McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · Oklahoma

McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area

McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area is a diverse natural preserve in southeastern Oklahoma known for its forested hills, clear waters, and abundant wildlife. It offers a range of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Wildlife Management Area27,000+4+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

27,000+

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area

McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area is a diverse natural preserve in southeastern Oklahoma known for its forested hills, clear waters, and abundant wildlife. It offers a range of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Spanning over 27,000 acres in Atoka and Pushmataha counties, McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area is part of the McGee Creek Lake project, which includes the McGee Creek Reservoir and surrounding lands managed primarily for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. The area lies within the Ouachita Mountains, featuring rugged terrain with mixed pine and hardwood forests, rocky hillsides, and deep creek valleys. The reservoir supplies clean water to Oklahoma City and forms the centerpiece of the region, attracting anglers with its populations of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and other sportfish. The management area supports numerous species such as deer, turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrel, and various migratory birds, making it a popular destination for hunting and wildlife viewing. Hiking and horseback riding trails utilize existing old roads and forest service roads, providing access to scenic overlooks and natural springs. Seasonal hunting and fishing regulations are strictly enforced to maintain sustainable populations. The area's remote location and low development give visitors a quiet wilderness experience. Visitors are also drawn to McGee Creek State Park adjacent to the reservoir, which offers additional camping, picnicking, and boating facilities. The combination of water-based recreation, diverse habitats, and extensive forested acreage creates a rich outdoor opportunity for hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

McGee Creek Reservoir – a clear, pristine lake known for excellent bass fishingMixed pine and hardwood forest ecosystem with diverse wildlife populationsHunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, turkey, and small gameRemote hiking and horseback riding trails with scenic views of the Ouachita foothills
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access for day use; hunting and fishing require appropriate Oklahoma wildlife permits

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

McGee Creek State Park Campground

Located adjacent to the reservoir, this campground offers sites with water and electric hookups, boat ramps, and picnic areas.

Primitive Camp Sites

Dispersed camping allowed within the WMA in designated areas; sites are remote with no amenities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Tuskahoma, Oklahoma
14.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tuskahoma, Oklahoma

Tuskahoma is a quiet town surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, ideal for hiking, birding, and horseback riding. Visitors enjoy peaceful trails, paddling calm waters, and camping away from the crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Antlers, Oklahoma
18.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Antlers, Oklahoma

Antlers is a small town in southeastern Oklahoma offering serene outdoor activities like hiking in the Kiamichi Mountains, fishing and paddling on Mountain Fork River, and peaceful camping in Ouachita National Forest.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Hugo, Oklahoma
29.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hugo, Oklahoma

Hugo, Oklahoma offers calm lakeside adventures including fishing, boating, and paddling. Surrounded by forests and wildlife areas, it’s a relaxed destination for outdoor lovers seeking peaceful hiking and camping.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Talihina, Oklahoma
30.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Talihina, Oklahoma

Talihina, Oklahoma, is an adventurer's gateway to the stunning Kiamichi Mountains. It's best known for the Talimena Scenic Drive, which offers breathtaking vistas of the Ouachita National Forest.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Kiowa, Oklahoma
35.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kiowa, Oklahoma

Kiowa, Oklahoma invites outdoor lovers to unwind with hiking, fishing, and birdwatching amid quiet plains and wooded parks. This small town is perfect for rustic camping and horseback rides, offering a peaceful rural adventure off the main trail.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Stringtown, Oklahoma
37.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stringtown, Oklahoma

Stringtown, Oklahoma offers peaceful access to Lake Eufaula and rural trails perfect for fishing, hiking, and bird watching. It’s a quiet spot for campers and paddlers looking to explore southeastern Oklahoma’s natural scenery.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A Day Among Giants: Six Hours with Hugo’s Elephant Herd
ADVEXPEDITION
Hugo, Oklahoma
Guided TourADV Bookable

A Day Among Giants: Six Hours with Hugo’s Elephant Herd

A guided, six-hour expedition near Hugo, Oklahoma led by Oklahoma Awesome Adventures that places participants alongside a herd of elephants; this guide explains what to expect, who can join, and the basic logistics.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip