Wichita Mountains
Cache, OK 73527
Plan Your Visit
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.
Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation including fishing, bird watching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping, and kayaking. Take time to explore the roughly 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center, the Environmental Education Center, and at Holy City of the Wichitas. Comfort stations are available at Lake Elmer Thomas, the Mount Scott Picnic Area, Lost Lake Picnic Area, Boulder Cabin, Boulder Picnic Area, and Sunset Picnic Area.
Points of Interest
Staff and volunteers would love to help you plan your visit. Stop by the Visitor Center to become more familiar with the refuge and the wildlife that live here. Take time to explore the exhibits and watch the 15 minute refuge video. You can also pick up a refuge map to help navigate your way. While you’re there, visit the Friends of the Wichitas Nature Store for field guides, gear, and other educational items.
Know Before You Go
- Bring water with you. The refuge has no potable water available for drinking.
- Bring more water than you think you need. Take it with you on the trail.
- Cell phone coverage is spotty across the refuge.
- Bison and longhorn are free roaming. For your safety and theirs, do not approach them.
- All camping is by reservation only through Recreation.gov.
- Practice LEAVE NO TRACE
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.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
About
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest in America, established in 1901 as a forest reserve and later redesignated for the protection of game animals and birds. Spanning 59,020 acres, it protects one of the last remnants of mixed grass prairie and provides habitat for species like bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. The refuge offers diverse recreational opportunities across its public use areas and nearly 9,000 acres of designated Wilderness.