Shirley P.
Scout
ScoutGreat Plains State Park Campground
Beautiful
Oct.they are empty. It's clean, good level, didn't use hooks ups.Pretty lake.
Tent Camping near Medicine Park, OK
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Two tent campgrounds near Medicine Park, Oklahoma provide varied camping experiences. Chandler Creek Campground in Lawton offers five electric sites on a first-come, first-served basis with rates from $8 to $17. Sites are located in a large open grassy field with limited shade, though there are shaded picnic shelters available. Waurika Primitive Camping provides free tent camping with a 14-day stay limit on primitive sites near the lake.
Access to tent sites varies considerably between locations. Chandler Creek has well-maintained grass pads suitable for tents, trash service, and showers, but no toilets or drinking water. Waurika Primitive Camping features dirt and gravel roads with significant potholes that can be challenging to navigate. The primitive area includes some established fire rings in mowed clearings. Neither location requires permits, though payment arrangements for Chandler Creek may require calling ahead. Campers should bring all necessary water, as potable water is not available at either location.
The tent camping areas provide good access to water recreation opportunities. Chandler Creek sits along a river, offering spots for sitting on the riverbank. Waurika Lake provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and beach access, though the shoreline is described as muddy rather than sandy. A hiking trail near Waurika extends 13 miles one-way, requiring proper preparation for those attempting the full route. Weather can fluctuate significantly, with periods of rain creating muddy conditions on access roads. According to one camper, "If you want to spend some time just sitting on the river bank, this is your spot."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Medicine Park (2)
1. Chandler Creek Campground
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $17 / night
2. Waurika Primitive Camping
"FCFS FREE
LIMIT 14 DAYS
LNT
This is an amazing place. The sites are less than 1/4 mile from the highway. We didn't travel all the roads in this area since we found our spot right off. "
Drive Time
- 13 min from Lawton, OK
- 53 min from Wichita Falls, TX
- 1 hr 9 min from Oklahoma City, OK
- 2 hrs 21 min from Enid, OK
Tent Camping Reviews near Medicine Park, OK
162 Reviews of 2 Medicine Park Campgrounds
Chuck S.ScoutWichita Ridge Campground
Needs a little work
We ended up there a day after some good rain so the site was a little washed out, but that's nature. #19 is a pretty big spot on the lake. Bring a water hose extension for the hose bib. I caught one tiny fish but look forward to better luck during Labor day.
Kenneth B.
GuideDoris Campground
Great for wildlife
We love camping here in the cooler months and
Jackie F.ScoutQuartz Mountain State Park Campground
Group Camp continues to go downhill while prices go up.
We have been at this group camp for 46 years straight (except for pandemic year). Over the years we saw improvements. Since the pandemic not so much. 2 cabins are completely unusable. Each year we are promised they will be fixed. Just empty words. Now we are are told this year that the commercial refrigerator broke and they just put in a regular fridge with the promise that it will be replaced by our July 23 date. We are not hopeful. The grocery store closed years ago. Then the water slide closed. Next the paddle boats and miniature golf closed. The state has done nothing to help the situation.
- NNick B.
TravelerCamp Doris
Great Central Location
Stayed here for a couple days in late April. Reserve in advance if possible. We chose a spot near the lake and were able to fish and canoe right from our campground. Plentiful shade and good amenities including showers, concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and firewood for sale at the check in station. Cell service was basically non existent with Verizon, and given the frequency of severe weather in Oklahoma it’s important to be weather aware. We were not and the park ranger luckily notified us of severe warnings. Wildlife is abundant throughout the park and has free range even in the campground, we saw longhorns 20 yards from our site. Would revisit again.
JeanTravelerGreat Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite
Beautiful location
Beautiful water & mountain views. Entry way definitely makes it secluded & could use a machete trim as branches were unkind to our vehicle & small camper. Advise to only come by 4 wheel drive as a few trenches & soft surface at site.
Alexandria C.GuideGreat Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite
Beautiful spot but rough road
Google Maps correctly navigated me to the side of the lake but the road was rough! Giant potholes and probably impossible in what conditions unless you had a really good four-wheel-drive. Me and my Subaru seemed to get in okay but it was a negotiation!
Lauren W.GuideDoris Campground
Tons of wildlife
Visited first week of November 2025 during the government shutdown. Campground and all trails were open. Visitors center and environmental education center were closed. There was a camp host on site. All bathrooms were being maintained. PLEASE NOTE THE CAMPGROUND MAP ON THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WEBSITE IS OUTDATED. I booked site 22 to be close to the restrooms and showers only to find out the building no longer existed. The area marked “Restroom & Shower Complex” is dirt. Also the two restrooms directly across from site 34 no longer existed either. I attached a picture with red Xs marking those out. The area marked “Central Restroom” is the only restroom with running water, flush toilets, and showers. All other restrooms on the map are vault toilets. Campground had lots of trees that made the sites feel a little more private even though some sites were close together. There are 4 individual shower rooms. Water was warm and it seemed that both the central bathroom and showers were heated. Firewood bundles and ice available on the backside of the campground entrance station. Cash only and self pay. So much wonderful wildlife. Take the time during the first hour of sunrise and the last hour before sunset to drive around to look at wildlife. I was able to see elk, deer, turkeys, and of course the bison and longhorns which are out and about all day.
- CCrispin S.Guide
Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite
Wonderful View
Driving thru the area and needed a spot for the night; we lucked up with this one.
I would recommend using AppleMaps if possible; takes you right to the spot. If you are using Waze it will tell you to turn at what looks like a private driveway/road. If you have to use Waze, pass that road and take a right at stop sign, then a right at the wildlife sign. That will put you on the road you need to be on (you will turn left when you see primitive camping sign).
As previous reviews stated; the road is rough with ruts. We were able to handle it in our Ram 3500 with tow (42 feet) but we had to take it very slow.
If you like fishing this is a five star for you; fish jumping all night. We gave it 4 stars due to the over grown grass and mosquitoes. View and sounds were amazing.
Guide to Medicine Park
Tent campgrounds near Medicine Park, Oklahoma offer a mix of lakeside and riverfront options within driving distance of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The Oklahoma climate creates varied camping conditions throughout the year, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winters bringing occasional freezing conditions. The landscape features a combination of open grasslands and scattered tree cover, with water access points at several locations.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Waurika Primitive Camping provides easy lake entry for small watercraft without formal boat ramps. According to a camper, "There is a great area to put the kayaks in and enjoy the lake. If you want to fish I guess you could do it right from the bank and set out in your small boat. No boat ramp."
Hiking opportunities: The Waurika Primitive Camping area connects to an extensive trail system. One visitor notes, "The trail is 13 miles ONE way, so if you decide to hike, take gear and water. It's absolutely stunning."
Wildlife observation: The natural areas around Chandler Creek allow for riverbank wildlife watching. The sites are situated with "the highway along one side and some trees and the river along the other," creating a corridor for observing local species.
What campers like
Affordability: Chandler Creek Campground offers budget-friendly options with rates between $8.00-$17.00 for electric sites. One reviewer appreciated that "There are five sites with electric FCFS with trash service."
Open space layout: The campground areas feature expansive grassy areas maintained for tent placement. A camper described Chandler Creek as "a huge grass field, nicely maintained and the pads have a base of grass."
Seasonal variety: Late fall camping provides moderate temperatures with occasional cool days. A November camper reported, "The weather fluctuated but was mostly on the warm side with the exception of a few days in the 40's."
What you should know
Water supply planning: No potable water is available at most sites. At Waurika Primitive Camping, visitors advise "Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink. Bring your own water."
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive areas may be challenging. One camper warned, "The roads to the 3 camping spots are absolutely not easy to get to. If you have a big rig I suggest you take it super slow and when the road comes to a 'Y' take the left and BE CAREFUL!"
Reservation process: Payment systems vary between locations. For Chandler Creek, a camper recommends: "Draw back to this site is trying to pay for your site. I would call the above number a day before, during the week, to make arrangements."
Tips for camping with families
Beach expectations: Lake beaches in the area tend to be muddy rather than sandy. A visitor observed, "The beach is very muddy. Not too much sand. It does not stink. There are a lot of Fish, Birds and Clams."
Fire ring availability: Some primitive areas have established fire rings in cleared areas. One camper noted, "There are some rock fire rings and nice open areas that are mowed so no tall weeds."
Shelter options: Picnic shelters provide relief from sun in otherwise open camping areas. A reviewer mentioned Chandler Creek has "shaded picnic shelters and the shelters come in hand since where the sites are there is no shade."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Electrical hookups are restricted to specific numbered sites. At Chandler Creek, a visitor pointed out, "There are only 5 sites with amenities."
Size accommodation: Despite access challenges, larger RVs can find suitable positioning at most locations. One camper noted that at Chandler Creek, "all sizes of rigs can work out a spot but remember there are only 5 sites with amenities."
Stay limits: For the best tent camping near Medicine Park, Oklahoma, observe posted duration restrictions. Waurika Primitive Camping enforces a "LIMIT 14 DAYS" policy for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Medicine Park, OK?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Medicine Park, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Medicine Park, OK is Chandler Creek Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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