Oklahoma camping

They have a interpretive center there that is very nice. History of the Wichita's and the plight of the buffalo along with how they were re-introduced into the area. Nice movie about the place along with all kinds of neat things. Fort Sill is in Lawton and it is a open post where they have a museum along with graves of old Indian chiefs. Pretty interesting if you like that kind of stuff.

Sounds like Wichita Moutains Refuuge would fit our likes quite well. Are there many day trips nearby, since we have about a week to stay? If you guys could suggest activities within about an hour or hour and a half, it would be much appreciated!

Also, could you guys recommend campgrounds near there? We do generally use KoAs when we're far from home and dont know the area, since they have lots of kids activities and such. However, we also do like to have large and secluded sites and scenery and such that seems to be more prevalent in state and national park sites. So if you guys could point me I he right direction that'd be great. We like swimming and kids activities and the sites, and definitely need full hookups.

Thanks! We've used this inter o planour last few, ong trips with great success,a me it's sounds like this year won't disappointed either.

I don't know what way you are traveling but
you might consider Hot Springs, AR. They
have many private campg and high quality
state park. Amusement park, lakes, duckboat
rides, plenty of things for kids to do.
Many good restaurants, mountains for sight seeing,
and most all are reasonable in price. Have fun.

Beaver's Bend is a very popular park, near Broken Bow in southern Oklahoma. Not far away is Queen Wilhemena State Park on top of Rich Mountain near Mena, Arkansas. It might be a bit cooler on top of the mountain, at least the possibility of a breeze. Both of these parks are far better in the Spring or Fall, but travel plans are travel plans.

Been to Wildlige refuge many times and I would highly recommend it. Fun place and nice hiking. If you go do not forget to go to Meers and get a hamburger.

If you want to cool off in July try Lake Tenkiller state park north of Vian, 15 miles north of I-40. A number of Corps operated and private parks that offer nice camping and water activities. The lake water comes from the pristine Illinois River.

45 minutes from Ft. Smith, AR where you'll find the Judge Isaac C. Parker National Historic Site along with food and entertainment.

Years ago we went to the Great Salt Plains in Oklahoma and dug (free) for hours getting salt crystles. It was one of the most rememberale things to do: Great Salt Plains State Park http://www.stateparks.com/great_salt_plains.html

Oklahoma City. Twin Fountains RV Park. Nearby: National Cowby and Western Heritage Museum. Zoo, Science Museum, Frontier City, Whitewater Bay. I would plan lots of inside things to do in July in Oklahoma. Temperatures can reach 110 degrees during the day. Also, Quartz Mountain State Park. Scissortail Campground has full hookups. I would recommend reservations. http://www.quartzmountain.org/camping.html

Be prepaired for the temps....Oklahoma in July is a lot different than Michigan, 100+ is possible.

X2 on Wichita Mtns Wildlife Refuge at Medicine Park, OKLA. Having lived in Wichita Falls TX back in the 60s-70s this was a great get away for the kids and us grownups alike. Lots of Lakes and trail heads.

One of our recent visits to Camp Doris

Lots of free running wildlife from Cougars to Buffalo...







Photos from GOOGLE IMages
Sometimes you have to watch closely where you step...


The camp ground sitting on the banks of hugh lake has both tent camping with no hookups and of course sites with hookups. Has localized restrooms. We did have some problems finding groceries close by so plan accordingly. There is also a famous place close by called Meers OKLA which is famous for the their Buffalo Meals...

This is an controlled entrance camp ground inside the Refuge which means if you are late getting back from somewhere you will have to park your vehicle at a pull-out by the main entrance to camp ground and hike-in to your camp site. You can wait for security patrols to come around and maybe they will let you back in...

The kids go crazy watching the Prairie Dog City community...

They also have a hugh museum with the history of the Refuge and lots of things and movies to see...

The refuge is situated in small mountain range that doesn't seem to belong there. Lots of hills to climb with the most famous being Scott Mountain which has a nice drive up to the top and great viewing of the surrounding area. A most enjoyable must see visit place.

Roy Ken