Best Tent Camping near Duncan, OK

We spent the first weekend of March 2020 here and it was beautiful, even as the trees were still dead. We stayed in 52C, which has standard electric, 30amp.

We tent camped and it was beautiful!

Pros: -Reasonably clean comfort station (minus the normal daddy long legs) -Beautiful location on the lake and viewable from many sites -Easy to book online through the Recreation.gov app -Lots of trees for privacy and shade -The ranger made frequent drives through the loop for added safety and security -Campsites in C are all on a gravel pad, making it easy to setup

Cons: -Comfort station is quite a walk from some sites, including 52C - way too far to walk after dark. -Many sites looked tiny, may be too small for larger tents

• Sites might be difficult to back in a large camper due to tight turns.

Tips:

• For many sites, you must book ahead through Recreation.gov -We were not able to find much firewood or kindling around, but Sulphur has a super Walmart for firewood and anything else you need.

East Side – Lake Lawtonka primitive tent camping sites are very well scattered and away from each other. They have two separate areas for primitive camping along with an RV and camper area. The RV and camper area sides are $20 a night with electricity and $8 a night for all primitive tent camping sites. The first primitive campsite is called the ponds. It's very heavily wooded and Lush. The other primitive campsite is very open with almost no trees. Both sides have a beautiful view of Mount Scott & Lake lawtonka. The relative closeness all the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is literally just across the lake. The view is outstanding but the only negative thing I have to say about this campsite is it there's no restrooms for the primitive camping areas. Both of them have only portable outhouses. No true rest rooms are nearby other than and the RV area. Other than that it's a great place for a wonderful weekend.

We stayed at the point for 3 nights. Very nice well kept camp sites for rv camping as well as tent camping. Clean bathrooms and showers. It is however not within walking distance of the trails and nature center. Which is a must see beautiful area with trails and natural springs and waterfalls ..

Each site is thoroughly bounded with retaining walls, making them perfectly flat. Driveway lengths vary dramatically, so check the details! Shower house has two decent push button showers. Dumpsite is clean and accessible, water pressure is average, 20/30/50 plugs at each site. Superb for tent camping, walk-in sites are ideal. RV pads are asphalt. Reservations required. Generally a great campground.

I didn’t have many sites to choose from online and really lucked out! Overall the everything was well maintained, the campground host at the time was very friendly, and so was everyone else around. I was tent camping, but it seemed like at least 2/3 of the people had some kind of and RV so there are a lot of lights on all night, but nothing too obtrusive. Bathrooms were very clean and showers had hot water. There was also a nice beach for swimming.

This was the first time we camped in Loop C, which is reserve only. It was in January, so the Loop was about 1/3rd full with mostly RVs. Loop D, first come, first serve, had less campers. RV sites have water & electric & tent sites have shared water. The restrooms were very nice, clean and heated. We stayed at site 81C, which was a challenge to back into because of trees that were close to drive. The pad was fairly level & the picnic table/fire pit pad was separated from the RV pad. I could only imagine how secluded this site would feel with vegetation on the trees. This loop also had many tent sites and all the tent & RV sites are well sized & spaced. Some RV sites closer to the water look like they would be a challenge to level, but most sites have fairly level pads & all sites have very level picnic/fire pit pads for an area that has some generally steep slopes. There was only one lake view RV site in Loop C, 56C, that had the hookups on the side that pointed the front door towards the lake, but all had a gorgeous view from the picnic/fire pit pads. Absolutely love the Chickasaw National Recreational Area because of the many activities this park offers & its history.

My son and I spent 2 nights tent camping at the Buckhorn Campground at Lake of the Arbuckles.  We camped at Site 064 Loop C and it was very convenient to the restroom and showers.  Also, the Camp Host was right next to us.  But, there were no safety concerns.   Boating on the lake was also nice.  We took a Jet Ski and did some wakeboarding and it was not very crowded. All the campers we talked to were very pleasant and friendly.  I would highly recommend this campground.

We stayed in Loop C, site 48. Had to book about a month in advance, and didn’t have but 3 spots to pick from. Camp site was clean, and although far from the C comfort station, it was a short walk to the D comfort station.

Site had a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook, with a nice flat area for any tent camping. We were in a teardrop, so the 2 parking spots made it really easy to back the teardrop in and park next to it. Campsites are pretty close together, so you can definitely hear your neighbors, but the trees do provide lots of screening. Easy walk to the lakeshore for some shoreline fishing, and campground itself is a quick 10-minute drive from town and the main park area.

Definitely a beautiful area of Oklahoma, and an easy campground to stay at. Would recommend to anyone.

Weekends 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.

This place is overflowing in the summer. Filled to capacity with a mile long line sometimes. I don’t recommend it unless you love crowds.

However, this is a nice destination for a weekend winter camping trip. Lots of hiking, great scenery, and my favorite part, they stock the creek with trout!

It’s $15+tax to fish 12.50 to tent camp $6 entry fee if not fishing. I went in on a Friday night, camped Friday and Saturday, left on sunday, fished on Saturday and it’s was $55-ish.

While you are in the area try the fried pies at Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies (coconut cream) and the best bbq you’ve ever eaten at Smokin Joe’s (smoked hot wings are my favorite.

Pros: Beatiful scenery, several trails, caves, an old concrete castle to climb.

Cons: cost, litter, facilities aren’t great, can’t cut trees for firewood

Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, Fort Sill, OK

Cabin 3 (both late June and mid-October)

Lake Elmer Thomas(LETRA) is a 334 acre lake located on Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma. LETRA offers a pretty nice location for recreating. Offering quite a bit for families in a limited space.                                                                                                            •A nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house(11a-7p)…lifeguards                                                                                                          •Sand volleyball court                                                                                                             •Watersport rentals: paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boat                                      •Mini golf course                                                                                                                         •Disc golf course                                                                                                                     •RV/Camper area                                                                                                                         •Rustic rental cabins                                                                                                                    •Random primitive tent camping                                                                                        •Fishing                                                                                                                                              •Nearby off-base hiking(Mount Scott and the Medicine Park Wildlife Refuge)              •Bicycling-ample quiet, paved road opportunities but surprisingly limited off road options 

Tent Camping: there are no specifically designated loop or numbered site tent areas. Tenters are permitted to camp all along the lake’s edge in the grassy area. There are a few picnic tables and elevated charcoal grills(no ground fires permitted), so you may have to do without. There are also a few picnic tables under shelters, but half are in a state of disrepair and caution-taped off. Tenters cannot set up tents within the cabin rental inner circle. 

The modern facility restrooms are across from the playground as you enter the cabin rental peninsula. Tent campers are able to utilize the shower house/restrooms in the RV/Camper section, as well as the beach areas during open hours. There is no ground cover to separate one tent from the next…all can be seen and heard. 

RV/Camper Sites: big rigs are lined up side by side in a separate gravel loop immediately to the left of the entrance. Sites have water and electric hookups. The nicest shower house/restroom is located there. There is a small patch of grass between sites, picnic table and elevated charcoal grill. These sites are closest to the entrance, beach area, watersport rental and campground activities. 

Cabin Rentals: log home rentals are on a small peninsula with great views of Mount Scott and Lake Elmer Thomas. At the time of this review, you must bring your own bedding linens/blankets, towels, etc. I would also recommend packing extra eating utensils, condiments and any other items that you would take camping. We rented Cabin 3, which the website says will sleep 4…inaccurate. One full size bed and a small futon will sleep two average-sized adults and one small child in marginal comfort. The table only provides two chairs, not four for two not four. I would subtract 1-2 persons on the cabins unless you count floor space. Cabin 3 was$80 nightly. 

Painted turtles are in abundance around the lake, as are smallish ‘fist-sized’ tarantulas. Bicycling the Artillary Range perimeter roadways on base, coyote dash across in early morning hours. Note: you are on a military base, so there are a number of restrictions that you need to be aware of and abide by. 

Additionally, the campground is positioned along the northern side of the Artillery range. Yes, you will see and hear C-Ram’s lighting up the sky randomly during the day and night hours, as well as other ordinance. I enjoyed the display and out-of-the-ordinary disruption. Think unanticipated fireworks.

Of the campgrounds around the water, this one is perhaps one of the more busy. When visiting we noted numerous boat trailers just waiting for their owners to return to them. Despite it being so busy it was pretty quiet as a whole. Lots of trees around this location make for plenty of shade during warmer months and sites are large enough to easily accommodate rigs of all sizes or tent campers.

Sites are well priced at $14 which wasn't bad considering how the campground was set up. Despite it being a primitive camp and only having vault toilets it was surprisingly comfortable feeling and does have water spigots around. It is also one of the smaller campgrounds at the Lake of the Arbuckles so during summer it can fill up quickly.

The site I checked out here had a picnic table and fire ring and was fairly even. There was a nice grassy pad which was ideal for tent camping like I enjoy.

I lot of people, as I mentioned before, take advantage of the lake from this campsite area so it is pretty noisy during the day at some of the sites and getting in the water can be a bit hard when its super busy because the boats really kick up the waves and there is no designated swimming area, however a bit further away it wasn't to bad. Nighttime, pretty quiet.

TIPS:

• These sites are not reservable so it is first come first serve. Arrive early during busy times of year to ensure your space.

• If you have a boat, make sure your registrations are cleared by the State of Oklahoma before entering the water, this site is a very active site for game wardens to inspect so if you are hauling anything which does not fit guidelines to the water, you might want to reconsider doing so here.

Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area(LERTA), Fort Sill, OK

Tent Site:$10 (both in June and October)

Spending a week in Lawton, OK there are only “so many” places you can camp…so we jumped around every night to try as many as we could. The weather was blistering hot and cloudless during the day with a constant strong breeze in June...(and unseasonably windy and bitter cold in mid-October). So both Lake Elmer Thomas and Lake Lawtonka were a welcomed respite. Technically, the only swimming permitted on Lake Elmer Thomas is 11:00a-7:00p with a daily pass of $8. However, they offer packages for military families and civilians should someone desire to take advantage of the season savings. For campers it’s all included in the site or cabin costs. 

There is a separate RV/Camper Loop near the entrance and is a little lower so does not have Lake views. All cabins have lake views to some degree. 

Tent sites are grassy areas along the campground roadway on either side, but are not numbered and cost$10 a night. All are first-come, first-served. Most will snatch up the sheltered picnic table areas with an elevated charcoal grill. Almost all are along the lake bank. There is no understory or shrubbery to provide privacy, so you can see and hear your neighbors. 

During our stay, they were all young families and very respectful of others. Tent campers can utilize any of the restrooms as well as the showerhouse in the RV area. 

There is enough to stay busy right here at LERTA. Canoe, kayak, paddle board and pontoon boat rentals to enjoy the lake. Fishing is permitted and schools of bluegill are seen along the shoreline. The water is incredibly clear. A very nice mini-golf course is located across from the offices. Sand volleyball is next to the beach area. The beach and swimming area is manned by lifeguards from 11:00a-7:00p and offers a huge restroom/showers/changing rooms building. Playgrounds are located in the RV/Camper loop, outside the beach area and along the tenting area before you reach the cabin rentals. An archery range is located across the roadway from the tenting/picnic areas. 

The staff are very courteous and helpful. The entrance gate attendant will direct you (Entrance was manned in June but not in October). A bicycle event was taking place and LERTA was the halfway mark and turnaround point. So bicycling these sparsely traveled undulating roads was enjoyable. There are some two track worth exploring to the north of the roadway as well as a few other sizable lakes to fish in the area. 

DO NOT venture south off the roadway. It is a clearly marked and active artillery range. Also of note, artillery range practice, though sporadic, takes place at any hour of any day. If you treat it like an unexpected fireworks display you’ll actually look forward to it. 

I find the large resident flock of geese more annoying that the artillery….though the half minute displays were at 2359, 0245 and 0349…blasting you out of any REM cycle. 

I was advised the tent spots rarely fill up, but RV/Camper and cabin rentals(adventure travel letra)fill up quickly so reservations are a must. 

Things to do nearby: Definitely spend time in the Medicine Park Wildlife Refuge Area. Drive, bicycle, run or walk up Mount Scott(rock climbing is permitted on Mount Scott). Check out the hundreds of free roaming LongHorn’s, Bison and prairie dog towns. Coyotes, various snakes and tarantulas can be seen through these hills. Scores of fishable lakes dot the landscape. The Ferguson homestead still exists with its “cannonball” architecture. Chad's El Sabores Mexican Restaurant in Medicine Park is a fantastic little eatery on your way in or out of the Recreation Area. Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center is worth a visit and reasonably priced. Clarification: while this may or may not be true for every military base campground, 

LERTA is open to civilians. However, there is a process. Passes must be acquired at the Visitor’s Center at the Sheridan Entrance (plan for an hour) for each adult over 16. You must have a valid/current Drivers License, Passport or other recognized government ID. They do a background check before you qualify for a pass. Also know, certain gates close at 7:00p…so keep track of your time of off-base.

 The camp host rolled through during the evening before sunset to make sure all was well…and the military police made their rounds a few times during each day. Both of which I appreciate. 

Would I return? Yes, if I’m traveling through these parts again, I wouldn’t hesitate to camp here again (and I did in mid-October, same year for military graduations)

General: Buckhorn is one of six campgrounds in Chickasaw NRA (Central, Cold Springs, and Rock Creek are located in the Platt historic district closer to the town of Sulphur. These are best for tent camping with no hookups. Guy Sandy, The Point, and Buckhorn are located on or near Lake of the Arbuckles) with a total of over 400 sites. I am not sure why we chose Buckhorn, but it was possibly due to a Dyrt review and we were not disappointed! Some are reservable, some have water and electric, and some are walk-in. If you enter the park via the town of Sulphur, make sure you stop at the visitor center for a map and information. There is no fee to enter the park.

Site Quality/Facilities: Buckhorn has four loops, two of which were closed when we were there in early May. We reserved site 56 in the C Loop, which had a view of Lake of the Arbuckles. The sites are large, spaced a good distance apart and wooded, providing privacy. Our site (but not all of them) had a large picnic table, water, electric, lantern hook, bbq grill, and fire pit. There is an amphitheater between the C and D Loops, but I am not sure when/if programs will resume.

Bathhouse: The restrooms were very clean, and the good surprise was showers, a rarity in National Park Service campgrounds. The shower is clean, solar heated and operates on a timer. The water was immediately warm and although I did not time it, I had sufficient time to shower and wash my hair, and not feel rushed. There are plenty of hooks and a bench plus an outlet for a blow dryer. Only one spider made an appearance! Soap dispensers in the bathroom and air dryers (I bring my towel).

Activities/Amenities: There is a nature center, two springs, some small waterfalls, and a 2.9- mile paved path around Veteran’s Lake (you would need to drive to get to these areas from Buckhorn). There are also multi-use trails closer to Buckhorn which are used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Fishing appeared to be popular as we saw several boats by some of the sites. Swimming is also allowed but I would imagine this would be in the summer when it is warmer. No to fleeting cell service on Verizon although we did have cell closer to the town of Sulphur in the Platt Historic District.

It was very quiet and peaceful when we stayed here on a weekday in early May with only about 20% occupancy. For $11($22 for non-seniors), this campground is an excellent value, and I would absolutely return.

For improved campground I have always found KOA to maintain a certain level of consistency so when I went on a fun trip with some friends to check out the “rumored Texas Chainsaw Massacre” community just north of Wichita Falls we wanted to check out the KOA there. Now while you are reading this and probably thinking, “WHY WOULD YOU GO THERE??” Keep in mind it is the rumored house and there is no factual proof that it actually is there, instead we found some really interesting other creepy things to go check out, because why not.

Anyway, back to the campground itself.

I was very impressed with the green space, a lot of this area was already starting to brown because of the heat, but they were still looking fresh and soft and that would make for a much better location for our tent. The site itself was just under $30, one of three options they offer which are all only about $4 in difference in pricing. We sprung for the middle option with electrical hook ups, not because we needed them but because after driving around we liked the look of that site a bit more. The deluxe sites they offered were taken but they had bbq grills and a more private tent area, this has been my favorite at several other KOA locations because of the amenities however this again was taken so that wasn’t an option.

We settled in and noticed that there were very nice amenities, the pool was amazing and perfect for a cool down on the warm day. KOA usually has this kind of amenity available as well as some outdoor activities you can enjoy like playground or sports courts. We were told they do observe quiet hours however if we wanted to swim a bit later as long as we were not loud we could do so. I would ask if this is ok before just getting out there and doing it however!!

The shower area was very close to the tent space we had selected and as often is at a KOA, one of my favorite features because they are more home like than a typical National or State Park campground. The water was warm and the pressure was very good!!

I noticed there were several what looked to be long term campers there in RVs. While I personally am not effected by this, it did make the area they were staying in a little less kept looking. They were not over by the cabins and tents however so it wasn’t that off-putting to me, but I could see how if that is an RV stayers view it could be kind of annoying.

I used the WIFI here and it worked great, sometimes the campsites are a bit to far away and thus don’t get good connection, however I was able to use wifi for typical functions, although I did not fully test it with uploading anything major.

TIPS

If you are interested in a Deluxe site book in advance there are very few and they go fast during heavy traffic seasons. Usually at this campsite there are tent sites which are walk in ready however.

Explore around the campground because they have some very interesting items if you are willing to just walk around and see them which are unique to this campground.

• Be careful for stickers. While the area we were in didn’t seem to have them we did notice when walking around especially near the dog walk area they seemed to be pretty bad.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area- Buckhorn Area Oklahoma. 

Site 36 Loop B 

Continuing our late spring journey west…we ventured to Chickasaw NRA. 

Stopping in at the beautiful Visitor’s Center at the edge of town, those that assisted us at the information were extremely gracious and helpful, having never visited before. Taking their advice we travelled 7.5 miles south on Rt 177 and turned west on Buckhorn until arriving at the Buckhorn Area campground loops off to the south. 

Anxious to get out of the car, we settled too quickly on Site 36 Loop B before surveying the three other Loops. There are some really nice and spacious sites out there…especially on C and D. Site 36 Loop B is located amidst six other sites in an open area on Lake of the Arbuckles. Upon setting up camp, we were the solitary campers in Loop B(Tuesday night mid-June) other than the host. 

Later, another family arrived choosing a nearby lakefront site. It should be noted that this is a busy lake. Powerboats raced from end to end like today was their last day on earth and their choice of blaring music may not be to your liking. So it is not always quiet and tranquil. Pretty popular with the fishermen as well. I witnessed a lot of fishing but not a lot of catching. Once the power boaters, personal watercraft and tubers call it a night, lake of the Arbuckles is supremely tranquil. 

The lake was as warm as bath water on June 15th, which was surprising…days were 90’s with nights in the 70’s and cloudless skies. 

Personally, I would choose a more shaded site if we were to spend more than one night. Each Loop B site had a level gravel horseshoe shaped pad. Tents must be within that area. 

• Each site has a grated fire ring, a lantern pole and a movable picnic table. Tent sites were clearly marked. 

• Numerous lakefront sites are in a cleared area below the shower house/restrooms and Check-In kiosk…each are visible from the other we no understory or foliage to provide privacy. Those nestled in the woods along the outside perimeter offer much more privacy.

• Water spigots are sporadically spaced for easy access in the“primitive” loops.

• Electric/water sites obviously offer those amenities are a bit deeper, more spacious and some have two parking spots. Most of those on Loop D were taken.

• The loops are separated substantially so that other campers are not seen nor heard from loop to loop. Surprisingly, I could not even locate trails that led from loop to loop.

• Shower-house/restrooms were very clean and well stocked. Loop B had one shower for the entire loop in both men’s and women’s restrooms…as well as one family shower between the two. On our visit the electrical outlets were not working in the restrooms. Facilities are modern and showers are warm and on a push button timer to conserve water.(men’s-2 sinks/2-stalls, 1-standup, 1-shower)

• Milton, Our Loop B host, was a pleasant gentleman that was a full time RVer and very knowledgeable of the area.

• The Check-In Kiosk(located in each loop) was an easy, painless affair IF you have a credit card.

• Multi-use trails are aplenty in various parts of the NRA. Some lead you by bison, others to waterfalls, and some simply through serene forest. The terrain is undulating so be prepared…especially by bicycle.

• Traveling north on 177 there is a Bison Viewpoint trail, and if the bison cooperate you’ll be rewarded.

• Several springs and 1930’s CCC built dams exist creating small waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes on many. There are some springs that are posted“no swimming.” The Travertine Nature Center is also worth a visit providing numerous wildlife dioramas and several live exhibits. NP Rangers possess great knowledge and eager to answer any park questions.

• Dump station turnoff is 9/10 and 7/10 of a mile from thr campground entrances Primitive campgrounds also exist near the numerous falls and Travertine River closer to the city of Sulphur. Campsites appeared close to the park roadway as we traveled toward the Nature Center.

• All in all, a wonderful park that needs several days to fully explore.

For FULL Video Review CLICK HERE

When selecting a campground in Oklahoma, options are numerous. With the heat of the summer months however looking at lake properties is something which definitely holds a lot of appeal. 

I was in the Duncan/Marlow area and noticed the upgraded features at several of the local lakes which are designed to welcome guests. Amongst those Clear Creek Lake, a mid sized lake with about 11 miles of shoreline. The lake itself offers water activities such as fishing, swimming and boating with numerous areas for recreation located around the waters edge. 

The campground itself offers two styles of camping, primitive and improved with prices varying from$7 to$17. Spaces are large and spacious with lake views and easy water access. Something unique to this lake is they offer extended stay up to 21 days at their location for campers. A pay kiosk was located at the entry to the common space for recreation to assess fees for not only camping but day use on the property. This kiosk accepts card only payment. 

When I visited I noticed that most of the campsites were located right on the shoreline itself and despite many of the spaces being occupied by larger RVs they were not crowded feeling at all as spaces were large enough to feel comfortable. Each space included a fire ring and picnic table and those with improved camping had access to spigots and covered electrical connections right on their site. Primitive sites had common spigots centrally located. 

Public use and day use areas were also within the camping zone and included playgrounds, picnic areas and a large pavilion(which can also be reserved). 

The one slightly confusing point upon my visit was the restroom area. In the more densely populated camping area the restrooms were a bit older, lacked doors on stalls and had bare amenities you would expect from a day use only site. In the area with boat access ramps and fishing piers in addition to swimming areas, located across a small bridge from the main camping area, you could find the newly constructed shower and restroom area. This area was vastly better than the other but located much further from the camping zone itself. 

On the recreation side of the lake boat ramps and fishing piers jut out into the water at several points, a“beach” area of sorts is indicated with markers in the water which is pretty large and an additional playground and common picnic pavilion are accessible. In this area larger parking was available for boat launch and additional smaller parking access along roadway was available for those visiting the beach.

This is one of our favorite tent and trailer camping locations in Oklahoma. It is quiet with all the hookups you need plus restrooms and showers within in a close walk on Loop C where reservations are required. Great sunset views over the Lake of the Arbuckles, great hiking in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and close shopping in Sulphur.

Got a great spot right on the water for our weekend camping trip. Plenty of space at our camp site for two full size tents. Great fishing, we caught 3 catfish and and 2 crappie. Water was much clearer than other lakes I have been to in Oklahoma. We decided to forgo a power hookup for a better view of the lake and ended up spending $14/per night, which I’m glad we did. They also have site with full water and power hookup. Turner falls is just down the road, where you can enjoy the view of some amazingly formed natural waterfalls, and if you’re up to it they allow sliding and swimming in the waterfalls. Some great spots for hiking are available in all levels of expertise as well. This place is a great stop if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the Oklahoma outdoors.