Foss State Park in western Oklahoma is a sprawling state park along Foss Lake. The lake’s backdrop is a wonderful view of the nature and serenity which this part of Oklahoma offers. This weekender state park was busy when I visited and was a nice getaway from Oklahoma City. Learn more below and check out some of the things I noticed.
Useful Links
- Official Website
- Sandy Beach Campground Location
- Great Western Trail Info
- Washita National Wildlife Refuge Website
- Foss Lake Level
Pros
- Quiet
- Lots of lake opportunities
- Newer amenities
Cons
- Few activities besides camping
- Remote
- Lots of housing around the lake
Foss State Park Overview
The campground I stayed at was the Sandy Beach Campground. It was a normal campground that has several RV spots, a newer shower house that offered free showers, and a small picnic and playground area. The campground seemed maintained and looked after. A section of the Great Western Trail starts at the picnic area.
There is a marina area located by Cedar Point Campground and several docks around the park for fishing or boating. There is even an equine area located here – the Mouse Creek Campground. It has some fencing and pens for the horses. There were several people with horses while I hiked that weekend.
The nearest city was Clinton Oklahoma. This town is several miles away so make sure to stock up before heading out to the park. There are several small housing communities around the park so you’ll see lots of lake houses in the area. There are also several campgrounds to pick from all around the lake so you have lots of options!
The Great Western Trail at Foss State Park
I hiked a small portion of the Great Western Trail. This is a well-groomed wide trail that allows ATVs, horses, bikes, and hiking. There are even hunting areas you may walk through so be alert during hunting seasons and make sure to wear orange!
The day I walked the trail there were several people hiking along the trail and there were lots to see. My section went from the Sandy Beach Campground to the Mouse Creek Campground. I walked through a mix of trees and tall grass and it was an easy hike. The trail is mowed and used enough so the hike is a breeze.
Amenities Around Foss State Park
The marina is a big draw for Foss State Park. The lake was busy with fishermen while I was there and lots of families were fishing from the shore. Several unattended docks are located around the park so the marina isn’t the only boat loading area in the park.
There is also the national refuge on the western part of the lake. This place can be used during certain parts of the year so please consult the official website for restrictions during migration periods. It is known as an important nesting area for migrating birds so make sure not to disturb any animals on the lake.
The nearest medical and veterinarian service will be in Clinton or Weatherford Oklahoma. Please check beforehand to make sure those places work with your specific medical or pet needs!
Foss State Park Ratings
Bathrooms
The bathrooms were above average for the campground. They also had a quarter machine but the showers didn’t require quarters for use. I didn’t confirm this at other campgrounds so it’s probably prudent to have quarters if you’re staying at another campground.
Campsites
The campground was very nice and had concrete pads and raised steel fire pits which was a nice amenity. Normally I have to figure out how to cook on an open fire but this was all set up! The sites were all close to the water too and several people were fishing and enjoying the views!
Activities
There isn’t much besides the lake and the Great Western Trail. There are also spaces if you bring your horse. I went and got to enjoy the relaxing campground but I’d like a little more hiking or activities.
Location
There isn’t much out there past Clinton, OK so be ready for wide-open spaces!
Visible Cell Service by Verizon
I had no service while I was at the park.
Conclusion
This park is a wonderful weekending park. There isn’t much for trails or activities but there’s enough to fill up a weekend with kids or fishing or just relaxing on a walk and having a picnic. It’s quaint. Two nights is about the most I can last at places like this and I specifically go for weekends just to get away.
You can have a lot of fun with families or just get out for a night or two to make a fire and roast some marshmallows. There’s ample fishing and, if you have bikes or scooters, you can have a great family weekend! If you’re in the Oklahoma City area it’s worth the time to visit for a night or two!
Yes. People can swim at the Sunset Beach area of the state park on the northeastern part of the lake. It is located here.