THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
State Park · OK

Foss State Park

Foss State Park offers a scenic outdoor experience centered around Foss Lake, featuring water sports, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities in southwestern Oklahoma.

State Park1,7494+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,749

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Foss State Park

Foss State Park offers a scenic outdoor experience centered around Foss Lake, featuring water sports, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities in southwestern Oklahoma.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Foss State Park is located near Foss, Oklahoma, adjacent to Foss Lake, a reservoir created by damming the Washita River. Established in 1961, the park spans over 1,749 acres of diverse terrain including wooded areas and open spaces. The lake itself covers approximately 2,900 acres and is a focal point for water-based recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The park's surroundings provide habitat for wildlife like deer, raccoons, and numerous bird species, appealing to wildlife watchers and anglers alike. Visitors can enjoy several developed campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas, and multiple trails for hiking and biking that wind through the park’s landscape. Foss State Park also provides access to Foss Reservoir for fishing, where species such as bass, catfish, and crappie are common finds. The history of the region ties closely with the development of the reservoir and the surrounding agricultural lands. Due to its combination of aquatic and terrestrial environments, the park attracts families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quieter, less crowded experience in Oklahoma. The park’s facilities include rental cabins, boat docks, and playgrounds, making it accommodating for a variety of visitor types. Its location off Interstate 40 makes it accessible for day trips or extended stays.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Foss State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge: A Wild Getaway★ 7.5⌖ 37 miWildlife Watching
Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge: A Wild Getaway

Explore Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Enjoy wildlife watching, hiking, and camping amidst scenic granite peaks and open prairies. Best visited in spring and fall for quiet wildlife spotting opportunities.

Wildlife WatchingView Details→
Majestic Views from Mount Scott★ 7.8⌖ 46 miHiking
Mount Scott

Majestic Views from Mount Scott

Explore the panoramic views from Mount Scott, a 2,464-foot peak near Lawton, Oklahoma. Drive to the summit for scenic vistas and watch for wildlife like bison and elk in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Open year-round, it's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

Rocky Wonders at Red Rock Canyon★ 8.3⌖ 68 miCamping
Red Rock Canyon Campground and Adventure Park

Rocky Wonders at Red Rock Canyon

Explore the stunning Red Rock Canyon near Hinton, Oklahoma. Ideal for camping, hiking, and rock climbing against a backdrop of historic sandstone cliffs. This area provides a mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Best explored in spring and fall.

Nature's Oasis at Martin Park★ 6.5⌖ 110 miHiking
Martin Park Nature Center

Nature's Oasis at Martin Park

Explore Martin Park Nature Center's 3-mile trail system in Oklahoma City. Perfect for easy hiking and wildlife observation. Open year-round with the best visits in spring and fall.

Awe of Alabaster: Discover the Caverns★ 7.8⌖ 127 miSpelunking
Alabaster Caverns State Park

Awe of Alabaster: Discover the Caverns

Explore Alabaster Caverns State Park in Freedom, OK, featuring one of the largest gypsum caves. Great for spelunking and guided tours. Enjoy hiking trails and bat watching. Best visited in spring or fall.

SpelunkingView Details→
Turner Falls: Oklahoma's Scenic Oasis★ 7.8⌖ 127 miSwimming
Turner Falls

Turner Falls: Oklahoma's Scenic Oasis

Explore Turner Falls in Davis, OK, and enjoy Oklahoma's tallest waterfall at 77 feet. Swim in natural pools or hike the varied trails. This family-friendly spot gets busy in summer, perfect for swimming and adventuring in natural caves.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Foss Lake – 2,900-acre reservoir ideal for boating and fishing✦ Multi-use trails offering hiking and mountain biking opportunities✦ Several well-equipped campgrounds with lakeside sites✦ Scenic picnic areas with views of the water and surrounding hills
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Foss State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Foss State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Foss State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Foss State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Foss State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Foss State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Foss State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Foss State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Foss State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Foss State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use fee and camping fees required; no special permits needed.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Foss State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Shell Creek Campground

Lakeside campground with full hookups, picnic tables, and nearby boat ramps ideal for RVs and tents.

Old Army Camp

Primitive camping area with easy lake access and quieter surroundings for tents and small trailers.

Pine Ridge Campground

Shaded campground located on a ridge offering panoramic views of Foss Lake and well-maintained sites.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Foss State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Altus
⌖ 15.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Altus, Oklahoma

A quiet southern Oklahoma town offering wide-open spaces and access to serene natural areas for low-key outdoor activities and local exploration.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Elk City
⌖ 38.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Elk City, Oklahoma

A rugged gateway to Oklahoma's diverse outdoor opportunities, offering a blend of prairie landscapes, river access, and nearby forested trails for adventurous travelers.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Foss
⌖ 41.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Foss, Oklahoma

A quiet rural community near Foss Lake offering serene outdoor activities focused on water recreation and nature exploration.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Medicine Park
⌖ 47.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Medicine Park, Oklahoma

A charming cobblestone town offering a mix of serene nature experiences and adventurous excursions amidst the Wichita Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Lawton
⌖ 55.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lawton, Oklahoma

A frontier town with deep military roots and access to the rugged landscapes and unique natural features of the Wichita Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Hinton
⌖ 69.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hinton, Oklahoma

A quaint town offering access to outdoor adventures amid the grasslands and bold geological features of Western Oklahoma.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Foss State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.