Best Campgrounds near Wister, OK

Camping near Wister, Oklahoma centers around Lake Wister State Park, which sits at the foothills of the Sans Bois, Jackfork, Kiamichi, and Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma. The area features several established campgrounds with options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and rustic cabins. Lake Wister State Park includes multiple camping areas such as Victor Campground, Quarry Island Campground, Wards Campground, and Below the Dam Campground. Nearby Heavener Runestone Park offers additional camping with 18 sites in a more secluded setting. The Ouachita National Forest provides camping options at Cedar Lake Recreation Area and Winding Stair Campground, while free dispersed camping can be found at Dead Man Gap.

Most campgrounds in the Wister area are open year-round, with summer temperatures often reaching into the 90s and winter nights dropping below freezing. Lake Wister State Park campgrounds typically charge between $16-$29 per night, with discounts available for seniors, military, and disabled visitors. Reservations are recommended for most established campgrounds, especially during summer and fall weekends. Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods, particularly in late summer. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage at Lake Wister State Park campgrounds and limited connectivity in the more remote forest areas.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Lake Wister State Park campgrounds offer amenities like showers, flush toilets, and boat ramps, making them suitable for families and recreational boaters. According to reviews, Victor Campground is "relatively quiet" during winter months with "very nice lake views" and "good birdwatching." Quarry Island features concrete pads for RVs and a ranger station, while Wards Campground is noted for being "less cramped" than other areas. Cedar Lake in the Ouachita National Forest is heavily forested with pine trees and offers excellent hiking opportunities. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, with campers reporting bald eagles, deer, raccoons, and squirrels near their campsites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Wister, Oklahoma (111)

    1. Heavener Runestone Park

    9 Reviews
    Heavener, OK
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 653-2241

    $15 - $20 / night

    "We stopped to see the runestone on our way back home from camping at Lake Wister. Wooded and clean, with a small gift shop (closed when we got there)."

    "Totally worth the drive from Tulsa. The park is beautiful and secluded, very clean and well kept. It has some really fun little themed touches in keeping with the Viking Runestone."

    2. Victor Campground — Lake Wister State Park

    6 Reviews
    Wister, OK
    4 miles
    Website

    "Very nice lake views. Birdwatching is pretty good. Check out Spiro Mounds and Heavener Runestone, less than an hour's drive from Wister Lake."

    "Lake Wister State Park OK. Site 23. We'll be back."

    3. Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp

    12 Reviews
    Hodgen, OK
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 653-2991

    $15 - $40 / night

    "We completed this campout with another family and this is our favorite campout in Oklahoma. The large pines, the facilities and the hiking is wonderful. Cedar lake is beautiful."

    "we took a group of Trail Life boys there and we had a good time. There are plenty of good trails near by and we used Cedar Lake as our basecamp."

    4. Quarry Island Campground — Lake Wister State Park

    4 Reviews
    Wister, OK
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 581-2965

    $16 - $29 / night

    "We really enjoy Lake Wister. It is never overcrowded."

    "There were 5 RV sites with full hook ups on isle, even though #4 and # 5 are so close to each other that slide outs could bump into each other, and 2 very nice RV sites with only water and electric on"

    5. Wards Campground — Lake Wister State Park

    3 Reviews
    Wister, OK
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 655-7756

    "landing do have sewer connections as we as the sites on the island, but the traffic on the island is terrible, there is a splash pad at the park along with a put put golf corse, and if you go into Wister"

    "We spend our last night in Wister State Park before heading home to Arkansas. The park ladies were the most informative by far. They told us where the best place to see the eagles and we did ."

    6. Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hodgen, OK
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    $10 - $23 / night

    "This was mine and my mom's favorite place to camp in Oklahoma. The campground is heavily forested with pine trees and there are some sites right off the lake."

    "It’s wonderful in the fall when the leaves are changing, the days are cooler, and the nights are perfect for gathering around a camp fire."

    7. Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Talihina, OK
    16 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    8. Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Big Cedar, OK
    18 miles

    $3 - $14 / night

    "If you plopped me into this camp I wouldn’t have guessed I was in Oklahoma."

    "Driving from Mena to Talihina along this stretch of highway is a treat when it comes to the spectacular views.  "

    9. Below the Dam Campground — Lake Wister State Park

    2 Reviews
    Wister, OK
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 655-7756

    "All reservations are done through the state's pay line and can be easily done however if you are struggling I was told you can also stop at the Corp site for some guidance (office just at entrance)."

    10. Talimena State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Talihina, OK
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 567-2052

    "This State Park is located in SE Oklahoma and is a hidden gem. The park has a number of RV sites and tent sites."

    "There was at least one other trail leading away from camp.

    Camp store is closed during the week - at least during the time of year of our visit.

    The town of Talihina is about 6 miles from camp."

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Recent Reviews near Wister, OK

375 Reviews of 111 Wister Campgrounds


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

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Deep woods

    Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night. Drove our 29ft class c to the site,road is mostly small rocks

  • 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.

  • A
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Marval Camping Resort

    Horrible Manager

    Very disappointed in Marval Resort. The manager is very unprofessional. We have been going there since 2019 for a family reunion. This year was 59th reunion. I get a phone call on July 7, 2025 and was told we would not be welcomed back and when I asked why the manager could not tell me why. All that she said was several reasons. If it was such a big issue, she should have come to me or someone else and addressed the issue face to face instead of waiting until we left. My cousin had called multiply times to try and get this worked out and she would never speak or call back. When no response to phone calls she was emailed and finally responded to an email. The manager didn’t even have the decency for the closing signature on the email. It’s a shame that Marval Resort has someone like this running their resort. Very poor communication. Instead of coming to my camp spot talking to me about some cars parked on the grass and gravel in front of our camp spot out of the way of others she calls me in the middle of a big gathering and tells me they need to be moved because it rained that morning and the grass was wet. No, the grassy lawn area was dry in the heat of the afternoon day. There are so many staff members driving around on their golf carts and not a word was said. She was on her golf cart right by us and could not come face to face and talk about the issue. Now, that’s pretty unprofessional. We have 96 and 86 year old aunts and some others with walking issues. That’s why cars were there. Family was coming from their cabins or campers to the central area for family gathering. And as far as the pavilion parking that we paid money to rent. Again, for some elders and a few trucks hauling fish fry supplies. You booked a band that was playing on the stage right by the pavilion(that we paid for) and people could not communicate very well due to loud music. This also happened last year as well. So, you the manager don’t know who all the cars belong to. They could have been the bands or other guest not in our family. We have a large group that stayed there for 6 years in campers or cabins and spent lots of money there. There is a lot of issues the manager needs to take care of and get off her high horse. I thought this place is supposed to be family oriented. I will miss seeing Wayne(maintenance gentleman) there with his smiling face. He is such a friendly man. And one more thing, always talking about all the improvements they’re working on or going to do. It’s been the same for 6 years now.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Riverfront RV Resort

    Beautiful Resort!

    We only stayed here 2 nights on our way to Colorado. Beautifully maintained, sits right on the Arkansas river. Pool is cold but clean and well maintained. The park was not even 1/4 full while we were there. I hope business picks up because it’s nice. A little pricey ($81 per night), but with Good Sam or Military discount, it helps. Ladies in the office were fantastic, each going through their purses to find enough quarters so I could wash and dry a load of clothes! Very nice! It was just TOO HOT to do much outside, especially with dogs.

  • Lauren M.
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Pioneer Campgrounds

    Peaceful, healing, and perfect in every season

    We found Pioneer Campgrounds three years ago and have come back every chance we get. It’s more than just a campground—it’s a true escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.

    This place has something special every time we visit. There’s a peaceful creek, a two-mile trail for walking or biking, volleyball and basketball courts, ping pong, and a fire pit for those perfect evening hangouts. The kids have room to run and explore, and our dogs are always welcome.

    The cabins are spacious, super clean, and have great A/C—perfect for relaxing after a day outside. There are spots for tent camping too if that’s your style. Each visit brings something new: upgrades, little surprises, and thoughtful touches that make it feel even more like home.

    They also offer extras like a washer and dryer, coffee, cold drinks, and shirts—all for a small charge. Plus, the WiFi is great thanks to Starlink, which is a bonus when you need to stay a little connected.

    Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, this place is beautiful year-round. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for our family!

    Big thank-you to Matt—the owner—he’s kind, down-to-earth, and truly an awesome dude. We’re so glad we found this gem. Thanks from The Mays Family. 💚

  • Headgear7 The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Springhill

    Close to home but well worth it

    I have been camping out here for years but never took advantage of the A side. A12-14 are premian spots to camp. I tent camp and the view is amazing. It’s in between the Arkansas river and Massard creek. You can launch a boat or you can go kayaking in Massard creek. There’s Cat fish, Perch and, Bass.

  • Jacob
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Turner Creek Road

    Peaceful

    Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring Very peaceful

  • Jenny The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    Springhill

    Clean

    Right off the highway, this is a clean and convenient spot to camp.

  • Jenny The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    Snake Creek

    Fire ant issue

    We love the location, boat ramp, park toilets and showers. However, the fire ants are a severe problem. The ants prevent us from playing in our campground area and the kids have to play in the street or gravel. If you stand in one place too long, you get bit - regardless of trying to avoid them. Just seems like severe infestation - would be nice if the park would do something to mitigate. It’s hard to invite friends and family out to the lake to visit at the campsite or go out on the boat - when even loading the boat becomes an issue with getting stung by the ants.


Guide to Wister

Camping near Wister, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Devil's Den State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hikes are short and just amazing!" This park has trails that lead to stunning views and wildlife sightings.
  • Fishing: At Greenleaf State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the lake. A reviewer said, "This state park offers fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and a splash pad to cool off at!"
  • Swimming: The Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground has a pool area with a water playground. One camper noted, "Nice large pool area with a water playground/splash pad."

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the large, well-spaced sites at Devil's Den State Park Campground. A happy visitor shared, "LARGE, well spaced sites with two bath houses within 50 yards in either direction."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer from Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground said, "The facilities are super clean and well taken care of."
  • Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views and wildlife. One visitor at Robbers Cave State Park mentioned, "We saw deer, armadillos, and skunks."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds, like Robbers Cave State Park, have poor cell reception. A camper advised, "Just download your maps before you go. No service so be mindful of that."
  • Road conditions: Some campgrounds, such as Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures, have rough access roads. A visitor warned, "The road in is rough, but ok."
  • Reservations: It's best to reserve your spot in advance, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Springhill noted, "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and water activities. One family enjoyed the splash pad at Greenleaf State Park Campground, saying, "On premises splash park with waterside was great for the grandkids."
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A camper at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground mentioned, "All the camp spots were clean and level."
  • Plan for quiet time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, so consider visiting during weekdays. A visitor at Robbers Cave State Park shared, "Monday night was great... a peaceful night's sleep was had."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Wister, Oklahoma, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wister, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wister, OK offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Wister, OK and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wister, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wister, OK is Heavener Runestone Park with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wister, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Wister, OK.

What parks are near Wister, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 parks near Wister, OK that allow camping, notably Pine Creek Lake and John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake.