Camping near Big Cedar, Oklahoma provides a mix of woodland and mountain environments within the Ouachita National Forest. Located in southeastern Oklahoma at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,600 feet, this area offers year-round camping options with distinct seasonal conditions. Forest service roads connecting campsites vary in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles for access.
What to do
Hiking the Ouachita Trail: From Winding Stair Campground, visitors can access multiple trail systems. "The Ouachita National Recreation Trail passes by the camp and ties you into hundreds of miles of adventure," notes one camper, adding that "during the summer the trail can be a little hard to follow. Fall too if the leaf fall is heavy. But watch for blue blazes on the trees and you are good."
Creek swimming: The Billy Creek Recreation Area offers natural water features for cooling off. "We set up camp right above the river and got to hear the river going over the rocks the whole time. There was an easy and short little trail down to the river and lots of large rocks to hang out on," writes one visitor. During summer months, the creek provides relief from heat.
Scenic drives: The Talimena Scenic Drive provides access to multiple viewpoints and trails. "This is an awesome place the drive is well worth it too as long as you don't catch fog like we did," notes one visitor. The drive connects many camping areas and offers multiple pull-offs for photography.
What campers like
Mountain views: Campers frequently mention the elevated terrain. "If you plopped me into this camp I wouldn't have guessed I was in Oklahoma," writes one visitor about Winding Stair Campground. "Just a bit off the beautiful Talimena Drive, it is well shaded, close to spectacular overlooks and lots of hiking options around."
Creek sounds: Many campsites offer natural soundscapes. One camper at Billy Creek described the experience: "You're surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. What's not to love? The terrain is rocky so use a thick mat or hammock but you will love it."
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution creates opportunities for stargazing. A visitor to Queen Wilhelmina State Park noted: "Beautiful vistas everywhere. Visited during summer of 2020 COVID lockdown. Small compact campground next to lodge. Pretty far from anything just a beautiful spot to sit back and enjoy."
What you should know
Facility limitations: Many dispersed sites lack services. "No electricity, no flushing potties, no showers, no sewer hookups, no wifi. There are latrine bathrooms (2) in a small building near the entrance," reports a camper at Billy Creek Recreation Area.
Road conditions: Forest roads require careful navigation. At Dead Man Gap, one visitor advises: "The road in/out has some tough spots, 4WD would be preferred. We camped 9/19/2020 and the spot was great."
Seasonal closures: Always check before traveling. A recent visitor to Winding Stair Campground warned: "After driving 4 hours to one of our favorite campsites in this area we arrived to find it closed until May 2025. No explanation why."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water access: Shallow creek areas provide safer play spaces. "This campground is beautiful. Clean showers with hot water, swimming for the kids and a playground," notes a visitor to Cedar Lake.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe native species. "Wildlife sightings are common," reports a camper, while another mentions: "We noticed that there wasn't much wildlife about and guessed it was because the creek bed was bone dry."
Safety considerations: Some terrain requires supervision. At Cedar Lake North Shore, a visitor advised: "There is a really fun trail that runs right around the entire lake, and it's a little over two miles. Nearly all natural terrain throughout the hike which makes it especially nice."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest roads restrict larger rigs. One visitor to Big Cedar Cabins & RV Park noted it was "Really nice place, the owners are wonderful!" which can be important when navigating size restrictions.
Hookup availability: Services vary by location. A camper at Cedar Lake observed: "We stayed in the non-electric sites (North Shore loop). Campgrounds were incredibly peaceful and quiet. There is running water and bathrooms which were relatively clean."
Level sites: Terrain can be challenging. "The campsite for the most part is one single road with many camp spots on each side," notes a visitor describing Queen Wilhelmina State Park, while another points out that spots elsewhere are "paved and all seemed pretty level."
