Photo: Doug Lay © all rights reserved

Lake Elmer Thomas and the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA) is your one-stop family fun and outdoor recreation location. Lake Elmer Thomas and LETRA are nestled in the picturesque Wichita Mountains, underneath the 2400+ foot Mount Scott and offers a 360-acre lake surrounded by native prairie, free range buffalo, elk, longhorn cattle, Canadian geese and more.

Some of the attractions at LETRA include a double flume water slide, miniature golf course, bath house and sandy beach, beach snack bar, 62 RV campsites with full hookups, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and hiking trails.

In addition, LETRA (see below) offers a multipurpose lodge for special events, restaurant grille, equipment rental, convenience store, and a boat launch/marina.

Set aside as a forest preserve in 1901 and a game preserve in 1905, it is the oldest managed Refuge in the US. The natural attractions of the refuge include 20 lakes, streams, canyons, mountains and grassland ideal for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Visitors can see free roaming buffalo, elk, longhorn cattle, deer, and much more. The refuge also has a prairie dog town. Headquarters are located 25 miles northwest of Lawton, Oklahoma.

Phone: (580) 429-3221

Visitors Center: (580) 429-8487

Atoka WMA covers 6,440 acres in Atoka County and is located 12 miles north of Atoka on Hwy 69. Terrain within the WMA ranges from steep to moderately steep. Vegetation consists mainly of oak-hickory association with scattered openings. The average precipitation of the area is about 52 inches annually.

One designated primitive camping area is offered on the area. Additional camping and cabin rental can be obtained through the McGee Creek State Park (580) 889-5822 while both lodging and restaurants are available in Atoka and McAlester. The Atoka City Hall can be reached at (580) 889-3341.

Approximately 12 miles north of Atoka Ok. On Hwy 69.