If you are looking for a relaxing and fun getaway in Oklahoma, you might want to check out Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA). This beautiful lake is located on the Fort Sill military base, near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and w. Whether you are into camping, fishing, boating, hiking, or just enjoying the scenery, Lake Elmer Thomas has something for everyone. In this blog post, I will share some of the reasons why you should visit Lake Elmer Thomas and what you can do there.

Why Visit Lake Elmer Thomas?

Lake Elmer Thomas is a no-wake lake that covers 360 acres of land. It is surrounded by rolling hills, wooded areas, and wildlife. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings, as well as the history and culture of the nearby towns. Here are some of the benefits of visiting Lake Elmer Thomas:

• It is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. You can breathe the fresh air, listen to the birds, and watch the stars at night.
• It is a family-friendly destination that offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. You can play mini-golf, paintball, archery, volleyball, or even scuba dive. You can also rent paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, or bikes to explore the lake and its trails.
• It is a budget-friendly option that does not compromise on quality. You can camp, rent a cabin, or stay at a nearby hotel. You can also enjoy the amenities and facilities of the recreation area, such as the country store, the snack bar, the water slides, and the playgrounds.
• It is a convenient location that is easy to access and close to other attractions. You can reach the lake by using Apache Gate on Hwy 49 or Sheridan Road Gate. You can also visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Medicine Park, or the Fort Sill Museum.

What to Do at Lake Elmer Thomas?

There is no shortage of things to do at Lake Elmer Thomas. You can choose to relax and unwind, or to have some fun and adventure. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy at the lake:

• Camping: You can camp year-round at the lake, with several options to suit your preferences. You can choose from RV sites, tent camping, primitive camping, and modern cabins.
• Boating: You can bring your own boat or rent one at the lake. You can choose from paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, or bikes. You can also enjoy the water slides, which are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The lake is a no-wake zone, so you can enjoy a peaceful and safe ride on the water.
• Scuba Diving: You can scuba dive at the lake, which has a depth of up to 80 feet and a visibility of up to 15 feet. You can see fish, turtles, and underwater structures. You will need to bring your own equipment and certification card. You can also take scuba diving lessons in the recreation area.
• Mini-Golf: You can play mini-golf at the 18-hole course, which is open year-round. You can also try other activities such as paintball, archery, volleyball, and horseshoes. You can rent the equipment at the country store or bring your own.
• Wildlife Watching: You can observe and photograph the wildlife that lives around the lake, such as birds, squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons. You can also visit the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which has over 59,000 acres of land and hosts more than 50 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles and amphibians, 36 species of fish, and 806 species of plants. You can see bison, elk, deer, longhorn cattle, prairie dogs, and more. You can also explore the visitor center, the prairie dog town, the holy city, and the Quanah Parker Lake.

How to Plan Your Visit to Lake Elmer Thomas?

If you are interested in visiting Lake Elmer Thomas, here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

• Check the weather and pack accordingly. The lake is located in a semi-arid region, so the temperatures can vary widely throughout the year. You can expect hot summers, mild winters, and occasional thunderstorms. You can check the current weather and forecast at Weather.
• Make your reservations in advance. The lake is a popular destination, especially during the summer and holidays. You can book your camping or cabin stay by calling LETRA Country Store at +1 (580)442-5854. You can also rent boats, bikes, and other equipment at the country store.
• Get your visitor pass and fishing license. If you are not a military or DoD ID card holder, you will need to get a visitor pass at the Visitor Welcome Center (by Sheridan Road Gate) before entering the Fort Sill military base. You can apply for a background check and receive a visitor pass up to 30 days in advance.  You will also need a fishing license if you plan to fish at the lake. You can purchase one at the country store or online.
• Explore the nearby attractions. Lake Elmer Thomas is not the only place to visit in the area. You can also check out the historic and charming town of Medicine Park, which has shops, restaurants, museums, and festivals. You can also visit the Fort Sill Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the military base and the Native American tribes that lived there. You can also drive to the Meers Store and Restaurant, which is famous for its burgers and pies.

Conclusion

Lake Elmer Thomas is a hidden gem in Oklahoma that offers a relaxing and fun getaway for everyone. You can enjoy the natural beauty, the recreational activities, and the nearby attractions. You can also learn about the history and culture of the region. Whether you are looking for a day trip, a weekend escape, or a longer vacation, Lake Elmer Thomas is a great place to visit. I hope this blog post has inspired you to plan your visit to Lake Elmer Thomas and discover its wonders for yourself. For more things to do in the Lawton Fort Sill area check out our blog.