The Wichita Mountains region offers diverse camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,400 feet. The area receives about 30 inches of rainfall annually, creating a unique transition zone between eastern woodlands and western prairies. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, requiring campers to prepare for temperature variations.
What to do
**Mountain hiking trails: Doris Campground provides access to numerous trails ranging from easy to challenging. "The hiking was splendid and much better than expected," notes Roger W., who adds that "Best sites in Loop A: 1, 2, 5, 10, 11, 13, 15" offer good starting points for trail access.
**Wildlife viewing: The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge at Camp Doris is home to diverse animals. Dusty G. recommends "Join 'Friends of the Wichitas' for exclusive tours of the private areas of the park and access to stargazing and wildlife events." Longhorn cattle, bison, and deer often wander near campsites.
**Water recreation: Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area offers multiple water activities. "Clean lake with paddle boat and kayak rentals. Mini golf, beach and water slides," mentions Mimi B. The recreation area includes a designated swimming beach with lifeguards on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What campers like
**Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the semi-primitive tent sites at Doris Campground. Madeline S. notes, "I prefer the semi-primitive sites as it's a bit more private. The view is lovely and there's a lot of trails to choose from."
**Clean facilities: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Doris Campground maintains well-kept facilities. "The showers were hot and there was always toilet paper," reports Mary C. Some campground loops have newer pit toilets while others feature flush toilets and showers.
**Family-friendly atmosphere: Meaghan V. appreciated that "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." This security aspect ranks high among family campers visiting the area.
What you should know
**Water safety concerns: Rebecca A. warns, "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."
**Campground reservations: For Quartz Mountain State Park Campground, Jennifer O. recommends making reservations well in advance: "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."
**Limited cell service: Cell reception is spotty throughout the region. Roger W. reports, "Cell Service (AT&T): No bars at Campground. 2 bars outside of visitor center." Plan communications accordingly, especially if splitting up from your group.
Tips for camping with families
**Check out visitor centers: The educational facilities offer great introductions to local ecology. "The visitor center deserves at least an hour of time. Fabulous," shares Roger W. from his family's visit to Camp Doris.
**Plan for plant hazards: Jennifer O. cautions about a common issue at Quartz Mountain State Park: "LOTS of stickers. Beware especially if you have long haired dogs." These burrs can be painful for children and pets alike.
**Consider glamping options: For families seeking comfort while glamping in Meers, Oklahoma, several campgrounds offer climate-controlled accommodations. The luxury glamping experience near Meers provides modern conveniences while maintaining access to natural surroundings.
Tips from RVers
**Choose optimal sites: At Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, Phil D. recommends: "The staff that I spoke to was very helpful, and so friendly. She explained everything in the park, beautiful areas, and which sites had FHU. Very clean park, with great trails."
**Prepare for weather extremes: The Wichita Mountains area experiences significant temperature swings. RVers should bring both cooling and heating options, as summer days can reach over 100°F while nights might require heat even in summer months.
**Watch for wildlife on roads: Bison and longhorn cattle roam freely in many areas. William A. notes, "There is free roaming Buffalo and Longhorn Cattle so don't be surprised if you see one in the Campground." Drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
