Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Oklahoma That's Affordable

Free-range buffalo are just the beginning to your Wichita Mountains adventures! Spend a day or camp a weekend to explore this Oklahoma oasis. From vast recreation areas to endless trails, these mountains can take you on multiple excursions without breaking the bank. Let’s explore a bit and see what trip inspiration we can find.

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These southwest Oklahoma mountains are a must-stop destination for anyone in (or traveling through) the state. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is nearly 60,000-acres of natural beauty filled with wildlife and recreation.

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Wild creatures big and small make their home in these mountains. The free range buffalo are the most notable but other roamers are Texas long horns, elk, and a plethora of prairie dogs!

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Thirteen small reservoirs as well as numerous creeks and springs reside within the Wichita Mountains. This particular one is Jed Johnson Lake. The castle-looking structure was originally a fire watch tower constructed by the CCC in 1941. Jed Johnson Tower is just one of the spots to photograph while traversing the Jed Johnson Trail. It's one of the more family-friendly trails in the area.

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For a true adrenaline-spiking adventure plot out a rock climbing excursion in the Wichitas! Climbers will not only appreciate the incredible landscape but the high-quality granite and multi-pitch routes help too! The Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition has created a central hub for all the maps, regulations, and info needed for planning a climb.

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So why not stay longer? The Doris Campground is currently open to RVs, travel trailers, and pop-ups. You can keep tabs on tent-camp openings by following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife page right here.

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The Mount Scott Roadway is a beautiful and easily accessible tour through the Refuge. The road has access between hikers and drivers with different schedules for each. Cars and bikes have exclusive access to the roadway from Friday - Sunday in the afternoon. For the detailed schedule head right here.

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Be sure to plot out your trip before setting off to the mountains! More information can be found at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife website right here and with this brochure. And, as always, remember to leave no trace.

What’s your favorite spot to explore around Wichita Mountains? We’d love to hear about them all in the comments below! This is just one of the must-see places for Oklahoma nature lovers.