Best Dispersed Camping near Hugo Lake

Ouachita National Forest provides several dispersed camping options near Hugo Lake, Oklahoma along County Road 51220. These free sites offer varying levels of privacy and accessibility. Cedar Creek area features large camping spots with good separation between sites, with some campers reporting adjacent spots approximately a mile apart. Several locations include nearby stream access, with one site offering a swimming hole about 40 feet from the camping area.

Access to these dispersed sites requires careful navigation. Some visitors report difficulty finding specific locations, with one reviewer noting coordinates for one site led to private property within a cabin community. Forest Road 51220 serves as the main access point, with multiple pull-off camping areas branching from this route. Sites vary from full sun to full shade. A review mentioned, "We found the creek just east of us off a small trail. Just start walking right into the woods and you'll find it." Cell service is available in some areas, with one camper reporting good AT&T coverage during a 5-day stay. No amenities such as toilets, trash service, or drinking water are available at these primitive sites.