Camping sites near Mountain Park, Oklahoma cluster around the area's diverse terrain where the Wichita Mountains meet the plains. Elevations range from 1,300 to 2,400 feet, creating varied camping environments across the region. Campers should prepare for high winds, particularly at lakeside locations where gusts can intensify across open water surfaces.
What to do
Hike Mount Scott: Access this panoramic viewpoint from several nearby campgrounds. "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," notes a visitor to Camp Doris.
Paddle Glen Creek: This less-known waterway offers quieter water recreation away from busier lake areas. "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!" explains a camper at Great Plains State Park Campground.
Watch for wildlife spawning seasons: Time visits to coincide with natural cycles. A camper at Great Plains State Park reports, "Gar were spawning while we were there, which was entertaining. Geese abound. We saw several geese with their babies in the water and right next to our site."
Explore Medicine Park: This historic cobblestone community is worth visiting from your camping base. "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," suggests a reviewer from Camp Doris.
What campers like
Free camping options: Budget travelers appreciate no-cost alternatives to established campgrounds. "The roads a little rough but it's free with great views," notes a visitor to Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite.
Lakeside tent sites: Waterfront camping provides direct access to activities. At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, a camper shares: "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."
Varied wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings enhance camping experiences throughout the seasons. "The night life was busy and vocal from dusk to dawn. Bull elks bugling, mule deer snorting while running through our site, either the free roam longhorn or the bison called out to each other," describes one camper's experience at Camp Doris.
Established trails: Well-maintained paths cater to different hiking abilities. "The hiking was splendid and much better than expected. The visitor center deserves at least an hour of time. Fabulous," notes a visitor to Camp Doris, highlighting the surrounding trails.
What you should know
E. coli water issues: Long-term contamination affects water access at certain campgrounds. "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 and all water is considered unsafe, including all streams and lakes. Bring in your own water, the closest store is at least 30 mins away," warns a reviewer at Camp Doris.
First-come camping limitations: Reservations don't guarantee specific sites at some locations. One visitor to Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area shares: "You can reserve a spot online but they will not save your spot for you. I visit yearly and have never gotten the spot I reserved."
Military training noise: Proximity to Fort Sill means unexpected sounds at certain campgrounds. "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," cautions a visitor to Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area.
Seasonal crowding patterns: Off-season camping offers more solitude. "We stayed here for two nights while making our way back from CA to NC. It is end of Nov. So the campground is super quiet and only a handful of people camping at the multiple campgrounds," reports a camper at Quartz Mountain State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Secure tent areas: Some campgrounds offer monitored spaces for safer family camping. At Camp Doris, a visitor shares: "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."
Kid-friendly water activities: Multiple locations feature safe swimming areas for children. "A nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house(11a-7p)…lifeguards," notes a Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area visitor describing the facilities.
Small-scale entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with additional activities beyond hiking. A camper at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area describes the amenities: "There is a nice sandy beach area, waterslides, paddle boats and kayaks for rent, a restaurant and a playground in the camping area."
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Triple Ace Campsites, a visitor mentions: "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 play area (our boys played at it as much as they could)."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer different amperage options. At Camp Doris, one RVer notes: "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."
Gate access considerations: Some campgrounds have specific entry requirements. For Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, an RVer advises: "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."
Outer loop site advantages: At Camp Doris, a helpful RVer shares specific site recommendations: "Best sites in Loop A: 1, 2, 5, 10, 11, 13, 15. E63 is the only site I liked in the electric loop. A 7&9 are not good sites as far as privacy from each other."
Pull-through site availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access for larger rigs. "All sites are pull through and fairly level. Full hookups with 30 & 50 amp service," notes a camper describing Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, providing practical information for RVers navigating the region.
