Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area   (LETRA)

Located 12 miles NW of the main post, LETRA can be reached by registered vehicles using Apache gate on hwy 49 and all others Key Gate on I-44.

Call 580-442-5854 for Reservations, for the answering service call 580-442-5541 to leave a message, or call toll free 1-800-375-8270.
Manager, Kelly Wright

Entry Fee

  • $5 per vehicle for authorized MWR Patrons
  • Only $2.50 per vehicle for authorized MWR Patrons on Wednesdays and Thursdays (Beach is not open)
  • $6 per vehicle for all others
  • Only $3 per vehicle for all others on Wednesdays and Thursdays (Beach is not open)

Season passes go on sale May 19 for a one-time cost of $20 per car for military and $25 for civilians for the first pass. Additional car passes may be purchased at half price thereafter.

Admission to the park includes use of the beach area, playgrounds, hiking trails and the double flume water slide. The lake itself is stocked with fish waiting for anglers to try their luck.


The summer season for Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area opens May 24 to May 26 with the Summer Season Kickoff Weekend! The Lodge snack bar is available Friday through Sunday and holidays, and the country store is available Wednesday through Sunday and holidays throughout the summer season. The slide, beach with lifeguards, watercraft rentals, mini-golf, the lodge snack bar and country store are available on weekends throughout the summer season.

For the LETRA summer season, the water slide will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The beach with lifeguards will be open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information on LETRA, call 442-5854.

Operating Hours

Summer Season, May 24  - Sept 7
Winter Season, Sep 11 - May 27

Beach Area

Mon - Tue, Beach Area Closed
Wed -Thu, CLOSED
Fri - Sun and Hol, 10am - 6pm
Seasonal May thru Sep

Letra Gate
Closed during off season

Apache Gate
Use during OFF season

LETRA is Fort Sill's premier lake-side recreation area surrounded by the Wichita Mountains. During the off season, you can enjoy the group use areas, RV campsites with 58 full service hookups, primitive tent camping sites, great fishing, admin office and country store filled with supplies and bait, or rent the lakeside lodge ideal for unit, office and holiday parties only $100 for a full day's use! 

Join annual events held at LETRA, Body versus Earth Triathlon held in September and the 12 miles of hell mountain bike race held in March of every year.

For catering services contact MWR Catering at 580-442-5300.


A barracuda built for two.

Waterslide
This popular attraction features a double flume waterslide that curves and plunges into a four-foot splash pool.

Group Use Areas
LETRA has several group use areas for unit and private gatherings. The Group use area can be reserved in person or by calling the reservations office at 580-442-5854.

Camping, RV & Tent
All Campers are required to register and pay fees at the
Administration Office. An overnight camping permit will then be issued to be displayed by patrons. Only persons registered as overnight guests and displaying their permit will be allowed to enter or remain in the park after closing. Quiet hours are observed at campsites from 10pm to 7am. 

Open fires Prohibited. Tent Campers are asked to use the designated campsite areas located north of the Group Use Area on the west side of the park.  A total of 58 RV sites are available in two locations at LETRA. Main park has 45 leveled, gravel sites close to the marina. The west park has 13 sites. Both parks have sewer, electric & water service.  A convenient dump station is located in the main park.


Volleyball on the beach LETRA.


Boating

The boat ramp is located on the east side of the facility, with ample parking space provided for cars, trucks and trailers.  Lake Elmer Thomas is a "no-wake" lake. Jet ski's and water skiing prohibited. LETRA is patrolled by game wardens.

Paddle Boats & Canoes (Seasonal)
LETRA offers paddle boats and canoes, May 24 through Sep 7.  Operations are directly affected by area wind.  Boats will not be rented during high winds or when it comes from the south. You must be at least 13yrs old to rent boats.  Buoy's define the areas you can boat in.  Rides range from $5/hr for non-motored boats to $8.00/half-hour for mouse boats

Country Store (Seasonal)
Open May 17 - Sep 7.  A small convenience store offering items from charcoal to milk. A full line of fishing tackle & bait, such as worms, is also available at the Country Store.

The Lodge
Dine on the beautiful deck overlooking the lake and Mt. Scott. Catch a glimpse of buffalo on the Refuge, coming down to the waters' edge for a drink. Available for unit, office, and holiday parties, and private functions.  MWR Catering is available, call 442-5300 for information.


Water Bikes are just one of the rentals available.


Paddleboat Fun!

Miniature Golf
Letra offers a challenging 18 hole miniature golf course. Located lakeside, a perfect location for fun on that, nothing to do, lazy afternoon.

Fishing
A Fort Sill fishing permit is not required, only an Oklahoma State license for any person, 16yrs & older.

The facilities and services at LETRA are provided for your leisure time recreation. You can assist management in providing the best service possible by observing the general rules listed here. These rules are designed to ensure that all who use the facilities can enjoy themselves while at the same time protect and preserve the park environment and the rights of others using the park. Should you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact the management or other employees in the park.

Courtesy
Radios, stereos, CD players, etc. should be played at moderate volume so as not to disturb others. Pets will be controlled or restrained. Please clean up after your pets. Designated doggy areas are provided at the RV park. Firearms, fireworks, or explosives of any kind are not allowed at any time. Shoes and shirts are required in all facilities, except the Bath- house. LETRA promotes a smoke free environment and smoking is not permitted in the buildings.

Traffic
In order to protect the newly seeded and sodden areas, all vehicles will be operated on the roadways only. Please obey all traffic signs and vehicle restraints. Adequate parking is located throughout the park.

Group Use
LETRA a has several group use areas, located throughout the park.


Area #1
Main Group Area, suitable for large groups, equipped with a large covered pavilion, BBQ grill, 
and assorted playground equipment.  Rental Fee $40 per day.

Area #2

Covered picnic tables with electricity located between the marina and the beach house.  Rental fee $35.

Area #3
Medium group use area equipped with three small covered pavilions, BBQ grills and playground equipment. Located north of the boat launch area which is just past the miniature golf course.  Rental fee $20.

Area #4
Stone Pavilion located north of Country Store on hillside. Ready seating for 60 persons. Not suitable for children.  Rental fee $20.

The areas can be reserved in person, calling (580) 442-5854 or email
during the season only.  For scheduled functions the fee is $1 per person (minimum 50, under 50 $5.00/car load)

Directions
Call for directions, 580-442-5854.


Back to top