Best Tent Camping near Medicine Park, OK

Recent Tent Reviews near Medicine Park, Oklahoma

147 Reviews of 2 Medicine Park Campgrounds

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  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.

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  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)

• 

  Amanda R.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2018

  Camp Doris

  Great place!

  My daughter and I tent camp as often as we can at Camp Doris.We brought our dog along this time. Camp sites are always clean and its quite.Lots of hiking to do at camp or nearby.

• 

  Justin F.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 24, 2020

  Lake Lawtonka East Campground

  Good Clean Fun but why no restrooms?

  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. The RV and camper area sides are $20 a night with electricity and $8 a night for all primitive tent camping sites. The first primitive campsite is called the ponds. It's very heavily wooded and Lush. The other primitive campsite is very open with almost no trees. Both sides have a beautiful view of Mount Scott & Lake lawtonka. The relative closeness all the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is literally just across the lake. The view is outstanding but the only negative thing I have to say about this campsite is it there's no restrooms for the primitive camping areas. Both of them have only portable outhouses. No true rest rooms are nearby other than and the RV area. Other than that it's a great place for a wonderful weekend.

• 

  Anika L.

  Guide

  

  May. 16, 2019

  Camp Doris

  True hidden gem

  We have tent camped and also used our 16 pull behind camper at an electric site. Campsites are on a first come first serve basis here. We love how quiet and clean the campgrounds always is, and the wildlife running through the campgrounds is incredible! Perfect place for families!

• 

  Susie M.

  Guide

  

  May. 22, 2018

  Camp Doris

  Primitive Tent Camping

  Get There early to get a good spot. There are lots up tent camping and electrical hook UPS for RVS. 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.

• B

  Brad N.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Jennifer O.

  Legend

  

  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.

• 

  Mandy K.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Jennifer D.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 28, 2020

  Camp Doris

  Spectacular place to visit

  Doris campgrounds are only open for RV campers due to covid so I couldn’t stay. Mount Scott had some pretty awesome views and I hiked the trail across the road from it by the bathrooms. There is a gate and a path beside it made from vehicle wheels. You can hike pretty far. There are several spots where you cross a creek which was good for my dogs or I think they would have died by the way they were panting lol. It was 91 degrees when I hiked it. Take 2 water bottles for yourself if it’s hot out! The trail ends at a beautiful lake with the mountain in the distance. I walked down to the lake so the dogs could cool off and drink for a while. Def loved taking it all in. There’s cattle but they didn’t mind us one bit.

  I did see camping in town right before the blue water towers, along the river/creek there are tent camping spots and a lot of people were fishing. It’s just over the bridge and you can miss it. It’s not on the app so thought I would mention it in my review and added some pics of that area!

• A

  Amanda W.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Madeline B.

  Guide

  

  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!

• 

  William A.

  Guide

  

  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.

• J

  Joel H.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 31, 2018

  Burkburnett-Wichita Falls KOA

  KOA in need of a little a little TLC

  For improved campground I have always found KOA to maintain a certain level of consistency so when I went on a fun trip with some friends to check out the “rumored Texas Chainsaw Massacre” community just north of Wichita Falls we wanted to check out the KOA there. Now while you are reading this and probably thinking, “WHY WOULD YOU GO THERE??” Keep in mind it is the rumored house and there is no factual proof that it actually is there, instead we found some really interesting other creepy things to go check out, because why not.

  Anyway, back to the campground itself.

  I was very impressed with the green space, a lot of this area was already starting to brown because of the heat, but they were still looking fresh and soft and that would make for a much better location for our tent. The site itself was just under $30, one of three options they offer which are all only about $4 in difference in pricing. We sprung for the middle option with electrical hook ups, not because we needed them but because after driving around we liked the look of that site a bit more. The deluxe sites they offered were taken but they had bbq grills and a more private tent area, this has been my favorite at several other KOA locations because of the amenities however this again was taken so that wasn’t an option.

  We settled in and noticed that there were very nice amenities, the pool was amazing and perfect for a cool down on the warm day. KOA usually has this kind of amenity available as well as some outdoor activities you can enjoy like playground or sports courts. We were told they do observe quiet hours however if we wanted to swim a bit later as long as we were not loud we could do so. I would ask if this is ok before just getting out there and doing it however!!

  The shower area was very close to the tent space we had selected and as often is at a KOA, one of my favorite features because they are more home like than a typical National or State Park campground. The water was warm and the pressure was very good!!

  I noticed there were several what looked to be long term campers there in RVs. While I personally am not effected by this, it did make the area they were staying in a little less kept looking. They were not over by the cabins and tents however so it wasn’t that off-putting to me, but I could see how if that is an RV stayers view it could be kind of annoying.

  I used the WIFI here and it worked great, sometimes the campsites are a bit to far away and thus don’t get good connection, however I was able to use wifi for typical functions, although I did not fully test it with uploading anything major.

  TIPS

  If you are interested in a Deluxe site book in advance there are very few and they go fast during heavy traffic seasons. Usually at this campsite there are tent sites which are walk in ready however.

  Explore around the campground because they have some very interesting items if you are willing to just walk around and see them which are unique to this campground.

  • Be careful for stickers. While the area we were in didn’t seem to have them we did notice when walking around especially near the dog walk area they seemed to be pretty bad.
• 

  Mimi B.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Morgan K.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 29, 2018

  Camp Doris

  Amazing!

  This so far is my absolute favorite place to camp in the northwest region of Oklahoma. At night you can hear elk. There is a variety of sites from RV, tents, and hike in sites. The park has free range elk, buffalo, and longhorn. Absolutely beautiful and has lots of sites but does fill up fast! Even in March and sometimes February!

• 

  Ashe L.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 31, 2017

  Camp Doris

  Great Campground!

  The Wichita Mountains are absolutely one of my favorite places to explore in Oklahoma, but I would only take day trips out there without camping. It wasn't until I camped at the Doris Campground for the first time that I realized how lovely their campsites are. Clean, spacious, and beautiful, with ample parking, tent pads, and grills. The nearby facilities (including showers) were clean and well-stocked, and the hot water in the showers lasted for a long time. Payment was through the honor system. I drove past a non-staffed station where I put my money and my campsite info in an envelope and slipped it through a slot in the door.

  Many thanks to the staff for providing a lovely campground for both new and returning visitors alike!

• M

  Meaghan V.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 11, 2018

  Camp Doris

  Clean and Family Friendly

  The campgrounds were very well maintained, maps were very easy to navigate! I felt safe setting up my tent and leaving it for the day while our group went out to hike.

• 

  Rebecca A.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• J

  Jamie B.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 8, 2018

  Great Plains State Park Campground

  What a Surprise!

  This is a great park in far western Oklahoma! Not very much shade but Glen Creek is a diamond in the rough! Fun fun fun to paddle in the kayak!

• B

  Billy H.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 20, 2016

  Camp Doris

  Doris!

  I love this area, my favorite part of Oklahoma. Doris Campground is nice. It has all the amenities you could ask for with the bonus of being next to some great hiking, fishing, wildlife and more.

  Bathrooms are clean and the spots are well maintained.

• A

  Alison C.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 4, 2018

  Camp Doris

  Quiet, cozy campground.

  This is one of my favorite campgrounds when I'm looking for quiet, relaxing camping. The sites are well spaced and the campground is always peaceful. There are nice short hiking trails nearby to enjoy as well. I do wish they had a better designated tent pad. Finding a level spot was a little tricky.

• D

  Dusty B.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 6, 2022

  Lake Lawtonka East Campground

  East Campground

  We stayed at the East Campground on a Friday in early March, 2022. We were pleasantly surprised as we drove through the tent area. We found a spot we liked and drove across the highway to the Lake office and left our $10 fee in the drop box. Very quiet, beautiful lake view. No restrooms, but we made do.

• 

  Katie K.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 28, 2016

  Camp Doris

  If you're in OK, Don't miss this.

  The Wichitas are (in my humble opinion), by far the best place to be in Oklahoma. When my boyfriend took me camping there (he's an OK native), I was pressed to the glass looking at the buffalo. AMAZING. So much wildlife (make sure you stop to see the prairie dogs), and the mountains are amazing. There is no bad place to camp here, just make sure you go for a hike!

• 

  Ryin J.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 23, 2020

  Lake Lawtonka East Campground

  Nice Quiet Spot with Mt. Scott View

  We needed a quick spot for an impromptu camping trek so hike the Wichita mountains. 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! Only complaint was proximity to the road, as there was some passing truck noise throughout the night.

• 

  Dusty G.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 21, 2016

  Camp Doris

  Home Away From Home

  The Wichita Mountains is the park we frequent the most. It's only about an hour and a half from Oklahoma City and has really wonderful tourist center, trails, and campgrounds. The scenery of The Narrows, Charon's Garden, Elk Mountain, and the Holy City are wonderful. Doris Campground will fill up quickly on weekends, so reservations are suggested. Join 'Friends of the Wichitas' for exclusive tours of the private areas of the park and access to stargazing and wildlife events. Drive up Mount Scott for beautiful views of neighboring Lake Lawtonka, and wonderful sunsets.