Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
On November 27, 1868, Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th US Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a Cheyenne village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle. The event was an example of the tragic clash of cultures that occurred during the Great Plains Wars. It is also a place of remembrance and reflection for those who died here. Read More
Camping & reservations
Use this unit’s official planning instructions to confirm permitted overnight options, tours and any required permits. A day-use parking area is not an authorized campsite.
Confirm official overnight options and permits. Official trip-planning information ↗
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
Confirm whether this unit offers a designated campsite suitable for a truck camper or RV. Verify permission to stay overnight, the exact site dimensions and vehicle approach before traveling.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Arts and Culture, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hands-On, Citizen Science, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Living History, Reenactments, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
Washita Battlefield is located just west of Cheyenne in western Oklahoma approximately 130 miles west of Oklahoma City and 140 miles east of Amarillo, Texas; just 25 miles north of I-40 on State Highway 283. From Cheyenne head west on State Highway 47 for about 1 mile and then make a right on State Highway 47A. The visitor center will be on the right and the battlefield is about .5 miles past the visitor center on the right as well. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
Weather in western Oklahoma can vary considerably. Winters can be mild to severe with ice storms being the biggest concern. Spring is usually short but pleasant although severe weather, including tornadoes, is still a possibility. Usually a strong breeze is associated with spring weather. Summers are brutally hot and visitors should be cautioned about spending any length of time in the heat. Falls are cool with a bitter wind.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Tipis at Sunset
Cheyenne tipis backlite by sunset
Credit: NPS Photo / Gene Eakins. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Washita River
The Washita River looking much the same as it did during the attack on November 27, 1868
Credit: NPS Photo. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.