Foss State Park and Quartz Mountain State Park provide diverse camping options near Elk City, Oklahoma. Located in western Oklahoma's prairie landscape, these parks sit at elevations between 1,600-1,900 feet in a region characterized by seasonal temperature swings and prairie winds that can challenge tent campers. Both parks offer traditional camping alongside specialized accommodations including yurts.
What to do
Hiking at Quartz Mountain: The New Horizon Trail offers panoramic vistas across the surrounding mountains and lake. "The view is well worth the hike (hiking shoes are a must, lots of slick rock). You can see all the surrounding mountains, the dam, the lake, etc. from the top," notes Janna R. at Quartz Mountain State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours present prime opportunities for observing the local deer population. "The park was full of deer everywhere!" reports Shana D., who visited Quartz Mountain during December.
Lake activities: Both parks feature swimming areas with varying facilities. "Would recommend anyone to go check it out. Take some cash they have peddle boats and kayaks you can rent and a little fun park with carnival type ride and water slides," advises Sandra D. about recreation options at Quartz Mountain.
Holiday events: Seasonal programming enhances the camping experience throughout the year. "They 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," explains Colton K. about Foss State Park Campground.
What campers like
Climate-controlled facilities: Air conditioning in public facilities provides relief during hot Oklahoma summers. "We were pleasantly surprised by the air-conditioned bathrooms. I've been camping a lot, but that was a first!" shares Amy H. about her experience at Foss State Park Campground.
Spacious RV sites: Many campsites accommodate larger vehicles without crowding. "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," explains Janette M. about Foss Lake Campground.
Beach quality: The swimming areas feature natural sand beaches unusual for the region. "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," notes Colton K.
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution creates opportunities for stargazing. "The night sky viewing was pretty good. I wish they would upgrade their lighting to be more dark sky friendly. This would be an great location for that," suggests Shana D. about her winter visit to Quartz Mountain.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Popularity varies dramatically by season, affecting site availability and noise levels. "We camped in December, so we practically had the entire place to ourselves," reports Kristi D. about Quartz Mountain State Park, contrasting with summer conditions when "the sites which were a bit further from the waterfront itself seem to have less noise from trucks with loud pipes."
Inconsistent facilities: Amenities vary between camping loops and accommodation types. "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.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is unreliable throughout the area. "Cell service is very limited going in and out of no service," warns Anna M. about her stay at Buffalo Bend in Foss State Park.
Vegetation hazards: Natural plant growth can create nuisances for campers. "We camped in China Berry campground, but had China berries all over everything when we left," notes Jo A. "LOTS of stickers. Beware especially if you have long haired dogs," cautions Jennifer O. about Quartz Mountain State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for potential animal visitors during overnight stays. "We were visited in our sleep by raccoons trying to get in our tent," shares Anna M. about her Buffalo Bend camping experience at Foss State Park Campground.
Insect protection: Regional flying insects require specific prevention strategies. "I'm not used to what're gnat like bug they have so plan accordingly they are attracted mostly to light but swarm both day and night. I wear a hat with a net so they don't bother me," advises Anna M.
Helpful staff: Park personnel provide exceptional assistance. "Where we camped it was walking distance from the lake. The 'campsite parentals' were awesome people. Our site didn't have a fire ring, so we had to ask, which was delayed in getting to us due to an accident on the lake, BUT when they did bring it down, the 'campsite parentals' and the conservation agent stayed with us and kept our camping site lit with their cart lights to help with us putting up our tents at dark," recounts Meg M. about her Foss State Park experience.
Tips from RVers
Reservation assistance: Staff can accommodate changes for travelers. "When we called to 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... they helped us make a change as they new we were on the road traveling," explains Tom R. about his experience at Foss State Park.
Site selection strategy: Quieter experiences require specific location choices. "I enjoyed the sites which were a bit further from the waterfront itself because they seem to have less noise from trucks with loud pipes," recommends Crystal C. about camping at Quartz Mountain.
Concrete pads: Some sites offer superior leveling for RVs. "We stayed in the Mountain View campground which has concrete pads and didn't have to level our rig at all. Electric and water and steps to the flush bathroom that has a shower in it," shares Jennifer O. about yurt camping near Elk City, Oklahoma at Quartz Mountain Nature Park.
