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Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, near Ouachita National Forest, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This area offers a true off-grid experience, with no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, making it perfect for campers who want to immerse themselves in nature.

The site is surrounded by towering pine trees and features a small creek nearby, ideal for cooling off or filtering water. Visitors have raved about the beautiful scenery, with one camper noting, “The sounds you’ll need are by the fire and the Lillard Creek.”

For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby that lead to stunning views and diverse landscapes. Reviewers have highlighted the area’s hiking opportunities, mentioning a six-mile trek that offers steep hills and gorgeous waterways. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as some campers have found litter left behind by others.

While the site is small and may only accommodate a few vehicles, it provides a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of space for tents or hammocks. If you're looking for a quiet retreat where you can truly connect with nature, Dead Man Gap is worth checking out.

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Location

Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite is located in Oklahoma

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.78412257 N
94.88347128 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2024

Great, quiet location.

My buddy and I read the other reviews and decided to give this site a go. Someone was camping at the main site just off the park road, and honestly, I’m glad they were there, otherwise we wouldn’t have found the great alternative spot. As the gentleman in the other review said, there ARE three alternative spots back North a little ways on the park road. As you pull off the little turn off just before (or after, depending on which way your going) the bridge of the creek, you’ll find the first spot. It’s nice with an established campfire ring, etc. further down (you definitely want a higher riding vehicle, no sedans down this road) about 40 yards maybe is the second site. This is a great little site as well, again with an established fire ring. Go another 40 ish yards and there is the end of the side ‘road’/stone path and you’ll find the site we stayed at.
There is a great fire pit and a well established site. As was mentioned in the other review, there was some trash about, but we cleaned it up. If you go here, practice leave no trace. Don’t be a jerk. Even if you never meet another person who camps there, if everyone treats the site like garbage it will be no good for anyone in a short amount of time.
We noticed that there wasn’t much wildlife about and guessed it was because the creek bed was bone dry and a bunch of smoke in the are might have made them leave (there were a few wildfires in SE Oklahoma when we visited). We’ll probably find another place next time for the sake of adventure, but I could see myself coming back someday.

Siteno. 4, end of trail
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by John H., November 1, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2021

Small site

Used the direction provided by this app and Google maps. If this is the site it's small. Could possibly get 3 small pickup trucks side by side in this spot. if you don't need a big area then this would be a nice place.

SiteDispersed site
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Mar. 20, 2021

Great place to treat right

Great spot. As most have said the main site that this link takes you to is up hill some ways from a creek that runs quite a way through the area snaking around and getting to various fill levels depending on recent weather. It also has great spots to see while hiking around. I've been here twice and loved both times. This second time I discovered there are it seems at least 2-3 more, seemingly established, campsites here. The ones that are not given here are along the same main road but along a separate turn off (IT IS NOT MARKED PRIVATE though there is private property marked in the area) that looks more suited for 4 wheel drive or at least something sitting higher than my small car. The furthest of these is essentially on the other side of the creek down from the main site. I can't speak to how nice they are to stay at but I imagine they are nice enough given how nice the main one is. I did walk through 2 and they didn't look bad as I walked through (the 3rd was occupied so I didn't get a look there just saw a person caming). All and all this place is great and I highly recommend. Just please don't take rocks and set up your own fire ring. The main has 2 already and the others all seem to have one. PLEASE PRACTICE LNT!!!

  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Charles , March 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Charles , March 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Charles , March 20, 2021
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2020

Perfect for all

First time in the Ouachita national forest and we found a most excellent spot next to Lillard Creek off of 6010 Deadmans trail Rd. Would recommend a 4wd vehicle. There’s a short rock trail to go up to reach the campsite, also too narrow for my Tundra. Enough space for a family or if your going on a solo camp. Done hanging out at camp? There’s an awesome trail a little north of camp called Boardstand trail, take it east and you you can follow it to 8554 Red Bank, follow it south to Ouachita Trail, then follow it west until you reach Talimena Scenic drive, then you can walk along side the road to the Scenic view of where you were just hiking and bask in its glory! Next you’ll run up on 6010 deadman’s gap trail road again. Take it back down to your camp! Your back! It’s a good 6 mile hike that will get your heart going. Steep hills, beautiful waterways, gorgeous mountains! Nothing better! The creek water runs all the time so no need for your forest noise making machine. All the sounds you’ll need are by the fire and the Lillard Creek. It was a blast! Get out there and breath the fresh air! Peace and Love, Seth Armes

  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Steven A., December 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Steven A., December 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Steven A., December 8, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

A Great Dispersed Camp in Ouachita

We were skeptical on this spot’s location, but it was very easy to locate (the road in/out has some tough spots, 4WD would be preferred). We camped 9/19/2020 and the spot was great. The previous visitors had left the spot a mess with beer cans and food wrappers (clean up after yourselves, folks!), but after clean-up it was the perfect spot. A small running creek lies at the bottom of a short downhill hike. Our closest neighbors were at least 300 yards away and we only knew they were there because we had hiked away from our camp and noticed their fire. Highly recommend this spot for anyone willing to be 100% off-grid (no cell service or nearby bathrooms). Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one.

  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Ryin J., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Ryin J., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Ryin J., September 21, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Nice spots for car camping

Looked like there were four or five openings for a car or tent. I was the only one on the road the Friday night before Labor Day.

Also looks like there is a trail that starts at the road and connects to the Ouachita trail. I drove down to the state park about ten minutes away but saw it marked on the trail map while hiking.

  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Rudy D., September 8, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2020

Solid Dispersed Campsite

Pretty great dispersed campsite. If you're not familiar with dispersed camping, PLEASE research it before going. Completely undeveloped other than fire ring. Plenty of flat clear space for tents but we used hammocks, and plenty of trees were available for that. Campsite is right off the forest road and a few miles off the paved road. Surrounded by mature pine trees. There is a creek with a pool maybe 100 yards downhill from the campsite, great for cooling off on a hot summer day or filtering water.

  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Daniel S., June 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite by Daniel S., June 8, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite?

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite is located at 1035 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is poor.