Fort Sill camping destinations sit within the ancient Wichita Mountains, where granite peaks formed over 500 million years ago create a unique landscape in southwestern Oklahoma. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for outdoor activities. Artillery training at Fort Sill can create unexpected noise disturbances that affect campgrounds within a 15-mile radius.
What to do
Explore Mount Scott views: At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, campers can enjoy stunning perspectives of this prominent peak. One visitor noted, "We setup directly next to the lake and had a great view of Mt. Scott at sunset!"
Wildlife viewing: Camp Doris in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers excellent opportunities to observe native animals. A camper shared, "Loads of wildlife and loads of great trails to hike! Doris is the only campground to stay at if you want to be within the refuge."
Water recreation: Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area provides multiple water activities during summer months. According to one visitor, "A nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house(11a-7p)…lifeguards... Watersport rentals: paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boat."
What campers like
Military history access: Military Park Fort Sill Medicine Creek RV Park serves as a convenient base for exploring the fort's historical sites. A reviewer mentioned, "Within a few miles of the campground is amazing fishing and hiking. Fort Sill is a nice base with everything you may need."
Clean facilities: Buffalo Bob's RV Park maintains well-kept amenities that receive consistent praise. One camper noted, "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."
Wildlife encounters: The proximity to nature is a major draw for visitors to Camp Doris. A camper shared, "Hiking trails can be accessed directly from Doris Campground, or there are numerous other trails in other areas a short drive away."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds in the region have reported water issues. At Camp Doris, a visitor warned, "Please note that at the time of this review (3/2020) there is NO potable water anywhere in the WMWR. An e.coli contamination in 2017 is still not resolved."
Electrical adapters needed: RV sites near Fort Sill, Oklahoma may require specific equipment. At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, one camper advised, "All rv sites are 50 amp, so bring an adapter for your 30amp rig."
Artillery training noise: Military exercises create unexpected sounds, especially at LETRA. A reviewer cautioned, "Biggest con was absolutely no warning on their site that there is training going on all around the CG. If you have a Veteran with PTSD like I do prepare him/her that they shoot howitzer rounds at any given time."
Reservation reliability: Booking systems may have limitations. At LETRA, one camper reported, "You can reserve a spot online but they will not save your spot for you. I visit yearly and have never gotten the spot I reserved."
Tips for camping with families
Beach facilities: Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area offers child-friendly water options. A visitor described, "There is a nice sandy beach area, waterslides, paddle boats and kayaks for rent, a restaurant and a playground in the camping area."
Recreation options: Various campgrounds provide family activities beyond hiking. According to one Lake Elmer Thomas visitor, "Mini golf course... Disc golf course... Random primitive tent camping... Fishing."
Seasonal timing: Consider school breaks carefully when planning trips to popular campgrounds. One Camp Doris visitor noted, "Weekends at WMWR are very popular beginning early in the camping season making it difficult to find open spots by Friday evening."
Tips from RVers
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies dramatically between rv sites near Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Pecan Grove RV Resort offers better coverage with "wifi" according to a reviewer who stayed "for 8 months & it has been our favorite campground to date!"
Site selection strategy: At Buffalo Bob's RV Park, a camper recommended, "John the person who runs the place is very helpful and friendly. It's a nice clean Park, easy in and out. It's on the plain side, but all the sites have concrete pads and a little bit of space between rigs."
Gate access information: When staying at Fort Sill campgrounds, approach routes matter. For LETRA, one camper advised, "Do not use Letra Gate. It's closed. Ignore GPS and go to Apache Gate. Better yet set GPS for Apache Gate. It's the quickest route and you won't have to drive through the busy base and narrow roads."
