Camping near Ouachita National Forest

Camping near Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers love the access to nature trails, with one reviewer noting, “The hiking trails were breathtaking and well-maintained” at Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
• Swimming and Water Activities: Enjoy the clear waters of Lake Ouachita. One visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, “The lake is beautiful and all tent sites have access to the water.”
• Fishing: Cast a line in the lake or nearby rivers. A camper at Daisy State Park Campground shared, “The lake was clean to swim in and great for fishing.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground said, “The bathrooms were very good and clean.”
• Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the large, well-maintained sites. A visitor at Denby Point remarked, “The site is HUGE!! You can’t hardly even see your neighbors.”
• Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the camp hosts and rangers. One camper at Charlton Campground noted, “The camp host was friendly and made our stay enjoyable.”

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception in some areas. A camper at Mount Magazine State Park Campground mentioned, “Cell service was spotty, but the views made it worth it.”
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Cossatot Falls Campsites warned, “Raccoons were active at night and grabbed any food or trash accidentally left out.”
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Daisy State Park Campground advised, “Expect to book a year in advance during summer.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. One family at COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground enjoyed, “The marina has kayak rentals and also canoes, boat rides, pedal boats, etc.”
• Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, “I felt comfortable with the kids swimming safely.”
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Daisy State Park Campground noted, “The camp store sold firewood, ice, and souvenirs.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Accessibility: Some sites can be tricky to access. A reviewer at Denby Point mentioned, “Some sites are hard to get to, but the ranger switched our location to one that worked better.”
• Full Hookups Availability: Look for campgrounds with full hookups if you need them. A camper at Treasure Isle R.V. Park appreciated, “The sites are pull-through but not paved.”
• Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially at night. One camper at Treasure Isle R.V. Park suggested, “I wish quiet hours were enforced.”

Camping near Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.