RV sites near Hodgen, Oklahoma provide access to the Ouachita Mountain region with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,600 feet. Fall brings temperatures averaging 60-70°F during day and 40-50°F at night, with peak colors typically appearing in late October to early November. Winter camping is available at select locations with limited services during the off-season.
What to do
Hiking the Ouachita Trail: Access this 223-mile trail system directly from Winding Stair Campground, where the trail passes near the campground. "The Ouachita National Recreation Trail passes by the camp and ties you into hundreds of miles of adventure," notes one visitor. During summer, watch for blue blazes on trees to stay on trail.
Fishing at Lake Wister: Victor Campground offers lakeside RV sites with water access. "Very pretty campground, clean and relatively quiet this time of year. Very nice lake views. Birdwatching is pretty good," reports one winter camper. The campground provides boat ramp access for fishing throughout the 7,300-acre reservoir.
Visit historical sites: Several historical attractions are within driving distance. "Check out Spiro Mounds and Heavener Runestone, less than an hour's drive from Wister Lake," recommends a visitor to Victor Campground. The Fort Smith National Historic Site is accessible from RV parks in Arkansas, approximately 90 minutes from Hodgen.
What campers like
Mountain views: The elevated position of campsites along the Talimena Scenic Byway provides panoramic vistas. A camper at Winding Stair Campground noted, "Driving from Mena to Talihina along this stretch of highway is a treat when it comes to the spectacular views." Many sites offer mountain overlooks, especially along the northern loops.
Off-season tranquility: Winter camping offers quieter experiences at reduced rates. "A very few campers here the week of Christmas 2020," reports a visitor to Victor Campground. Fall and spring typically see moderate traffic, while summer weekends experience the highest occupancy rates.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, campgrounds maintain functional facilities. At Cossatot River RV Park, a visitor found "the park is clean, has standard RV hookups, and the highway isn't full of noisy traffic." However, facility quality varies by location with most remote sites offering basic amenities only.
What you should know
Site layouts vary significantly: RV pad configurations differ between locations. At Victor Campground, one camper noted, "Sites are laid out badly and way too close to each other. Grills, picnic table and fire ring behind sites. Most within 5 feet of neighbors sewer connection." Conversely, at Big Cedar Cabins & RV Park, sites are more spacious.
Seasonal closures affect availability: Several campgrounds close during winter months. A visitor to Winding Stair Campground reported, "After driving 4 hours to one of our favorite campsites in this area we arrived to find it closed until May 2025." Always check current operating status before traveling.
Weather considerations: The mountain region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in transition seasons. Campgrounds at higher elevations may experience fog and limited visibility. "It was pretty foggy for the entire trip so I am sure that the Emerald Vista view would have offered a bit of wow," mentioned one Winding Stair visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated family facilities. At Riverfront RV Resort, a family noted, "Our kids enjoyed the playground, outdoor gym, and pickleball - it was too cold to swim." Sites with structured activities are primarily found at private RV parks rather than forest service campgrounds.
Safety considerations: Solo campers and families report feeling secure at most campgrounds. "The site felt really safe for me as a first time solo camper, and the scenery was beautiful," reported one visitor to Winding Stair Campground. However, bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between locations.
Educational opportunities: Several nearby attractions offer learning experiences. The U.S. Marshal's Museum is "literally down the block" from Riverfront RV Resort according to one family. These educational sites provide indoor alternatives during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet access vary by location. For travelers requiring connectivity, Love's RV Hookup provides reliable service. "WiFi was great. Only because I had the whole place to myself did I not feel gouged," noted one reviewer. Forest service campgrounds typically have limited or no connectivity.
Site accessibility challenges: Larger RVs face challenges at certain locations. "Our RV is 35 FT long and while it's rated for this length it was a little difficult to back into, because of surrounding trees," reported one camper at Victor Campground. Verify site dimensions before booking, especially for units exceeding 30 feet.
Noise considerations: While most campgrounds are quiet, some experience environmental noise. At Love's RV Hookup, a visitor warned, "The train that comes through several times a night uses their horn more than I have ever heard." Highway noise affects sites along the Talimena Scenic Byway during peak tourist season.
