Great Plains State Park - Mountain Park, Oklahoma

Bill A.

Our second visit here. The people are awesome, the campsites are great. We met family there and they had no electricity but the park took care of it immediately. This is a great place to relax, walk, fish, boat, kayak, whatever you want to relax. We will return often.

T. J. H. D.

The Beast of Tom Steed Reservoir
(A Tale from Great Plains State Park)

They say if you wander too close to the reeds at Tom Steed Reservoir, just after the sun dips behind the Wichita Mountains and the wind stills for a breath—you might catch a glimpse of it.

Locals call it The Skritter.

Half egret, half rabbit. Long white neck craning like a heron’s, but with twitchy ears and back legs made for bounding. Its wings—if you can call them that—are patchy and bent, more for gliding low than taking flight. It doesn’t chirp or squawk. No, The Skritter makes a sound like thistle brushing denim, soft but sharp. And it watches.

Old man Whitley swears he saw it first in ’92, just past the fishing dock. Said it hopped out of the water like a rock skipping across the surface, soaking wet with cattails tangled in its fur-feathers. He tossed his bait box in the truck and didn’t stop driving till he hit Hobart.

Rangers don’t talk about it much. But if you camp there, especially near the south end of the reservoir, you might notice your marshmallows disappear. Or rabbit tracks… with claw marks.

Some say it’s the result of a government experiment gone wrong. Others think it’s a cursed spirit—an omen. But the elders around Snyder just shake their heads, muttering, “Don’t feed it. Don’t follow it. And whatever you do, don’t whistle near the water after dark.”

Because if you hear something whistle back, it’s already too late.

Ashley

We have camped here for Memorial Day weekend for 2021, 2022 and 2024. The restrooms by the boat ramp don't flush very well. They were old in in 2022. I was hoping they would be replaced by this time like all the other state parks. The restrooms in the otter creek campground are hot/stuffy and need ventilation. The showers require quarters to operate and are also very hot/stuffy and need ventilation. In 2022 our campsite had a water spigot. The water spigot is now gone. The receipt says it was a "premium" campsite for $22. It has no water spigot nor electric. Not sure what is so "premium" about it? We feel like a paid campsite should come with tokens for the shower. We are hikers not boaters so hopefully we can get a spot at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge next time. On the plus side, we saw a road runner multiple times and learned his call. Lots of other birds too like scissor tail fly catcher. Only a 30 minute drive to the Wildlife Refuge where we wanted to hike. There's always a breeze to keep you cool.

C

This state park is very well kept. As a single mom of three I felt safe here. The restrooms were also well kept and the staff at the office were very friendly. My campsite had a grill, bonfire pit and a covered picnic table. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous and pictures don't do justice. If you're thinking about camping, this is a wonderful place!

Kristen H.

Great park, clean restrooms, plenty of space. It's really beautiful!

David K.

We had the entire place to ourselves mid week in Late January! A one night stop over. Great paved 1.5 mile walking path. Three rv areas; otter creek camp area farther away from the boaters. They have miles of hiking/mountain bike ( technical) trails! Bath/shower houses are ok. The showers are ok . Quarters . Kinda weak spray from the fixed shower head. But it is warm enough even in january!

K W.

Beautiful park & super kind staff. Lots to do. Plenty of trails, fishing, swimming, disc golf, beautiful sunrise & sunset watching, plenty of wildlife, lots to explore, etc. We camped in the Otter Creek campground & I cannot recommend it enough! We loved this park & definitely recommend. Dog friendly, keep them on a leash. Clean facilities. The showers are not free, if you did not come prepared with quarters there is a change machine directly outside of the showers.

Donna B.

We really enjoyed this beautiful state park and Mountain Shade campground! Our campsite had beautiful yellow and red roses in full bloom. Reservations were easy to make, visitor center staff and camp hosts were very nice. Loved hiking in the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Reserve and seeing the local wildlife. Looking forward to our next visit.