Best Dispersed Camping near Poteau, OK

Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Ouachita National Forest near Poteau, Oklahoma. Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite offers multiple primitive sites with established fire rings and no facilities. The main site sits uphill from Lillard Creek, which fluctuates seasonally and sometimes runs dry. According to reviews, several additional campsites exist along the same forest road, accessible via unmarked turnoffs that require higher clearance vehicles.

Vehicle access varies significantly between sites. Dead Man Gap requires a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle for the rocky, narrow access roads. Several campers noted that sedans cannot navigate certain sections, particularly to reach the alternative sites located approximately 40-80 yards from the main turnoff. Pigeon Creek Dispersed has experienced access issues, with recent reports indicating overgrown conditions blocking vehicle entry.

These sites provide true primitive camping with no amenities. No drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups are available. All sites feature established rock fire rings; campers should check current fire restrictions before visiting. Visitors must pack out all waste and practice Leave No Trace principles. Campers report that trash accumulation has been problematic at some locations, particularly Pigeon Creek.

The Talimena Scenic Drive offers additional dispersed camping opportunities with excellent connectivity to hiking trails. Potato Hill Vista provides convenient access to the Ouachita Trail with a flat camping area and stone fire ring. The area experiences seasonal weather variations, including dense fog along the scenic byway that can severely limit visibility. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with most sites having no reliable coverage.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Poteau, Oklahoma (14)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Poteau, OK

22 Reviews of 14 Poteau Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Great, quiet location.

    My buddy and I read the other reviews and decided to give this site a go. Someone was camping at the main site just off the park road, and honestly, I’m glad they were there, otherwise we wouldn’t have found the great alternative spot. As the gentleman in the other review said, there ARE three alternative spots back North a little ways on the park road. As you pull off the little turn off just before (or after, depending on which way your going) the bridge of the creek, you’ll find the first spot. It’s nice with an established campfire ring, etc. further down (you definitely want a higher riding vehicle, no sedans down this road) about 40 yards maybe is the second site. This is a great little site as well, again with an established fire ring. Go another 40 ish yards and there is the end of the side ‘road’/stone path and you’ll find the site we stayed at.
    There is a great fire pit and a well established site. As was mentioned in the other review, there was some trash about, but we cleaned it up. If you go here, practice leave no trace. Don’t be a jerk. Even if you never meet another person who camps there, if everyone treats the site like garbage it will be no good for anyone in a short amount of time.
    We noticed that there wasn’t much wildlife about and guessed it was because the creek bed was bone dry and a bunch of smoke in the are might have made them leave (there were a few wildfires in SE Oklahoma when we visited). We’ll probably find another place next time for the sake of adventure, but I could see myself coming back someday.

  • C
    Mar. 20, 2021

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Great place to treat right

    Great spot. As most have said the main site that this link takes you to is up hill some ways from a creek that runs quite a way through the area snaking around and getting to various fill levels depending on recent weather. It also has great spots to see while hiking around. I've been here twice and loved both times. This second time I discovered there are it seems at least 2-3 more, seemingly established, campsites here. The ones that are not given here are along the same main road but along a separate turn off (IT IS NOT MARKED PRIVATE though there is private property marked in the area) that looks more suited for 4 wheel drive or at least something sitting higher than my small car. The furthest of these is essentially on the other side of the creek down from the main site. I can't speak to how nice they are to stay at but I imagine they are nice enough given how nice the main one is. I did walk through 2 and they didn't look bad as I walked through (the 3rd was occupied so I didn't get a look there just saw a person caming). All and all this place is great and I highly recommend. 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!!!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Somewhat private dispersed site off of unbusy forest road

    Coordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded dispersed campsite near creek

    Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. 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. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.

  • West River J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping

    Right off the highway and right off the Ouchita Trail

    If you're near the end (heading west) or got a late start heading east, detour north towards Potato Hill Vista for a flat area with a stone fire ring near Highway 88/1. You can throw down your tent here for the night. 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2020

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Perfect for all

    First time in the Ouachita national forest and we found a most excellent spot next to Lillard Creek off of 6010 Deadmans trail Rd. Would recommend a 4wd vehicle. There’s a short rock trail to go up to reach the campsite, also too narrow for my Tundra. Enough space for a family or if your going on a solo camp. Done hanging out at camp? There’s an awesome trail a little north of camp called Boardstand trail, take it east and you you can follow it to 8554 Red Bank, follow it south to Ouachita Trail, then follow it west until you reach Talimena Scenic drive, then you can walk along side the road to the Scenic view of where you were just hiking and bask in its glory! Next you’ll run up on 6010 deadman’s gap trail road again. Take it back down to your camp! Your back! It’s a good 6 mile hike that will get your heart going. Steep hills, beautiful waterways, gorgeous mountains! Nothing better! The creek water runs all the time so no need for your forest noise making machine. All the sounds you’ll need are by the fire and the Lillard Creek. It was a blast! Get out there and breath the fresh air! Peace and Love, Seth Armes

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Really in the woods

    Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock.camp site was clean.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Small Pull Thru Site with Easy Access

    Coordinates: 35.02422, -93.81997. Located 2 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and 1/3rd mile past the turn off to the shooting range. It is a small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road (forest road); there is very little privacy from the forest road. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. This campsite can receive dust from passing vehicles. The site can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other. The site is shaded with a level dirt surface. Small tent & hammock camping is possible near rock fire ring which is located between the pull through driveway and the forest road. Easy access into the site. There is no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; no recreation, such as hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Solid Dispersed Campsite

    Pretty great dispersed campsite. If you're not familiar with dispersed camping, PLEASE research it before going. Completely undeveloped other than fire ring. Plenty of flat clear space for tents but we used hammocks, and plenty of trees were available for that. Campsite is right off the forest road and a few miles off the paved road. Surrounded by mature pine trees. There is a creek with a pool maybe 100 yards downhill from the campsite, great for cooling off on a hot summer day or filtering water.


Guide to Poteau

Dispersed camping near Poteau, Oklahoma offers backcountry experiences in the Ouachita National Forest. The region sits at elevations ranging from 500-2,000 feet with dense pine forests and rocky terrain. Campers should prepare for significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter nights dropping below freezing.

What to do

Hiking the Ouachita Trail: Access multiple trail sections from Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping, where the side trail connects directly to the main route. As one reviewer noted, "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."

Creek exploration: Walk the short path from campsites to nearby waterways. At Jack Creek Dispersed, "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."

Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot native species. One camper at Deadman Gap South Trail described: "The pond was calm, with some bullfrogs and snakes which were cool to experience."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many dispersed sites offer significant separation from other campers. At Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, a visitor observed: "Our closest neighbors were at least 300 yards away and we only knew they were there because we had hiked away from our camp and noticed their fire."

Natural water features: Seasonal streams and small ponds enhance many sites. A camper at Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite shared: "This spot was amazing, the first place I had planned for was taken, so this was my next option and it did not disappoint. The pond was calm."

Mountain views: The higher elevation sites provide scenic perspectives. One visitor to the Talimena Scenic Drive simply stated: "Love this place. Hidden gem."

What you should know

Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. A camper at County Road D1590 Dispersed explained: "Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock. Camp site was clean."

Weather visibility concerns: Fog can create dangerous driving conditions. A reviewer 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 how bad it was."

Site conditions vary: Some sites may require cleanup upon arrival. At Pigeon Creek Dispersed, a camper reported: "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

Consider age-appropriate sites: Choose locations with safe natural features for children. At Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, one camper mentioned: "A small running creek lies at the bottom of a short downhill hike... Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one."

Plan for no facilities: Prepare children for true primitive camping. A reviewer at Dead Man Gap explained: "Completely undeveloped other than fire ring. Plenty of flat clear space for tents but we used hammocks, and plenty of trees were available for that."

Pack extra supplies: Free camping near Poteau requires self-sufficiency. One visitor to Turner Creek Road summarized: "Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring. Very peaceful."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Access varies significantly between sites for larger vehicles. A County Road D1590 reviewer noted: "Drove our 29ft class c to the site, road is mostly small rocks."

Spot selection: Look for level areas that can accommodate your rig size. At Jack Creek Dispersed, "The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller."

Fee confirmation: Some previously free camping spots may now charge. At River Ridge Campground, a camper 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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Poteau, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Poteau, OK is Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Poteau, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Poteau, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.