Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge — Visitor Information & Regulations

Rising above the plains of Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains preserve ancient granite mountains, mixed-grass prairie, lakes and streams, and habitat for bison, elk, white-tailed deer and many other species. The refuge was set aside in 1901 and today protects nearly 60,000 acres, with designated areas available for public recreation.

Hiking & Picnicking

• Hiking and picnicking are limited to daylight hours.
• Group size is limited to 8 people or fewer on the Mount Scott Roadway.
• Group size is limited to 15 people or fewer in Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area.
• Group size is limited to 30 people or fewer in the Dog Run Hollow, Lost Lake and Boulder areas.
• There is no group-size limit east of State Highway 115 except for the Mount Scott Roadway.

Camping

• Camping is allowed only in designated areas.
• Doris Campground’s RV and tent sites are first-come, first-served; group sites, Fawn Creek Youth Campground and Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area permits are by reservation only, as stated in the guide.
• Fires are allowed only in provided fire rings and grills in picnic and camping areas.
• Fires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished before leaving.
• Dead, downed wood may be gathered without saws for use only in designated areas.

Fishing & Boating

• Fishing is permitted in accordance with state and federal regulations on refuge lakes and streams in the public-use area.
• Fish may be taken only with poles and lines or rods and reels.
• Anglers may use tube-type floaters, life jackets or buoyant vests.
• Wading is permitted while fishing; swimming and snorkeling are prohibited except where specifically authorized.
• Taking bait, frogs or turtles from the refuge is prohibited.
• Fishing piers are available near the Environmental Education Center and Lake Elmer Thomas.
• Non-motorized boats, paddleboards and boats under 14 feet with electric trolling motors are permitted only on designated lakes.
• Motorized boats and sailboats are permitted on Lake Elmer Thomas, with a lake-wide no-wake rule.
• No fishing from roadway bridges.

General Regulations

• Observe posted speed limits, signs and state traffic laws.
• Motorized vehicles are allowed only on paved roads and parking areas and in hardened dirt pullouts and parking lots. Parking on grass is prohibited.
• Parking in roadways or obstructing traffic is prohibited.
• Unless fishing, parking areas, pullouts, refuge side roads and trailheads close from sunset to sunrise. Main roads remain open for through traffic.
• Nighttime activities other than fishing are prohibited without a special-use permit.
• Pets must remain under direct control on a leash less than 10 feet long.
• Horses and other domesticated livestock are prohibited.
• Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads, the Mount Scott Service Road, the Lake Elmer Thomas Service Road and the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA) Trail.
• Alcoholic beverages, drugs and drug paraphernalia are prohibited.
• Fireworks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and golf carts are prohibited.
• Drones, remote-controlled aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles are prohibited.
• Installing, replacing or removing climbing anchors or bolts is prohibited.
• Rock sports are allowed in the Public Use Area during daylight hours, except rappelling is prohibited in the Narrows.
• Caves, sinkholes, tunnels and mines are closed to access.
• Collection of plants, rocks, animals, minerals, bones and antlers is prohibited.
• Metal detecting and activities involving searching for, collecting or disturbing artifacts or treasures are prohibited.
• Special-use permits are required for specified special events and commercial activities.
• Hunting is permitted only in accordance with applicable state and refuge regulations.

Check current rules before your visit. Refuge regulations can change. See the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service rules and policies for Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for current requirements.

Trail Information

The refuge map identifies the following trails, one-way distances and difficulty ratings. For current trail descriptions and conditions, see the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service trail guide.