Altus boosts quality of life with lakeshore getaway spots

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Where can Altus Airmen go to get away from it all? A recent partnership between Altus AFB and Quartz Mountain Resort lead to the creation of a retreat haven for servicemembers April 10 at Lake Altus.

Altus AFB now owns two camping trailers at Lake Altus. Airmen on a tight budget or those just looking for a quality experience can enjoy the great outdoors for a $60 per night, $120 for a weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday if it falls on a holiday) and $240 per week. The trailers will be exclusively rented out to servicemembers.

"Having the trailers at Quartz Mountain gives us an opportunity for Airmen to take their families away from the base and away from their day-to-day lives to a recreation and park atmosphere," said Col. David Allvin, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. "This is a great first step for Altus AFB to be able to offer quality of life opportunities off the base. It offers something different you may not get at Altus AFB."

With the recreational area's proximity to the base, Airmen will be able to go to an escape haven without driving several hours away.

"We really wanted to something for families and single Airmen who don't have the capacity to pull trailers," said Tim Case, Outdoor Recreation Center and Information, Tickets and Travel director. "We're hoping it becomes a great getaway place for the Airmen here. It's only a 20 minute drive and there is a lot of stuff to do up there."

Activities available at Quartz Mountain include hiking, fishing, rock climbing, biking and swimming. There are also miniature and 18-hole golf courses. "You can take a boat or (all terrain vehicles) up there as well," he said.

The trailers allow patrons to enjoy the area's attractions year round with their various amenities.

"The trailers each have a full shower, toilet, air conditioning and heating," Mr. Case said. "You can also sleep six to eight people in there. It also has a full-size refrigerator, stove with four burners, an oven and a microwave."

In addition, the convenience store and the beach are in walking distance. "The store is just a little ways down the road and the swimming beach is just over the hill by the trailers," he continued. "The Scissortail Campgrounds have the best spots near the lake and we have two of them."

For those who like to stay connected to the internet, the campgrounds where the trailers are located have free Wi-Fi.

"It's just like having the comforts of home while you are camping," Mr. Case said.

For more information, call the Altus AFB Outdoor Recreation Center at 481-7416, or 7496. Reservations must be made in person.