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Best Tent Camping near Indiahoma, OK

150 Reviews

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.

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Best Tent Sites Near Indiahoma, Oklahoma (2)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Indiahoma, OK

150 Reviews of 2 Indiahoma Campgrounds

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Camp Doris

    Primitive and Semi Improved Spaces With Access To Wildlife Preserve

    Inside the wildlife preserve there are not a lot of camping options as the attempt to keep the wildlife wild is the primary focus. However if you are looking to stay inside the area, you will want to check out Doris Campground, located centrally in the property. 

    Camping options at Doris vary with both primitive and improved options. 47 sites without electricity offer only shaded retreat, regular sized pull ins and basic amenities with picnic tables and fire rings. However the improved sites offer electricity and larger pull ins for mid to large sized RV units. There is an additional set of camping options which are hike in style sites with a common parking area, these are a little harder to get to as the area is overgrown. 

    Sites range in price points from$12 to$24 and all have access to common spigots and restrooms. 

    One restroom is a bit more updated but offers only restrooms no showers while the less updated offers showers but is a bit creepy. 

    Something you will want to be mindful of staying at this site is wildlife. While many campgrounds often experience a wild animal or two, the raccoons here are quite menacing and snakes are very common. 

    If you do decide to come out to the Wichita Mountains, I suggest checking out some of the many hiking options and view points. The tower trail is a great one for views of the lake and terrain with minimal challenge and only some slightly uneven spaces from weathering and wash. Mount Scott is the highest point in the park and can be accessed through an invigorating hike to the top or through the scenic drive which features several pull offs and a parking area at the top. 

    Prairie Dog town is one of the more unique features of the park with dozens of colonies visible from several view points and pull offs. Being able to see the critters up close and personal will leave you smiling for hours. Walking throughout the preserve are buffalo and longhorns. 

    An extremely unique feature is the park’s Holy City, an area which was designated for use in the 20s and at its peak welcomed up to 250,000 people per year to an annual program performed on the hillside. This feature is unique in that it is a rock city constructed on the hillside which includes the story of Christ and also is the home of a chapel modeled after one that George Washington once attended in Virginia. A very unique piece of history.

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Camp Doris

    Favorite place to camp in Oklahoma

    I stay regularly in the walk in campsites here. The walk in sites are 40 to a few hundred yards walk from the parking lot. Each campsite has a fire ring and concrete picnic table. Most have tree shade. You'll want to bring firewood and water. Don't expect cell service but there's a good chance you'll see wildlife.

  • Dave V.
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

    Beautiful Setting, but Military Ordinance can be noisy even inside a Cabin

    Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, Fort Sill, OK

    Cabin 3 (both late June and mid-October)

    Lake Elmer Thomas(LETRA) is a 334 acre lake located on Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma. LETRA offers a pretty nice location for recreating. Offering quite a bit for families in a limited space.                                                                                                            •A nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house(11a-7p)…lifeguards                                                                                                          •Sand volleyball court                                                                                                             •Watersport rentals: paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boat                                      •Mini golf course                                                                                                                         •Disc golf course                                                                                                                     •RV/Camper area                                                                                                                         •Rustic rental cabins                                                                                                                    •Random primitive tent camping                                                                                        •Fishing                                                                                                                                              •Nearby off-base hiking(Mount Scott and the Medicine Park Wildlife Refuge)              •Bicycling-ample quiet, paved road opportunities but surprisingly limited off road options 

    Tent Camping: there are no specifically designated loop or numbered site tent areas. Tenters are permitted to camp all along the lake’s edge in the grassy area. There are a few picnic tables and elevated charcoal grills(no ground fires permitted), so you may have to do without. There are also a few picnic tables under shelters, but half are in a state of disrepair and caution-taped off. Tenters cannot set up tents within the cabin rental inner circle. 

    The modern facility restrooms are across from the playground as you enter the cabin rental peninsula. Tent campers are able to utilize the shower house/restrooms in the RV/Camper section, as well as the beach areas during open hours. There is no ground cover to separate one tent from the next…all can be seen and heard. 

    RV/Camper Sites: big rigs are lined up side by side in a separate gravel loop immediately to the left of the entrance. Sites have water and electric hookups. The nicest shower house/restroom is located there. There is a small patch of grass between sites, picnic table and elevated charcoal grill. These sites are closest to the entrance, beach area, watersport rental and campground activities. 

    Cabin Rentals: log home rentals are on a small peninsula with great views of Mount Scott and Lake Elmer Thomas. At the time of this review, you must bring your own bedding linens/blankets, towels, etc. I would also recommend packing extra eating utensils, condiments and any other items that you would take camping. We rented Cabin 3, which the website says will sleep 4…inaccurate. One full size bed and a small futon will sleep two average-sized adults and one small child in marginal comfort. The table only provides two chairs, not four for two not four. I would subtract 1-2 persons on the cabins unless you count floor space. Cabin 3 was$80 nightly. 

    Painted turtles are in abundance around the lake, as are smallish ‘fist-sized’ tarantulas. Bicycling the Artillary Range perimeter roadways on base, coyote dash across in early morning hours. Note: you are on a military base, so there are a number of restrictions that you need to be aware of and abide by. 

    Additionally, 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. I enjoyed the display and out-of-the-ordinary disruption. Think unanticipated fireworks.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Camp Doris

    A great place for wildlife watching

    From when I was younger I remember going to the Wichita Mountains to see the Holy City and the prairie dog city. It has always been a place of fond memories and a lot of fun for not only myself but the entire family. It wasn’t until more recent years however that I was aware that there was a camping area there right within the wildlife preserve itself.

    In the footprint of the mountains this campground welcomes both tent and RV campers looking to enjoy an overnight stay or more lengthy stay.  Primitive camping is available with a park and walk through a short trail or in camp there are both electrical and non-electrical sites with prices ranging for these from $8 to $20.

    I noticed that the in campground sites are pretty typical in that they offer both fire rings and picnic tables.  They do have a shower and restroom which is available during non-winter months and other toilets for usage during the cooler months.  They do have drinking water available here which is also nice considering distance to nearest stores.

    The best feature of this campground is not the campground itself it is the access you have to the refuge area where you can on any given day see herds of deer, buffalo, long horn cattle, turkey and of course prairie dogs.  A lot of times you will find these wandering around into camp itself.  

    The area has become more and more popular for rock climbing and hiking with several people setting up basecamp at this campground.  This campground does have posted closings of gate hours so you cannot explore in the area past these posted times (during summer 10 during week or 11 on weekends).

    TIPS:

    • Check into the visitor center for lists of guided tours for Bald Eagle spotting and other tours.
    • Take a drive up Mount Scott for some of the best views in the area.
    • Listen for barking of the Prairie Dogs, this is how they warn one another of people in the area, it is very interesting to hear and if you drive by the sites where you see their mounds, pull off and roll down your windows you can watch and hear them.
  • Mandy K.
    Oct. 11, 2017

    Great Plains State Park Campground

    Open & Clean

    We came when Doris Campground was full in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge and were pleasantly surprised. The weather was perfect--70s during the day and 50s at night, my ideal sleeping temps.

    The campgrounds and restrooms are clean and well kept; however, there aren't a lot of sites with substantial tree cover. This was not a problem for us in October, but I bet it is stifling in summer and early-fall months.

    The sites we stayed in were on the lake. The sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous over the gentle slopes of the land. There are rock formations the kids enjoy climbing all over.

    It's maybe a 15-minute drive to the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. Even though there are sites in the refuge, Great Plains had a lot of visitors when were were there.

    **UPDATE**
    We came out with a Girl Scout Troop a year later (October 2018). The park was very crowded, which is fine, but tent sites are mixed with RV sites. Not only was the noise from RVs disturbing, many sites had obnoxious guests who stayed up drinking all through the night. 

    I really wish parks would separate tents from RVs. 

    It still is a nice area.

  • Rebecca A.
    Mar. 7, 2020

    Camp Doris

    Doris Campground

    Good, large sites for tents and RVs. Doris has semi-primitive sites for tents with picnic tables and fire rings as well as electric sites with hookups. Some sites offer a view of Quanah Parker Lake. All sites at Doris are walk in. There is an unmanned Paystation at the entrance but there is also a friendly campground host who lives onsite. Alcohol is prohibited everywhere within the refuge. Please note that 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 an all water is considered unsafe, including all streams and lakes. Bring in your own water, the closest store is at least 30 mins away.

  • Missy G.
    Nov. 23, 2017

    Camp Doris

    Animals galore

    Camped here in October 2017. It was very cold. We brought our dog. While setting up camp, a flock of turkeys came right up to us - about 12! The camp was easy to get to. The camp also had firewood and Ice available for self purchase. When you arrive, there is a visitors center we stopped at but not much to see there. We headed to the campground and there was a woman in a booth who you pay admission to and determine which campsites are open. The campsites themselves are large and give you lots of room to roam around to find twigs to use in your fire. Our site had a trail linked to it down to the lake. There's a picnic table at the site and fire ring. There's also a grill. The bathrooms are a short walk as well as a composting toilet. The campground was relatively calm and quiet. The hikes in the park were pretty decent and we saw buffalo roaming in the roads!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Moneka Park

    Tiny but Fetching

    Mar 1 - Oct 31

    Fees:  $10.00 - $14.00

    Limit: 14 days

    Fee box and Register at entrance

    Spaces:  38  No hook ups

    This campground is of a small size but it has an amazing personality with huge mature trees which shade the campground so well.  You will have a picnic table, fish cleaning station, trash, water, grill

    There is a nice open meadow feel because the center of the campground is open.  Campsites are around the outside edge.  The sites are small and with the large trees.  Larger rigs would not be able to park

    LNT

    Travel safe.

  • B
    May. 29, 2019

    Camp Doris

    Extremely popular for more than one reason

    Weekends at WMWR (Wichita Mountains Wildife Refuge)are very popular beginning early in the camping season making it difficult to find open spots by Friday evening. But that doesn’t keep people from trying late into the night.   

    The facilities are well maintained and allow anyone to choose very primitive to RV hookup and car/tent camping also.   Always lots of friendly folks to visit and get hiking insights from. Many activities are available in WMWR. Hiking trails can be accessed directly from Doris Campground, or there are numerous other trails in other areas a short drive away. Carry in all your water with bovine (longhorn, buffalo) covering virtually all areas of the refuge. I have visited all months of the year.

Guide to Indiahoma

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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."

Tips from RVers

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

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Indiahoma, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Indiahoma, OK is Chandler Creek Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

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