Foss State Park and Quartz Mountain State Park offer camping destinations within driving distance of Canute, Oklahoma. Located approximately 35 miles from Canute, these parks feature diverse accommodation options including campsites, RV hookups, and yurt camping. The terrain combines rolling plains with rocky outcroppings around water features, typical of western Oklahoma's mixed-grass prairie ecosystem.
What to do
Hiking at Quartz Mountain: Visitors can climb Quartz Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. "We climbed Quartz Mountain on the first day. There is not a well marked trail, you just have to try and find the path of least resistance and not die. The view is well worth the hike," notes Janna R. at Quartz Mountain State Park.
Water recreation: Foss State Park provides multiple water-based activities with designated swimming areas. "This campground offers an area sectioned off for swimmers. A lot of room is available for boating fun whether it be fishing, skiing, tubing, etc," explains Colton K. who visited Foss State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The parks offer opportunities to observe native wildlife. "The park was full of deer everywhere!!" reports Shana D. about her winter visit to Quartz Mountain. Bison viewing is also available at Foss State Park, with "a small herd of bison behind the visitor center that you can watch come in to feed daily."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "I was pleasantly surprised by the air-conditioned bathrooms. I've been camping a lot, but that was a first!" says Amy H. about her stay at Foss State Park Campground.
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Canute, Oklahoma, Quartz Mountain offers these accommodations. "The park was turned back over to the state in 2020 and is exactly how I remembered it from the 80's. Tucked down in southwest Oklahoma in the Wichita Mountains, it's a small park but has LOTS of options," explains Jennifer O. at Quartz Mountain State Park Campground.
Helpful staff: The park personnel receive positive feedback for their assistance. "When we called the park to make a change, a very nice lady answered and took care of our issue. There are a lot of campgrounds that leave you to deal with an internet site...not here," shares Tom R. about his experience at Foss State Park.
What you should know
Weather conditions: Western Oklahoma experiences significant wind that can impact tent camping. "I don't know if it's an Oklahoma thing but the wind was crazy making tent camping a little rough. I'm not used to what're gnat like bug they have so plan accordingly," warns Anna M. from her stay at Quartz Mountain Nature Park.
Varying campsite quality: Facilities differ between camping areas within the same park. "Rv sites have great bath houses with toilets, a paved parking lot, and the showers are coin operated. Tent campers have unpaved roads along with a permanent building for the toilet provided and no showers. However, every tent site has a water spigot," explains Jo A. about Foss State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Visitation levels vary dramatically by season. "We camped in December, so we practically had the entire place to ourselves," notes Kristi D. about Quartz Mountain, contrasting with summer when "this place is cramped" according to another visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Special events: Foss State Park hosts family-friendly seasonal activities. "The park rangers do special events during the year like fireworks on the lake for the 4th of July, haunted trails and trick or treating for Halloween, some other events here and there year round," shares Colton K.
Recreation options: Family activities extend beyond traditional camping. "Take some cash they have peddle boats and kayaks you can rent and a little fun park with carnival type ride and water slides," suggests Sandra D. about her visit to Quartz Mountain State Park.
Bring appropriate gear: Weather and insects require preparation for family comfort. "We were visited in our sleep by raccoons trying to get in our tent," reports Anna M., emphasizing the need for secure food storage and proper tent setup when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should consider location within each campground carefully. "We enjoyed the sites which were a bit further from the waterfront itself because they seem to have less noise from trucks with loud pipes," advises Crystal C. about Quartz Mountain.
Campsite features: RV sites offer various amenities depending on location. "Sites are pull through and big enough to fit a 40' fifth wheel. Electric/water and sewer hook ups are available as well as restrooms and showers," notes Janette M. from her stay at Foss State Park.
Accessibility: Some campgrounds accommodate large rigs better than others. "We had a 49 foot rig and the spots we picked worked out great," shares Tom R., indicating that Foss State Park can handle extended RV setups despite its somewhat remote location.
