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Oklahoma
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Oklahoma State Parks

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USA Parks
Oklahoma
Western Region
Great Plains State Park
Great Plains State Park © Mike McDonald
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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GREAT PLAINS STATE PARK
GREAT PLAINS STATE PARK
Hwy 183 & County Rd
Mountain Park, Oklahoma   73552

Phone: 580-569-2032
Email: park email button icon
Relax in the shadow of the Wichita Mountains at Great Plains State Park! Camp on the lake shore, hike the nature trails, enjoy water sports, or explore the fascinating Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Great Plains State Park is located in southwestern Oklahoma on the shore of Lake Tom Steed. Recreational activities include fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, picnicking, hiking and nature trails, and RV and tent camping. Facilities also include comfort stations, group picnic facilities, lighted boat ramps, bait shop, playgrounds and a swimming beach.
History of the Area
Located in southwestern Oklahoma, the park was established in 1954. It spans over 487 acres and includes Tom Steed Reservoir. The area is known for its rocky terrain and diverse wildlife population.

The reservoir's construction began in 1966 by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding on Otter Creek. Completed five years later, it provides water supply, recreation facilities as well as fish and wildlife conservation areas.

In addition to camping sites with RV hookups, amenities include picnic tables, grills and restrooms along with a swimming beach.

It offers various recreational activities such as fishing due to abundant species like catfish or bass present there.

Hiking trails are also available offering scenic views of Quartz Mountain Nature Park nearby while providing opportunities for bird watching too.

Despite budget cuts threatening closure several times throughout history; local support has kept this natural oasis open till date.
Swimming
1. Great Plains State Park offers a designated swimming area in Tom Steed Reservoir.
2. The reservoir is clean, safe and regularly monitored for water quality.
3. Lifeguards are not always on duty so swimmers should exercise caution.
4. Swimming outside the marked areas or after dark is prohibited for safety reasons.
5. There's no additional fee to swim beyond park admission charges.
6. The beach-like shoreline provides easy access into the water making it ideal for families with children.
7. Swimming accessories like floats and inflatables can be used within permitted limits.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is access to Tom Steed Reservoir, which spans 6,400 acres and provides ample space for all types of watercraft activities including motorized boats, jet skis or sailboats. Boat ramps are available throughout the area making it easy to launch your vessel into the waters. Additionally, fishing boats can be rented from nearby vendors if you don't have your own equipment.
Fishing
Largemouth Bass ? Crappie ? Sunfish ? Hybrid Striped Bass ? White Bass ? Channel Catfish ? Saugeye


Location
Great Plains State Park is

Picnicking
Great Plains State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, some near the lake for scenic outdoor dining.
Trails
1. Tom Steed Reservoir Trail: This is a 3-mile loop trail that circles the reservoir, offering stunning views of water and wildlife; it's suitable for all skill levels.

2. Mountain Shade Campground Loop: A short but scenic 0.8 mile hike around the campground area with plenty of shade from trees along its path.

3. Quartz Mountain Nature Park Trails: Located nearby in Lone Wolf, these trails offer over five miles of hiking through diverse terrain including rocky hillsides and woodland areas adjacent to Lake Altus-Lugert.

4. Baldy Point Climbing Route: Not strictly a traditional hiking route as this involves rock climbing up Quartz Mountains' most famous peak - Baldy Point or locally known as 'Quartz Mtn'. The climb itself is about half-a-mile long.

5. Twin Peaks Walking Trail: An easy walking trail located near Twin Peaks campsite within Great Plains State park which offers great view points overlooking Tom Steed lake.

6. Oklahoma Highpoint Hike: Though not directly inside Great plains state park, this popular six mile round trip trek takes you to Black Mesa- Oklahoma's highest point at an elevation just under 5000 feet above sea level.

7. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Trails: Another set outside the boundaries yet close enough are Wichita mountains refuge trails ranging between two-to-five miles each showcasing unique features like prairie dog towns, bison herds etc.

Bicycling
In this Oklahoma location, biking options are available but require caution due to varying terrain and weather conditions. Mountain bike trails offer challenging rides for experienced cyclists. Be aware of wildlife when cycling in the park's wilderness areas. The paved roads provide safer routes for casual riders or families with children.

Always wear a helmet while riding; safety should be your top priority here.
Ensure you have enough water as temperatures can soar during summer months.
Check trail status before setting off as some may close after heavy rainfall.

Remember that all bikers must adhere strictly to designated paths to protect natural habitats within the area.
Lastly, respect other users on shared-use tracks by maintaining appropriate speeds and yielding right-of-way where necessary.
Area Attractions
Features/Facilities: Handicap Accessible ? Lake/River View ? Pets Allowed ? Senior Discount ? Credit Cards Accepted ? 487 Park Acres ? 6,400-Acre Tom Steed Lake ? Nature, Hiking & Biking Trails ? Swimming Beach ? Boating ? Water Skiing ? Fishing ? Playground ? Grocery ? 34 Tent Sites ? 56 RV Sites

Nearby: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge ? Comanche Nation Visitor Center, Lawton ? Fort Sill Museum, Lawton ? Mattie Beal Home, Lawton ? Museum of the Great Plains,

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 14 by Kevin_M
park review stars; one to five
October 10 Great place to camp!
park review stars; one to five The park rangers were friendly and helpful. It is a beautiful park. We saw a couple of beavers. Very peaceful. Well kept.
October 7 Really like this park by Great time from Frederick
park review stars; one to five Fished there often as a kid, but my wife and I started going camping and boating again this year. Caught some fish (stepson caught a 3 pound walleye) and had a great time!!! Wife caught the biggest sandie and daughter-in-law caught the most. Me... I drove the boat.
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Directions
Great Plains State Park
Hwy 183 & County Rd
Mountain Park, OK 73552

From Mountain Park, go 2 miles N on Hwy 183, then 2 miles W on Access Rd.

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Oklahoma
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Oklahoma State Parks

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