Cabin rental options around Lawton, Oklahoma include a mix of rustic and modern accommodations within the Wichita Mountains area. The region sits at an elevation between 1,200-2,400 feet and experiences hot summers with average temperatures reaching 95°F in July. Winter lows typically fall to around 30°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping in this area.
What to do
Hiking Mount Scott: Access the 2,464-foot summit via a 3-mile paved road in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Camp Doris. "Drive up Mount Scott for beautiful views of neighboring Lake Lawtonka, and wonderful sunsets," notes a visitor who frequently camps in the area.
Wildlife viewing: Observe free-roaming bison, longhorn cattle, and prairie dog towns throughout the refuge. "Saw geese, fox, Coyotes, Buffalo, prairie dogs and rattle snakes," reports one camper who stayed at the area for five weeks.
Water recreation: Enjoy swimming and water activities at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area. "A nice sandy beach area, waterslides, paddle boats and kayaks for rent, a restaurant and a playground in the camping area," describes one camper.
Fishing: Cast for bluegill and other species in the region's lakes. The water at Lake Elmer Thomas is "incredibly clear" with "schools of bluegill seen along the shoreline," according to camper reviews.
What campers like
Nature accessibility: The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "The scenery and base is beautiful. It's in the Wichita Mountains near Mt Scott and Medicine Park," notes a camper who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Historical attractions: Fort Sill provides interesting historical sites to explore. "Fort Sill has a lot of history to view. Great museums," shares one regular visitor to the area.
Water activities: Multiple recreation areas offer swimming, boating, and fishing options. "There is a nice sandy beach area, waterslides, paddle boats and kayaks for rent," mentions a reviewer of the Lake Elmer Thomas facilities.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "Clean restrooms, nice campground," notes a visitor to a local KOA, while another camper at Camp Doris mentioned, "The campgrounds were very well maintained, maps were very easy to navigate!"
What you should know
Security procedures: When staying at camping cabins on military property near Lawton, be prepared for security protocols. At Fort Cobb State Park Campground, "there was frequent visits by the park ranger" ensuring safety throughout the area.
Reservation limitations: Even with reservations, specific sites aren't always guaranteed. "You can reserve a spot online but they will not save your spot for you. I visit yearly and have never gotten the spot I reserved," warns a regular visitor.
Water concerns: Potable water may be limited at some locations. "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," reports a camper from 2020.
Military training noise: Expect occasional artillery practice if staying 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," explains one cabin guest.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select cabin sites near recreational facilities. At Burkburnett-Wichita Falls KOA, campers appreciate the "playground for the kids and dog park for your pup" which provides entertainment options for all family members.
Swimming areas: Choose camping cabins with supervised swimming areas during summer. "The beach and swimming area is manned by lifeguards from 11:00a-7:00p and offers a huge restroom/showers/changing rooms building," notes a visitor describing family amenities.
Wildlife education: Take advantage of educational opportunities at the visitor center. "The visitor center deserves at least an hour of time. Fabulous," recommends a senior camper traveling through the area.
Family-friendly dining: Look for on-site food options to simplify meals. "There is a store near where we were staying that catered to those fisherman. Also had a kitchen with several items on their menu," reports a camper who stayed at Fort Cobb.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose specific sites for the best lake views when camping with an RV. "Prime spots for this campground area would be site #60, 62, 64, 66" at Fort Cobb State Park, according to a camper who stayed during a holiday weekend.
Hookup variations: Verify exact hookup types before booking. "There are 2 Bath houses in the campground. The first one by Loop E is more modern but does not have showers. The second one is by loop C and does have showers but it really needs to be updated," advises a Camp Doris visitor.
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling equipment for gravel sites. "The RV pads are gravel and can be a little soft so bring some platforms to put the jacks down on," recommends a camper who stayed at Fort Cobb State Park.
Gate access information: When staying at Eagles Nest Cove - Fort Cobb, understand gate procedures. "Do not use Letra Gate. It's closed. Ignore GPS and go to Apache Gate," advises a military base camper.