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Best Campgrounds near Medicine Park, OK

167 Reviews

The Wichita Mountains region surrounding Medicine Park, Oklahoma features diverse camping options managed by multiple agencies. Doris Campground within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge stands as the area's centerpiece, offering tent sites, RV spaces with electric hookups, and walk-in primitive camping. Lake-based camping options include Lake Lawtonka East Campground and Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA), both providing water access with varying levels of amenities. Military-affiliated campgrounds like Fort Sill's Medicine Creek RV Park provide additional options for those with proper credentials. Most established campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities.

Reservations are essential for popular sites, particularly during weekends and summer months. As one camper noted, "Doris Campground will fill up quickly on weekends, so reservations are suggested." Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many camping areas, particularly within the Wildlife Refuge. Military training activities at nearby Fort Sill can create unexpected noise, with one reviewer warning: "They shoot howitzer rounds at any given time." Water availability has been problematic at some campgrounds, with Doris Campground experiencing potable water issues in recent years.

Wildlife viewing ranks among the top experiences for campers in the region. Free-roaming bison, longhorn cattle, elk, and prairie dogs frequently appear near or within campgrounds. According to one visitor, "Bison can and do walk through the campground which is unique and pretty amazing." Hiking trails connect many camping areas to scenic viewpoints, with Mount Scott offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Summer heat makes water-based recreation particularly appealing, with several campgrounds providing direct lake access. The town of Medicine Park itself offers additional attractions, including a creek stocked with trout from November through March. Campground facilities vary widely in quality and maintenance, with some visitors noting older bathhouses and occasional cleanliness issues at certain locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Medicine Park, Oklahoma (55)

    1. Camp Doris

    40 Reviews
    Meers, OK
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 429-2197

    "We also enjoyed visiting the nearby town of Medicine Park."

    "We went hiking, saw the dam, swam at medicine park, and had some very nice picnics!"

    2. Doris Campground

    18 Reviews
    Meers, OK
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 429-2197

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Lots of camping spots - and most were well distanced for plenty of privacy."

    "Short path behind site leafs to Quanah Parker Lake. No connections. Water pump nearby; water was good quality. Restroom/shower house located at beginning of loop."

    3. Lake Lawtonka East Campground

    10 Reviews
    Medicine Park, OK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 529-2663

    $10 - $30 / night

    "The Wichita Reserve seemed to be closed to tent campers due to Covid, so we opted for this spot in a pinch. Setup directly next to the lake and had a great view of Mt. Scott at sunset!"

    "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."

    4. Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Medicine Park, OK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 442-5854

    "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"

    "It's in the Wichita Mountains near Mt Scott and Medicine Park. Clean lake with paddle boat and kayak rentals. Mini golf, beach and water slides. Nice museum and Indian Cemetaries on base."

    5. Military Park Fort Sill Medicine Creek RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Fort Sill, OK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 355-8270

    "If you drive to Witchita Mountain Wildlife Refuge you may see elk, bison, Longhorns and deer. The hiking trails are great and worth the visit."

    6. Military Park Fort Sill Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Fort Sill, OK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 442-5854

    "There is a separate RV/Camper Loop near the entrance and is a little lower so does not have Lake views. All cabins have lake views to some degree. "

    7. Buffalo Bob's RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Lawton, OK
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 647-0107

    "It was perfect for being near family for the holiday.  I gave 4 stars because while clean and nice with great staff, it isn't pretty."

    8. Edgewater Park

    1 Review
    Elgin, OK
    8 miles
    +1 (580) 529-2663

    9. Chandler Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Elgin, OK
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 529-2663

    $8 - $17 / night

    10. Triple Ace Campsites

    1 Review
    Cache, OK
    12 miles
    Website

    $28 - $35 / night

    "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. very quiet campground, kid’s"

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Recent Camping Photos near Medicine Park, OK

46 Photos of 55 Medicine Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Medicine Park, OK

167 Reviews of 55 Medicine Park Campgrounds

  • Jenna L.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Lake Lawtonka East Campground

    Lakeside Campsite

    Plentiful campsites with several spots right on the lake! Fairly close rather and no way to book ahead but we definitely enjoyed the location!!

  • Benjamin G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2025

    Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful and Beautiful

    The road in starts as a paved/dirt road. Turn left before the primitive camping sign and follow the dirt road to the lake. 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.

  • Christine D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Great Plains State Park Campground

    Beautiful place

    We had an awesome tent site, no 17. Not far from the boat ramp or restrooms

    Gar were spawning while we were there, which was entertaining. Geese abound. We saw several geese with their babies in the water and right nest to our site.

    Snakes gliding thru the water. Woke up 1 morning to a dead snake right in front of my chair.

    Fireflies!

    Peaceful, green, perfect

  • Pam H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful area

    We spent a night here and it was beautiful. I loved the challenge to get to the spot. Coordinates will get you close to your turn but you have to watch for the sigh (first pic), from there just use your Maps to navigate which route you want to take. Roads have deep rust but worth it when you find the perfect spot. Water side location. No fire ring but wasn't needed. Area was clean and flat.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2025

    Time Out RV Park

    Wonderful place to stay

    The manager of this spot is the most friendly woman I’ve ever met. And the nicest. Not just her but some of the other people who live here full-time are so willing to help you. It does have a little bit of road noise, but that doesn’t bother me. I would definitely stay here again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2025

    Quartz Mountain State Park Campground

    Stunning

    A well maintained park lots of shaded sites, picnic tables are the best. Views of the mountain are great. Bathhouse and toilets are new in most sites.

  • Kevin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2025

    Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite

    Oklahoma Wildlife Management Area

    This location is an Oklahoma Wildlife Management Area, not Great Plains State Park. These coordinates get you close to the road where the WMA begins. Look for the OK WMA sign and turn. The road gets rough and has low hanging limbs that will hit tall vehicles. You can get close to the Tom Steed Reservoir with some decent views. Quiet and secluded.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Great Plains State Park Campground

    Awesome State Park

    Spent one night here. Pretty much right on the Tom Steed reservoir so fishing and boating is an option. Space was fairly level and had both electric and water. $25 per night. They do give a small senior discount. Standard park restrooms and showers. All the sites had picnic tables and firings. Great hiking trails nearby also. We were there on a weekend and it was pretty full.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Pecan Grove RV Resort

    Nice clean RV Park

    The only reason I didn’t give this park five stars is it it’s right next to the interstate so there was quite a bit of freeway noise. Other than that the park is very well kept and maintained. The camp hosts were super nice. The bathrooms and showers were awesome. Full hook ups for a back in site for $40 per night. For being a RV park, the spaces were napart from each other. not right on top of each other like some parks are. This park also looks to have several full-time or seasonal residents.

Guide to Medicine Park

Camping near Medicine Park, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the Doris Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The hiking was splendid and much better than expected," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, you can see a variety of wildlife. A visitor noted, "Saw geese, fox, Coyotes, Buffalo, prairie dogs and rattle snakes," which adds excitement to your camping experience.
  • Fishing and Water Sports: The Great Plains State Park Campground is perfect for fishing. One camper shared, "Looks like a fun place to go fishing," highlighting the opportunities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Doris Campground. A reviewer stated, "The sinks and toilets were very clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the large sites at Lake Lawtonka East Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Lovely view, easy to set up," indicating that the space is both beautiful and accommodating.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers at Fort Cobb State Park Campground appreciate the helpfulness of the staff. A review noted, "The camp host was on top of everything," which can make a big difference in your stay.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you're planning to stay at Doris Campground, be prepared for little to no cell service. One camper mentioned, "No bars at Campground," so plan accordingly.
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Great Plains State Park Campground, recommend making reservations. A visitor shared, "They make it very easy to go online and make reservations," which can save you a spot during busy times.
  • Weather Considerations: Campers at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area noted that the weather can be unpredictable. One review stated, "It was very windy at times," so be prepared for changing conditions.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, families can enjoy the lake and playground. A camper noted, "Walking distance to lake beach swim area and playground directly across from this site," making it a great spot for kids.
  • Wildlife Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature at Doris Campground. One parent mentioned, "There is a ton of wildlife in the area," which can be exciting for young adventurers.
  • Plan for No Showers: Some campgrounds, like Doris Campground, have limited shower facilities. A visitor noted, "The restroom/shower house is old & needs updating," so be ready for that.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: RVers at Fort Cobb State Park Campground recommend checking site sizes before booking. One review stated, "I would not recommend this site for longer RVs or travel trailers," so make sure your rig fits.
  • Use Dump Stations: Campers at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area appreciate the availability of dump stations. A visitor mentioned, "Dump site was not far off," which is convenient for RV travelers.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: RVers at Great Plains State Park Campground suggest bringing extra supplies. One camper noted, "I would also recommend packing extra eating utensils," to ensure a comfortable stay.

Camping near Medicine Park, Oklahoma, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it's a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds in Medicine Park, Oklahoma located?

Medicine Park campgrounds are strategically positioned in the scenic Wichita Mountains region of southwestern Oklahoma. Doris Campground is located within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, just a short drive from Medicine Park. This popular campground offers shaded sites amid beautiful scenery where wildlife viewing opportunities abound, including bison, elk, and coyotes. Another nearby option is Lake Lawtonka East Campground, which sits adjacent to Medicine Park. Most campgrounds in the area are within a 15-30 minute drive from town, making them convenient base camps for exploring Medicine Park's attractions.

What are the options for RV camping in Medicine Park?

RV campers near Medicine Park have several well-equipped options. Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area on Fort Sill offers RV sites with amenities like paddle boat rentals, mini golf, and a beach with water slides. This military campground provides a scenic location in the Wichita Mountains close to Medicine Park. Another option is Military Park Fort Sill Medicine Creek RV Park, which provides dedicated RV facilities near Lawton with water hookups and toilets. Most RV campgrounds in the area feature standard amenities including water connections and dump stations, though availability may be limited on weekends when sites fill quickly.

Are there primitive camping areas available in Medicine Park?

Yes, primitive camping options exist near Medicine Park. Camp Doris in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers more rustic camping experiences in addition to its developed sites. For those seeking truly primitive experiences, Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite provides less developed options within driving distance of Medicine Park. When primitive camping in this region, be prepared for variable conditions and wildlife encounters. Most primitive sites have basic fire rings and pit toilets but limited other amenities. During COVID restrictions, some facilities like bathrooms might be closed, so it's advisable to bring self-contained setups.

Can you camp near Bath Lake in Medicine Park?

While there are no campgrounds directly on Bath Lake itself, several camping options are located within a short distance. Quartz Mountain State Park Campground offers camping facilities within driving distance of Bath Lake. This recently restored state park features both RV and tent camping options in the Wichita Mountains region. Buffalo Bob's RV Park near Lawton is another option for those wanting to visit Bath Lake while having a place to camp. Most visitors to Bath Lake typically stay at one of these nearby campgrounds and make the short drive to enjoy swimming and recreation at the lake. Day use is common for Bath Lake visitors.

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