Great Plains and Fort Cobb are the closest Oklahoma state parks to Lawton, with Quartz Mountain nearby. Here are the distances and what each park offers. If you live in Lawton or are just visiting, two official Oklahoma state parks sit within easy reach: Great Plains State Park to the southwest and Fort Cobb State Park to the north. Both offer camping, fishing, and quiet lakeside recreation, and a few more are within a comfortable day-trip drive.
What Is Great Plains State Park Like?
Great Plains State Park sits on Lake Tom Steed near Mountain Park, about 35 miles southwest of Lawton, a drive of roughly 45 to 50 minutes. The park offers camping, fishing, and boating on a peaceful reservoir surrounded by prairie and low hills. It is a popular choice for a relaxed weekend away from town, and it pairs well with a stop in the Medicine Park area on the way.
What Is Fort Cobb State Park Like?
Fort Cobb State Park lies about 39 miles north of Lawton on the way toward Oklahoma City. The park surrounds a lake that is popular for fishing and boating, with camping, picnic areas, and hiking available. Because it sits off a main route, it is an easy stop for a day trip or an overnight campout.
What Is Quartz Mountain Like?
Quartz Mountain Nature Park near Lake Altus-Lugert is roughly 50 to 58 miles from Lawton, about an hour away. It is known for dramatic granite scenery, hiking, and a scenic state park lodge, and it is a favorite for families who want more elevation and rock outcroppings than the prairie offers.
What Lakes Are Near Lawton?
A few reservoirs near Lawton are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the city rather than the state parks system. Lake Waurika, about 54 to 63 miles southeast, is a Corps of Engineers reservoir popular for fishing and camping. Lake Lawtonka is much closer, only about 7 miles northwest of Lawton near Medicine Park, and Lake Elmer Thomas nearby is another popular spot for boating and fishing. For details, see our fishing and boating guide and our Wichita Mountains guide.
How Do I Plan a Weekend Outdoors Near Lawton?
Between the state parks, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and area campgrounds, Southwest Oklahoma has enough outdoor recreation for many weekends of exploring. If you are new to the area or planning a trip, our camping guide and our things to do pages cover the full range of options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest state park to Lawton Oklahoma?
Great Plains State Park, about 35 miles southwest of Lawton on Lake Tom Steed, and Fort Cobb State Park, about 39 miles north, are the two closest official Oklahoma state parks.
How far is Great Plains State Park from Lawton?
Great Plains State Park is about 35 miles from Lawton, a drive of roughly 45 to 50 minutes.
What lakes are near Lawton Oklahoma?
Lake Lawtonka is about 7 miles northwest, Lake Elmer Thomas is nearby, and Lake Waurika is roughly 54 to 63 miles southeast. Great Plains and Fort Cobb state parks also offer lakeside recreation.
Is Quartz Mountain a day trip from Lawton?
Yes. Quartz Mountain Nature Park is about 50 to 58 miles from Lawton, roughly an hour's drive, making it an easy day trip.
Travis Wright
REALTOR® · eXp Realty · License #206164
Travis Wright is an eXp Realty ICON Agent and one of eXp Realty's Top 250 Individual Agents in the United States, RealTrends Verified, specializing in move-in-ready new construction in Elgin, military PCS relocation to Fort Sill, and helping Southwest Oklahoma homeowners sell their homes. Ranked among eXp Realty's Top 250 agents nationwide, Travis has helped families across Southwest Oklahoma buy and sell homes.
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