Top Tent Camping near Heavener, OK
Searching for a tent camping spot near Heavener? Find the best tent camping sites near Heavener. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Oklahoma tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Heavener, OK (14)
1.
Pigeon Creek Dispersed
Big Cedar, Oklahoma3 Reviews22 Photos137 SavesIf you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.
Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains.
Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3.
Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area
Wickes, Arkansas12 Reviews71 Photos123 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
4.
Pashubbe Backcountry Site
Be the first to review!Big Cedar, Oklahoma2 SavesPack it in; pack it out. Trail open to foot traffic only for 55 miles. 137 miles is now open to both mountain bikes and foot traffic. Segments opened to mountain bikes are from the western boundary of the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma to the Big Cedar trailhead on Highway 259, and from the Talimena Scenic Drive east of Queen Wilhelmina State Park to trailhead on Highway 7, north of Jessieville, Arkansas.
Horses, pack animals, and vehicles are prohibited. Portions of the trail tcross wilderness areas. To preserve the trail’s beauty, please camp at least 100 feet from the trail. Seasons of use: Open year-round. Weather is most favorable from autumn through spring.
- Pets
- Tents
- Group
5.
Jack Creek Recreation Area
Blue Mountain, Arkansas3 Reviews4 Photos40 SavesJack Creek Recreation Area is located in a picturesque setting alongside towering rock bluffs and flowing waters. The area was constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and displays several unique, historic facilities. There is a short trail that climbs a couple of hundred feet to a recently restored rock overlook vista that offers a panoramic view of whispering pine trees and colorful fall vegetation. Jack Creek offers day use and a primitive campground at no cost. Also from Jack Creek Recreation Area is a trailhead for the Hole-In-The-Ground Mountain Hiking Trail and Sugar Creek Hiking Trail. Hole-In-The-Ground Trail is not a loop trail and extends approximately four miles in length. The Sugar Creek Hiking Trail extends approximately three miles connecting Jack Creek to Knopper’s Ford Recreation Area. Click here for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6.
Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area
Wickes, Arkansas2 Reviews17 Photos18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
7.
Straight Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop
Langley, Arkansas2 Reviews12 Photos48 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
8.
Shirley Creek
Oden, Arkansas2 Reviews9 Photos14 SavesThe picturesque and scenic Ouachita River is one of the most beautiful and clear rivers in the Ouachitas. Beginning in the Ouachita Mountains near Mena, AR, the Ouachita River is a popular floating and fishing river as it flows easterly through the Ouachita National Forest, eventually becoming part of Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs, before continuing its journey south towards Louisiana.
Beginning near Pine Ridge, AR, the Ouachita offers about 45 miles of floatable river until it become Lake Ouachita near AR Hwy 27. Along this stretch, there are seven landing sites, five of which are float camps. These float camps include Shirley Creek, Rocky shoals, Fulton Branch. Dragover and River Bluff. All five float camps are free to the public. These Float camps typically have openings, even on some holiday weekends when other campgrounds are full. Only rarely are these float camps filled up.
Shirley Creek Float Camp is located off of AR Hwy 88, west Pencil Bluff, and is situated right on the banks of the Ouachita River approx. 6 miles downstream from the Pine Ridge Access. This float camp offers six camping sites, as well as picnicking sites, a vault toilet and canoe access to the river.
Shirley Creek Float Camp is typically open Spring through Fall for overnight use, and is available for day use only the rest of the year.
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
9.
Big Brushy
Oden, Arkansas1 Review4 Photos13 SavesAttractive wooded setting on stream bank.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
10.
Bard Springs Campground - CLOSED TEMPORARILY
Umpire, Arkansas2 Reviews4 Photos3 SavesAPRIL 2020 - Closed temporarily due to storm damage Small campground with Adirondack-type shelters in a remote mountain setting on a small scenic stream. It provides a good site for a base camp for hikers in the Caney Creek Wilderness.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Heavener
289 Reviews of 14 Heavener Campgrounds
Springhill
2 Days Nice
A little older of an area. Stayed in site B10. Close to level. We have a 36' 5th wheel, tow vehicle, plus another vehicle. Easy entry into site and large enough for all vehicles. Asphalt with concrete patio. There is a picnic table and fire ring. 50/30/20A We can kind of see the river from this site. Very roomy sites in the woods with plenty of shade. Mostly dirt ground. Older but clean restrooms. We didn't use them. There are single person combined toilet and shower rooms at the front of park. There are mountain bike/hiking trails all over, even a little bike park with ramps and jumps. Playground and boat ramp. No sewer hookups, but there is a dump station. Lots of mosquitoes in the evening. Although some sites need maintenance and the restrooms are old, this is a nice park. We stayed 2 days and would definitely stay again.
Applegate Cove Campground
Nice campground
Older Park. Renovations are being done... Pads, 10 ft picnic tables, playground... Right off the lake with awesome scenery. Couple who manages the place is really nice and helpful. Would stop here again.
Brushy Lake State Park Campground
Quaint and Quiet
21 RV spots available around a small, family lake. Water and electric hook ups and clean dump station. Small park/play area and two large pavilions. Hiking trail located at the back of the park. Lake is great for fishing and kayaking. Not a major boating or water sport lake. First come first serve spots. Camp host is helpful and friendly. Calm and quiet stay
Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
Somewhat private dispersed site off of unbusy forest road
Coordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.
Ouachita National Forest Cedar Lake Recreation Area
This is my favorite spot to camp
With so many trails that you can access just by walking out of the camp site. This is my favorite spot to camp in Oklahoma
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
Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
Bugs bugs bugs
I don’t have many nice things to say about this campground. The bugs were out of control. The bathroom was out of order and a porta potty was set up beside it. The site we chose,#3, was the best site. We found some good trees to set up our hammocks with a view of the forest. 1 and 2 were ok, 4-9 were downright terrible. Basically a parking spot with a picnic area. All the sites were close together. The check in process consisted of a guy in an unmarked vehicle driving up and striking up a conversation without identifying himself. Check out works the same. If you have a boat or tv this park may be nice but I wouldn’t camp here. The hike around nearby lake Alma was the highlight of our trip.
Pigeon Creek Dispersed
Would have been perfect
The river and creek merging was so beautiful! It was a beautiful drive there. But whoever was there before me trashed it out. It’s sad.
Fort Chaffee RV Military
FHU for $18
Stayed here over a non drill weekend, and the whole place was deserted. Nice spot on the end with trees and the fishing pond. Must be self contained, no bath house. Conveniently located near Fort Smith AR.
Lee Creek Public Use Area
Not a campsite
This is not a campsite anymore. Code enforcement will call cops and have you trespassed!
William O. Darby RV Community
Great overnight spot
Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home! Would stop here again when passing through!!
Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp
Cedar lake for the win!
Beautiful and lush and QUIET. I love it. Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only. Gorgeous 3 mile hike around the lake. I hear it’s a fishing lake but we don’t fish. Enjoyed the scenery and peace. Would come again and again. Don’t forget the ice, there’s nothing close. Site 33 looks to be my fav.
Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
Quiet and clean
Was headed to Lake Fort Smith but area was booked so we stopped here and was pleased with our stay. Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere. Site A2 had fire pit, grill, picnic table was pretty level even with gravel. Fishing pond, dog walk area, propane station all on property for reasonable rates. Bathouse was clean and stocked. Only complaint was these little red mites. I looked them up and they are harmless but they were numerous and made us uncomfortable. I was especially concerned for our 2 dogs. I believe this is an old KOA under private ownership. They have done a great job updating the place. Jules at the office was also very pleasant and helpful.
Riverfront RV Resort
Easy stopover in Fort Smith
We stayed at this newish RV campsite for an overnight. It is located right along the river and is close to other attractions like Fort Smith and the US Marshall’s Museum (literally down the block). Our kids enjoyed the playground, outdoor gym, and pickleball - it was too cold to swim. There is only one bathhouse, but it was clean. The front office has a small store and the staff was nice. There are several restaurants within a mile. There was a gate at the front. There is a walking trail along the river so if your campsite faces it, there is plenty of people walking along that trail.
Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest
Its tight...but its 1500 feet
I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain
Springhill
Basic but Good Enough
You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov.
The park is adequate but nothing fancy. The restrooms /shower facility was clean.
Good bicycle park. Minimum 2 night stay when I reserved it (Friday Night). I only needed 1 night but paid for both - $26/night.
I didn't stay the second night because of my schedule, not because of the park. Good basic stay for the money. It was safe and clean.
Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest
I did not stay here, just passing through.
I did not stay at this campground (I was driving the scenic byway), but I stopped for "scouting purposes". It seems very nice, the vault toilet was locked? But otherwise, a well kept dry campground with many sites and good views. Also, the pricing on here is incorrect; USFS website says $8/night for singles, $14/night for doubles (can't beat those prices honestly). Will stay if I pass this way again!
Mena Arkansas
Brodys camp site
Good secluded spot for Privacy
Queen Wilhelmina State Park — Queen Wihelmina State Park
Awesome park, small campground
This park is awesome for multiple reasons. The lodge is fantastic, great food and great views with a friendly welcoming staff. The views (worthy of mention again) are top notch, with some incredible sunsets. The mini train and mini golf were closed for the season but it looked like a great time. The bath house was clean, warm (it was cold AF outside), and had great water pressure. The town of Mena was a short scenic drive away, with a brewery and a couple restaurants worth checking out.
Now, the reason for the downgrade to 4 stars. The campsite layout is…weird. It’s like most of the sites were designed for a motorcoach to drive into, not for a travel trailer to back into. For example most of the camp amenities are on the utility side of the trailer when backed in, as opposed to the party side. Some of the sites are reeeeeally close together, as others have mentioned. I might even go so far as to say that if we would have kept our original site it might have garnered a 3 star review. The back rows have the amenities on the rear of the rv, which I actually kinda liked. Yes there is no sewer…but it’s a state park that’s expected.
Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest
Solitude
I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site. There is a clearing near the Ouachita Trail with a fire pit and plenty of space to park. You're in the middle of nowhere and it's gorgeous!
Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA
Many improvements since last time
This was our second stop at the KOA in Fort Smith AR. They have many improvements since out last stay. The campground is convenient to I-40. It’s far enough away to not have traffic noise. The sites are level, there is a pool, Propane, fishing pond, and camp store. Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites. There is a whole new section for Class A and large 5th wheel campers now. The are located behind a highway department facility, and last visit the smell of the treated power line poles was overwhelming. No problem this time. This is one of the few campgrounds I’ve been to that have a storm shelter!
Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA
First KOA experience!
We didn't know what to expect. This place has absolutely everything you could need. Full Hookups, level sites (mostly gravel but level), shop with souvenirs and RV gadgets. The office also has a gameroom, pantry, and propane. We didn't get to use the playground area this visit as pool and hot tub were closed for the year. They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond. My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact. Plenty of room for your RV but so close that you can hear and smell your neighbors. Nearby Walmart and restaurants were handy.
COE Robert S Kerr Applegate Cove
Peaceful place
Stayed for a few days in level site(6). Water was to be shared with neighbor site, so why am I paying full price. Pretty stupid. Dump station is quarter of mile outside of campground. Main bathhouse is vented and clean. Lots of mature trees made for a great stay. Kerr lake was amazingly beautiful. Didn't get to fish this time but will be back. Booked online so I couldn't change site. There are a few that don't share water and are level. Probably will do first come first serve next time.
Springhill
Nice park if you like bicycling
Nice trails for bicycling, water view parking, bath houses, showers, all amenities except laundry room. Water, electric, God cell phone service, shaded area, playground for kids. Will visit again.
Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
Great place to camp
They have all the amenities you'll need. Gorgeous sites, bathrooms houses, laundry room, showers, lot's of things to do. Only issue is some of their longterm tenants were paranoid since we came in late at night. They watched us & flashed their lights at us all night, drinking and being loud and obnoxious, screaming n screaming loudly. They even had the audacity to play police sirens on their phones to mess with us s if we were doing something illegal. I wanted to stay longer but couldn't after that night. Beautiful park though.
Lee Creek Public Use Area
Decent
Nice view of the lake. Boat ramp. Only one car camper in the area. There are plenty of spots to camp. Very shaded and cool breeze. 😎 No amenities, but it's a decent place to camp for the night to rest.
Springhill
Nice stop over
Stopped for one night. Nice and quiet on the water. Bring screen room or bug repellent for biting flies and no-seeums. We stayed at end of August which is typically bug season I’m sure.
Guide to Heavener
Camping near Heavener, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the trails at Robbers Cave State Park. One visitor mentioned, "Lots of hiking trails around and seems pretty quiet," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
- Fishing and Water Activities: At Greenleaf State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. A reviewer noted, "This state park offers fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and a splash pad to cool off at!"
- Wildlife Watching: Mount Magazine State Park Campground is known for its beautiful landscape and wildlife. One camper shared, "Great get away close to the Ozarks. Clean, quiet, beautiful views!"
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. A visitor said, "The views are worth the drive!"
- Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground mentioned, "The facilities are super clean and well taken care of."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures noted, "Everyone was so nice, but also gave us our space."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cossatot Falls Campsites, have limited amenities. A camper mentioned, "No running water or electricity but it was a great place to have a picnic and explore!"
- Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough roads at some sites. A visitor at Robbers Cave State Park warned, "The road in is rough, but ok."
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Springhill noted, "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov."
Tips for camping with families
- Splash Pads and Play Areas: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Greenleaf State Park Campground said, "On premises splash park with waterside was great for the grandkids."
- Nature Trails: Choose campgrounds with easy access to trails. A visitor at Mount Magazine State Park Campground mentioned, "Great facilities and great hikes."
- Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor activities. A camper at Robbers Cave State Park suggested, "Buy a COLOR waterproof map at the nature center for hiking trails."
Tips from RVers
- Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground said, "All the camp spots were clean and level."
- Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA noted, "This place has absolutely everything you could need."
- Plan for Close Quarters: Be prepared for compact sites at some campgrounds. One camper at Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA mentioned, "The sites are really compact."
Camping near Heavener, Oklahoma, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Heavener, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Heavener, OK is Pigeon Creek Dispersed with a 3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Heavener, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Heavener, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.