Camping options near Granite, Oklahoma center around Tom Steed Reservoir and the Wichita Mountains where elevation ranges from 1,300 to 2,400 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 95°F while winter nights often drop below freezing. Sites in the area vary from developed campgrounds with full hookups to dispersed camping areas with minimal facilities and dirt access roads.
What to do
Hiking trails: numerous options at Quartz Mountain State Park with varying difficulty levels. "The New Horizon Trail views were incredible! Highly recommend this trail," writes one visitor to Quartz Mountain State Park. The park features granite formations with trails suitable for different experience levels.
Swimming beaches: seasonal access available at several parks from late spring through early fall. At Foss State Park, "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." The swimming areas typically remain open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Wildlife viewing: early morning optimal for spotting native species including deer throughout the parks. "Doris Campground is an okay place to camp... There is free roaming Buffalo and Longhorn Cattle so don't be surprised if you see one in the Campground," notes a visitor to Camp Doris. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing times.
What campers like
Low cost options: municipal parks under $15 provide budget alternatives. "Whether you're tent camping or hauling a vintage RV like we are, this spot is a hidden gem! Sayre, OK is a friendly little town, and this spot is just $12," reports a camper at Sayre City Park Campground. These municipal parks often operate on self-pay honor systems.
Winter solitude: significantly decreased crowds during off-season months. A visitor to Quartz Mountain State Park Campground notes: "We camped in December, so we practically had the entire place to ourselves. The park was full of deer everywhere!" Many campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services in winter.
Dark skies: minimal light pollution in certain areas enables excellent 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," explains a camper. Several parks turn off non-essential lighting after 10pm.
What you should know
Water supply limitations: bring your own water as treatment issues affect multiple parks. "Please note that at the time of this review there is NO potable water anywhere in the WMWR. An e.coli contamination in 2017 is still not resolved and any and all water is considered unsafe, including all streams and lakes," warns a visitor. Many campers recommend bringing 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Strong winds: secure equipment thoroughly especially in open camping areas. A visitor to Great Plains State Park Campground stated: "When we visited, the wind was very strong. I've been to the Wichita Mountains a ton and I know the wind can pick up quite a bit there, but without the shelter of the rocks/mountains, the wind can go wild here." Wind gusts frequently exceed 25mph in spring and fall.
Bathroom facility variations: research before booking as quality differs significantly between campgrounds. "The bathhouse was really clean, with pay showers," notes one camper, while another mentions: "Ok so just checked out the bathroom/showers 🤮!!!" Shower availability remains inconsistent, with some parks requiring quarters for operation.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: choose sites strategically to balance proximity and noise concerns. "This city park has a lot of things to do! Mini golf, regular golf, playgrounds, pool (not open right now), ball fields, basketball, tennis and lots of walking trails," shares a visitor to Sayre City Park. Most developed campgrounds maintain playground equipment within walking distance of campsites.
Wildlife education opportunities: morning visits to visitor centers provide scheduled programming. "The visitor center deserves at least an hour of time. Fabulous," notes a camper at Camp Doris. Junior Ranger programs run seasonally on weekends with 45-minute sessions typically starting at 9am.
Insect protection: plan for gnats and mosquitoes particularly near water. A camper at Foss State Park Campground advises: "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." Bug activity increases significantly from May through September.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: limited availability requires planning ahead. "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 a visitor, but many parks only provide dump stations rather than full hookups. Call ahead to confirm current functionality.
Storm shelters: available at select campgrounds for severe weather events. A camper at Bobcat Creek RV Park notes: "I stopped here for the night when traveling solo. The hosts are very sweet and the campground is tucked away, but very close, to the interstate. There's a storm shelter on site too for those notorious Oklahoma storms." Oklahoma's severe weather season typically runs April through June.
Site leveling requirements: varies by campground with some requiring substantial work. "We stayed in the Mountain View campground which has concrete pads and didn't have to level our rig at all," explains one RVer, contrasting with another park where "Sites are long pull throughs with 50 amp electric and water." Bring leveling blocks as many sites feature slopes of 2-4 inches.
