In an attempt to fulfill my desire to go camping, I investigated various state parks in Oklahoma. I eventually settled upon the Wichita mountains within the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. While there are designated campgrounds throughout the area, I prefer to camp in more seclusion. However, they only issue 10 backcountry camping permits per evening (and non for Thursday evening by the way). I called to try and reserve one for Saturday night. The lady laughed at me! Story is they book up quickly and are currently spoken for through June.
Nevertheless, I still wanted to check out WWA. I chose to day hike instead. I’ll let the pictures do the talking:
A few highlights:
- The visitors center is impressive. It not only has many displays with great information, but a video room as well.
- The terrain is rugged and dry
- Everything feels bigger
- It didn’t take long for me to choose to get off the beaten trail
- I lost a good friend of 12 years (you’ll have to look at the pics to know what I’m talking about)
- I met another guy named Randy (this is the 2nd State Park in OK in which I have run into a Randy)
- Even though the high temperature was about 78, I drank 5 liters of water
Things for next time:
- Make it a point to find Twin Rocks (west of the Charon Garden trail)
- Bring a change of socks
- Wear gloves when scrambling
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| Wichita Wildlife Refuge |