The Ouachita National Forest surrounds Poteau, Oklahoma, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,600 feet across rugged terrain. Tent camping options near Poteau include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites, with seasonal temperature variations from below freezing in winter to over 90°F in summer. Camping near the Kiamichi River provides access to fishing opportunities, though rocky terrain requires preparation.
What to do
Kayaking at Lake Tenkiller: This 12,900-acre lake offers clear water ideal for paddling. At Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park, visitors find calm waters perfect for beginners. As one camper notes, "The lake was perfect for kayaking. I actually fell out of the kayak at this place. The water was really clean and clear."
Mountain biking near Fort Smith: Just 30 minutes from Poteau, the COE Springhill Campground provides access to biking trails. According to a visitor at COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground, "There are hiking/mountain biking trails that leave from the campground. Mountain biking is a big deal here and there is a 10-mile 'fast' trail where experienced bikers race frequently."
Swimming at Jack Creek: During warmer months, this recreation area offers a natural swimming hole. A camper at Jack Creek Recreation Area shared, "When the weather is nice, there's a swimming hole. I will be returning here someday. It's too beautiful to pass up while driving through the area!"
What campers like
Waterfall ambiance: The Natural Dam area provides both camping spots and the calming sound of flowing water. A visitor reports, "We spent the night in the parking lot in our Sprinter Winnebago Revel van. The view, sounds and feels of the natural dam are stunning, relaxing and cool."
Creek-side camping: At Gates Nature Preserve, tent sites sit directly next to a creek. One camper described their experience: "Our little campsite was so cozy with a table, a fire pit and a grill. It was right next to the creek! The morning walk to the camp house was lovely because on the way there, we passed a herd of adorable cows."
Privacy and wildlife: The well-spaced sites at COE Springhill Campground offer solitude. A camper mentioned, "I had site B09 which was far away from any other sites, had good shade, and had a view of the river. I saw deer, a snake, and what looked like a coyote on the trail."
What you should know
Access challenges: Some dispersed sites can be difficult to locate or reach. A recent visitor to Pigeon Creek Dispersed 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."
Variable site conditions: At COE Springhill Campground, leveling can be challenging. A camper noted, "One major downside of this park is that only about half the sites (in Loop B) were not flat enough for us to get level without having the wheels off the ground."
Trash management issues: Some primitive sites suffer from improper waste disposal. One camper at Pigeon Creek Dispersed observed, "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."
Tips for camping with families
State park amenities: Tenkiller State Park offers organized activities for children. A visitor noted, "Gorgeous views, great campground and even better staff and events! We checked out the nature center, the main hikes and of course some good old campfire fun."
Playground options: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. At Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park, one camper shared, "Rented a tent site day before through the state website with no trouble, quiet as there weren't many campers there that night where we were. Beautiful view of the lake in the morning."
Wildlife safety awareness: Families should prepare for potential wildlife encounters. One camper at Eagles Point warned, "Water and shade are never far. It has a marina a boat dock a floating restaurant a volleyball court hiking trails a fishing dock plenty of wildlife restrooms showers playgrounds nature center gift shop... But be aware rattlesnakes also enjoy the area."
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many sites at COE Springhill Campground accommodate larger vehicles. A reviewer mentioned, "All sites are paved and easy to navigate in a big rig. Many sites are very long with only eleven sites being less than 45' in length (and only seven under 40')."
Hookup locations: Understanding utility access helps with RV positioning. One camper explains, "Water is available at some sites and at the centrally-located dump station. Finding out which sites have water on recreation.gov is a bit confusing... To find out if a site has water, click on the link for specific details of a particular site."
Satellite reception factors: Tree coverage affects connectivity options. A visitor observed, "We picked up roughly 15 television channels (including the three major networks) with our antenna. Trees may prevent you from getting satellite if your dish is fixed on the roof."
