Dispersed camping near Red Oak, Oklahoma centers on the Ouachita National Forest, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,500 feet throughout the region. The forest encompasses 1.8 million acres across Oklahoma and Arkansas, with primitive camping areas scattered throughout the mountainous terrain. Forest roads often become challenging after rainfall, with many sites requiring careful navigation even in dry conditions.
What to do
Hiking connections: The Boardstand Trail provides multiple hiking opportunities. "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," notes Steven A., describing a complete 6-mile loop back to camp.
Water activities: During wet seasons, cool off in natural water features. At Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, Brett F. reports "the pond was calm, with some bullfrogs and snakes which were cool to experience." The small ponds and seasonal creeks provide opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Scenic driving: Forest roads offer access to various viewpoints. "This is an awesome place the drive is well worth it too as long as you don't catch fog like we did," warns Aaron T. about driving conditions on mountain roads, adding "you couldn't see 2ft in front of your car it was crazy how bad it was."
What campers like
Secluded environment: Many sites offer privacy from other campers. "We camped 9/19/2020 and the spot was great... 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," reports Ryin J.
Natural water sources: Several camping areas feature creek access for filtering drinking water or cooling off. Jessica W. describes Pigeon Creek Dispersed as "surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. What's not to love?"
Multiple site options: Many areas have several potential camping spots. John H. notes, "As you pull off the little turn off just before the bridge of the creek, you'll find the first spot. It's nice with an established campfire ring... further down about 40 yards maybe is the second site... 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."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. "Would recommend a 4wd vehicle. There's a short rock trail to go up to reach the campsite, also too narrow for my Tundra," cautions Steven A. Some sites become inaccessible without high-clearance vehicles after rain.
Limited access: Not all marked camping areas have clear access points. At County Road D1590 Dispersed, Wesley H. notes the site is "Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night. Drove our 29ft class c to the site, road is mostly small rocks."
Seasonality: Water features may be present or absent depending on recent rainfall. Kaleb G. reports, "Stayed here in early November the creek was dry but beautiful." Wildlife presence also varies seasonally, with some campers reporting "bullfrogs and snakes" at pond sites.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established sites with flat areas for tents. Daniel S. describes one area having "Plenty of flat clear space for tents but we used hammocks, and plenty of trees were available for that."
Wildlife education: Use the natural environment for learning opportunities. At Talimena Scenic Drive, various campgrounds offer wildlife viewing. One camper advises, "Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one."
Space assessment: Verify site size before arrival. Larry B. cautions about one location: "If this is the site it's small. Could possibly get 3 small pickup trucks side by side in this spot. if you don't need a big area then this would be a nice place."
Tips from RVers
Road clearance: Forest roads require careful navigation. Wesley H. reports taking "our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock. Camp site was clean." High-profile vehicles may struggle on some tree-covered access roads.
Campsite size: Some dispersed sites accommodate larger vehicles. Shahar O. describes one location near Potato Hill Vista as "Private, safe, clean" with sufficient space for vehicle camping.
Terrain challenges: Be prepared for rocky terrain. Jessica W. advises, "The road in was a little bumpy take it slow and you'll be fine... The terrain is rocky so use a thick mat or hammock but you will love it."
