Foss State Park provides accessible lakeside camping across several distinct areas, including Buffalo Bend, Sandy Beach, and Chinaberry campgrounds. Situated in western Oklahoma at around 1,650 feet elevation, these camping areas offer diverse experiences from waterfront sites to more secluded wooded options. The park features RV sites with modern amenities alongside basic tent camping areas and climate-controlled accommodations for visitors seeking more comfortable overnight options.
What to do
Hiking exploration: The Buffalo Bend area offers trails with varying terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities. "I was able to hike up the New Horizon Trail. The views were incredible! Highly recommend this trail," shares a visitor at Quartz Mountain State Park.
Stargazing sessions: Clear night skies provide excellent viewing conditions when light pollution is minimal. "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," notes a camper at Quartz Mountain State Park.
Seasonal activities: Foss State Park Campground hosts special events throughout the year. As one visitor mentions, "The park rangers are very friendly and accommodating. 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."
What campers like
Air-conditioned facilities: The summer heat makes climate-controlled restrooms particularly appreciated. "I booked a site at the Buffalo Bend Campground in Foss SP while traveling on Highway 40. The park is a little bit far from the highway but a pretty drive. We were in site BB002 which had decent privacy. Unfortunately, it was a very hot and humid day but we were pleasantly surprised by the air-conditioned bathrooms," reports a camper at Foss State Park Campground.
Attentive staff: Campground hosts receive consistent praise for assistance beyond basic duties. "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," shares a visitor at Foss State Park.
Yurt camping options: Quartz Mountain State Park Campground offers yurt accommodations with comfortable amenities. "A well maintained park lots of shaded sites, picnic tables are the best. Views of the mountain are great. Bathhouse and toilets are new in most sites," notes one camper about the yurt camping near Foss, Oklahoma.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Open areas experience significant wind that affects tent stability. "I don't know if it's an Oklahoma thing but the wind was crazy making tent camping a little rough. 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," warns a visitor at Foss State Park Campground.
Water access challenges: Some water hookups have inconsistent pressure or positioning. "If you need water bring a short hose the water options are wide open or dripping," advises a camper at Foss State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park and surrounding areas have active nocturnal wildlife. "We were visited in our sleep by raccoons trying to get in our tent," reports a camper at Foss State Park. Proper food storage is essential when yurt camping in Foss, Oklahoma areas.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and water recreation: Children enjoy the designated swimming areas and water activities. "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," shares a visitor at Foss State Park.
Varied accommodation options: Quartz Mountain Nature Park offers multiple lodging styles for different family needs. "This park was turned back over to the state in 2020 and is exactly how I remembered it from the 80's. Tucked down in southwest Oklahoma in the Wichita Mountains, it's a small park but has LOTS of options. There are RV and tent Campgrounds, cabins, a very modern lodge with 96 rooms, group pavilions, and a dormitory."
Insect protection: Prepare for persistent insects, especially during summer months. "I wear a hat with a net so they don't bother me," suggests a visitor to Buffalo Bend at Foss State Park. Families exploring yurt camping near Foss, Oklahoma should pack appropriate repellent.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Multiple sites accommodate larger vehicles with full hookups. "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," shares an RV camper at Foss State Park.
Site spacing considerations: Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park offers various site configurations. "I didn't feel like the RV sites were as on top of each other as they seem in other campgrounds I've been to," notes a visitor, while another points out that "There are only (3) three full hook up spots so book in advance!"
Level concrete pads: Some campgrounds offer stabilized parking areas. "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," reports an RVer at Quartz Mountain State Park.