Great Plains State Park Campground
Beautiful
Oct.they are empty. It's clean, good level, didn't use hooks ups.Pretty lake.
Tent camping options near Indiahoma, Oklahoma include Chandler Creek Campground at Lake Ellsworth City Park and Waurika Primitive Camping. Chandler Creek Campground offers five electric sites with trash service in an open grassy area alongside a river. Waurika Primitive Camping provides free primitive tent sites with a 14-day stay limit, situated less than a quarter mile from the highway.
Waurika Primitive Camping features dirt and gravel access roads with some challenging conditions, particularly after rainfall. Sites are set in mowed open areas with some established rock fire rings. The area lacks drinking water, restrooms, and formal amenities, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Chandler Creek charges between $8-$17 per night for its sites, which include electric hookups and trash service but no toilets or potable water sources. Sites at both locations can accommodate tents on grass surfaces.
Areas around Waurika Lake offer opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. One camper shared, "There are some rock fire rings and nice open areas that are mowed so no tall weeds. There is a great area to put the kayaks in and enjoy the lake." The nearby hiking trail extends 13 miles one way and provides stunning views, though proper preparation with adequate water and gear is essential. Weekend visitation can increase at these primitive camping areas, particularly during favorable weather conditions. Chandler Creek's riverside location provides shaded picnic shelters that compensate for the open, unshaded tent sites. The primitive nature of these campgrounds appeals to tent campers seeking basic outdoor experiences with minimal infrastructure.
from $13 / night
from $8 - $17 / night
"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. "
Oct.they are empty. It's clean, good level, didn't use hooks ups.Pretty lake.
We 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.
We love camping here in the cooler months and
We have been at this group camp for 46 years straight (except for pandemic year). Over the years we saw improvements. Since the pandemic not so much. 2 cabins are completely unusable. Each year we are promised they will be fixed. Just empty words. Now we are are told this year that the commercial refrigerator broke and they just put in a regular fridge with the promise that it will be replaced by our July 23 date. We are not hopeful. The grocery store closed years ago. Then the water slide closed. Next the paddle boats and miniature golf closed. The state has done nothing to help the situation.
Stayed 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.
Beautiful water & mountain views. Entry way definitely makes it secluded & could use a machete trim as branches were unkind to our vehicle & small camper. Advise to only come by 4 wheel drive as a few trenches & soft surface at site.
Google Maps correctly navigated me to the side of the lake but the road was rough! Giant potholes and probably impossible in what conditions unless you had a really good four-wheel-drive. Me and my Subaru seemed to get in okay but it was a negotiation!
Visited 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.
Driving thru the area and needed a spot for the night; we lucked up with this one.
I would recommend using AppleMaps if possible; takes you right to the spot. If you are using Waze it will tell you to turn at what looks like a private driveway/road. If you have to use Waze, pass that road and take a right at stop sign, then a right at the wildlife sign. That will put you on the road you need to be on (you will turn left when you see primitive camping sign).
As previous reviews stated; the road is rough with ruts. We were able to handle it in our Ram 3500 with tow (42 feet) but we had to take it very slow.
If you like fishing this is a five star for you; fish jumping all night. We gave it 4 stars due to the over grown grass and mosquitoes. View and sounds were amazing.
Tent campsites near Indiahoma, Oklahoma provide access to outdoor recreation areas with varying amenities and conditions. Located in southwestern Oklahoma, this region features rolling prairie landscape punctuated by the Wichita Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,400 feet. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for tent campers.
Hiking trails access: The hiking trail near Waurika Primitive Camping extends 13 miles one way with scenic terrain. One visitor notes, "The trail. It is 13 miles ONE way, so if you decide to hike, take gear and water. It's absolutely stunning."
Kayaking opportunities: Waurika Lake provides multiple water access points for small watercraft. "There is a great area to put the kayaks in and enjoy the lake. If you want to fish I guess you could do it right from the bank and set out in your small boat. No boat ramp," according to a camper.
Riverside relaxation: The waterfront at Chandler Creek Campground offers a peaceful setting for those seeking quiet time outdoors. As one camper reports, "If you want to spend some time just sitting on the river bank this is your spot."
Budget-friendly options: Free camping with minimal restrictions appeals to many tent campers. A reviewer at Waurika Primitive Camping appreciates the "FREE" camping with a "LIMIT 14 DAYS" stay policy.
Open space camping: The maintained grounds provide comfortable tent sites with established use areas. "There are some rock fire rings and nice open areas that are mowed so no tall weeds," notes one camper about the primitive sites.
Wildlife viewing: The lake environment supports diverse wildlife including fish, birds, and aquatic species. A camper observed, "There are a lot of Fish, Birds and Clams" in the Waurika area.
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive camping areas may present challenges, particularly after rain. A camper warns, "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!"
Limited facilities: Bring all necessary supplies as amenities are minimal. At Chandler Creek, a visitor noted, "There are five sites with electric FCFS with trash service but no toilet with rates $8.00 - $17.00."
Payment logistics: Confirm payment methods before arrival. Regarding Chandler Creek Campground, a camper advises, "Draw back to this site is trying to pay for your site. I would call the above number a day before, during the week, to make arrangements."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can occur throughout camping seasons. A visitor reported, "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."
Water access caution: Lake shores may have muddy conditions. "The beach is very muddy. Not too much sand," notes a camper about Waurika Lake access points.
Shade considerations: Plan for limited tree cover at tent sites. One camper mentioned about Chandler Creek, "You will enjoy shaded picnic shelters and the shelters come in hand since where the sites are these is no shade."
Site accessibility: The open layout accommodates various vehicle sizes. A reviewer at Chandler Creek observed, "The campground is a big open area that has the highway along one side and some trees and the river along the other. It is a nice little area and all sizes of rigs can work out a spot."
Surface conditions: Prepare for natural ground surfaces when setting up camp. "The actual campground is a huge grass field, nicely maintained and the pads have a base of grass," notes a Chandler Creek visitor.
Road navigation: Weather can significantly impact road quality. A camper at Waurika shared, "There was a horrific rain storm while on our stay here so this brought out the mudders! I think you're not SUPPOSED to OHV here, but there was people who came out and tore the road up worse than when we first got here. Ruts the size of a VW."
Frequently Asked Questions
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