The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Spiro, OK

24 Reviews

Multiple dispersed camping options are available within the Ouachita National Forest near Spiro, Oklahoma. The region features several free primitive sites including Dead Man Gap, Deadman Gap South Trail, Potato Hill Vista, and areas along the Talimena Scenic Drive. These sites are primarily situated on forest service roads with varying degrees of accessibility, offering campers secluded locations in wooded terrain. Most sites are completely undeveloped with no designated campground boundaries or services.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas range from maintained gravel to rough forest tracks. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles, with some areas such as Deadman Gap South Trail accommodating both tent and RV camping. County Road D1590 is noted as big-rig friendly, though generally primitive in nature. Most sites lack drinking water, restrooms, trash service, or other amenities. Campfires are typically permitted in established fire rings when no fire bans are in effect. Camping is free at these locations, following standard 14-day stay limits common on national forest land.

The dispersed campsites in this area provide opportunities for solitude amid pine forests and near seasonal creeks. A visitor to Dead Man Gap noted, "There is a great fire pit and a well established site. The creek with a pool maybe 100 yards downhill from the campsite is great for cooling off or filtering water." Several reviews mention the presence of established fire rings at most sites. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas, particularly at Dead Man Gap where visitors reported needing to hike away from camp to find signal. Campers frequently mention the natural beauty of the area, including the nearby Kiamichi River, though some sites have experienced issues with previous visitors leaving trash behind.

Map showing campgrounds near Spiro, OklahomaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Spiro, Oklahoma (15)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Spiro Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Spiro, OK

20 Photos of 15 Spiro Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Spiro, OK

24 Reviews of 15 Spiro Campgrounds

  • Lauren
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Near Devils Den

    Be careful!

    I just got back from staying here for a night. For one, it is a very narrow road but my minivan got through just fine. UNTIL I made it to a puddle of water (that I highly underestimated), got stuck in the mud immediately and had to call a tow company (by walking 15 minutes down the highway to get signal; no signal at all at the sites) to help pull me out for $400. The people at the tow company warned me that the forest service does NOT allow cars to drive on these roads anymore, and that is why they added guard rails. They told me that had I gotten caught with my car in there I would have had to pay a big fine. He said camping is fine as long as you park on the turnout by the highway and walk in. Saying all of that, there are still multiple really nice and spread out spots with nice huge firepits. I would have been fine with parking and walking in. Also, I was in pretty deep and could still hear the cars on the highway, but not many come by (at least not on a Tuesday night). The creek is nice. Also tons of fireflies which was cool.

  • 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.

  • S
    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.

Guide to Spiro

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Spiro, Oklahoma, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the Ouachita National Forest and surrounding areas.

Dispersed campers should check out Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

  • Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite offers ample space and an established fire pit, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Located along a scenic trail, this site provides a peaceful retreat, making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Campers have noted the importance of practicing Leave No Trace principles to keep this beautiful area pristine for future visitors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Spiro, Oklahoma

  • Always carry enough water and supplies, as many sites, like Pigeon Creek Dispersed, lack amenities such as drinking water and trash disposal.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; some areas may require a higher clearance vehicle, especially when accessing spots like Jack Creek Road Dispersed.
  • Respect the environment by cleaning up after yourself and avoiding the creation of new fire rings, as seen in reviews of Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping.

Scenic drives and views for dispersed campers

  • The Talimena Scenic Drive offers breathtaking views and access to several dispersed camping spots, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Campers can enjoy the stunning landscapes and vibrant fall colors while exploring the area, with many reviewers praising the drive's beauty.
  • Keep an eye on the weather, as fog can roll in unexpectedly, impacting visibility during your scenic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Spiro, 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 Spiro, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Spiro, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring