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Best Dispersed Camping near Talihina, OK

22 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Ouachita National Forest near Talihina, Oklahoma, with several free primitive sites located along forest roads and trails. Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, Potato Hill Vista, and Talimena Scenic Drive offer established dispersed camping areas where visitors can camp without facilities or hookups. Additional sites include Deadman Gap South Trail, Pigeon Creek, and several unnamed pull-offs along County Road D1590 and other forest service roads. These areas typically feature established fire rings but lack amenities such as toilets, drinking water, or trash service.

Access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved forest roads. Several locations, including Dead Man Gap, benefit from high-clearance vehicles or 4WD, particularly after rain. The Deadman Trail area contains multiple unmarked camping spots accessible via rough stone paths unsuitable for sedans. Campers report that some coordinates may be difficult to locate, with one reviewer noting that Pigeon Creek access was "completely overgrown" with no vehicle access to the forest. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with some areas maintaining ATT coverage while others remain completely off-grid. As one camper noted, these sites are for those "willing to be 100% off-grid with no cell service or nearby bathrooms."

The dispersed camping experience near Talihina provides solitude and natural surroundings typical of backcountry camping. Many sites feature proximity to seasonal creeks and small swimming holes. A camper described Dead Man Gap as having "a creek with a pool maybe 100 yards downhill from the campsite, great for cooling off on a hot summer day or filtering water." Sites along Cedar Creek offer similar water access. Visitors frequently mention the privacy between camping areas, with one noting that "adjacent spots are probably a mile apart" in some areas. Wildlife sightings are common, though seasonal conditions like wildfires can affect animal presence. Campers consistently mention issues with previous visitors leaving trash, highlighting the importance of Leave No Trace principles in these primitive areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Talihina, Oklahoma (11)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Talihina, OK

17 Photos of 11 Talihina Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Talihina, OK

22 Reviews of 11 Talihina 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.

  • Jessie M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2023

    Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed

    Could not find.

    Could not find. find. The grid cordinates lead to someones private cabin. Tucked in middles of residential cabin colmunity. It is national forest borders but private lots.

  • 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!!!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ryin J.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    A Great Dispersed Camp in Ouachita

    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). We camped 9/19/2020 and the spot was great. The previous visitors had left the spot a mess with beer cans and food wrappers (clean up after yourselves, folks!), but after clean-up it was the perfect spot. A small running creek lies at the bottom of a short downhill hike. 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. Highly recommend this spot for anyone willing to be 100% off-grid (no cell service or nearby bathrooms). Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Pigeon Creek Dispersed

    No access

    We drove slowly back and forth along the road exactly where the coordinates lead us to but there is no vehicle access to the forest there. It’s completely overgrown

Guide to Talihina

Dispersed camping opportunities in the Ouachita National Forest near Talihina, Oklahoma range in elevation from 1,000 to 2,600 feet, with many sites situated along ridgelines or near seasonal creeks. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most dispersed sites remain accessible year-round except after heavy rainfall when forest roads become difficult to navigate.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: The Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite provides access to multiple hiking options. "This spot is right off the Deadman South Trail," reports one camper who appreciated the location's proximity to established pathways.

Swimming in natural pools: Several campsites feature access to natural swimming areas. At Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220, "stream is 40 feet away with a swimming hole," making it convenient for cooling off during hot weather.

Wildlife observation: The forest areas support diverse wildlife including deer, turkeys, and various bird species. The quieter, more isolated sites provide better viewing opportunities. At County Road D1590 Dispersed, campers noted being "definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night" - conditions that often lead to better wildlife encounters.

What campers like

Natural water features: Many campers specifically mention creeks and streams as highlights. Near Pigeon Creek Dispersed, one visitor described: "You're surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. What's not to love?" Another noted "The river and creek merging was so beautiful!"

Privacy between sites: The spacing between dispersed sites provides solitude. At Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed, campers reported: "Most camp spots you have your own driveway and large spot. Adjacent spots probably a mile apart."

Multiple established sites: Dispersed areas often contain several potential camping locations. At Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, campers found "plenty of space for a couple of cars on level ground, fire pit was nicely maintained as well."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. One reviewer noted about County Road D1590: "Road is mostly small rocks" while another advised "took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock."

Fire rings already established: Most sites have existing fire rings. At Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping, you'll find "a flat area with a stone fire ring near Highway 88/1."

Limited cell service: Coverage varies by location and provider. Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed reportedly has "Att service good" while other areas have no connectivity.

Trash management issues: Several campers mention finding sites with leftover trash. One visitor to Pigeon Creek noted: "The river and creek merging was so beautiful! But whoever was there before me trashed it out. It's sad."

Tips for camping with families

Look for sites with water features: Children often enjoy locations with safe access to water. One family at Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite found: "There is a creek with a pool maybe 100 yards downhill from the campsite" though parents should always supervise water activities.

Be prepared for wildlife encounters: While generally harmless, local wildlife might surprise children. One parent noted: "Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one."

Scout accessible areas: Some dispersed sites offer more family-friendly terrain than others. One family reported finding: "a great little site as well, again with an established fire ring" after exploring beyond the initial campsite.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Many forest roads limit access for larger vehicles. "Drove our 29ft class c to the site," reported one RVer at County Road D1590, suggesting this site can accommodate moderately sized rigs.

Advance planning essential: Since dispersed areas lack facilities, RVers must arrive self-contained. One camper noted: "Definitely isolated" and recommended being prepared for complete self-sufficiency.

Pull-off width considerations: Some forest road pull-offs provide limited space. One RVer observed a site that "Could possibly get 3 small pickup trucks side by side in this spot" indicating limitations for wider vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Talihina, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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