How to Spend a Weekend at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge with Kids

There’s something about the moment you cross into the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge that feels different from anywhere else in Oklahoma (or the Midwest, for that matter!). The landscape shifts — rocky peaks rise out of the prairie, herds of bison roam freely, and suddenly you’re in a place that feels wild and untouched.

We’ve been to a lot of places across the Midwest, but this one? This is one we keep coming back to. It’s rugged, beautiful, and homey all at the same time. If you’re looking for a weekend that feels like a true escape to nature but doesn’t require a flight or thousands of dollars, this is it.

Day 1: The Visitor’s Center, Epic Trails & Waterfalls

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is located just outside of Lawton, Oklahoma, which is about 90 minutes south of Oklahoma City. We drove from Wichita Friday evening after work/school to set up our camp site at Dorris Campground, then started exploring first thing Saturday.

Check out my top 10 essentials for a stress free road trip with kids before you hit the road.

We started our morning with a stop at the visitor center. There is a really great exhibit here that teaches you about the landscape, wildlife and history of the area, so make sure to spend some time here! They also offer the free Junior Ranger program, so make sure to grab booklets for your kiddos. This is such a great way to get your kids interested and learning about the parks in an age appropriate way.

From there, we head straight for the Narrows Trail. This hike is about 2.4 miles and rated moderate, but don’t let that intimidate you. It’s the kind of trail that feels more like an adventure playground than a hike, and my kids loved it! Climbing over rocks, weaving through water, and tons of fun spots to stop and play.

I highly recommend having your kids wear a good water shoe or hiking sandal so you can spend some time on the sandy banks here! I love these Keen hiking sandals for my big kids, and these budget friendly water shoes for my preschooler!

After drying off and finishing the hike, we head popped back over to our campground for lunch. We love this electric cooler for camping, because it keeps our food cold without having to worry about ice.

In the afternoon, we headed over to the Forty Foot Hole Trail.

It’s only 0.9 miles and very flat: easy, quick, and incredibly rewarding. The trail opens up to a stunning little waterfall tucked between the rocks. My kids immediately start exploring, climbing, and finding their own little spots to sit and take it all in.

We make our way to Doris Campground for dinner and to get settles in for the night. We aren’t a huge camping family, but this campground felt very secluded and private, and was really beautiful surrounded by trees and greenery.

If camping isn’t your thing, here’s some other options on where to stay near Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Day 2: Sunrise & Lots of Wildlife

If you are a sunrise family, then definitely start your morning early on the Little Baldy Trail. Even if you don’t get there right at sunrise, it’s still worth an early morning hike up here. The trail is 0.8 miles, and a short but steep climb to the top of Little Baldy Mountain. It’s one of the most stunning views of the park, and is seriously so fun for kids to feel like they are mountain climbers!

After our early hike, we enjoyed a scenic drive around the park. There are free roaming bison and longhorns, and if you visit in the spring you have a great chance of seeing babies! Plus this wildflowers are so beautiful this time of year (we visited over Mother’s Day weekend and they were in full bloom!).

Make sure to stop and hop out when you get to Prairie Dog Town. It’s so fun to watch the little prairie dogs digging and playing with each other.

From there, make the drive up to Mount Scott. The road winds all the way to the top, and once you’re there, you get sweeping views of the entire refuge- lakes, mountains, and open prairie all stretching out in front of you. It makes you realize just how much there is to explore here!

I also recommend a stop by Holy City of the Wichitas. It’s unexpected, a little different from the rest of the refuge, and an interesting spot to wander through. The old stone structures tucked into the mountains give it a quiet and unique feeling.

After that, we headed home!

Why Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is Worth a Visit

There are a lot of beautiful places in Oklahoma, but this one feels extra special. Between the bison and prairie dogs, the epic waterfalls and stunning wildflowers, and the mountainous hiking trails that feel like you left the Midwest, this has become one of our families favorite spots in Oklahoma.

And if it’s not on your list yet, it should be.