The Ouachita National Forest region surrounding Stigler, Oklahoma contains multiple primitive camping areas located along forest service roads. Most sites range between 1,000-2,000 feet elevation with oak-pine forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F while winter nights drop below freezing. During drought conditions, many seasonal creeks throughout the region dry completely, requiring campers to pack in all water supplies.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: From Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, visitors can connect directly to longer forest routes. "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," notes camper John.
Wildlife observation: The small ponds and seasonal creeks attract diverse fauna. Brett F. reports, "The pond was calm, with some bullfrogs and snakes which were cool to experience."
Trail running: The connecting network of forest roads and trails enables loop routes. From Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping, hikers can access "a 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: After sufficient rainfall, the seasonal creeks flow through rocky terrain. At one location, a camper found "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."
What campers like
Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature stone fire rings created by previous visitors. One camper at County Road D1590 Dispersed found "the camp site was clean" despite being deep in the woods.
Complete seclusion: The remote nature of these sites appeals to those seeking isolation. Wesley H. describes their experience as "Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night."
Multiple site options: Many forest roads contain several potential camping spots within walking distance. At one location, a reviewer noted "there ARE three alternative spots back North a little ways on the park road. As you pull off the little turn off just before the bridge of the creek, you'll find the first spot."
Scenic drives: The forest roads themselves offer recreational value. Aaron T. describes Talimena Scenic Drive as "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."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites are accessible only with appropriate vehicles. Wesley reports taking "our 29ft class c to the site, road is mostly small rocks."
Waste management: No facilities exist at dispersed sites. One camper advises strongly: "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."
Space limitations: Sites vary considerably in size. Larry B. notes one Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite is "small. Could possibly get 3 small pickup trucks side by side in this spot."
Water availability: Streams fluctuate seasonally. A recent visitor found "the creek bed was bone dry and a bunch of smoke in the area might have made them [wildlife] leave."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Families should prepare for wildlife encounters. As one camper reports, "Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one."
Educational opportunities: The ecosystem provides learning experiences. At Dam Site Campground at Fort Gibson, "You can to the dam and fish for all kinds of fish, hike in the woods, swim up at the lake, or put your boat in for a cruise."
Weather preparation: Fog can roll in quickly. One family describes: "We caught fog like we did you couldn't see 2ft in front of your car it was crazy how bad it was I hadn't ever seen anything like that before."
Site selection: Choose campsites based on terrain features. A visitor notes one location had "plenty of space for a couple of cars on level ground, fire pit was nicely maintained as well."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Approach forest roads cautiously with larger vehicles. One RVer states, "Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock."
Parking limitations: Assess sites carefully before committing. A camper observed at one location there was "a good amount of space with an established fire pit."
Site privacy: Distance between sites varies across the forest. Chad K. notes that at some established campgrounds, "The sites are packed together and leave little privacy," making dispersed camping a better option for solitude.
