Dispersed camping opportunities in Ouachita National Forest provide free camping near Spiro, Oklahoma year-round. Located along the Oklahoma-Arkansas border, this region features pine-covered mountains with elevations ranging from 600-2,600 feet. Seasonal creek flows vary dramatically, with many waterways drying completely during summer months while becoming active during spring rains.
What to do
Hiking the Ouachita Trail: Access multiple trailheads near Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping. "The side trail even leads to a parking lot off the highway if you're driving and want a place to camp or want someone to pick you up a few miles closer than Talimena State park," notes camper West River J.
Creek exploration: During wet seasons, the waterways provide natural cooling. At Pigeon Creek Dispersed, one camper described: "You're surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. What's not to love? The terrain is rocky so use a thick mat or hammock but you will love it."
Wildlife spotting: Night hours offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers regularly report bullfrogs, snakes, and abundant fireflies during summer months. One camper at Near Devils Den noted: "Insect surprisingly weren't that bad. Nice walk trails along the water. Local stop in for swimming and fishing."
What campers like
Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites maintain existing rock fire pits. At Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, a camper found: "This spot I found already had a man built fire ring made from rocks. Small peaceful pond and is right off the Deadman South Trail."
Alternative sites: When main areas are occupied, nearby unmarked spots often provide better options. One camper at Jack Creek Dispersed reported: "This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek."
Complete solitude: Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area, requiring planning ahead. As one visitor noted about Lee Creek: "Right off the main road (you can still hear the traffic, but it's not a lot of traffic). There's a fire pit, some paths to a hiking spot."
What you should know
Access roads vary significantly: Road conditions deteriorate after rain, with many requiring high clearance. At River Ridge Campground, one visitor warned: "Great spot, but this is either 'no longer' free land (as the resident stated) or it never was. I paid $10 for the night, just FYI."
Site cleanliness issues: Previous visitors sometimes leave trash behind. One Pigeon Creek visitor commented: "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."
Weather impacts: Fog can reduce visibility to near zero on mountain roads. A Talimena Scenic Drive visitor warned: "This is an awesome place the drive is well worth it too as long as you don't catch fog like we did you couldn't see 2ft in front of your car it was crazy."
Tips for camping with families
Bring water filtration: Creek water requires treatment before consumption. A visitor to Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite shared: "We were skeptical on this spot's location, but it was very easy to locate (the road in/out has some tough spots, 4WD would be preferred)."
Kid-friendly wildlife: Children may enjoy the abundant insect life. As one camper noted: "Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one."
Teach Leave No Trace: Turn cleanup into a learning opportunity. One environmentally-conscious camper urged: "Just please don't take rocks and set up your own fire ring. The main has 2 already and the others all seem to have one. PLEASE PRACTICE LNT!!!"
Tips from RVers
Site capacity limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small to medium rigs. One camper at Dead Man Gap observed: "Looked like there were four or five openings for a car or tent. I was the only one on the road the Friday night before Labor Day."
Larger RV options: County Road D1590 Dispersed accommodates bigger vehicles. A class C owner reported: "Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock. Camp site was clean."
Off-grid preparation: No hookups or services exist at any sites. One RVer warned: "Highly recommend this spot for anyone willing to be 100% off-grid (no cell service or nearby bathrooms)."
