Charon'S Garden
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
An enchanting landscape awaits you in southwestern Oklahoma on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Located within the more than 59,000 acres that make up the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area offers a unique back-country camping experience. The Charon's Garden Wilderness area consists of a rocky, rugged landscape, with areas featuring huge granite boulders, scattered around on the granite surface. In addition to enchanting landscapes the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area offers miles of walking and hiking trails and opportunities for solitude, inspiration, physical challenge, renewal, and back country camping. A back country camping permit is required year-round for all overnight trips into the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. Permits are not required for day hiking. Permits are issued for three-day periods: Friday-Saturday-Sunday or Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday. No permits are issued for Thursday. No more than 10 people will be issued permits over any three-day period. To reach the designated back country camping area a 1.5 mile hike is required. The trail is not marked and is considered a moderate to strenuous hike. The back country camping trail head begins at the Sunset Picnic Area. Back country campers are required to park vehicles at the Sunset Picnic Area and display permit on their dashboard.
Permit & Season Information
A back country camping permit is required year-round for all overnight trips into the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. Permit allows permit holder and the specified number in the group to hike in to the designated camping area and stay overnight. Permits are issued for three-day periods: Friday-Saturday-Sunday or Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday. No permits are issued for Thursday. No more than 10 people will be issued permits over any three-day period.
Permits can be reserved up to three months in advance.
Need to Know
When applying for or reserving a backcountry camping date in the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area, I certify that:
- I recognize that this date is not transferable upon securing this reservation and that I will become the responsible person for this permit;
- I am/will be at least 18 years old before the permit date;
- I recognize that this reservation / application is for a private (non-commercial) backcountry camping permit.
The safety of visitors and protection of this wonderful, natural resource, are always our top priorities. As such, securing your permit also comes with agreement from you and your guests to the following:
- Observe all local, state and Federal laws and regulations.
- Camp in the designated camp area listed on the permit.
- Carry and display permit upon request of any Refuge Officer.
- Public Notice: Boil order for all areas west of Doris Campground.
- Know before you go...familiarize yourself with Wichita Mountain's rules and regulations.
- No cell phone coverage in Charon's Garden Wilderness Area.
- In case of emergency, call 911.
- Frequent weather changes occur.
- Be prepared for severe heat, wind, rain, and possible tornadoes.
- For your safety, bison and longhorn are free roaming. Do not approach.
- Bring water with you. Do not rely on streams or ponds in the area.
- Fires are not allowed in the Charon's Garden Wilderness backcountry campground.
- Parking for Charon's Garden backcountry camping is only authorized at the Sunset Parking Area.
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee: $16 reservation fee ($10 Charon’s Garden fee + $6 recreation.gov reservation fee)
Recreation Fee: $5.00 per person user fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
- Once a reservation is made the reservation fee in non-refundable.
- Once a permit is issued there will be no refunds.
- The permit is non-transferable.
- No rain checks or credits.
Change Policy:
- If you need to change your dates, you will need to cancel your existing reservation and make a new one; all fees will be forfeited and do not transfer to new reservation.
- The permit is non-transferable.
- Group size cannot be changed. If you wish to increase group size a new reservation with additional persons must be made.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
32 Refuge Headquarters Road Indiahoma OK 73552
Phone Number
(580) 429-2118
