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Red Slough Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · OK

Red Slough Wildlife Management Area

Red Slough Wildlife Management Area is a premier birdwatching destination in southeastern Oklahoma, known for its diverse habitat and rich avian life.

Wildlife Management Area5,814

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

5,814

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Red Slough Wildlife Management Area

Red Slough Wildlife Management Area is a premier birdwatching destination in southeastern Oklahoma, known for its diverse habitat and rich avian life.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma, the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area spans over 5,814 acres of restored wetlands that provide a sanctuary for wildlife. Initially drained and farmed in the 1960s, the area has since been transformed back into a rich wetland ecosystem, attracting over 300 species of birds, including rare sightings of the Purple Gallinule and Roseate Spoonbill. Visitors can explore a mix of marshlands, mudflats, and open water, offering exceptional opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Established in 1996, this area is managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Despite being relatively remote, Red Slough is a well-known spot for migratory birds, making it a favorite among ornithologists and casual bird enthusiasts alike. Its landscape also supports a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, enhancing the biodiversity of the region.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Red Slough Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Natural Beauty of Beavers Bend★ 8.0⌖ 27 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.

Historic Gems and Outdoor Adventures in Sulphur Springs★ 3.4⌖ 66 miExploring
Sulphur Springs

Historic Gems and Outdoor Adventures in Sulphur Springs

Located in Sulphur Springs, TX, enjoy exploring historic sites and family-friendly outdoor activities at nearby Cooper Lake State Park. Ideal for camping, fishing, and birding, this location is an easy drive-in destination best visited in spring for wildflowers.

Waterfall Wonder: Little Missouri Falls★ 8.5⌖ 66 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⌖ 67 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.

Discover Talimena State Park★ 7.0⌖ 73 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.

Mystical Waters of Caddo Lake★ 8.0⌖ 83 miCanoeing
Caddo lake

Mystical Waters of Caddo Lake

Explore the mystical beauty of Caddo Lake straddling Texas and Louisiana. Enjoy canoeing and wildlife viewing in a quiet setting. Best visited in spring and fall, it’s a serene site for paddling and birdwatching. Fishing requires a license.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Chase Lake - a prime birdwatching site with observation towers✦ Diverse wetland ecosystem hosting over 300 bird species✦ Seasonal presence of the rare Swallow-tailed Kite and White Ibis✦ Access to versatile dike roads for exploring different habitat zones
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Red Slough Wildlife Management Area

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

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

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

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits or fees required

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).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Red Slough Wildlife Management Area

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

Idabel
⌖ 11.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Idabel, Oklahoma

A peaceful small town offering a gateway to rich southeastern Oklahoma outdoor adventures with forests, lakes, and trails.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Broken Bow
⌖ 19.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Broken Bow, Oklahoma

A tranquil retreat offering a mix of forested exploration, serene paddling, and cozy camping in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Horatio
⌖ 25.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Horatio, Arkansas

A quiet rural town offering peaceful access to Arkansas’s natural landscapes with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and paddling in nearby protected areas.

Spring to FallExplore Town
New Boston
⌖ 26.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

New Boston, Texas

A friendly small town offering easy access to lakes, trails, and parks for casual outdoor recreation and water activities in Northeast Texas.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Hochatown
⌖ 27.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hochatown, Oklahoma

A vibrant lakeside getaway offering abundant water-based recreation, scenic forest trails, and family-friendly outdoor adventures near the Ouachita Mountains.

Spring through FallExplore Town
De Queen
⌖ 29.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

De Queen, Arkansas

A welcoming small town offering access to scenic river paddling, forested hiking, and expansive state parks in the Ouachita Mountain foothills.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Red Slough 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 · 19.29 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.