About Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Rising above the plains of Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains are a testament to the strength of ancient granite mountains. This unconquerable stone defeated the plow protecting one of the last remnants of the mixed grass prairie and providing habitat for bison, elk, white-tailed deer, and a variety of other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. From birding and biking, to hiking and hunting, the diversity of the landscape within the Public Use Area offers ample opportunities for recreation. Wichita Mountains is one of the oldest, most prestigious national wildlife refuges in America. Set aside in 1901, Wichita Mountains was originally established a forest reserve. President Theodore Roosevelt redesignated the area in 1905 as the Wichita Forest and Game Preserve created “for the protection of game animals and birds and shall be recognized as a breeding place thereof.” Encompassing 59,020 acres (about 90 square miles), the refuge manages 22,400 acres for public use and 8,570 acres of Wilderness. Wichita Mountains and all refuges across the country are closed to all uses unless specifically permitted. Help protect your public lands and this priceless ecological treasure by following established rules and regulations.
How to Get There
From I-44, take Highway 49 (exit 45). Go west 7 miles to the Refuge gate or 14 miles to the Visitor Center. If coming from Highway 62, take Highway 115 (Cache exit) north to the Refuge Gate. You will find leaflet dispensers inside each of the Refuge gates that have maps and information. Contact the refuge Visitor Center for more information. The coordinates for the refuge visitor center is 34.710644 and -98.623426.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1672) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge?
From I-44, take Highway 49 (exit 45). Go west 7 miles to the Refuge gate or 14 miles to the Visitor Center. If coming from Highway 62, take Highway 115 (Cache exit) north to the Refuge Gate. You will find leaflet dispensers inside each of the Refuge gates that have maps and information. Contact the refuge Visitor Center for more information. The coordinates for the refuge visitor center is 34.7106…
How do I contact Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 580-429-3221 or email: wmr_visitorservices@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
