Doris Campground offers primitive and electric sites within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located 30 minutes from Mountain Park, Oklahoma. The campground sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with semi-arid conditions and temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to over 100°F in summer. Water availability issues have been reported in the past, so campers should verify current water status before arrival.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge hosts diverse wildlife including longhorn cattle, buffalo, and wild turkeys that frequently visit campgrounds. "I have visited all months of the year... with bovine (longhorn, buffalo) covering virtually all areas of the refuge," notes a camper at Camp Doris.
Hiking and trail options: Multiple trails range from beginner-friendly paths to challenging routes across granite formations. "The hiking was splendid and much better than expected. The visitor center deserves at least an hour of time. Fabulous," reports a visitor to Doris Campground who particularly recommended the outer loop campsites.
Mount Scott exploration: Drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A camper at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area noted: "Nearby off-base hiking (Mount Scott and the Medicine Park Wildlife Refuge)" provides excellent recreational opportunities with "ample quiet, paved road opportunities" for bicycling.
What campers like
Semi-primitive camping areas: For those seeking more solitude, some campgrounds offer more secluded options. "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," mentions a camper at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Doris Campground.
Beach activities: Several area lakes feature sandy beaches and designated swimming areas. At Quartz Mountain State Park, visitors appreciate "the beachfront was vast and amazing... You could walk the beach, get in the water or enjoy a picnic through one of the shaded areas."
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "The night sky viewing was pretty good. I wish they would upgrade their lighting to be more dark sky friendly. This would be an great location for that," notes a visitor to Quartz Mountain State Park.
What you should know
Water supply issues: Some campgrounds have experienced water contamination problems. A Camp Doris visitor warned, "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."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. "Doris Campground will fill up quickly on weekends, so reservations are suggested," advises a frequent visitor.
Weather considerations: The area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations. "We camped in December, so we practically had the entire place to ourselves. The park was full of deer everywhere!!" shared a camper at Quartz Mountain State Park Campground, highlighting the benefit of off-season visits.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and recreation access: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area provides "a nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house (11a-7p)...lifeguards," along with "sand volleyball court" and "mini golf course."
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can learn about local ecosystems and animals. "We enjoyed driving over to Prairie Dog town and spending time laughing at their antics. Since our last visit, their area has really grown and continued to spread out," mentioned a visitor.
Site selection for privacy: Families should consider site location carefully. "The campsites 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," noted a Camp Doris visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground and loop. At Rocking A RV Park, which is within driving distance of Mountain Park, a visitor observed, "Sites are mostly grass. We got a pull through for our visit. Sites are a mix of long-term stays and overnight stays."
Campsite spacing and sizing: RV sites have different layouts and proximity to neighbors. "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," reported a visitor to Quartz Mountain State Park Campground, adding a warning about "LOTS of stickers. Beware especially if you have long haired dogs."
Alternative glamping options: For those seeking glamping near Mountain Park, Oklahoma without bringing their own equipment, several resorts offer upscale accommodations. Quartz Mountain offers "RV and tent Campgrounds, cabins, a very modern lodge with 96 rooms, group pavilions, and a dormitory" for visitors wanting structured comfort with natural surroundings.
