ladies room was very dated and needs a really good cleaning.
There are a lot of long term rvs. Some not stayed in by the owners the entire time we were there. We didn't have any issue getting the site we reserved as someone mentioned in a previous review. The staff was nice when we asked to change our site to one with a better view.
Biggest con was absolutely no warning on their site that there is training going on all around the CG. If you have a Veteran with PTSD like I do prepare him/her that they shoot howitzer rounds at any given time. We had no clue and the 1st week there was a rough one for my DAV.
Do not use Letra Gate. It's closed. Ignore GPS and go to Apache Gate. Better yet set GPS for Apache Gate. It's the quickest route and you won't have to drive through the busy base and narrow roads.
RangerDoris campgrounds are only open for RV campers due to covid so I couldn’t stay. Mount Scott had some pretty awesome views and I hiked the trail across the road from it by the bathrooms. There is a gate and a path beside it made from vehicle wheels. You can hike pretty far. There are several spots where you cross a creek which was good for my dogs or I think they would have died by the way they were panting lol. It was 91 degrees when I hiked it. Take 2 water bottles for yourself if it’s hot out! The trail ends at a beautiful lake with the mountain in the distance. I walked down to the lake so the dogs could cool off and drink for a while. Def loved taking it all in. There’s cattle but they didn’t mind us one bit.
I did see camping in town right before the blue water towers, along the river/creek there are tent camping spots and a lot of people were fishing. It’s just over the bridge and you can miss it. It’s not on the app so thought I would mention it in my review and added some pics of that area!
TravelerOf course, Covid 19 has forced many places to make adjustments, and this is a trying time for all. That being said, this camp is inconsistent with its information online, on this app, and in person. Many amenities and even basic entry had conflicting information, and we were turned away after driving so far to get there. The maps they gave us were also unclear and poorly labeled. The park is beautiful and a must-see, but I’d feel better avoiding this site entirely.
LegendInside the wildlife preserve there are not a lot of camping options as the attempt to keep the wildlife wild is the primary focus. However if you are looking to stay inside the area, you will want to check out Doris Campground, located centrally in the property.
Camping options at Doris vary with both primitive and improved options. 47 sites without electricity offer only shaded retreat, regular sized pull ins and basic amenities with picnic tables and fire rings. However the improved sites offer electricity and larger pull ins for mid to large sized RV units. There is an additional set of camping options which are hike in style sites with a common parking area, these are a little harder to get to as the area is overgrown.
Sites range in price points from$12 to$24 and all have access to common spigots and restrooms.
One restroom is a bit more updated but offers only restrooms no showers while the less updated offers showers but is a bit creepy.
Something you will want to be mindful of staying at this site is wildlife. While many campgrounds often experience a wild animal or two, the raccoons here are quite menacing and snakes are very common.
If you do decide to come out to the Wichita Mountains, I suggest checking out some of the many hiking options and view points. The tower trail is a great one for views of the lake and terrain with minimal challenge and only some slightly uneven spaces from weathering and wash. Mount Scott is the highest point in the park and can be accessed through an invigorating hike to the top or through the scenic drive which features several pull offs and a parking area at the top.
Prairie Dog town is one of the more unique features of the park with dozens of colonies visible from several view points and pull offs. Being able to see the critters up close and personal will leave you smiling for hours. Walking throughout the preserve are buffalo and longhorns.
An extremely unique feature is the park’s Holy City, an area which was designated for use in the 20s and at its peak welcomed up to 250,000 people per year to an annual program performed on the hillside. This feature is unique in that it is a rock city constructed on the hillside which includes the story of Christ and also is the home of a chapel modeled after one that George Washington once attended in Virginia. A very unique piece of history.
TravelerGood, large sites for tents and RVs. Doris has semi-primitive sites for tents with picnic tables and fire rings as well as electric sites with hookups. Some sites offer a view of Quanah Parker Lake. All sites at Doris are walk in. There is an unmanned Paystation at the entrance but there is also a friendly campground host who lives onsite. Alcohol is prohibited everywhere within the refuge. Please note that at the time of this review (3/2020) there is NO potable water anywhere in the WMWR. An e.coli contamination in 2017 is still not resolved and any an all water is considered unsafe, including all streams and lakes. Bring in your own water, the closest store is at least 30 mins away.
ScoutWe have stayed at Doris 2 or 3 times over the last few years. It’s a large site with over 60 campsites that are fairly well spaced out. Separate RV/powered locations from drive up and walk in campsites.
Lot’s of great activities in the area: hiking, climbing, fishing, wildlife and other options.
My primary complaint of Doris is that it get’s rowdy on the weekends. On our most recent trip a group of locals pulled in at about 10pm and partied until after 2am then left. They were not camping at all.
GuideDoris Campground is an okay place to camp. There are 2 Bath houses in the campground. the first one by Loop E is more modern but does not have showers. the second one is by loop C and does have showers but it really needs to be updated. There are plenty of trees to provide shade in the campground but dont look for firewood on the ground as it appears they keep that picked up. You can purchase bundles of firewood at the entry gate for $5 per bundle. Each campsite has a fire ring and table and enough parking for 2 vehicles. This campground in on Federal Land and patrolled by Federal Game Wardens. While in the area it is recommended to visit Holy City and the unique town of Medicine Park. Also in Medicine Park there is a Creek that is stocked with Trout from November to March. There is free roaming Buffalo and Longhorn Cattle so dont be surprised if you see one in the Campground. There are numerous Lakes in the area to fish or boat in and numerous Hiking trails as well.
ScoutFort Sill has a lot of history to view. Great museums. Full hookups. Close to MT Scott and wildlife park. You can reserve a spot online but they will not save your spot for you. I visit yearly and have never gotten the spot I reserved.
GuideA private company owns (I think) and operates the campground. It’s nice and clean with good amenities. It does fill up on weekends quickly. The campground itself isn’t what I go to WMWR for but I’m not at all disappointed by the campground. Lots of trees and wildlife. Bison can and do walk through the campground which unique and pretty amazing.
There’s lots to do in the Refuge like shorter and somewhat long hikes as well as fishing and non-motorized boating. Watching wildlife like the bison and prairie dogs are very entertaining and remarkable. The towns of Meers and Medicine Park have their unique offerings as well. WMWR is a fabulous place to get away for flatlanders....or anyone really.
TravelerBuffalo, deer, turkey, and more can be glimpsed here. Nearly Primitive camping in a gorgeous natural setting.
TravelerThe area is beautifully scenic and you will very likely see plenty of wildlife. We saw bison, elk and coyotes. We also enjoyed visiting the nearby town of Medicine Park.
TravelerWeekends at WMWR (Wichita Mountains Wildife Refuge)are very popular beginning early in the camping season making it difficult to find open spots by Friday evening. But that doesn’t keep people from trying late into the night.
The facilities are well maintained and allow anyone to choose very primitive to RV hookup and car/tent camping also. Always lots of friendly folks to visit and get hiking insights from. Many activities are available in WMWR. Hiking trails can be accessed directly from Doris Campground, or there are numerous other trails in other areas a short drive away. Carry in all your water with bovine (longhorn, buffalo) covering virtually all areas of the refuge. I have visited all months of the year.
TravelerWe absolutely love camp Doris, because of the amazing wildlife that you see since you’re on a nature preserve, The campsites and facilities are very well-maintained and clean, with plenty of shade trees, and amazing hiking very close by! From easy to very difficult trails you can see several different ecosystems along the trails.
ScoutGreat
TravelerStaff super chill, lots of sites. Beautiful views of the lake and mountains - if you get a good spot. No reservations, first come first serve. Ice and firewood available to purchase on site. Great place in the midst of the mountains.
GuideWe have tent camped and also used our 16 pull behind camper at an electric site. Campsites are on a first come first serve basis here. We love how quiet and clean the campgrounds always is, and the wildlife running through the campgrounds is incredible! Perfect place for families!
ScoutThis place is very well maintained and so close to all the trails in Wichita Mountains. Just started doing more outdoor activities and this was the first campground in the area I went to. Highly recommend visiting this place and checking out the Bison Trail
ScoutThe campgrounds were very well maintained, maps were very easy to navigate! I felt safe setting up my tent and leaving it for the day while our group went out to hike.
LegendFrom when I was younger I remember going to the Wichita Mountains to see the Holy City and the prairie dog city. It has always been a place of fond memories and a lot of fun for not only myself but the entire family. It wasn’t until more recent years however that I was aware that there was a camping area there right within the wildlife preserve itself.
In the footprint of the mountains this campground welcomes both tent and RV campers looking to enjoy an overnight stay or more lengthy stay. Primitive camping is available with a park and walk through a short trail or in camp there are both electrical and non-electrical sites with prices ranging for these from $8 to $20.
I noticed that the in campground sites are pretty typical in that they offer both fire rings and picnic tables. They do have a shower and restroom which is available during non-winter months and other toilets for usage during the cooler months. They do have drinking water available here which is also nice considering distance to nearest stores.
The best feature of this campground is not the campground itself it is the access you have to the refuge area where you can on any given day see herds of deer, buffalo, long horn cattle, turkey and of course prairie dogs. A lot of times you will find these wandering around into camp itself.
The area has become more and more popular for rock climbing and hiking with several people setting up basecamp at this campground. This campground does have posted closings of gate hours so you cannot explore in the area past these posted times (during summer 10 during week or 11 on weekends).
TIPS:
ScoutHands down one of my top favorite areas to be in. Loads of wildlife and loads of great trails to hike! Doris is the only campground to stay at if you want to be within the refuge, but there are a couple different campgrounds not too far away if it’s full. The only downside to the refuge as a whole, is they haven’t fixed stuff that has been broken for years. Its almost like they’re just letting it go and it’s sad. I’ve been coming here for years with my family as a kid and now married with my own family and things are still all the exact same. Overall it’s a great place to stay!
Traveler
Beach is closed on Monday and Tuesday
TravelerI stay regularly in the walk in campsites here. The walk in sites are 40 to a few hundred yards walk from the parking lot. Each campsite has a fire ring and concrete picnic table. Most have tree shade. You'll want to bring firewood and water. Don't expect cell service but there's a good chance you'll see wildlife.
TravelerThis so far is my absolute favorite place to camp in the northwest region of Oklahoma. At night you can hear elk. There is a variety of sites from RV, tents, and hike in sites. The park has free range elk, buffalo, and longhorn. Absolutely beautiful and has lots of sites but does fill up fast! Even in March and sometimes February!
Scoutwent there and camped this last weekend . it was a great spot, friendly people, clean and close to everything .
Camping near Altus, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Altus, OK, offers a variety of experiences, from wildlife encounters to family-friendly amenities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Altus, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Altus, OK is Camp Doris with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Altus, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 cabin camping locations near Altus, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
