Best Dispersed Camping near Hodgen, OK
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Hodgen? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Hodgen, OK (16)
1. Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite
Talihina, Oklahoma9 Reviews•36 Photos•215 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Group
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
3. Pigeon Creek Dispersed
Big Cedar, Oklahoma3 Reviews•22 Photos•144 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
4. Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite
Talihina, Oklahoma1 Review•8 Photos•3 Saves- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping
Talihina, Oklahoma1 Review•2 Photos•63 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
6. Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest
Oden, Arkansas2 Reviews•18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
7. Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed
Broken Bow, Oklahoma3 Reviews•7 Photos•49 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: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/?cid=fseprd727994
- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220
Bethel, Oklahoma1 Review•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Hodgen
24 Reviews of 16 Hodgen Campgrounds
- K
Kaleb G.
Traveler
Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite
Great secluded spot
Stayed here in early November the creek was dry but beautiful. We pulled of the highway and wend 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.
- JJohn H.
ScoutDead 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. - kken H.Traveler
Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220
Quachita National Forest
Right off of Forest road51220, large area to park and camp all by yourself. stream is 40 feet away with a swimming hole. Very private
Fred S.
Legend
Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
Large wooded dispersed campsite near creek
Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.
- Fred S.Legend
Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
Small Pull Thru Site with Easy Access
Coordinates: 35.02422, -93.81997. Located 2 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and 1/3rd mile past the turn off to the shooting range. It is a small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road (forest road); there is very little privacy from the forest road. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. This campsite can receive dust from passing vehicles. The site can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other. The site is shaded with a level dirt surface. Small tent & hammock camping is possible near rock fire ring which is located between the pull through driveway and the forest road. Easy access into the site. There is no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; no recreation, such as hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.
- Fred S.Legend
Jack Creek Road Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
Large wooded site just off Jack Creek Road
Not sure if the pin location is accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.02802, -93.82913. Located 1.3 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area. It is a large site with a large rock fire ring, set back a little from Jack Creek Road (forest road). Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite has a mostly level dirt surface that can accommodate 2 vehicles - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded in the summer. There is an old undesignated track near the rear of the site; this may lead down to Jack Creek, but I was not able to verify this due to large mud puddles on the track. There was a little bit of trash at the site, but not too bad. I received no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; just a nice place to camp in for a night or two. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.
- Fred S.Legend
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.
- MMacKenzie D.Scout
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
azul darcy L.TravelerPigeon 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.
- Carlos P.Scout
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
- EErnest W.Scout
Mena Arkansas
Brodys camp site
Good secluded spot for Privacy
Jessie M.Scout
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.
- HHeather C.Traveler
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!
- Jeanne A.
GuideOuachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed
Forgot somethings
Stayed 5 days in all. Att service good. The creek is just to the east of camp spot. Most camp spots you have your own driveway and large spot. Adjacent spots probably a mile apart
- Jeanne A.Guide
Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed
Great spot!
We were her two days and loved it. Then we found the creek just east of us off a small trail. Just start walking right into the woods and you’ll find it. Many camps here some small some large. Some full sun some full shade!
Jessica W.GuidePigeon Creek Dispersed
Just what I was looking for.
The road in was a little bumpy take it slow and you’ll be fine. Just on the right is a clearing you can’t miss next to the Kiamichi River along side pigeon creek. 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.
- Kellie M.Scout
Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite
Great place!
Had a great time. Beautiful scenery
- Larry B.Traveler
Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite
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.
- CCharlesTraveler
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!!!
- SSteven A.Traveler
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
West River J.Guide
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.
- Ryin J.Guide
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.
- RRudy D.Scout
Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite
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.
- Daniel S.Traveler
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.
Guide to Hodgen
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hodgen, Oklahoma, where nature lovers can find secluded spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. The Ouachita National Forest offers a variety of options for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Hodgen, Oklahoma
- Many dispersed camping areas, like Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, allow campfires, making it easy to enjoy evenings under the stars.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful spots pristine for future visitors; sites like Pigeon Creek Dispersed have reported some litter, so be mindful of your impact.
- Bring your own firewood, as some locations do not provide it, such as Talimena Scenic Drive, where you’ll need to be prepared for a self-sufficient camping experience.
Scenic spots for dispersed campers
- The Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping offers stunning views and easy access to hiking trails, perfect for those looking to explore the area.
- For a peaceful retreat, check out Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220, where you can camp right by a stream and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.
- If you’re seeking solitude, Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR provides a large wooded area with plenty of privacy, ideal for a quiet getaway.
Dispersed campers should check out Dead Man Gap
- The Dead Man Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite features a small pond and established fire rings, making it a great spot for a cozy camping experience.
- Reviewers have praised the secluded nature of Grasshopper Campground — Beavers Bend State Park, which offers a unique blend of accessibility and tranquility.
- For those who enjoy hiking, Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest is conveniently located near trails, allowing for easy exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hodgen, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hodgen, OK is Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hodgen, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Hodgen, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.