The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Bethel, OK

23 Reviews

Ouachita National Forest provides several free dispersed camping areas near Bethel, Oklahoma, primarily concentrated along Forest Road 51220. Sites at Cedar Creek offer private camping with direct access to swimming holes. The terrain varies from full sun to full shade, with multiple pull-off spots spaced approximately a mile apart. According to one visitor, "Most camp spots you have your own driveway and large spot. Adjacent spots probably a mile apart." ATT cellular service is generally reliable in this area.

Several dispersed camping options extend along the Talimena Scenic Drive, including Dead Man Gap and Potato Hill Vista areas. Dead Man Gap features multiple established sites with fire rings and proximity to Lillard Creek, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. Roads to these areas can be challenging, with one camper noting "the road in/out has some tough spots, 4WD would be preferred." Sites at Deadman Gap South Trail offer more seclusion, including spots with small ponds. Pigeon Creek Dispersed camping provides access to the Kiamichi River, though recent reviews indicate some access points may be overgrown. The 14-day camping limit applies throughout the national forest.

Map showing campgrounds near Bethel, OklahomaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bethel, Oklahoma (12)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Bethel Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bethel, OK

18 Photos of 12 Bethel Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bethel, OK

23 Reviews of 12 Bethel Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    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.

  • Jessie M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2023

    Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed

    Could not find.

    Could not find. find. The grid cordinates lead to someones private cabin. Tucked in middles of residential cabin colmunity. It is national forest borders but private lots.

  • C
    Mar. 20, 2021

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    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!!!

  • West River J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping

    Right off the highway and right off the Ouchita Trail

    If you're near the end (heading west) or got a late start heading east, detour north towards Potato Hill Vista for a flat area with a stone fire ring near Highway 88/1. You can throw down your tent here for the night. The side trail even leads to a parking lot off the highway if you're driving and want a place to camp or want someone to pick you up a few miles closer than Talimena State park.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2020

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    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

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Really in the woods

    Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock.camp site was clean.

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    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.

  • Ryin J.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    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.

  • M
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Pigeon Creek Dispersed

    No access

    We drove slowly back and forth along the road exactly where the coordinates lead us to but there is no vehicle access to the forest there. It’s completely overgrown

Guide to Bethel

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bethel, Oklahoma, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Bethel

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails near the Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping, which is conveniently located off the highway and provides access to the Ouachita Trail.
  • Fishing and swimming opportunities abound at the Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220, where campers can enjoy a private swimming hole just steps from their campsite.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the area by visiting the Pigeon Creek Dispersed, where the merging of the river and creek creates a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bethel, Oklahoma

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural environment pristine, especially at spots like the Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, where some visitors have noted litter.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many areas, such as the Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed, do not offer drinking water or toilets, so bring your supplies.
  • Check access routes before heading out, as some locations like the Pigeon Creek Dispersed may have overgrown paths that could hinder vehicle access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bethel, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bethel, OK is Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed with a 3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bethel, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Bethel, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring