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.
students hiking at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Group Field Trips

In order to accommodate regular visitors and groups in the Visitor Center, the Refuge has a new reservation tool.  See our Environmental Education page for more details. 

Latest News

Six river otters walk out on the frozen surface of a river in winter at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming.
Recreation
Winter Scenes
Here are some natural sights to look for in winter at national wildlife refuges.
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Get Involved
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manages Lands and Waters for You
Saturday marks the annual National Public Lands Day. Throughout the country, national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries, and all public lands, are planning cleanups to make the lands look their best and give the critters there the best home possible. Many facilities also have festivals...
More than a dozen black-and-white birds and tan birds standing clustered together in shallow water
Land Management
Wilderness! There's Nothing Like It
There are conserved public lands and waters, and there is wilderness. Wilderness is a category unto itself. Wilderness is land and water designated by Congress for special protection under the Wilderness Act of 1964. Designated wilderness is untrammeled … primeval … natural.
A wood cabin stands in the snow at the edge of a forest.
Recreation
Camping is a Treat at These National Wildlife Refuges
Some national wildlife refuges offer public campsites or cabin rentals.
A large white bird soaring in blue sky with its long white-and-black wings spread the width of the photo
Wildlife Wonders
Refuge Animals From A to Z
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conserves land and water on national wildlife refuges for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Here’s a sampling of them, from A to Z.
Bighorn sheep block cars on the road at National Elk Refuge in Wyoming.
Recreation
Great Drives on National Wildlife Refuges
Here’s a sampling of some super refuge drives that offer a chance to see birds and other wildlife.
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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.

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.