The city of Lawton was founded in 1901, and it was initially established as a stop on the Arkansas-Pacific Railroad line. The city was named after Major General Henry W. Lawton, who served in the Union Army during the Civil War and was killed in action in 1898. Lawton was a small frontier town with just over 1,000 people in its early years. However, the city quickly grew and prospered due to its strategic location and access to transportation. By 1910, the population had reached 5,000, and Lawton became the county seat of Comanche County.
During World War II, Lawton was an essential military training site for the Army and the Navy. Camps Atterbury and Beauregard were located just outside town, and thousands of recruits passed through Lawton on their way to becoming soldiers. Today, Lawton is a thriving community with over 96,000 people. The city is home to several museums and historical sites as well as numerous parks and recreation areas.
One of the best things about Lawton is that it's located in the heart of the beautiful Wichita Mountains. This means there are plenty of hiking, camping and fishing opportunities in the area. You can also visit one of the many scenic lakes or hike a nature trail through one of the many parks. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even go rock climbing or rappelling in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.
In addition to its natural beauty, Lawton also features several historical and cultural attractions. The Museum of the Great Plains is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the area's history. The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center is another excellent option, especially if you want to learn more about the Comanche tribe that once called this land home.
Campgrounds Near Lawton, Oklahoma
At Pinnacle Peak RV Park, 20 minutes northwest of Lawton, you can relax in peace and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Wichita Mountains. Visitors can explore the park's popular nearby attractions, like Meers Store & Restaurant, Medicine Park, and the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. The park is open year-round and has the amenities to keep you happy. You'll also get to enjoy the on-site laundry facilities and free internet.
Granite Pointe is a camping and fishing resort surrounded by Historic Medicine Park, which was founded in 1908. The park, 20 minutes northwest of Lawton, offers many activities that are suitable for families and other guests with various interests. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are fun things you can do while visiting this campground.
Tucked on the north end of nearby Lake Lawtonka, Lawtonka RV Park features rolling hills and a half-mile proximity to the boat ramp. It's ideal for couples who want to spend time on the water all year. Take a drive up to Mount Scott for beautiful views, or swim in one of the 10 ponds and lakes in the area. Guests of this RV park have access to wireless internet, cable television and a coin-operated laundry room.
State Parks Near Lawton, Oklahoma
Lake Arrowhead State Park is a 2,000-acre state park in northeast Texas, an hour and five minutes south of Lawton. The park is located on the shores of Lake Arrowhead, a 20,000-acre reservoir created by the damming of the Sulphur River in 1970. The lake is known for its clear water and abundant fishing opportunities. Recreational activities abound, including camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, boating and wildlife watching. Several miles of trails also wind through the woods and offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
Lake Thunderbird State Park is one of Oklahoma's most popular state parks. The park is located in the heart of Oklahoma's scenic Arbuckle Mountains, an hour and 25 minutes northeast of Lawton, and provides visitors with an array of recreational opportunities. The park features two large lakes, Lake Thunderbird and Lake Arcadia, which are perfect for swimming, fishing, boating and other water activities. There are also numerous hiking trails and picnic areas scattered throughout the park. In addition to its many natural attractions, Lake Thunderbird State Park is also home to various cultural and historical sites. The park includes a replica of an ancient Native American village and a museum that chronicles the area's history.
Roman Nose State Park is located in the scenic wheat fields of Central Oklahoma, two hours and five minutes north of Lawton. The park's recreational activities include hiking, camping, fishing and picnicking. It also has a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool and a playground. The name "Roman Nose" comes from a Native American chief who was said to have had a Roman nose. The park was established in 1937 and covers an area of 1,500 acres. The park is home to various wildlife, including deer, squirrels, rabbits and birds. There are also several species of fish in the ponds and lakes.
National Sites Near Lawton, Oklahoma
An hour and 20 minutes northeast of Lawton, the Oklahoma City National Memorial is a somber reminder of the tragedy that occurred on April 19, 1995. The memorial honors the victims, survivors and first responders of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor symbol of remembrance features 168 empty chairs, each representing a victim of the attack, arranged in nine rows to represent the nine floors of the building that collapsed. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum offers visitors a chance to learn more about the events of that fateful day and pay their respects to those who lost their lives. The museum features exhibits on the history of terrorism and personal stories from survivors and first responders. Those who visit can also leave messages of hope and healing in the Survivor Tree Register.
The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, located in Cheyenne, two hours and 20 minutes northwest of Lawton, preserves the site of the Battle of Washita, which occurred on November 27, 1868. Visitors to the site can learn about the battle and its significance and see evidence of the battlefield itself. The Battle of Washita was fought between United States troops led by Colonel George Armstrong Custer and a group of Native Americans known as the Southern Cheyenne.
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area, an hour and 35 minutes southeast of Lawton, is operated by the National Park Service. It consists of the Platt Historic District and the Lake of the Arbuckles. Platt Historic District is situated on the former site of the Chickasaw Nation's capital city, Tishomingo. The district includes various structures, such as a council house, a courthouse and a jail, that the Chickasaw people built between 1856 and 1907. Lake of the Arbuckles is a man-made lake that was created in 1970. It covers an area of 1,500 acres and contains over 30 miles of shoreline. The lake is popular for fishing, swimming and boating. There are also several hiking trails located around the lake.
National Forests Near Lawton, Oklahoma
Mark Twain National Forest is located in the southern part of Missouri and covers nearly 1.2 million acres of land. The forest, which is six hours and 50 minutes northeast of Lawton, is named after the famous writer and humorist, Mark Twain, who was born and raised in Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest is home to various plant and animal life, making it an excellent place for nature lovers to explore. There are also plenty of recreation opportunities from hiking and camping to fishing and swimming.
Ouachita National Forest is a lush, green oasis in the middle of Arkansas, five hours and 20 minutes east of Lawton. Consisting of over 1.4 million acres, the forest is home to many species of plants and animals as well as numerous hiking trails and camping sites. With over 500 miles of trails winding through the forest, you can easily spend a day (or two) exploring all that the Ouachita National Forest has to offer.
Sam Houston National Forest is a dense forest located in East Texas, five hours and 25 minutes southeast of Lawton. The forest covers parts of Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker and Trinity Counties. It is the southernmost national forest in the United States. It was created in 1936 and is named after General Sam Houston, who served as the first president of the Republic of Texas. The forest covers 163,045 acres and is home to numerous plant and animal species. Sam Houston National Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding. There are also several ranger-led programs offered throughout the year.
