The Wichita Mountains region surrounding Medicine Park, Oklahoma features diverse camping options managed by multiple agencies. Doris Campground within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge stands as the area's centerpiece, offering tent sites, RV spaces with electric hookups, and walk-in primitive camping. Lake-based camping options include Lake Lawtonka East Campground and Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA), both providing water access with varying levels of amenities. Military-affiliated campgrounds like Fort Sill's Medicine Creek RV Park provide additional options for those with proper credentials. Most established campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities.
Reservations are essential for popular sites, particularly during weekends and summer months. As one camper noted, "Doris Campground will fill up quickly on weekends, so reservations are suggested." Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many camping areas, particularly within the Wildlife Refuge. Military training activities at nearby Fort Sill can create unexpected noise, with one reviewer warning: "They shoot howitzer rounds at any given time." Water availability has been problematic at some campgrounds, with Doris Campground experiencing potable water issues in recent years.
Wildlife viewing ranks among the top experiences for campers in the region. Free-roaming bison, longhorn cattle, elk, and prairie dogs frequently appear near or within campgrounds. According to one visitor, "Bison can and do walk through the campground which is unique and pretty amazing." Hiking trails connect many camping areas to scenic viewpoints, with Mount Scott offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Summer heat makes water-based recreation particularly appealing, with several campgrounds providing direct lake access. The town of Medicine Park itself offers additional attractions, including a creek stocked with trout from November through March. Campground facilities vary widely in quality and maintenance, with some visitors noting older bathhouses and occasional cleanliness issues at certain locations.
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Round 1 of 5
"We also enjoyed visiting the nearby town of Medicine Park."
"We went hiking, saw the dam, swam at medicine park, and had some very nice picnics!"
$12 - $40 / night
"Lots of camping spots - and most were well distanced for plenty of privacy."
"Short path behind site leafs to Quanah Parker Lake. No connections. Water pump nearby; water was good quality. Restroom/shower house located at beginning of loop."
$10 - $30 / night
"The Wichita Reserve seemed to be closed to tent campers due to Covid, so we opted for this spot in a pinch. Setup directly next to the lake and had a great view of Mt. Scott at sunset!"
"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."
"Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, Fort Sill, OK Cabin 3 (both late June and mid-October)
Lake Elmer Thomas(LETRA) is a 334 acre lake located on Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma"
"It's in the Wichita Mountains near Mt Scott and Medicine Park. Clean lake with paddle boat and kayak rentals. Mini golf, beach and water slides. Nice museum and Indian Cemetaries on base."
"If you drive to Witchita Mountain Wildlife Refuge you may see elk, bison, Longhorns and deer. The hiking trails are great and worth the visit."
"There is a separate RV/Camper Loop near the entrance and is a little lower so does not have Lake views. All cabins have lake views to some degree. "
"It was perfect for being near family for the holiday. I gave 4 stars because while clean and nice with great staff, it isn't pretty."
GuideGoogle 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!
ScoutThe property has 12 RV lots and 4 cabins. It also has water and sewer hookups. It is nice and quiet here and not a lot of light or noise polution either.
GuideVisited 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.
GuideDriving 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.
TravelerPlentiful campsites with several spots right on the lake! Fairly close rather and no way to book ahead but we definitely enjoyed the location!!
GuideThe road in starts as a paved/dirt road. Turn left before the primitive camping sign and follow the dirt road to the lake. The road is very rough, but we managed in our VW Atlas. Beautiful view of the mountain and lake. Very quiet and peaceful, and no other visitors.
TravelerWe had an awesome tent site, no 17. Not far from the boat ramp or restrooms
Gar were spawning while we were there, which was entertaining. Geese abound. We saw several geese with their babies in the water and right nest to our site.
Snakes gliding thru the water. Woke up 1 morning to a dead snake right in front of my chair.
Fireflies!
Peaceful, green, perfect
TravelerWe spent a night here and it was beautiful. I loved the challenge to get to the spot. Coordinates will get you close to your turn but you have to watch for the sigh (first pic), from there just use your Maps to navigate which route you want to take. Roads have deep rust but worth it when you find the perfect spot. Water side location. No fire ring but wasn't needed. Area was clean and flat.
TravelerThe manager of this spot is the most friendly woman I’ve ever met. And the nicest. Not just her but some of the other people who live here full-time are so willing to help you. It does have a little bit of road noise, but that doesn’t bother me. I would definitely stay here again.
Camping near Medicine Park, Oklahoma puts visitors within reach of diverse ecological zones including the Wichita Mountains granite formations and surrounding mixed-grass prairie. The region sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, creating a transitional zone between eastern woodlands and western plains. Summer overnight temperatures typically remain in the 70s even when daytime temperatures exceed 100°F, making evening camping activities more comfortable than daytime excursions.
Wildlife photography opportunities: The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers prime opportunities for photographing free-roaming bison, longhorn cattle, and other wildlife. At Doris Campground, one visitor noted, "Bison can and do walk through the campground which is unique and pretty amazing."
Stargazing sessions: Limited light pollution in the Wichita Mountains creates excellent conditions for night sky viewing. "Join 'Friends of the Wichitas' for exclusive tours of the private areas of the park and access to stargazing and wildlife events," suggests a regular visitor to the area.
Seasonal trout fishing: Medicine Park Creek offers stocked trout fishing from November through March. As noted by one camper staying at Lake Lawtonka East Campground, "Also in Medicine Park there is a Creek that is stocked with Trout from November to March."
Mountain views: Many campsites offer direct views of notable landmarks like Mount Scott. A camper at Lake Lawtonka East Campground shared, "Wonderful spot. We stayed for 3 nights, view of Mount Scott was amazing. Had our 2 golden retrievers with us and they loved the lake."
Water recreation access: Several campgrounds provide direct lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. At Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, "There is a nice sandy beach area, waterslides, paddle boats and kayaks for rent, a restaurant and a playground in the camping area."
Hiking trail connections: Many campgrounds connect directly to hiking trails. According to one camper, "Hiking trails can be accessed directly from Doris Campground, or there are numerous other trails in other areas a short drive away."
Campground reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. At Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Doris Campground, "If backpacking is more your speed get a wilderness permit and check out some of the more remote parts of the park."
Water safety concerns: Some campgrounds have ongoing water quality issues. One camper 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."
Base access requirements: Campgrounds located on Fort Sill require special access permits. A visitor to Military Park Fort Sill Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area explained, "Passes must be acquired at the Visitor's Center at the Sheridan Entrance (plan for an hour) for each adult over 16. You must have a valid/current Drivers License, Passport or other recognized government ID."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Triple Ace Campsites, one family mentioned, "Kid's play area (our boys played at it as much as they could), trees helped keep us cool outside."
Nature education opportunities: The visitor center provides educational programming appropriate for various ages. A camper noted, "The visitor center deserves at least an hour of time. Fabulous."
Campsite security considerations: Most campgrounds have regular security patrols. One visitor observed, "The camp host rolled through during the evening before sunset to make sure all was well…and the military police made their rounds a few times during each day. Both of which I appreciate."
Electric hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds with some offering only 30-amp and others providing 50-amp. At Lake Lawtonka East Campground, one RVer advised, "Make sure you have a long electric cable. Service was on the wrong side if you want to face the lake."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have dump stations available. Check campground amenities before booking.
Gate access timing: Military base campgrounds have specific gate closing times. One camper at Military Park Fort Sill noted, "Also know, certain gates close at 7:00p…so keep track of your time off-base."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds in Medicine Park, Oklahoma located?
Medicine Park campgrounds are strategically positioned in the scenic Wichita Mountains region of southwestern Oklahoma. Doris Campground is located within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, just a short drive from Medicine Park. This popular campground offers shaded sites amid beautiful scenery where wildlife viewing opportunities abound, including bison, elk, and coyotes. Another nearby option is Lake Lawtonka East Campground, which sits adjacent to Medicine Park. Most campgrounds in the area are within a 15-30 minute drive from town, making them convenient base camps for exploring Medicine Park's attractions.
What are the options for RV camping in Medicine Park?
RV campers near Medicine Park have several well-equipped options. Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area on Fort Sill offers RV sites with amenities like paddle boat rentals, mini golf, and a beach with water slides. This military campground provides a scenic location in the Wichita Mountains close to Medicine Park. Another option is Military Park Fort Sill Medicine Creek RV Park, which provides dedicated RV facilities near Lawton with water hookups and toilets. Most RV campgrounds in the area feature standard amenities including water connections and dump stations, though availability may be limited on weekends when sites fill quickly.
Are there primitive camping areas available in Medicine Park?
Yes, primitive camping options exist near Medicine Park. Camp Doris in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers more rustic camping experiences in addition to its developed sites. For those seeking truly primitive experiences, Great Plains State Park Dispersed Campsite provides less developed options within driving distance of Medicine Park. When primitive camping in this region, be prepared for variable conditions and wildlife encounters. Most primitive sites have basic fire rings and pit toilets but limited other amenities. During COVID restrictions, some facilities like bathrooms might be closed, so it's advisable to bring self-contained setups.
Can you camp near Bath Lake in Medicine Park?
While there are no campgrounds directly on Bath Lake itself, several camping options are located within a short distance. Quartz Mountain State Park Campground offers camping facilities within driving distance of Bath Lake. This recently restored state park features both RV and tent camping options in the Wichita Mountains region. Buffalo Bob's RV Park near Lawton is another option for those wanting to visit Bath Lake while having a place to camp. Most visitors to Bath Lake typically stay at one of these nearby campgrounds and make the short drive to enjoy swimming and recreation at the lake. Day use is common for Bath Lake visitors.
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