There are some places we travel to in our RVs that are more than just a destination; they are an experience that seeps into your soul. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma is one of those places. This isn't your typical rolling hill landscape. Here, ancient granite mountains jut dramatically out of the vast, open prairie, creating a scene that feels almost prehistoric. It’s a sanctuary, not just for the incredible wildlife that roams free, but for the human spirit as well. And for those of us who want to immerse ourselves in this wild beauty, Doris Campground is the key that unlocks it all, providing the one essential service that makes a longer stay possible: an in-refuge dump station.
For the boondocker or the RVer who prefers nature over pavement, finding a dump station inside a place as wild as this is a game changer. It means you don’t have to pack everything up and drive for an hour into the nearest town just to empty your tanks. It means you can linger for a few more days, waiting for that perfect sunrise shot or hoping to see the massive bison herd wander past your campsite. The dump station here isn’t the main attraction; the landscape is. The station is the humble, practical enabler of the adventure.
The experience of staying in the Wichitas is all about the wildlife. This is one of the few places where you can see truly free-roaming herds of American bison, creatures of immense power and grace. You’ll also see Texas longhorns with their impossibly wide horns, elegant elk, and entire towns of comical prairie dogs chirping and scurrying about. The animals are the true residents here; we are just temporary guests in their home. This reality sinks in when you find your path to the campground blocked by a two-thousand-pound bison who has decided the middle of the road is the perfect place for a nap. This is where the RVer mindset of patience and flexibility is essential. You’re on their time, not yours. It’s a good reason to always have a little extra capacity in your grey tank, just in case you’re delayed from getting to the dump station on your planned departure day.
Doris Campground itself is set up to preserve this natural, wild vibe. This isn’t a resort-style park. It operates more like a national park or federal campground. The sites are mostly reservation-only, which is a good thing because this place is popular. You won’t find full hookups here. Most sites offer 30-amp electric, which is a lifesaver for running the air conditioner during the hot Oklahoma summers. But there is no water or sewer at the individual sites. This is a crucial detail to understand before you arrive. You’ll need to fill up your fresh water tank at one of the central, shared water spigots before you back into your spot. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and check on the current status of the potable water, as advisories can sometimes be in effect.
The dump station is conveniently located near the exit loop of the campground, making it easy to use as you’re heading out. It’s a fairly basic setup, but it’s clean and gets the job done. The real value is its mere existence within the refuge boundaries. The nightly camping fees are incredibly reasonable, usually in the low to mid $20 range for a site with electricity. When you consider that this fee includes access to the dump station and the privilege of waking up surrounded by such breathtaking scenery and wildlife, it feels like one of the best bargains in the entire RV world.
The amenities are what you would expect for a campground focused on nature. There are basic restrooms and shower houses, which feel like a five-star luxury after a long, dusty day of hiking. There are trash bins available, but they can fill up quickly on busy weekends, so it’s always good practice to be prepared to pack out what you can, especially recyclables. Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. This is not just a rule; it’s a critical safety measure to protect both your pet and the resident wildlife, like the newborn elk calves that are often hidden nearby. You won’t find any gas, propane, or camp stores here. For those supplies, you’ll need to take a twenty-minute drive to the quirky little town of Medicine Park.
A few tips for anyone planning a trip. First, cell service is extremely spotty to nonexistent in most of the refuge. Download your maps offline before you arrive. Don't rely on your GPS to get you around once you’re inside the park. Second, be prepared for the weather. The Oklahoma sun can be absolutely brutal in the summer. Bring shade cloths, awnings, and plenty of sun protection. And always check for fire ban alerts before your trip; conditions can get very dry here. Finally, embrace the pace of the place. Drive slowly. Be prepared to stop for wildlife. Let the rhythm of the natural world, not your schedule, dictate your day.
Doris Campground is the perfect solution for the RVer who craves starry nights, incredible wildlife encounters, and the peace of a truly wild place, but still appreciates the practical necessity of an electric hookup and a place to dump the tanks. It strikes that perfect balance between rustic camping and RV comfort. You have to reserve your spot well in advance, especially for weekends, and you need to arrive prepared with a full tank of fresh water and all your supplies. But the reward is an unforgettable experience in one of the most unique and beautiful landscapes the American heartland has to offer.
Indiahoma, OK 73552
(580) 429-2197
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
No Water
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10038733