Quartz Mountain Nature Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Quartz Mountain Nature Park offers exceptional RV camping with 119 full-hookup sites across seven campgrounds, featuring southwestern Oklahoma's dramatic granite mountains, Lake Altus-Lugert water recreation, and Baldy Point rock climbing. Strategic locations like Altus RV rentals and Lawton RV rentals offer prime access to this 4,300-acre state park nestled in the Wichita Mountains foothills, making it ideal for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a Southwest Oklahoma adventure with hiking, boating, fishing, and climbing opportunities just 90 minutes from Oklahoma City.
What Makes Quartz Mountain Nature Park the Ultimate RV Destination?
Nestled in the rugged foothills of the Wichita Mountains along Lake Altus-Lugert's shores, Quartz Mountain Nature Park captures the dramatic beauty and outdoor adventure of southwestern Oklahoma. Famous for being built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of FDR's New Deal and completed in 1937 as one of Oklahoma's original seven state parks, Quartz Mountain spans over 4,300 acres, showcasing ancient granite mountains rising 1,400 feet above Lake Altus-Lugert's waters. Quartz Mountain is the ultimate RV adventure since it offers diverse recreation from challenging rock climbing at Baldy Point—Oklahoma's premier climbing destination—to water sports on the 6,260-acre reservoir, plus the unique Quartz Mountain Resort Arts & Conference Center featuring world-class performing arts programs and an 18-hole disc golf course.
You will be in store for a world of limitless adventure during your RV trip to Quartz Mountain, from hiking scenic trails with panoramic views to boating and fishing in Lake Altus-Lugert. You can scale the granite faces of Baldy Point, cycle the 1.8-mile paved Heart Healthy Trail, or explore nature trails winding through oak forests and rock formations. There is no shortage of great spots for photography and wildlife viewing, from Cedar Valley overlooks to lakeside sunrises. You will want to bring your binoculars because you might encounter white-tailed deer grazing near campgrounds, wild turkeys in oak groves, bald eagles soaring above the lake during winter months, and cranes wading along shorelines.
The summer is peak season for RVers and water enthusiasts since temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, perfect for swimming, boating, and waterskiing on Lake Altus-Lugert. The late spring and early fall are wonderful times to visit, too, with mild temperatures (65-80°F), comfortable hiking conditions, and spectacular sunrise/sunset views across the lake. In cooler months, Quartz Mountain transforms into a peaceful retreat with temperatures ranging from 40-65°F, offering excellent conditions for rock climbing, hiking without summer heat, and eagle watching during winter migration. The park operates year-round with all campgrounds remaining open, making Quartz Mountain accessible for weekend getaways and extended stays no matter the season. No matter when you take your RV road trip to Quartz Mountain, you will be in for an unforgettable Oklahoma adventure combining natural beauty with outdoor recreation.
The park remains one of Oklahoma's hidden gems, offering uncrowded camping experiences even during peak summer weekends. This makes securing campsites easier than at more heavily visited Oklahoma state parks, though advance planning is still recommended for holiday weekends and special events at the Quartz Mountain Resort.
RV Rentals in Quartz Mountain Nature Park
Transportation
Driving
You can access Quartz Mountain Nature Park via State Highway 44, easily reached from major routes including US-283 and US-62. From Oklahoma City, take I-40 west to Exit 53 (Altus/Foss), then follow Highway 44 south approximately 45 miles to the park entrance. Turn right onto Highway 44A after crossing the river bridge, angling right into the park. The Park Office is approximately ½ mile up the main road on the right, with the Arts & Conference Center (Lodge) about 1.5 miles past the office. Roads are well-maintained and suitable for RVs of all sizes, though some interior campground roads feature tight curves requiring caution with larger rigs. The maximum RV length is 50 feet at most campgrounds.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Altus Southwest Gateway: Altus positions you closest to Quartz Mountain Nature Park, just 20 miles south via Highway 44. This gateway city offers essential services, including the Museum of the Western Prairie, dining options, and RV supplies, making it convenient for last-minute provisions before entering the park.
Lawton Northeast Access: Lawton provides excellent access approximately 50 miles northeast, offering proximity to Fort Sill Military Reservation and the spectacular Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This location serves as an ideal base for multi-destination adventures combining Quartz Mountain with the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma's premier wildlife viewing area, featuring free-roaming bison, elk, and longhorn cattle.
Oklahoma City Metropolitan Hub: Oklahoma offers the widest selection of rental rigs, approximately 140 miles northeast via I-40 and Highway 44. The state capital provides fly-and-drive convenience through Will Rogers World Airport, making it perfect for out-of-state visitors planning Oklahoma adventures.
Parking
You can park your RV at designated campsite locations throughout the park's seven campground areas. Day-use parking areas are available near the lodge, beach areas, boat launches, and trailheads, though spaces fill quickly during summer weekends. Parking at your campsite is most convenient for accessing park amenities. The park office provides directions to your specific campground upon check-in, as multiple camping areas are spread across the property.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is not available to or within Quartz Mountain Nature Park. Visitors need personal vehicles to access the park and navigate between campgrounds, the lodge, beach areas, and trailheads. The park's spread-out layout makes having a vehicle essential. Bicycles provide excellent transportation within the park, particularly along the 1.8-mile paved Heart Healthy Trail connecting the campground area to the park entrance.
Campgrounds and parking in Quartz Mountain Nature Park
Campsites in Quartz Mountain Nature Park
First-come first-served
River Road Tent Area
The River Road area provides 99 primitive tent sites along the river below the dam. These sites lack electrical hookups, with water availability at select locations (not every site). Each site includes picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Restroom facilities (pit toilets, no showers) are available at one end of the camping area, with full bathhouse facilities accessible by driving to other campground areas. This area offers solitude and natural settings for tent campers seeking a more primitive experience. The location near the dam provides interesting views, especially during high water releases.
Lakeview Campground
The Lakeview Campground at Quartz Mountain Nature Park is not open all year round. It contains 32 RV sites, with the majority being back-in sites. They have water and electrical hookups. There is one handicapped accessible site at this campground. There are also 15 primitive tent camping sites.
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground at Quartz Mountain is not open the entire year. It has 34 RV camping sites, with the majority being back-in rather than pull-through sites. One site is handicapped accessible at the campground. These sites also have water and electrical hookups. There are also 20 primitive tent camping sites at this campground.
River Run Campground
River Run Campground at Quartz Mountain Nature Park has 6 RV sites. These all have water and electrical hookups, but no sewage. The sites are all back-in. These sites provide an excellent view of the water, as they are located along the North Fork of the Red River.
Scissortail Campground
Scissortail features 18 RV camping sites, most offering full hookups including electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer connections. The majority of sites are pull-through, with some back-in sites available. This campground accommodates one RV plus one tent per site. Each site includes picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and access to modern restrooms and shower facilities. Scissortail's convenient location near the park office makes it popular with first-time visitors seeking easy access to park information and amenities.
Mountainview Campground
Considered the premier camping location at Quartz Mountain, Mountainview offers only 5 oversized RV sites, all back-in configuration. These sites feature full hookups (electric, water, sewer) with extra space for parking boats or jet skis. Sites can accommodate one RV plus one tent. The campground's elevated position provides scenic views and proximity to hiking trails. Modern bathhouse facilities are available. Due to limited availability, these preferred sites fill quickly during peak season—early arrival or reservations are strongly recommended.
Live Oak Campground
Live Oak contains 14 sites with water and electrical hookups (30/50 amp), all configured as back-in sites. This campground sits conveniently near group camping areas and the Quartz Mountain Grocery Store for provisions. Maximum occupancy is one RV plus one tent per site. Each site includes picnic tables and fire rings. Modern restroom and shower facilities serve the campground. The location's proximity to amenities makes it popular with families and groups requiring easy access to supplies.
Redbud Campground
Redbud offers 10 sites with water and electrical hookups, with 8 back-in sites and 2 pull-through sites. This campground's location near mini-golf and paddleboat rentals makes it ideal for families with children seeking entertainment options. Sites accommodate one RV plus one tent, with picnic tables and fire rings provided. Restroom and shower facilities are available. The campground's positioning near recreational amenities creates a family-friendly atmosphere.
Alternate camping
Quartz Mountain Resort Cabins & Lodge
For those preferring amenities beyond RV camping, Quartz Mountain Resort offers 96 modern lodge rooms, cabins, and dormitory facilities. The lodge features a full-service restaurant, indoor pool (available to lodge guests), and serves as the venue for Oklahoma's internationally recognized Quartz Mountain Arts & Conference Center programs. Lodge guests enjoy scenic lake views and easy access to hiking trails. Cabin rentals provide a middle ground between camping and hotel accommodations. Contact the resort directly for rates and availability.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds near Altus across southwestern Oklahoma for your next adventure.
Seasonal activities in Quartz Mountain Nature Park
In-Season
Four Wheeling
You can bring your four wheeler in your trailer with you when you come to Quartz Mountain Nature Park. The north shore of the park has a 50-acre section that you can use your four wheeler in to go mudding and enjoy the sights. This section of the park is only open during the summer months and remains closed during the winter, so you will want to make sure you plan in advance if you are coming during the warmer months.
Rockclimbing
At Quartz Mountain Nature Park, you will have ample opportunity to enjoy the rock climbing options available in the park. Make sure you bring your equipment for rock climbing or rappelling in your RV or camping trailer. The Wichita Mountain range runs near the park, and part of it, Baldy Point, is the predominant peak for outdoor enthusiasts to climb. You will be rewarded after your climb with stunning views of the area once you make your careful ascent to the top.
Boating
When you come to Quartz Mountain Nature Park, you can bring your boat or jet skis to enjoy on the water, so make sure to pack everything you will need for a day on the water when you come to the park in your rig. You can also bring fishing gear and plan to catch a few fish from the shore or your boat. Certain camping sites are large enough for your boat to be used in Lake Altus-Lugert; these are located in the Mountainview Campground.
Off-Season
Hiking
You will find that there are plenty of trails at Quartz Mountain Nature Park, so you are going to want to bring any gear in your camping rig for your hiking adventures, be it a walking stick or hiking boots. Trails range in difficulty from easy to difficult in the park and include an interpretive trail and a trail that climbs across the face of Quartz Mountain, providing hikers with wonderful views of the surrounding area.
Picnicking
Make sure you bring your picnic basket and food containers when you come to Quartz Mountain Nature Park in your RV. You can have a private picnic or a group celebration when you are at the park. You can reserve the picnic pavilions if you have a group of people and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere.
Viewing Wildlife
There is plenty to see and do when you come to Quartz Mountain Nature Park. You are going to want to bring your binoculars in your RV, and you might even want to bring a field guide with you to explore the park. While on the trails or sitting in your boat, you will want to keep your eyes peeled. Bird watchers will enjoy the opportunity to spy eagles nesting during the winter months, as well as a variety of other birds.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Oklahoma outdoor adventures, check out our Great Plains State Park guide and our Great Salt Plains State Park guide.
