THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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 30 miles.

Discover Talimena State Park★ 7.0⌖ 36 miHiking
Talimena State Park

Discover Talimena State Park

Explore Talimena State Park in Talihina, Oklahoma, a gateway to the Ouachita National Forest. With its scenic trails and drives, it's a spot for hiking and enjoying stunning vistas. Best visited in spring and fall.

Discover the Natural Beauty of Beavers Bend★ 8.0⌖ 46 miHiking
Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center

Discover the Natural Beauty of Beavers Bend

Located in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Beavers Bend State Park offers diverse outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and canoeing. With accessible clear waters and lush forests, this park provides a tranquil escape for adventure seekers. Best visited in spring and fall.

Red River's Natural Beauty★ 6.8⌖ 74 miFishing
Red River

Red River's Natural Beauty

Explore the tranquil Red River, known for its reddish silt, offering fishing, hiking, and kayaking opportunities. Just 45 minutes from Shreveport, it's an ideal retreat for nature lovers seeking peace and solitude.

Serenity at Pennington Creek★ 7.5⌖ 74 miSwimming
Pennington Creek

Serenity at Pennington Creek

Experience the tranquility of Pennington Creek in Tishomingo, OK, where you can swim, hike, and fish. Enjoy the peaceful environment with family or explore solo. Best visited during spring and fall for a quiet escape.

Waterfall Wonder: Little Missouri Falls★ 8.5⌖ 85 miHiking
Little Missouri Falls

Waterfall Wonder: Little Missouri Falls

Explore the serene Little Missouri Falls in Ouachita National Forest near Langley, Arkansas. A quiet spot ideal for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Enjoy the cascading waterfall surrounded by lush forest. Perfect for nature photographers and adventure seekers.

Discover Crooked Creek Falls: Nature's Quiet Gem★ 8.2⌖ 86 miHiking
Crooked Creek Falls

Discover Crooked Creek Falls: Nature's Quiet Gem

Explore Crooked Creek Falls in Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Enjoy hiking amidst multiple tiers of cascading waters and rich native flora. Ideal for nature observation and picnicking. A peaceful spot perfect for solitude and adventure.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ McGee Creek Reservoir – a clear, pristine lake known for excellent bass fishing✦ Mixed pine and hardwood forest ecosystem with diverse wildlife populations✦ Hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, turkey, and small game✦ Remote 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
⌖ 14.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tuskahoma, Oklahoma

A peaceful rural town offering gentle outdoor experiences amid the scenic Ouachita Mountains and forests, ideal for nature lovers seeking quiet exploration.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Antlers
⌖ 18.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Antlers, Oklahoma

A quiet gateway town offering access to rich forest landscapes, gentle rivers, and scenic trails ideal for peaceful outdoor escapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Hugo
⌖ 29.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hugo, Oklahoma

A quiet town known for its access to lakes and forests offering relaxing water and land-based outdoor adventures.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Talihina
⌖ 30.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Talihina, Oklahoma

A small, rustic town offering direct access to Oklahoma's most scenic trails and natural beauty in the Kiamichi Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Kiowa
⌖ 35.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kiowa, Oklahoma

A quiet rural town offering gentle outdoor escapes in the rolling plains of southern Oklahoma with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Stringtown
⌖ 37.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stringtown, Oklahoma

A quiet rural town offering access to open landscapes and nearby water bodies, perfect for low-key outdoor activities in southeastern Oklahoma.

Spring and FallExplore 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.

12 bookable experiences

Explore Beavers Bend Drive-Thru Safari Park: A Wild Oklahoma Adventure for GroupsBroken Bow, Oklahoma · 46.74 mi away
Wildlife & Nature· Beaver's Bend Safari Park

Explore Beavers Bend Drive-Thru Safari Park: A Wild Oklahoma Adventure for Groups

Discover the excitement of Beavers Bend Drive-Thru Safari Park near Broken Bow, Oklahoma—a 1.8-mile journey through open-range wildlife habitats featuring rhinos, kangaroos, and more. Perfect for groups, this family-friendly experience offers unique animal encounters and a relaxing coffee shop stop.

1–2 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.