Dispersed camping options surround Medicine Park, Oklahoma, with sites positioned throughout the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The region sits at an elevation ranging from 1,300 to 2,400 feet with distinct granite formations and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer days frequently exceed 100°F, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
What to do
Hiking diverse trails: Doris Campground connects to multiple trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "Hiking trails can be accessed directly from Doris Campground, or there are numerous other trails in other areas a short drive away," notes a camper who appreciates the accessibility of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Doris Campground.
Mountain biking opportunities: Local trails support both beginners and experienced riders. One visitor at Quartz Mountain State Park mentioned, "There is a paved bike trail, but it's not very long. We did use our bikes to ride around the campground and up on top of the dam."
Stargazing sessions: Clear skies provide excellent night viewing conditions away from city lights. "The night sky viewing was pretty good. I wish they would upgrade their lighting to be more dark sky friendly. This would be an great location for that," reported a winter visitor.
Water recreation options: From fishing to paddling, lake activities abound. "Clean lake with paddle boat and kayak rentals. Mini golf, beach and water slides," observed one camper about recreational amenities available at the lakes.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The refuge hosts diverse animal populations visible year-round. "We saw bison, elk and coyotes," shared a reviewer, while another noted, "Painted turtles are in abundance around the lake, as are smallish 'fist-sized' tarantulas. Bicycling the Artillery Range perimeter roadways on base, coyote dash across in early morning hours."
Diverse camping environments: From primitive sites to glamping near Medicine Park, Oklahoma, options satisfy different comfort needs. "We were in site 47-B, which is an area that is near the lake and has electrical. This particular site has the lake just a few steps from the camp," described a visitor at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area.
Uncrowded camping areas: Some locations offer peaceful seclusion despite proximity to attractions. At Moneka Park, a camper appreciated that "there's like never anyone there, so it's always quiet and we don't have to worry about people starting crap for no reason."
Historical significance: Fort Sill provides additional cultural context. "Fort Sill has a lot of history to view. Great museums," explained a regular visitor.
What you should know
Water safety concerns: Potable water access varies by location and season. "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," advised a camper at Camp Doris.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Weekends at WMWR 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."
Seasonal conditions: Winter camping requires extra preparation, while summer demands heat management strategies. "We camped in December, so we practically had the entire place to ourselves. The park was full of deer everywhere!"
Military operations impact: Fort Sill training creates occasional noise disturbances. "Biggest con was absolutely no warning on their site that there is training going on all around the CG. If you have a Veteran with PTSD like I do prepare him/her that they shoot howitzer rounds at any given time."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities considerations: Comfort stations vary widely in quality and accessibility. "The restrooms were in decent shape but a bit outdated, a part of the improvement project is to create better facilities throughout the many loops also."
Kid-friendly activities: Structured recreation keeps younger campers engaged. A visitor at Pecan Grove RV Resort appreciated how "it's quiet, clean, friendly & most importantly safe!"
Safety protocols: Wildlife awareness prevents negative encounters. "There are free roaming Buffalo and Longhorn Cattle so don't be surprised if you see one in the Campground."
Private glamping alternatives: Luxury camping options provide enhanced comfort. Glamping accommodations near Medicine Park offer alternatives to traditional tent camping for families seeking more amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Positioning affects both views and noise levels. "I enjoyed the sites which were a bit further from the waterfront itself because they seem to have less noise from trucks with loud pipes."
Hookup availability: Electric options vary significantly between campgrounds. "These are electrical only sites. And the water available at the campground was not potable and has been this way since 2017 per a sign."
Access route planning: Not all gates and entrances remain open. "Do not use Letra Gate. It's closed. Ignore GPS and go to Apache Gate. Better yet set GPS for Apache Gate. It's the quickest route and you won't have to drive through the busy base and narrow roads."
Site spacing considerations: Privacy levels differ by campground and loop. "We found the sites to be very quiet and spread out. There are many great sites along the lake edge beyond our loop, but these offered no electrical."
