Camping near Mountain Park, Oklahoma includes sites suitable for various camping styles, from fully equipped RV parks to more primitive setups. Mountain Park sits at an elevation of 1,420 feet near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Lake Tom Steed. Winter temperatures can drop to freezing, affecting water availability at several campgrounds while summer highs consistently reach 90-100°F.
What to do
Hiking Mount Scott: Visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Camp Doris for access to numerous trails. "Hiking trails can be accessed directly from Doris Campground, or there are numerous other trails in other areas a short drive away," notes a regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The refuge area hosts diverse animal populations. "If you drive to Witchita Mountain Wildlife Refuge you may see elk, bison, Longhorns and deer," reports one camper from Military Park Fort Sill. Painted turtles are commonly spotted around lakes, and coyotes can be seen during early morning hours.
Fishing opportunities: Tom Steed Reservoir offers productive fishing spots adjacent to Great Plains State Park Campground. "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," reports one tent camper who appreciated the waterfront location.
What campers like
Lake views: Campsites with water views receive high marks at Lake Lawtonka East Campground. "Plentiful campsites with several spots right on the lake! Fairly close rather and no way to book ahead but we definitely enjoyed the location," notes a visitor. Another camper mentioned setting up "directly next to the lake and had a great view of Mt. Scott at sunset!"
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight well-maintained restrooms and shower areas. Buffalo Bob's RV Park receives praise for its upkeep: "John the person who runs the place is very helpful and friendly. It's a nice clean Park, easy in and out. The bathrooms and laundry rooms are all clean and functional."
Nighttime atmosphere: The relative isolation creates memorable evenings. One camper at Great Plains State Park noted: "Fireflies!" Others appreciate the relatively dark skies away from city light pollution, though some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or military operations.
What you should know
Military proximity effects: Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area sits on Fort Sill military base. "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," reports one visitor who described it as "unanticipated fireworks."
Water limitations: Potable water access varies between campgrounds. A camper noted at Camp Doris: "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."
Reservation systems: Not all rv parks near Mountain Park operate with reservations. "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," notes a Lake Elmer Thomas visitor. Check individual campground policies before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Rocking A RV Park offers family-friendly amenities about an hour south of Mountain Park. "The kids loved the playground," one family noted. Another visitor mentioned, "Kids immediately fell in love with the small pool and playground."
Military base protocols: When camping at Fort Sill locations, obtain proper access documentation. "If you don't have a military ID you can stop at the visitor center and get a pass for your stay," advises a Military Park Fort Sill Medicine Creek RV Park visitor.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas. Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area provides "a nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house (11a-7p)…lifeguards." The facility also offers mini-golf and disc golf courses appealing to different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: RV parks near Mountain Park, Oklahoma have varying pad surfaces. At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, an RVer advises: "Make sure you have a long electric cable. Service was on the wrong side if you want to face the lake."
Shopping convenience: Some RV parks offer easy access to supplies. Rocking A RV Park has "a path to the Walmart parking lot at the edge of the park," making restocking simple. The park also maintains "a well stocked inventory of RV supplies. They had propane and even came to our site to pick up."
Gate access considerations: When visiting military-based camping facilities, follow specific entry protocols. One Lake Elmer Thomas visitor cautions: "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."
