Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA)

I made reservations for a FHU site on-line the day prior to arrival. We arrived on a Tuesday. I discovered later that the facilities near the campground are closed on Monday and Tuesday. I figured no big deal. I had a campsite assignment, so I drove there and set up. The next morning, a friendly campground host came over and said she did not have a reservation for me. To make a long story short, my reservation was at the Medicine Creek RV Park instead of the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA). So I packed up and moved to the Medicine Creek RV Park. By the way, both campsites were campsite #10. Both campgrounds are on Fort Sill property. The campground at LETRA is not much more than a parking lot with full hookups. The campground at Medicine Creek is smaller with back-in sites. I didn't like either campground. I wasn't in the mood to put up with the experience, so we left Medicine Creek and moved on. I wouldn't recommend either campground for the recreational camper. Unless you have a real good reason to be on Fort Sill, I would recommend camping somewhere else. A good place to start improvements is to re-number the campground campsites, so there is no duplication between the LETRA and Medicine Creek campsites. Also, pay attention to bathroom cleanliness. Campers are actually paying customers. The bathrooms should be clean and well-maintained.

We stayed in a small cabin at LETRA to fish, enjoy Medicine Park, and the Wildlife Preserve. The location is optimal as the facilities are close to Medicine Park but the Apache Gate is not open 24 hours and we had to use the Key Gate several times, which added 20 minutes to the trip. The cabin was clean, came with Direct TV, and WI-FI; you will need to supply our own linens. Most of the amenities were closed due to it being the winter season, but the facility promises to be fun in the summer. The staff was professional, courteous, and most helpful. The cost of the small cabin was $80 per night, which we felt was a bit much. The RV park is only $30 per night with full hook-ups. If you want a quick trip to the Lawton, OK area, I recommend staying at the LETRA.

We arrived to LETRA using the Apache Gate, and the site we reserved online was occupied by another RV, no biggie we thought the park was half empty, we'll just go and get another one at the office. The gentlemen in the office was confused as to why "I" picked a spot that was already assigned to a full timer, he preceded to spend the next 20 minutes looking up my reservation and then confessed that he forgot to block out the full timers spots on the computer for that month. At first glance this place looks beautiful with the rolling hills, forest, wildlife and the lake. Then you drive to your site and see the full-timers. It appears people have been living there for YEARS, some of the full timers have wooden fencing, decking and one had rabbit fencing, others have washer/dryers, refrigerators and freezers outside of there RV's. I saw one site had a tool shed, another site had 3-grills, another had tons of random junk laying around. They also need to stop advertising WIFI because it doesn't exist. The sewer connection was approximately 11' above the ground, which made it impossible for gravity to do its work. Bath house was dirty, laundry was dirty but machines were all working. LETRA fam camp has turned into an trailer park and it's really sad because it could be awesome. Now the positives, it is located in a beautiful place, the commissary and px were great. Go visit all the Indian Chiefs graves and museums on post. Lastly take a trip to Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge and Medicine Park.

Our family reserved five RV sites and four cabins for a family reunion. Before we arrived we were notified that our sites were moved. I arrived first and my slot was occupied. The office was closed. I called the camp host number and was told to move into the closest empty slot. When my family started arriving the next day we were placed close together. The park was filled with long time campers. Since it was off season everything was closed. The wind blew 20-30 mph the entire week. Do not plan on sitting outside. We enjoyed the sites off the base. Will not go back.

There were new phone numbers for Outdoor Rec (580-442-0930), Reservations (580-250-4040 or 580-250-4000), and Park Office (580-583-0670). Staff and all Post signage referred to this RV Park as LETRA (the acronym for the lake). The reservation system worked smoothly. These directions to LETRA worked well: Traveling South on I-44, take the Hwy 62/Rogers Lane exit (40B) and head West for 0.8 mile. Exit again to Northbound, Fort Sill Blvd.  Enter Fort Sill and turn left at Mow-Way Road (1st light). Go past the Welcome Center. Turn right on Tower Two Road and go approximately 4 miles. Turn left on North Boundary Road and go approximately 4 miles. LETRA will be on the right.
We arrived mid-day on a Tuesday. We had no problem coming in the gate. Just showed military ID. We stopped at the Welcome Center. Parking lot can accommodate RVs. Nice guy at the desk, but he had very little visitor info. We detoured a bit and stopped at the Commissary on the way out to the lake. It was well-stocked and staff were helpful. PX, Commissary, and gas station were centrally located. Parking lots were tight but adequate for RVs. We were told by several locals that every Thursday and Friday the post is filled with people attending AIT graduations and these shopping areas get crowded. The drive to the lake was a little freaky due to its rural nature, lots of curves, and the signs warning it was an impact zone, but street signs were well-placed, the directions were clear, and the road was in good shape. There were several low-water crossings, but they were dry on our visit. I would not do the drive at night. This quiet, well-maintained park was pretty amazing. I imagine that it is very busy in spring and summer with the beach, boat rentals, fishing, and multiple playgrounds. Camp host and office staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The electric and sewer hookups were new. Park was full but voltage was good. Water pressure was very low. The natural setting of lake and hills was awesome. On Wednesday the constant whump sound of artillery fire was interesting. Silent on Thursday. We stayed here during the fall, so the beach, water park, cafe, and lodge were closed, but all the other amenities (mini-golf, marina, playgrounds, archery, bathrooms, showers, laundry, etc. were open). Rental office and general store were open limited hours. We walked sidewalks and trails all around the park. Top of Pratt Hill was lovely. Never could get WIFI to work, but Verizon signal and satellite TV were good, so did not need it. Did not try the free cable TV. There are no trees in the RV Park, but there are plenty at each of the playgrounds and beach along with ramadas and covered picnic tables. Laundry room was clean ($1 to wash and $1 to dry). The hard-pack gravel sites were long, wide, and level. I made reservations by phone without a problem (580-250-4040). I paid $30 a night for E/W/S (30 amp). I made it clear I was military, but was not offered a lower rate.

My wife and I spent 3 nights at LETRA. The cost was $20 then up to $22 for a total of $64. Which is still a good deal. However, our GPS (Google Maps) tried to take us in the back way to Fort Sill, through Apache Gate on Hwy 49. The gate was closed and after speaking to the security guard at Key Gate West, that gate has been closed for many years. My advice is to call the campground (580-442-5854) before you go to make sure the gate is open or closed. Driving through Main Post added another 30-45 minutes to our drive. The Fort Sill website says Apache Gate is open Memorial Day through Labor Day sill-www.army.mill/ADASchool/gatehrs.html We were there prior to Memorial Day. The cable was fine but I wish the WiFi worked just a bit better in the campground. I had terrible phone service through Sprint but did have 3g. The wind was not enjoyable but the walk and the view certainly were. The Showers could use just a bit of upgrading but other than that the facilities were nice and the next time we're back in the Fort Sill area we will be staying at LETRA, if there is room. Its a good value.

Drove by today to check on this location from the Medicine Creek campground. I wanted to verify their rates since MC raised from $12 to $17. LETRA fees as told to me by the store clerk (office not open on Sunday) were $20 until May 1st when the go to $22. I asked about the $30 as listed here and clerk didn't know and reaffirmed $22 for in season. The weekly rate is still $90 but the clerk said that will probably change as their monthly is $390. ($90 x 4 =$360?????) The place looks great but oh my, was it ever windy!

I will echo everything that was posted on November 9th 2013. In addition to the comments: There is WiFi but the signal it has somewhat to be desired. I used MiFi, Verizon, 2 bars but not constantly. They do need to do some gravel replacement but overall not bad. Mark (Manager) is working hard for improvements. There is so much for the family to do, boating, fishing, hiking, archery, miniature golf, plenty things for the kids to be entertained. Laundry available, $1.00 for washer and the same for the dryers, very clean. You will not have any trouble with acquiring a satellite signal, its wide open. I checked with the office and the phone # for them is 580-442-5858, Mon-Fri ., The Store number is as posted on this site, although you can call the posted number and it should transfer to the office after 4 rings, per management. Over-all a nice place to stay! I would return and recommend it to others, would love to come here during warmer weather.

LETRA is a fantastic recreation area. Plenty to do for the entire family. The location isn't convenient for shopping and the main post, but this makes it ideal for a recreation area. The RV sites are huge. Although many sites had long-term campers, there were plenty of available sites this time of the year. Summer may be another story. The cabins look real nice and are in a good location overlooking the lake. Tent camping is also along the lake shoreline. The restrooms and showers are starting to get old, but had a good cleaning. If I had the time, I would enjoy spending a month here. Fort Sill is a large post, with plenty of dining and amenities. The museums, Old Fort Sill, and the Post and POW Indian cemeteries were interesting. The current rate (off season) of $20 a night makes this an "okay" deal. $30 for the summer is getting to be a little high for a military campground.

R.G. left this review using the Directory software: - Checked in and liked the fact that it is out in the boonies! A bit windy but OK. The Camp Store had very limited supplies. Lake Swimming Lifeguards have short hours of work.

We had the time to spend a whole month in the Lawton area visiting family during the Thanksgiving Holiday and Ft Sill provided us with a affordable place to park our 38ft 5th wheel. The parking sites were large and clean, full hook ups. We had very little interaction with any of the staff except for at check in. The location of the park was nice we thought, nice views of the lake and mountains. We were not able to take advantage of the recreational equipment at the time due to the weather. The weather was not so much cold as it was windy, we are from Florida so adding 25mph winds almost daily to the cool temps and we thought we were much further north. The drive into main post takes about 15 to 20 minutes or so and was very scenic, and all the wild live wow! Watch out for the deer at night. Over all we enjoyed our stay at Ft Sill and will do so again. Ratings were kinda low due to the restrooms and showers should be updated, all the other building and even the cabins for rent look close to new. Cable/sat tv is on site however the reception needs to be improved, wifi on site was a plus! If you have small kids the will enjoy the playgrounds, they look new and some of the best we had ever seen, you can tell that attention has been given to this campground area, and support for the soldiers and families is strong.

As of 1 Oct 2011, new rate is $18 a night. They now offer free cable tv, limited channels, but a big improvement. WIFI is free but weak.
Bathrooms and laundry still dirty, with layer upon layer of dead bugs in light fixtures. Dog droppings on many sites. No sign of the camp hosts for the entire 1 week stay. Stayed one week, charged for 8 nights. Had to get that fixed - still waiting for refund to hit my credit card account 5 days later. The review from last year Aug 17, 2010 was our review as well. The only improvement we see is they added cable TV, and no sign of the rude employee from last year. Current staff is friendly, but they NEED to learn there are only 7 days in a week. Staff says the base will be improving the road from Apache Gate to LETRA starting this month.

We would not recommend anyone stay at this facility until some attention was given. We had stayed here in 2008 and the facilities were in better condition. The campground is run down and shows a definite lack of care and maintenance. There is dog mess all over the grounds, even showed where one site must of had a large dog tied up outside their rig and left it's evidence all over the site. No one is enforcing the pick up after your animal. The attendant was not helpful at all. When checking in, he acted like it was an inconvenience to put his book down and help. He charged us for the date we were checking out. When we brought this to his attention for a credit, he figured out the number of days on a piece of paper, multiplied the price per night and did a total. Because the computer said another night, he would argue the computer was right even though he had the information right there. He finally gave us our credit after numerous attempts to show him the computer was not correct. The sites are running down and no attention is being paid to them. They have cable and wifi but those didn't work the whole week we were there. The office stated they had it working but was not. On a good note, there is a nice new playground for the kids. With a little attention to the sites, this would be an excellent place to stay.