Primitive camping near Big Cedar, Oklahoma centers around the Ouachita National Forest where dispersed sites dot forest roads and mountain ridges. Campsites range from 800 to 2,600 feet in elevation with terrain varying from creek bottoms to mountain ridges. Most forest roads require high clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when clay surfaces become slippery.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: The Ouachita Trail passes directly through the area, offering multi-day backpacking options. "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," notes a camper at Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite.
Creek exploration: Several camping areas feature small stream access. At Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, one visitor shares, "The pond was calm, with some bullfrogs and snakes which were cool to experience." Many sites offer swimming holes during warmer months.
Scenic driving routes: Beyond camping, the mountain roads provide vehicle-based exploration. "This is an awesome place the drive is well worth it too as long as you don't catch fog like we did you couldn't see 2ft in front of your car it was crazy how bad it was," reports a visitor to Talimena Scenic Drive.
What campers like
Forest isolation: The remote nature of these sites appeals to many campers seeking solitude. "We pulled off the highway and went down deadman's trail about halfway and pulled into a very secluded camping spot with a good amount of space with an established fire pit," mentions a camper at Dead Man Gap.
Water features: Natural water access ranks highly among visitor experiences. At Ouachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220, a camper reports, "large area to park and camp all by yourself. Stream is 40 feet away with a swimming hole. Very private."
Star viewing: The minimal light pollution creates optimal night sky viewing conditions. A visitor at County Road D1590 Dispersed notes, "Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night. Drove our 29ft class c to the site, road is mostly small rocks."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate seasonally or require specific vehicles. One camper at Dead Man Gap South Trail warns, "There are three alternative spots back North a little ways on the park road... you definitely want a higher riding vehicle, no sedans down this road."
Limited services: No facilities exist at these primitive camping spots. Bring all supplies including water, waste bags, and toilet paper. As one camper notes, "If you're not familiar with dispersed camping, PLEASE research it before going. Completely undeveloped other than fire ring."
Variable site sizes: Camping spots range from small clearings to larger areas. At Pigeon Creek Dispersed, a visitor found, "Just on the right is a clearing you can't miss next to the Kiamichi River alongside pigeon creek. You're surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy the natural fauna in the area. "The pond was calm, with some bullfrogs and snakes which were cool to experience," notes a camper at Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, though supervise children near water.
Site selection for kids: Choose campsites with natural boundaries. "Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one," cautions a visitor at Dead Man Gap.
Distance considerations: Some camping areas require significant driving on rough forest roads. Plan accordingly with children who might get carsick or restless. Potato Hill Vista provides easier access directly from Highway 88.
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock. Camp site was clean," reports an RVer at County Road D1590.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. Bring leveling blocks and consider a site survey before committing to a spot. Most primitive sites in the Ouachita Forest lack level pads for larger vehicles.
Turn-around space: Many forest roads have limited places to turn larger vehicles. A County Road D1590 camper recommends, "Definitely drive slowly and scout ahead if you're in anything longer than 30 feet."
