Elk City sits at an elevation of 1,930 feet in western Oklahoma along Interstate 40, a key east-west route across the state. Summer temperatures regularly reach into the 90s with high humidity, while winters can bring occasional freezing conditions. The area features rolling prairie terrain with minimal tree coverage at many campgrounds, making shade planning essential during warmer months.
What to do
Walking trails at local parks: Foss State Park, located about 30 minutes north of Elk City, offers hiking opportunities around the lake. "The best swimming area is for day use only, while other areas have trees in the water," notes one visitor. The park also includes a frisbee golf course and fishing access.
Visit farm animals: Texas Route 66 RV Park in nearby Shamrock, Texas maintains a small collection of farm animals that guests can interact with. "They have some animals on the property that the kids loved seeing! Small dog area but proportionate to the size of the rv park," writes one reviewer.
Basketball courts: Wanderlust Crossings RV Park provides recreational facilities including a basketball court. "Not to mention a basketball court. Also the turbines in the distance make for great scenery," comments a camper who enjoyed the amenities.
Route 66 museums: The area around Elk City features several Route 66 themed attractions and museums. "Plus the town has a great Route 66/Old Town Museum for cheap too! A great find!" reports a visitor staying at Elk City Lake Park.
What campers like
Storm shelters: Some rv campgrounds near Elk City provide tornado shelters for camper safety during severe weather. At Bobcat Creek RV Park, "The hosts are very sweet and the campground is tucked away, but very close, to the interstate. I had a pt fhu, even though I only I didn't even hook up I was so tired. There's a storm shelter on site too for those notorious Oklahoma storms."
Honor system payment: Elk City Lake Park uses an honor system for payment. "There are 5 RV spots with electric hookups with 15 and 30amp, and 4 water hookups which means one of them uses a 'Y' adapter. No big deal. There is also a dump station... The price is $15 a night for the rv spot. Well worth the price. It is on an honor system."
Air conditioning in facilities: Foss State Park Campground offers climate-controlled bathrooms, unusual for campground facilities. "Unfortunately, it was a very hot and humid day but we were pleasantly surprised by the air-conditioned bathrooms. I've been camping a lot, but that was a first!"
Clean, spacious shower facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms are gorgeous!" notes one camper about Wanderlust Crossings. Another visitor comments, "Very clean, level sites, biggest bathrooms and showers I've seen on 40 since leaving California."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Some RV parks offer more generous spacing than others. At Double D RV Park, a visitor noted, "The spaces were the flattest we have had in a while." Meanwhile, Texas Route 66 RV Park has "sites are very close together. Our neighbors were practically sitting in our site when we arrived."
Bathroom access restrictions: Elk City Lake Park locks bathroom facilities overnight. "Quiet spot, right on the lake. As mentioned, approx 8 RV sites, plus handful of tent sites. Held back a star because, for whatever reason, they lock the restrooms from 7p-7a."
Insects can be problematic: Oklahoma's climate supports various insects that affect camping comfort. "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 a Foss State Park visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife may visit campgrounds after dark. "We were visited in our sleep by raccoons trying to get in our tent," reports a Foss State Park camper. Another at Double D RV Park mentions, "Had a few furry visitors throughout the night, but we enjoy that. Think one was a cat and maybe a fox."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Elk City Lake Park offers facilities for children. "There is a parking lot with a picnic area and a playground. There is also a shower and bathroom available." Wanderlust Crossings also features "a fenced playground and dog run."
Swimming areas: Many area campgrounds offer swimming access, particularly at lakes. "This campground offers an area sectioned off for swimmers. A lot of room is available for boating fun wether it be fishing, skiing, tubing, etc.," notes a visitor to Foss State Park.
Special events: Some parks offer seasonal activities for families. A Foss State Park reviewer explains, "Also 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."
Food delivery service: Bobcat Creek RV Park offers an unusual amenity: food service delivered to your site. "They even deliver food from the kitchen to your campsite," reports one camper. Another adds, "They also make some of the best fried chicken onion rings and potato salad I have ever had."
Tips from RVers
Hookup configuration: Know what type of hookups each park offers. "Sites are concrete and very roomy. A real jewel at a very reasonable price," notes a Wanderlust Crossings visitor. At Double D RV Park, "After a long day of traveling, this campsite was a prize. It was far enough from the highway to not be disturbed by interstate traffic."
Laundry facilities: Several rv campgrounds near Elk City provide laundry options. Bobcat Creek RV Park offers "a walking path, laundry room and free WiFi along with an office/convenience store that has gas, diesel and propane exchange. Even with being close to I-40, the road traffic is only a light background noise."
Cell service quality: Working remote requires reliable connectivity. "We stayed here for two weeks while traveling for renewable energy work in the area... Hookups are great, easy to connect and setup user friendly... Cellular good plus free wifi up to 800mb but can upgrade for $5," reports a Texas Route 66 RV Park long-term guest.
