Best Tent Camping near Muse, OK

Primitive tent camping options near Muse, Oklahoma include several established sites within the surrounding Ouachita Mountains region. Holson Valley Vista offers a shelter along the Ouachita Trail at mile marker 16.8, while Pigeon Creek Dispersed camping provides access to the Kiamichi River. Other nearby tent camping locations include Pashubbe Backcountry Site and multiple tent campgrounds at Beavers Bend State Park.

Most tent-only sites feature minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. Pigeon Creek's terrain is rocky and campers should bring thick sleeping pads or hammocks for comfort. The road access varies significantly, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles or slow driving on bumpy forest roads. Most sites include fire rings, though toilet facilities are generally limited to vault toilets or completely absent. Water sources are typically natural streams and rivers that require filtering. Primitive tent setups are common at these locations, as picnic tables and other conveniences are inconsistently available across sites.

In early spring and fall, tent campers can enjoy relatively quiet experiences with access to water recreation and hiking trails. The Cossatot River area, though in neighboring Arkansas, provides additional tent camping opportunities with access to swimming holes and boulder exploration. Sites may be difficult to locate without precise coordinates or prior knowledge. "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 alongside pigeon creek. You're surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water," noted one visitor to Pigeon Creek. Tent sites typically offer natural shade from the dense forest canopy, providing relief during hot summer months when primitive tent camping is particularly challenging.

Best Tent Sites Near Muse, Oklahoma (17)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Muse, OK

277 Reviews of 17 Muse Campgrounds


  • Janna R.
    May. 22, 2019

    Billy Creek

    5 Stars are not enough for this campground!

    We camped at Billy Creek in March 2019.  We were the only ones there which made it fabulous!  We set up camp right above the river and got to hear the river going over the rocks the whole time.  There was a easy and short little trail down to the river and lots of large rocks to hang out on.  The campsite has tons of big trees.  Each site has a fire ring, picnic table and grill.  Water is available, but not at each spot.  No electricity, no flushing potties, no showers, no sewer hookups, no wifi.  There are latrine bathrooms (2) in a small building near the entrance. There is an abundance of hiking trails, 4 wheeler/motorcycle trails and many trails that a full size SUV can do.  Lots of forest service roads to explore.  We stayed 3 nights and only saw people one day that came in to meet up and ride 4 wheelers.  We will definitely go back!

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2018

    Holson Valley Vista

    Holson Valley Vista Shelter + A Room with a View

    I stayed at this campground shelter while hiking the Ouachita Trail.

    The campground and shelter were built by the Friends of the Ouachita Trail and is located at mile market 16.8 of the trail. While the campground is only a few hundred feet from the Talimena National Scenic Byway it is best reached by hiking the Ouachita Trail.

    The shelter is an open air wooden structure with a raised platform, three walls, roof, open air patio, shelf, wall pegs, fire pit and picnic table. Most campers might pop up their tent or just cowboy camp on the raised platform. Our group hung hammocks from the rafters. There were wall pegs that were convenient for hanging and drying our gear or to keep it away from any little critters (mice) that might visit in the night. There are not many amenities at this campground, but it is a nice resting stop and provides some protection from the elements during inclement weather.

    The shelter is located on a gradual sloping rocky hill and has a dramatic overview of the valley when the weather is clear and the foliage is not heavy. There are no waste facilities nearby so it is good to practice Leave No Trace and pack out whatever you pack in. We found and collected water earlier in the day and carried it into camp.

  • Leslie  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Quarry Island Campground — Lake Wister State Park

    Quiet and Beautiful

    We stayed at RV site #3 on Quarry Island. The concrete pad was perfectly level and took no time to set up. There were 5 RV sites with full hook ups on isle, even though #4 and # 5 are so close to each other that slide outs could bump into each other, and 2 very nice RV sites with only water and electric on the isle. There was also a lot of tent camping, flush and vault toilets, dump station, pavilion, 5 cabins, picnic tables with grills, boat ramp and swimming anywhere you wanted except for 150’ of the boat ramp. The ranger station was on the isle, so traffic was high at check in. There were 2 hiking trails that looked very nice, but never hiked because we were kayaking. My parents stayed in cabin #4 on the isle and my brother tent camped at Wister Ridge. The view from both of their places was breathtaking and his tent site was well shaded with maple, oak and pine. Fishing was very good and wasn’t a whole lot of boat traffic. There is also primitive camping which looked very nice, except for a couple of sites where the campers didn’t clean up too well behind themselves.

    Pros: Beautiful area and amazing views. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Plenty of options for accommodations and outdoor activities. The Heavner Ruinstone and Spiral Mounds are close. Tons of wildlife areas and we even spotted a bald eagle. The campgrounds and cabins were very clean.

    Cons: RV sites can be very crowded and not well spaced, especially at Victor Landing. The Wards would be the least crowded for RVs. The booking website is not very good and not very accurate. The cabins bed was not very comfortable, the shower was small and flooded the bathroom while using and the kitchen light and living room ceiling fan was on one switch, so there was no way to have the fan going without the light on. Not all RV sites have picnic tables.

  • M
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Armadillo Campground - Beavers Bend State Park

    Beautiful. Simply, beautiful!

    This place is terrific! Awesome view, abundant wildlife (we had a bald eagle perched across the cove from us for two days, when he wasn’t flying up and down the channel) and very peaceful. Fish from your tent pad if you wish because most are within 15 feet from the water.

    We are seasoned tent campers so my review is based off of the Bluejay Tent Camping Loop at Stevens Gap. Each site is directly on the lake and has a level tent pad, a fire ring, a picnic table on a concrete slab, a barbecue grill and a lantern hanger. We were there the day after Memorial Day and the weather stayed in the mid 60’s to mid 70’s. Perfect hammock weather! Plenty of pines and even some oaks for shade. The marina is about a half mile to the East but all of the big boats go East from there so there was hardly any boat traffic except for a few kayaks and canoes. The only downside was the vault toilets, which I normally don’t mind, were terrible. Maybe because of the holiday weekend previous, but nonetheless, they were foul. The ones about a mile up the loop were fine so I don’t know why. I would have given four stars if not for that.
    Town is just 10 minutes away with food and entertainment so it was very conveniently located. We hope to return there soon!

  • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    Nice to camp without RVs

    There are six large, improved sites which are first come first serve cash pay only. Vault toilets, no water and no electricity. Each site has enough room for three tents and has a grill, fire pit, table, and bear pole. There is easy access to the falls and hiking trails.

  • Ashley W.
    May. 1, 2019

    Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp

    My favorite!

    This campground is one of my all time favorites!! It has everything you want in a campground and more. Hiking here is definitely the best, because the views are amazing!! The campground is always really well kept as well which I appreciate. The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private. They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren’t people partying all night long. There are tent spots and also RV. We camped, so I’m not sure if th RV spots are set up for electricity. The lake nearby is great. We brought our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning. It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on the weekends. Hiking is great, and there are multiple good spots nearby. Again, go early to beat the crowds! Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. Vaulted toilets on site and a place to fill up your water! Can’t wait to come back.

  • Ana A.
    May. 28, 2018

    Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    Memorial Weekend

    This place is a beautifull forested remote area and you have to drive over 4.5 miles to get to the campsite, its a two lane dirt road, lookout for deer and other critters crossing. We stayed at the walk in campsites, they have those and a few where you can park next to your site, don’t expect very much privacy, you can’t make reservations, they are all first come first serve and you pay at your site. All are tent only. we stayed at #20 with a short walk from the parking area but a little bit too close to #21, 18 and 19 seem to be the ones with more privacy. We did have a nice shaded site with a fire ring, a barbecue grill, a picnic table and nice surface for your tent. the camping area is just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water. The bathrooms are adequate but no running water, therefore don’t expect showers. We camped with our dog Lulu, the sites are pet friendly and she had fun in the water too. There is an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and thicks!

  • Rick G.
    Nov. 20, 2022

    Lost Rapids

    Nice Campground Next to Lake

    This campground is next to a large lake. It has tent sites with picnic tables. Some have lantern poles, fire pits and/or grills. The RV sites have water and power with same assortment of other things. The lake has a boat ramp with a small dock/fishing pier. This is a good place to take a telescope or just stargaze. Some of the sites need minor repair. The restrooms will clean. The restrooms nearest the RV area have showers.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2021

    Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest

    Views for days!!

    Driving from Mena to Talihina along this stretch of highway is a treat when it comes to the spectacular views.   But stopping at places like this campground even further explain just how much of an amazing place this part of Oklahoma really is!   This area was once logged to the point that it was basically worthless before the Forest Service took it over and started to replenish the land and create public spaces like this campground.    It now is a thriving place for recreation and viewing.

    The campground is a series of pull ins and thru sites which vary in size allowing for tent camping with single cars or even some larger rigs.    There are vault toilets centrally located at the entrance in addition to extra picnic tables for those wanting a little extra space to enjoy.    

    A few spigots are around camp that are not in the best of shape, but they do still work, so don't be fooled.

    The roadways through camp and the sites themselves are very well taken care of, however because of recent rains the grass was a bit more wooly than it typically would have been.   Despite this the sites were still clear of grass for the most part.  

    Each site was equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern hooks, grills and prep stations and large spaces for tents, should you have one.  Additionally you can find trash cans around camp in a few places.

    From the campground you can easily access the scenic point which additionally has more picnic tables with a view, definitely suggest checking it out!!  

    Campground is first come first serve and does have a senior discount with the park pass.   Envelopes are provided at the main kiosk.


Guide to Muse

Dispersed camping near Muse, Oklahoma includes secluded sites throughout the Ouachita Mountains, located 1,000-2,500 feet in elevation. Multiple primitive tent sites are accessible via forest roads and hiking trails within the Ouachita National Forest. During summer months, temperatures can reach 95°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for tent campers.

What to do

River exploration: At Cossatot Falls Campsites, crystal-clear water provides unique recreational opportunities. "It's not for the faint of heart or people avoiding physical activity because trekking the huge river boulders is not easy. But the beauty is worth it. The water is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by," reports Cindy W.

Hiking: At Straight Creek Campsite, backpackers can access the Eagle Rock Loop with significant elevation changes. "On your hike into this site you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak, pine and maple. You'll also see a variety of flowers and plants," notes Troy W.

Swimming: At Pigeon Creek Dispersed area, the confluence of creek and river creates natural swimming options. "The river and creek merging was so beautiful! It was a beautiful drive there," writes Azul Darcy L., though noting trash issues from previous campers.

What campers like

Natural water features: At Sandbar Area Campsites, tent sites provide quick access to calm water. "River access is within a very quick walk, this section of the river is very calm. Overall the campground is isolated," mentions Vanessa M., highlighting the site's seclusion.

Hammock camping options: Near Holson Valley Vista, trail shelters provide multiple sleeping configurations. "The shelter is an open air wooden structure with a raised platform, three walls, roof, open air patio, shelf, wall pegs, fire pit and picnic table. Most campers might pop up their tent or just cowboy camp on the raised platform. Our group hung hammocks from the rafters," explains Troy W.

Wide camping pads: At Bluejay campground, sites offer ample space for larger tents. "Nice spot well shaded," according to Jeremy A., who gave the site five stars. This Beavers Bend location sits "a stones throw from the water" with "great hiking trails and museum," adds Gerald S.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to Pigeon Creek Dispersed camping varies seasonally. Recent visitor MacKenzie D. reported, "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."

**Rocky terrain: Several primitive sites have challenging ground surfaces. "The terrain is rocky so use a thick mat or hammock but you will love it," advises Jessica W. about Pigeon Creek.

**Weather impacts: Flash flooding can affect stream crossings and trail conditions. "Rained heavily on the 2nd day and small creeks and rivers became huge swells. This is for a more experienced hiker if you going during rainy season," warns Elias L. about the Eagle Rock Loop area.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: At Coyote Drive Campground, campers can find shoreline activities. "Super nice lake, no parking at campsite for coyote but can park about 15-50ft away, pretty peaceful to walk the shoreline," shares David T.

**Campsite privacy: Consider site placement when camping with children. "We stayed at #20 with a short walk from the parking area but a little bit too close to #21, 18 and 19 seem to be the ones with more privacy," advises Ana A. about Sandbar camping areas.

**Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local animals and insects. "There is an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and ticks!" warns Ana A. about the Cossatot River area.

Tips for RVers

**Size limitations: Most best tent camping near Muse, Oklahoma isn't suitable for larger rigs. "It is tents only..which I kinda like if you are a 'non-glamper'. The tents spaces are very nice with lots of trees which make it very cozy," explains Deb B. about Sandbar Area.

Alternative camping: Grasshopper Campground offers tent camping with some vehicle access. "It cost us 16 USD and was really noisy because of all the boats that came fishing in the weekend," notes Agam, suggesting weekday visits for more peace.

**Preparation: Bring adequate water supplies and filtration systems. "You can collect and filter water from the river and dig a hole to poop in the woods. Please practice Leave No Trace in this area," advises Troy W. about primitive camping in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Muse, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Muse, OK is Holson Valley Vista with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Muse, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Muse, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.