Lakes and reservoirs surrounding Hastings, Oklahoma provide several primitive tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Waurika Primitive Camping, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Hastings, offers free tent campsites with basic amenities. Joe Benton Park at Lake Nocona, though across the Texas border, provides tent-only camping areas within reasonable driving distance from Hastings. Stonewall Jackson Campground features hike-in tent sites, while Chandler Creek Campground near Lawton offers more developed tent camping facilities with picnic tables and trash service.
Tent campgrounds in this region typically feature minimal improvements and natural terrain. At Waurika Primitive Camping, sites include rock fire rings and mowed open areas, with a 14-day stay limit and first-come, first-served availability. Access roads are primarily dirt and gravel with occasional potholes that can become challenging after rain. Most primitive tent camping areas lack potable water, so campers should bring their own supplies. Bathroom facilities vary significantly, from basic vault toilets at some locations to completely undeveloped areas requiring proper waste disposal practices. Sites at Joe Benton Park feature rocky, uneven terrain, though campers can find smoother, hard-packed areas suitable for tent setup.
In early fall and spring, tent campers experience more moderate temperatures at these locations, making for comfortable overnight stays. According to reviews, Waurika Primitive Camping offers good lake access for fishing and kayaking, with sites located less than a quarter mile from the highway. One visitor noted that "weekends could be crowded" and recommended avoiding hunting season for a more peaceful experience. At Joe Benton Park, campers reported it being "the most quiet of the three" nearby public facilities, making it ideal for those seeking solitude rather than amenities. Walk-in tent sites at Stonewall Jackson provide a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience, while Chandler Creek's grassy field setting offers riverside camping with some shade from nearby trees.
"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. "
from $8 - $17 / night
GuideThis is a great little park, lots of room in all the campsites we saw. Really great fishing area! The only drawback was the distance to the bathroom...quite a walk. But I should have checked that before I booked.
TravelerVery nice well kept campground. Staff very nice and professional.
Showers were great!! Hot with lots of pressure!!
ScoutWe 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.
GuideWe love camping here in the cooler months and
TravelerStayed 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.
TravelerWe love this place. Even if it is just a 30 minute drive for us, it is a home away from home. The sites are only electric and water, but dump stations are available. Showers and restrooms are also on site. You can also rent a 1 or 2 person kayak...this is a self service station. The Park Rangers are polite and the gift store has a few supplies as well as gifts. Each RV circle has just 5 spots so you can still relax. If you come here, head to Snookies in Scotland for Sunday Brunch...you wont be disappointed.
GuideVisited 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.
TravelerPlentiful campsites with several spots right on the lake! Fairly close rather and no way to book ahead but we definitely enjoyed the location!!
TravelerWater Electric , dump station close by, all rv sites seem to have a picnic table with an awning. Lake is close by, but we could feel a breeze most nights. Slept with windows open, to the sound of a pump jack running, read up about it, very interesting. Bathroom is dated but clean and functional, it's a state park, that is all I want. Nearby is Wichita Falls, we walked to the Falls, decent sized western city with choices for food and shopping. We would stop again.
Primitive camping options surround Hastings, Oklahoma, with sites situated on rocky or uneven terrain. Temperatures in this region range from 40°F in winter to over 100°F during summer months, with spring and fall offering more moderate conditions. Most tent camping areas require visitors to bring their own water and supplies due to limited facilities.
Fishing opportunities: At Waurika Primitive Camping, campers can fish directly from the banks or launch small boats for lake access. "There are a lot of Fish, Birds and Clams. So if need be, you won't go hungry if stuck for a period of time," notes one camper who visited in late November.
Hiking exploration: The trail system near Waurika offers extensive outdoor recreation. "The trail. It is 13 miles ONE way, so if you decide to hike, take gear and water. It's absolutely stunning," reports a visitor who stayed during early December.
Boating on local lakes: Smaller watercraft work best on area lakes due to fluctuating water levels. "This lake is great for smaller boats like canoes or smaller fishing boats. In recent years it has endured some falling of the lake levels so I would recommend a smaller boat instead of a larger one," advises a visitor to Joe Benton Park.
Economical camping options: Many sites in the area are free or low-cost. "FREE, LIMIT 14 DAYS, LNT. This is an amazing place. The sites are less than 1/4 mile from the highway," reports a camper about their October stay at Waurika Primitive Camping.
Relative solitude: Some campgrounds in the region offer quieter experiences than others. Joe Benton Park at Lake Nocona provides a more peaceful setting according to visitors: "It was the most quiet of the three as well because the majority of those coming out to the lake either want improvements or the larger docks for fishing, and this has neither."
Historical interest: Some camping areas feature educational components. Stonewall Jackson Campground offers "some cool historical reading of Stonewall Jackson," according to a visitor, though they note it's "more of a park" than a dedicated campground.
Road conditions: Access routes to camping areas can be challenging, especially after rain. "The road to the 3 camping spots are absolutely not easy to get to. If you have a big rig I suggest you take it super slow and when the road comes to a 'Y' take the left and BE CAREFUL!" warns a Waurika camper who experienced difficult conditions.
Limited facilities: Bathroom options range from basic to nearly non-existent. At Joe Benton Park, "There is a restroom available however it is small but serves the purpose of a restroom only. To be honest this restroom was not some place you would want to use unless you had to, it was more of a port-a-potty in a metal shelter."
Site preparation: The best tent camping near Hastings, Oklahoma often requires searching for suitable terrain. At Joe Benton Park, "These sites were rocky and uneven for the most part but you could find hard packed areas that were a little more smooth if you really looked."
Pack your own water: Lake water is not suitable for consumption. "As for the water. Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink. Bring your own water. I don't suggest bathing in the lake but there are no signs saying you can't," advises a camper who stayed at Waurika in late November.
Consider seasonal timing: Hot summer temperatures make spring and fall better for tent camping with children. "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," reports a Waurika visitor.
Bring supplies: Limited facilities mean preparation is essential. "Take your own toilet paper. A lot of people come through here because it is the more improved of three campgrounds in this area so they utilize the facilities for day use and sometimes it is not maintained as often as the traffic would dictate," recommends a visitor to Chandler Creek Campground.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some areas can accommodate bigger rigs despite primitive conditions. At Chandler Creek, "all sizes of rigs can work out a spot but remember there are only 5 sites with amenities," notes a visitor who found the campground to be "a huge grass field, nicely maintained."
Electric hookup options: Limited electrical access exists at select campgrounds. Chandler Creek offers "five sites with electric FCFS with trash service but no toilet with rates $8.00 - $17.00," according to a camper who appreciated the "shaded picnic shelters" since "where the sites are there is no shade."
Payment logistics: Contact campgrounds ahead of arrival to arrange payment. For Chandler Creek, a camper suggests, "I would call the above number a day before, during the week, to make arrangements," noting, "I called the number but didn't get an answer."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hastings, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hastings, OK is Waurika Primitive Camping with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hastings, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Hastings, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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