Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Medicine Park, OK

Lake Lawtonka East Campground welcomes pets at all tent and RV sites with lakeside views of Mount Scott. Campers with dogs can select from primitive tent camping in wooded areas or RV sites with 50-amp electrical hookups. Doris Campground in Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge maintains pet-friendly accommodations across its non-electric and electric loops, with hiking trails accessible from the campground. Several campgrounds near Medicine Park feature covered picnic tables and fire rings where pets can rest alongside their owners. Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA) permits pets at its waterfront tent sites, RV loop, and rental cabins, though all pets must remain leashed within the recreation area. Multiple reviewers note bringing golden retrievers to Lake Lawtonka where dogs particularly enjoyed swimming in the lake.

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge provides extensive hiking opportunities where leashed dogs can join their owners on trails with views of free-roaming bison, longhorns, and prairie dog towns. Pet owners hiking Mount Scott should monitor their dogs closely due to rattlesnake presence in warmer months and tarantulas spotted throughout the area. Fort Sill's Medicine Creek RV Park and LETRA both allow military and civilian visitors with pets, though civilians need to obtain passes at the Visitor's Center entrance before arriving with animals. Campgrounds report varying levels of amenities - from primitive tent sites with minimal facilities to full-hookup RV parks with shower houses. Buffalo Bob's RV Park maintains concrete pads at each pet-friendly site with clean bathroom facilities. Military campgrounds occasionally experience artillery training noise that may disturb sensitive pets, especially during nighttime hours.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Medicine Park, Oklahoma (37)

    1. Camp Doris

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

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

    "Bison can and do walk through the campground which unique and pretty amazing.
    There’s lots to do in the Refuge like shorter and somewhat long hikes as well as fishing and non-motorized boating."

    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."

    "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.  These are electrical only sites. "

    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

    "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."

    "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"

    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. 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"

    10. Collier Landing

    2 Reviews
    Elgin, OK
    11 miles
    +1 (580) 529-2663
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Medicine Park, OK

167 Reviews of 37 Medicine Park Campgrounds


  • A
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Camp Doris

    Beautiful Wichita Mountains

    The area is beautifully scenic and you will very likely see plenty of wildlife.  We saw bison, elk and coyotes.  We also enjoyed visiting the nearby town of Medicine Park.

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Camp Doris

    Good place to get away

    A private company owns (I think) and operates the campground. It’s nice and clean with good amenities. It does fill up on weekends quickly. The campground itself isn’t what I go to WMWR for but I’m not at all disappointed by the campground. Lots of trees and wildlife. Bison can and do walk through the campground which unique and pretty amazing.

    There’s lots to do in the Refuge like shorter and somewhat long hikes as well as fishing and non-motorized boating. Watching wildlife like the bison and prairie dogs are very entertaining and remarkable. The towns of Meers and Medicine Park have their unique offerings as well. WMWR is a fabulous place to get away for flatlanders....or anyone really.

  • William A.
    Nov. 26, 2019

    Camp Doris

    Standard Campground

    Doris Campground is an okay place to camp.  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.  There are plenty of trees to provide shade in the campground but dont look for firewood on the ground as it appears they keep that picked up. You can purchase bundles of firewood at the entry gate for $5 per bundle.  Each campsite has a fire ring and table and enough parking for 2 vehicles.  This campground in on Federal Land and patrolled by Federal Game Wardens.  While in the area it is recommended to visit Holy City and the unique town of Medicine Park.  Also in Medicine Park there is a Creek that is stocked with Trout from November to March.  There is free roaming Buffalo and Longhorn Cattle so dont be surprised if you see one in the Campground.  There are numerous Lakes in the area to fish or boat in and numerous Hiking trails as well.

  • Madeline B.
    Jun. 30, 2016

    Camp Doris

    Doris Camp Ground, Wichita Mountains NWR

    My boyfriend and I love to camp and have camped here at the Wichita mountains a few times! We loved camp Doris! Nice shady campsites, fire pits, bathrooms and showers(major plus), and just an overall great view with tons of stuff to do! We went hiking, saw the dam, swam at medicine park, and had some very nice picnics!

  • Dave V.
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Military Park Fort Sill Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

    A great tenting option when visiting Fort Sill or Lawton

    Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area(LERTA), Fort Sill, OK

     

    Tent Site:$10 (both in June and October)

    Spending a week in Lawton, OK there are only “so many” places you can camp…so we jumped around every night to try as many as we could. The weather was blistering hot and cloudless during the day with a constant strong breeze in June...(and unseasonably windy and bitter cold in mid-October). So both Lake Elmer Thomas and Lake Lawtonka were a welcomed respite. Technically, the only swimming permitted on Lake Elmer Thomas is 11:00a-7:00p with a daily pass of $8. However, they offer packages for military families and civilians should someone desire to take advantage of the season savings. For campers it’s all included in the site or cabin costs. 

    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. 

    Tent sites are grassy areas along the campground roadway on either side, but are not numbered and cost$10 a night. All are first-come, first-served. Most will snatch up the sheltered picnic table areas with an elevated charcoal grill. Almost all are along the lake bank. There is no understory or shrubbery to provide privacy, so you can see and hear your neighbors. 

    During our stay, they were all young families and very respectful of others. Tent campers can utilize any of the restrooms as well as the showerhouse in the RV area. 

    There is enough to stay busy right here at LERTA. Canoe, kayak, paddle board and pontoon boat rentals to enjoy the lake. Fishing is permitted and schools of bluegill are seen along the shoreline. The water is incredibly clear. A very nice mini-golf course is located across from the offices. Sand volleyball is next to the beach area. The beach and swimming area is manned by lifeguards from 11:00a-7:00p and offers a huge restroom/showers/changing rooms building. Playgrounds are located in the RV/Camper loop, outside the beach area and along the tenting area before you reach the cabin rentals. An archery range is located across the roadway from the tenting/picnic areas. 

    The staff are very courteous and helpful. The entrance gate attendant will direct you (Entrance was manned in June but not in October). A bicycle event was taking place and LERTA was the halfway mark and turnaround point. So bicycling these sparsely traveled undulating roads was enjoyable. There are some two track worth exploring to the north of the roadway as well as a few other sizable lakes to fish in the area. 

    DO NOT venture south off the roadway. It is a clearly marked and active artillery range. Also of note, artillery range practice, though sporadic, takes place at any hour of any day. If you treat it like an unexpected fireworks display you’ll actually look forward to it. 

    I find the large resident flock of geese more annoying that the artillery….though the half minute displays were at 2359, 0245 and 0349…blasting you out of any REM cycle. 

    I was advised the tent spots rarely fill up, but RV/Camper and cabin rentals(adventure travel letra)fill up quickly so reservations are a must. 

    Things to do nearby: Definitely spend time in the Medicine Park Wildlife Refuge Area. Drive, bicycle, run or walk up Mount Scott(rock climbing is permitted on Mount Scott). Check out the hundreds of free roaming LongHorn’s, Bison and prairie dog towns. Coyotes, various snakes and tarantulas can be seen through these hills. Scores of fishable lakes dot the landscape. The Ferguson homestead still exists with its “cannonball” architecture. Chad's El Sabores Mexican Restaurant in Medicine Park is a fantastic little eatery on your way in or out of the Recreation Area. Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center is worth a visit and reasonably priced. Clarification: while this may or may not be true for every military base campground, 

    LERTA is open to civilians. However, there is a process. Passes must be acquired at the Visitor’s Center at the Sheridan Entrance (plan for an hour) for each adult over 16. You must have a valid/current Drivers License, Passport or other recognized government ID. They do a background check before you qualify for a pass. Also know, certain gates close at 7:00p…so keep track of your time of off-base.

     The camp host rolled through during the evening before sunset to make sure all was well…and the military police made their rounds a few times during each day. Both of which I appreciate. 

    Would I return? Yes, if I’m traveling through these parts again, I wouldn’t hesitate to camp here again (and I did in mid-October, same year for military graduations)

  • Mimi B.
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

    "LETRA" on Fort Sill Base

    Military CG on Fort Sill's base. Spent 5 weeks here. Scenery and base is beautiful. 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. Saw geese, fox, Coyotes, Buffalo, prairie dogs and rattle snakes. All sites are pull through and fairly level. Full hookups with 30 & 50 amp service. Laundry room with 4 washers & dryers, $1 (when working). There is also a laundrette by the Commissary. Didn't use showers or restroom but checked them out. Ladies room was very dated and needs a really good cleaning.
    There are a lot of long term rvs. Some not stayed in by the owners the entire time we were there. We didn't have any issue getting the site we reserved as someone mentioned in a previous review. The staff was nice when we asked to change our site to one with a better view. 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. We had no clue and the 1st week there was a rough one for my DAV. 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.

  • Kelly B.
    Jun. 27, 2020

    Burkburnett-Wichita Falls KOA

    Nice stop off, near interstate

    A nice KOA right off I-44. Its far enough from the highway to not be bothered by the noise. Nice and grassy and large trees around the campground just not near the RV spots. Nice salt water pool and a little store with sundries. The cabins look very nice as well. It appears they are expanding and adding new sites and renovating as well. Playground for the kids and dog park for your pup. Expect to pay about $45 a night for an RV site. You can save 10% with your KOA membership.

  • 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.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2023

    Quartz Mountain State Park Campground

    Back in business! Great State Park!

    This park was turned back over to the state in 2020 and is exactly how I remembered it from the 80’s. Tucked down in southwest Oklahoma in the Wichita Mountains, it’s a small park but has LOTS of options. There are RV and tent Campgrounds, cabins, a very modern lodge with 96 rooms, group pavilions, and a dormitory. There’s a full restaurant, ORV trails, hiking trails, a river and a lake. Something for everyone.

    We stayed in the Mountain View campground which has concrete pads and didn’t have to level our rig at all. Electric and water and steps to the flush bathroom that has a shower in it. It backs up to the lake berm and has a view of one of the mountains. Not much cover but we didn’t need it as it was cloudy during our stay. LOTS of stickers. Beware especially if you have long haired dogs.


Guide to Medicine Park

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 59,020 acres of mixed-grass prairie terrain with granite outcroppings and stands of oak. Summer temperatures typically reach 95-100°F with high humidity during daytime hours, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions. Tent sites near Medicine Park sit at elevations between 1,400-2,400 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night.

What to do

Hiking with wildlife awareness: At Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge Doris Campground, trails can be accessed directly from your campsite. "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," notes Brad N.

Lakeside activities: Renting watercraft offers a different perspective of the mountains. "Canoe, kayak, paddle board and pontoon boat rentals to enjoy the lake. Fishing is permitted and schools of bluegill are seen along the shoreline. The water is incredibly clear," reports Dave V. about Military Park Fort Sill Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area.

Historical sites: Fort Sill contains multiple military and Native American historical sites within 10 miles of most campgrounds. "Fort Sill has a lot of history to view. Great museums. Full hookups. Close to MT Scott and wildlife park," explains Danny L.

What campers like

Scenic tent sites: Grassy lakeside spots offer mountain views at Lake Lawtonka East Campground. "Plentiful campsites with several spots right on the lake! Fairly close rather and no way to book ahead but we definitely enjoyed the location," writes Jenna L.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many pet-friendly camping areas near Medicine Park feature diverse wildlife viewing. "Saw geese, fox, Coyotes, Buffalo, prairie dogs and rattle snakes," reports Mimi B., who spent five weeks camping in the area.

Minimal light pollution: The rural location creates excellent stargazing conditions. "No street lights, a one shower building, no firewood. Firewood is available for purchase plus you must boil the water before you drink it. All the spots are very clean and have grills and fire pits," explains Susie M. about primitive tent camping in the wildlife refuge.

What you should know

Military training noise: Artillery practice occurs regularly at all hours near Fort Sill. "Artillery range practice, though sporadic, takes place at any hour of any day. If you treat it like an unexpected fireworks display you'll actually look forward to it," explains Dave V. about camping at Triple Ace Campsites.

Water quality concerns: Potable water isn't always available. "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," warns Rebecca A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Medicine Park, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Medicine Park, OK is Camp Doris with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Medicine Park, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 dog-friendly camping locations near Medicine Park, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.