Camping options near Altus, Oklahoma range from lakeside facilities to RV-specific sites within a 45-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation with terrain characterized by plains broken by small mountain ranges and reservoirs. Summer temperatures in this western Oklahoma area routinely exceed 100°F from June through August while winter nights often drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking at Great Plains State Park: Located about 25 miles northeast of Altus, trails circle the Tom Steed Reservoir with views of the Wichita Mountains. "Lots of hiking/biking trails. Gorgeous view of the lake! Looks like a fun place to go fishing," notes a visitor to Great Plains State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes offer fishing access without requiring extensive travel from campgrounds. "The lake was great to swim in, there were lots of picnic tables. There are bathrooms and a shower," reports one camper about Elk City Lake Park.
Wildlife viewing: The nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities to observe free-roaming bison and other wildlife. "The Wichita Wildlife Preserve is nearby and worth taking the family to see free roaming bison," according to a visitor at Great Plains State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for restrooms and shower facilities. One guest at Ole Town Cotton Gin RV Park remarked, "The bath house was very clean, wifi was strong and all the hookups worked great!"
Lake views and access: Waterfront camping spots provide scenic settings and recreation options. A camper at Lake Lawtonka East Campground shared, "We stayed at the East Campground on a Friday in early March, 2022. We were pleasantly surprised as we drove through the tent area. Very quiet, beautiful lake view."
Quiet atmosphere: Many sites offer peaceful settings away from highway noise. "Super easy registration, check in. Great WiFi and nice amenities. We had a huge end spot with great access to everything," commented a visitor to Ole Town Cotton Gin RV Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences extreme temperature variations with strong winds. "We came out with a Girl Scout Troop a year later (October 2018). Not only was the noise from RVs disturbing, many sites had obnoxious guests who stayed up drinking all through the night," noted a visitor to Great Plains State Park Campground.
Limited facilities at some locations: Amenities vary widely between campgrounds. "There's about 5 free RV pads with hookups, and 4 tent camping areas. Regular restrooms with a shower in both the men and woman's; however, there is only one," reports a camper at Elk City Lake Park.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on first-come-first-served basis while others allow advance booking. "We arrived after dark and everyone was respecting the quiet hours. Our site was mostly level after a little adjusting," shared a guest at Ole Town Cotton Gin RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Bobcat Creek RV Park, a visitor noted, "The city of Sayre has a grocery store, two truck stops, RV/Truck self-wash bays, propane refill and fast food options. There are two local parks to take the family to and burn off some energy."
Swimming options: Lakes provide cooling recreation during hot summer months. "This is a great park in far western Oklahoma! Not very much shade but Glen Creek is a diamond in the rough! Fun fun fun to paddle in the kayak!" remarked a visitor to Great Plains State Park.
Food delivery services: Some RV parks offer unexpected convenience services. A Bobcat Creek RV Park camper shared, "We stopped over night at this camp ground everything was very nice. Full hook ups and laundry. The owners are supper nice and very helpful. There is a nice walking path and they even deliver food from the kitchen to your campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Different campgrounds have varying pad qualities. "Very picturesque. Nice sites right by the water. Clean, quiet CG. Make sure you have a long electric cable. Service was on the wrong side if you want to face the lake," advises a visitor to Lake Lawtonka East Campground about the rv sites near Altus, Oklahoma.
Storm protection: Oklahoma weather can change quickly, making storm shelters important. A camper at Bobcat Creek RV Park reported, "I stopped here for the night when traveling solo. The hosts are very sweet and the campground is tucked away, but very close, to the interstate. There's a storm shelter on site too for those notorious Oklahoma storms."
Supply access: Proximity to stores makes resupplying convenient at certain campgrounds. "It was 105 degrees F and this campground was an oasis in the west Texas desert. A little green grass in the campground and some shade trees too, along with a pool," notes a visitor describing Camp Doris, an option for those seeking rv sites around Altus, Oklahoma.
