Shirley P.
Scout
ScoutGreat Plains State Park Campground
Beautiful
Oct.they are empty. It's clean, good level, didn't use hooks ups.Pretty lake.
Tent Camping near Fort Sill, OK
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Tent campers near Fort Sill, Oklahoma have access to several primitive camping options within driving distance of the military installation. Chandler Creek Campground at Lake Ellsworth City Park and Waurika Primitive Camping offer tent sites with varying levels of amenities and natural settings. These established campgrounds provide alternatives for those seeking outdoor experiences in southwestern Oklahoma.
The primitive tent sites at Waurika offer a more rustic experience with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Sites are situated on open, grassy areas that are regularly maintained and within a quarter mile of the highway. The dirt and gravel access road contains several large holes that vehicles must navigate around. Waurika Primitive Camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit and follows Leave No Trace principles. One camper noted that "the sites are less than 1/4 mile from the highway" and feature "some rock fire rings and nice open areas that are mowed."
Chandler Creek Campground provides more developed tent campsites with electrical hookups, showers, and toilets available. The campground consists of a large, open grassy field bordered by a highway on one side and trees along a river on the other. Five sites with electrical connections are available for $8-$17 per night. The camping area lacks shade directly at the tent sites, though shaded picnic shelters are available nearby. Access to the water creates opportunities for fishing and kayaking, with Waurika sites allowing direct lake access without a formal boat ramp. During hunting seasons, tent campers should exercise additional caution. The hiking trail near Waurika extends 13 miles one way, requiring proper preparation for those planning to explore. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with occasional heavy rains creating challenging conditions on the unpaved access roads to these primitive tent camping areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Fort Sill (2)
1. Chandler Creek Campground
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $17 / night
2. Waurika Primitive Camping
"FCFS FREE
LIMIT 14 DAYS
LNT
This is an amazing place. The sites are less than 1/4 mile from the highway. We didn't travel all the roads in this area since we found our spot right off. "
Drive Time
- 7 min from Lawton, OK
- 47 min from Wichita Falls, TX
- 1 hr 7 min from Oklahoma City, OK
- 2 hrs 19 min from Enid, OK
Tent Camping Reviews near Fort Sill, OK
157 Reviews of 2 Fort Sill Campgrounds
Chuck S.ScoutWichita Ridge Campground
Needs a little work
We ended up there a day after some good rain so the site was a little washed out, but that's nature. #19 is a pretty big spot on the lake. Bring a water hose extension for the hose bib. I caught one tiny fish but look forward to better luck during Labor day.
Kenneth B.
GuideDoris Campground
Great for wildlife
We love camping here in the cooler months and
- NNick B.
TravelerCamp Doris
Great Central Location
Stayed here for a couple days in late April. Reserve in advance if possible. We chose a spot near the lake and were able to fish and canoe right from our campground. Plentiful shade and good amenities including showers, concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and firewood for sale at the check in station. Cell service was basically non existent with Verizon, and given the frequency of severe weather in Oklahoma it’s important to be weather aware. We were not and the park ranger luckily notified us of severe warnings. Wildlife is abundant throughout the park and has free range even in the campground, we saw longhorns 20 yards from our site. Would revisit again.
JeanTravelerGreat Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite
Beautiful location
Beautiful water & mountain views. Entry way definitely makes it secluded & could use a machete trim as branches were unkind to our vehicle & small camper. Advise to only come by 4 wheel drive as a few trenches & soft surface at site.
Alexandria C.GuideGreat Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite
Beautiful spot but rough road
Google Maps correctly navigated me to the side of the lake but the road was rough! Giant potholes and probably impossible in what conditions unless you had a really good four-wheel-drive. Me and my Subaru seemed to get in okay but it was a negotiation!
Lauren W.GuideDoris Campground
Tons of wildlife
Visited first week of November 2025 during the government shutdown. Campground and all trails were open. Visitors center and environmental education center were closed. There was a camp host on site. All bathrooms were being maintained. PLEASE NOTE THE CAMPGROUND MAP ON THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WEBSITE IS OUTDATED. I booked site 22 to be close to the restrooms and showers only to find out the building no longer existed. The area marked “Restroom & Shower Complex” is dirt. Also the two restrooms directly across from site 34 no longer existed either. I attached a picture with red Xs marking those out. The area marked “Central Restroom” is the only restroom with running water, flush toilets, and showers. All other restrooms on the map are vault toilets. Campground had lots of trees that made the sites feel a little more private even though some sites were close together. There are 4 individual shower rooms. Water was warm and it seemed that both the central bathroom and showers were heated. Firewood bundles and ice available on the backside of the campground entrance station. Cash only and self pay. So much wonderful wildlife. Take the time during the first hour of sunrise and the last hour before sunset to drive around to look at wildlife. I was able to see elk, deer, turkeys, and of course the bison and longhorns which are out and about all day.
- CCrispin S.Guide
Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite
Wonderful View
Driving thru the area and needed a spot for the night; we lucked up with this one.
I would recommend using AppleMaps if possible; takes you right to the spot. If you are using Waze it will tell you to turn at what looks like a private driveway/road. If you have to use Waze, pass that road and take a right at stop sign, then a right at the wildlife sign. That will put you on the road you need to be on (you will turn left when you see primitive camping sign).
As previous reviews stated; the road is rough with ruts. We were able to handle it in our Ram 3500 with tow (42 feet) but we had to take it very slow.
If you like fishing this is a five star for you; fish jumping all night. We gave it 4 stars due to the over grown grass and mosquitoes. View and sounds were amazing.
Jenna L.TravelerLake Lawtonka East Campground
Lakeside Campsite
Plentiful campsites with several spots right on the lake! Fairly close rather and no way to book ahead but we definitely enjoyed the location!!
Guide to Fort Sill
Primitive camping options near Fort Sill, Oklahoma range from lakeside spots to sites with electrical connections. The region's southwest Oklahoma location features rolling prairie terrain with elevations between 1,000-1,300 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Lake access and fishing: Chandler Creek Campground provides direct river access where campers can spend time "sitting on the river bank" and enjoy fishing opportunities. According to one visitor, "It is a nice little area and all sizes of rigs can work out a spot but remember there are only 5 sites with amenities."
Hiking trails: The trail system near Waurika Primitive Camping extends for significant distances requiring proper preparation. A camper notes it's "13 miles ONE way, so if you decide to hike, take gear and water. It's absolutely stunning."
Kayaking: Both locations offer water recreation opportunities with easy lake access. Waurika provides "a great area to put the kayaks in and enjoy the lake" without formal boat launch facilities. Campers can "fish right from the bank and set out in your small boat. No boat ramp."
What campers like
Natural setting: The primitive camping experience includes open areas with basic amenities. Campers appreciate that Waurika Primitive Camping features "nice open areas that are mowed so no tall weeds" creating comfortable tent sites.
Wildlife viewing: The lake areas support diverse wildlife. One visitor observed "a lot of Fish, Birds and Clams" at Waurika, noting the natural resources and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping with reasonable stay limits appeals to many tent campers. A reviewer highlighted Waurika's policies: "FREE, LIMIT 14 DAYS, LNT [Leave No Trace]," making it accessible for extended stays without cost.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can be challenging, particularly after rain. A Chandler Creek Campground visitor advised calling ahead: "Draw back to this site is trying to pay for your site. I would call the above number a day before, during the week, to make arrangements."
Limited amenities: Facilities vary between locations. At Waurika, campers must "Bring your own water" as there are "No bathrooms" on site. The camping area operates with minimal services requiring self-sufficiency.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions throughout the year. Late autumn campers reported, "We stayed the last week of November into the first week of December. The weather fluctuated but was mostly on the warm side with the exception of a few days in the 40's."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: For tent camping near Fort Sill with children, choose sites based on facilities needed. Chandler Creek offers "shaded picnic shelters and the shelters come in hand since where the sites are these is no shade," providing important relief during hot weather.
Safety precautions: Families should note potential hazards when tent camping. Waurika visitors warned about road conditions: "The road to the 3 camping spots are absolutely not easy to get to... when the road comes to a 'Y' take the left and BE CAREFUL!"
Weekend planning: Busier periods require advance planning for tent camping. One experienced camper suggested, "I would guess the weekends could be crowded. You might want to rethink hunting season," indicating better family experiences might occur during weekdays.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric connections are limited but available at select campgrounds. Chandler Creek provides "five sites with electric FCFS [first-come, first-served] with trash service but no toilet with rates $8.00 - $17.00" per night.
Size considerations: The open layout of camping areas accommodates various vehicles. One RVer noted Chandler Creek is "a huge grass field, nicely maintained and the pads have a base of grass" with sufficient space for larger rigs.
Accessibility challenges: Some primitive camping areas have difficult access roads. A Waurika visitor cautioned, "If you have a big rig I suggest you take it super slow" and warned about "Ruts the size of a VW" after rainstorms, making tent camping near Fort Sill potentially challenging for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Fort Sill, OK?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fort Sill, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Sill, OK is Chandler Creek Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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