The Wichita Mountains region surrounding Indiahoma sits at elevations between 1,300-2,400 feet with granite outcroppings characterizing the landscape. Summer temperatures often reach the 90s while winter nights can drop below freezing. RV campgrounds near Indiahoma provide varying levels of access to the wilderness areas, with most sites requiring advance planning during peak seasons from March through October when wildlife viewing conditions are optimal.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for opportunities to see free-roaming bison, longhorn cattle, and elk. "Within a few miles of the campground is amazing fishing and hiking. Fort Sill is a nice base with everything you may need. If you drive to Witchita Mountain Wildlife Refuge you may see elk, bison, Longhorns and deer," notes a visitor at Military Park Fort Sill Medicine Creek RV Park.
Hiking: Explore mountain trails with elevations offering views across the refuge and surrounding lakes. "The hiking trails are great and worth the visit," according to campers who stayed at Medicine Creek RV Park. Trails range from easy 1-mile loops to challenging 5+ mile routes through boulder fields.
Water recreation: Enjoy lake activities at nearby reservoirs. Lake Lawtonka offers "plentiful campsites with several spots right on the lake," according to a review of Lake Lawtonka East Campground. Fishing, kayaking, and swimming options exist at most area lakes from April through October.
What campers like
Campsite privacy: Find secluded spots for tent camping away from crowds. "East Side – Lake Lawtonka primitive tent camping sites are very well scattered and away from each other. They have two separate areas for primitive camping along with an RV and camper area," mentions one Lake Lawtonka East camper.
Mountain views: Wake up to scenic landscapes visible from several campgrounds. A visitor at Great Plains State Park Campground noted, "The sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous over the gentle slopes of the land. There are rock formations the kids enjoy climbing all over."
Clean facilities: Appreciate well-maintained campgrounds throughout the region. "The facilities are well maintained and allow anyone to choose very primitive to RV hookup and car/tent camping also," shares a camper who stayed at Camp Doris, highlighting the range of camping options available near Indiahoma.
What you should know
Seasonal water issues: Water availability can be unpredictable. "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 a Camp Doris visitor.
Military training activity: Expect occasional noise from nearby 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," reports a camper from Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area.
Campsite availability: Popular camping areas fill quickly, especially weekends. "Doris Campground will fill up quickly on weekends, so reservations are suggested," advises a frequent visitor, noting the competition for limited spaces in prime locations near Indiahoma, Oklahoma.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with recreation areas for children. At Rocking A RV Park, "The kids loved the playground," according to one family. Several Indiahoma area RV parks offer dedicated play spaces within walking distance of campsites.
Water activities: Plan for lake recreation during warmer months. Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area provides "a nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house(11a-7p)…lifeguards" and offers "watersport rentals: paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boat" according to a visitor.
Wildlife education: Incorporate learning opportunities at the refuge visitor center. "The visitor center deserves at least an hour of time. Fabulous," mentions a camper who explored the area with their family, noting the educational displays about local wildlife and geology.
Tips from RVers
Electrical connections: Bring appropriate adapters when visiting area campgrounds. At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, "All rv sites are 50 amp, so bring an adapter for your 30amp rig," advises one RVer, also noting "Many sites have water and power at the pavilion, but many you will need about 60' of water hose."
Gate access: Follow specific entry instructions for military facilities. When visiting Medicine Creek RV Park, "If you don't have a military ID you can stop at the visitor center and get a pass for your stay," explains a camper. For Lake Elmer Thomas, another visitor recommends, "Do not use Letra Gate. It's closed. Ignore GPS and go to Apache Gate."
Concrete pads: Find level sites at commercial RV parks outside the refuge. Great Plains State Park Campground offers "a pull thru with FHU" (full hookups) according to a recent visitor, though they warn it can get "very windy at times" for larger RVs camping near Indiahoma, Oklahoma.
