Camping spots near Indiahoma, Oklahoma center on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and surrounding lakes. The area sits at the eastern edge of the Wichita Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,400 feet. During summer months, temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing with persistent high winds throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking through Wichita Mountains: Access multiple trail systems directly from Camp Doris, including routes to Elk Mountain and Charon's Garden. "The hiking was splendid and much better than expected. The visitor center deserves at least an hour of time. Fabulous," notes Roger W., who visited in March 2024.
Water activities at multiple lakes: Enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area where visitors can rent various watercraft. "A nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house. Watersport rentals include paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, and pontoon boats," reports Dave V., who appreciates the recreation options.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Drive through the refuge to spot free-roaming bison, longhorn cattle, and elk. Visit Prairie Dog Town to observe these social animals. "We saw longhorns and bison several times, but unfortunately didn't see any prairie dogs," notes Sara R., who camped at Doris Campground in November 2020.
What campers like
Lakeside camping sites: Lake Lawtonka East Campground offers waterfront camping with mountain views. "Wonderful spot. We stayed for 3 nights, view of Mount Scott was amazing. Had our 2 golden retrievers with us and they loved the lake," shares Kelsey S., who visited in June 2024.
Affordable primitive options: Find budget camping at Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite, where you can camp for free near Tom Steed Reservoir. "The road is very rough, but we managed in our VW Atlas. Beautiful view of the mountain and lake. Very quiet and peaceful, and no other visitors," explains Benjamin G., who camped there in June 2025.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate the upkeep at established campgrounds. "The campground and restrooms are clean and well kept; however, there aren't a lot of sites with substantial tree cover," notes Mandy K. about Great Plains State Park Campground, adding this "wasn't a problem in October, but I bet it is stifling in summer months."
What you should know
Water availability issues: Multiple campgrounds have reported water problems. "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 and any and all water is considered unsafe, including all streams and lakes. Bring in your own water, the closest store is at least 30 mins away," warns Rebecca A. about Doris Campground.
Military training noise: Expect artillery sounds at campgrounds near Fort Sill. "The campground is positioned along the northern side of the Artillery range. Yes, you will see and hear C-Ram's lighting up the sky randomly during the day and night hours, as well as other ordinance," explains Dave V., who stayed at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area.
Reservation considerations: Most developed campgrounds require advance planning. "This park is very nice, and has a beautiful blue lake. When we visited, the wind was very strong," reports Dusty G. about Great Plains State Park Campground. Popular sites fill quickly, especially during spring break and weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-friendly amenities: Great Plains State Park Campground offers multiple recreational options for children. "What a beautiful, well kept campground! The grounds are very clean and so are the bathroom/showers. Lot's of hiking/biking trails. Gorgeous view of the lake! Looks like a fun place to go fishing," reports Lawrence P., who visited in September 2021.
Safety considerations: Watch for wildlife while camping. "There are free roaming Buffalo and Longhorn Cattle so don't be surprised if you see one in the Campground," advises William A. about Doris Campground. Several campers noted seeing tarantulas, snakes, and coyotes, particularly during warmer months.
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature extremes and strong winds. "Very windy at times, probably normal for the area," notes Bob M. about Great Plains State Park Campground. During summer, temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while fall camping can bring unexpected cold fronts with 30°F overnight lows.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, power connections might not align with optimal parking positions. "Make sure you have a long electric cable. Service was on the wrong side if you want to face the lake," advises Mimi B., who camped there in June 2021.
Site selection strategy: Choose outer loop sites at Triple Ace Campsites for more privacy. "Easy to book, camp host messaged us when the site was ready and gave us directions on how to get hooked up. The host also sent us photos and info on things to do close by," shares Jacquelyn D., who visited in June 2023 with her family.
Access considerations: Some campground roads present challenges for larger rigs. "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," recommends Mimi B. about Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area.
