Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge camping areas sit at an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet with granite mountains rising to 2,464 feet at Mount Scott. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional freezing conditions. Cache area campgrounds offer varied terrain from wooded lakeshores to open prairie settings, with strong winds common throughout much of the year.
What to do
Mountain hiking access: 15-minute drive from Doris Campground to trailheads for Elk Mountain, Charon's Garden, and The Narrows. "The Wichita Mountains is the park we frequent the most. It's only about an hour and a half from Oklahoma City and has really wonderful tourist center, trails, and campgrounds. The scenery of The Narrows, Charon's Garden, Elk Mountain, and the Holy City are wonderful," notes a camper at Camp Doris.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk optimal for seeing free-roaming bison, longhorn cattle, and elk herds. "Coyotes dash across in early morning hours" according to a visitor at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, which also notes "prairie dog towns" throughout the refuge.
Water recreation opportunities: Tom Steed Reservoir at Great Plains State Park Campground offers fishing, boating, and swimming. "Gar were spawning while we were there, which was entertaining. Geese abound. We saw several geese with their babies in the water and right next to our site," reports one camper.
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: Doris Campground provides well-maintained areas for both tents and RVs. "Good, 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," says one reviewer.
Peaceful environment: Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours and attract respectful visitors. At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, campers appreciate "Very quiet, beautiful lake view. No restrooms, but we made do."
Excellent stargazing: Minimal light pollution creates optimal night sky viewing conditions. "Staff super chill, lots of sites. Beautiful views of the lake and mountains - if you get a good spot. No reservations, first come first serve," notes a Doris Campground visitor who particularly enjoyed the nighttime atmosphere.
What you should know
Water restrictions: Potable water limitations exist at several campgrounds. "Please note that at the time of this review there is NO potable water anywhere in the WMWR. An e.coli contamination in 2017 is still not resolved and any and all water is considered unsafe, including all streams and lakes. Bring in your own water, the closest store is at least 30 mins away," warns a Doris Campground reviewer.
Military activity nearby: Artillery training creates occasional noise at certain campgrounds. "The campground is positioned along the northern side of the Artillery range. Yes, you will see and hear C-Rams lighting up the sky randomly during the day and night hours, as well as other ordinance," explains a visitor to Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area.
Weekend crowds: Reserve early for peak season visits. "Weekends at WMWR 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," notes one Doris Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access sites: For young children, choose locations with minimal hiking. Triple Ace Campsites offers family-friendly accommodations: "Very quiet campground, kid's play area (our boys played at it as much as they could), trees helped keep us cool outside."
Swimming options: Lake Elmer Thomas offers supervised swimming. "A nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house (11a-7p)…lifeguards," notes a visitor who appreciated the safe environment for children.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing teaches children about conservation. "DO NOT venture south off the roadway. It is a clearly marked and active artillery range," warns a parent, adding that the wildlife refuge offers "definitely spend time in the Medicine Park Wildlife Refuge Area...Check out the hundreds of free roaming LongHorns, Bison and prairie dog towns."
Tips from RVers
Power hookup considerations: Most RV sites offer 30- or 50-amp service. At Buffalo Bob's RV Park, "We came to Lawton to see family for Christmas and this place was very clean with both pull thru and back in sites. It was perfect for being near family for the holiday."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Cache: Multiple campgrounds welcome pets with proper control. "Bring plenty of water for dogs who enjoy swimming" at Lake Frederick Park, which offers "a great place to take the dog and just go for a walk or take your ATV and just go off roading."
Limited cell coverage: Prepare for connectivity gaps at wilderness sites. "No bars at Campground. 2 bars outside of visitor center," reports one camper about AT&T service at Doris Campground, while another notes there is "no service whatsoever Verizon or T-Mobile" in parts of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
