Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma—a lasting refuge for wildlife. Situated just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people. 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.
Prescribed Burning Planned at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will conduct prescribed burns over the next several weeks as recent weather conditions have created safe and suitable opportunities for fire personnel to complete these important treatments in the Refuge’s Special Use Area. Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools for reducing hazardous fuel loads. By removing excess vegetation under controlled conditions, the Refuge lowers the likelihood of future wildfires and limits their spread and severity, and reduces risks to private property, natural resources, wildlife habitat, and nearby communities. Conducting this work now—under trained supervision and appropriate weather—greatly enhances public and firefighter safety. For additional information please read the announcement here.

While no additional closures are anticipated, the public is reminded to follow all posted signs and area restrictions. Updates on road conditions or temporary closures will be available on the Refuge website or by contacting the Refuge Visitor Center at 580‑429‑3222.

Kids listening to an outdoor talk
Group Field Trips
We are now taking reservations for self-guided or ranger-led group field trips.

Visit Us

An enchanting landscape awaits you in southwestern Oklahoma at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie —a lasting refuge for wildlife. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation.

A bison stands in a cell phone camera frame with the words Find Your Wild
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Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma—a lasting refuge for wildlife. Situated just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people. 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. 

      What We Do

      The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. The wildlife and habitats of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are managed using prescribed fire, grazing management, invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species       control, reservoir management, fish stocking, public use management, Wilderness management, and controlled hunts to manage wildlife populations. 

      Our Species

      Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to a whole host of animals—from large animals like the American bison to tiny prairie dogs and colorful “Mountain Boomer” lizards. The Refuge is also a great place for over 275 species birds to nest, feed, or rest during migration.