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Lake Wister State Park campgrounds welcome pets at multiple locations including Quarry Island, Wards Landing, and Below the Dam. All sites require pets to remain on leash throughout the camping areas and trails. Wards Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with 30-amp electric hookups, water connections, and picnic tables at each site. Quarry Island provides full hookup RV sites with sewer connections, making it convenient for longer stays with pets. Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground allows pets throughout its facilities with access to hiking trails directly from campsites. Heavener Runestone Park maintains 18 pet-friendly sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings in a wooded setting. Dead Man Gap offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience with pets. Most campgrounds in the area don't charge additional pet fees or have breed restrictions, though pets must be supervised at all times.
The Ouachita National Forest trails surrounding Wister provide extensive pet-friendly hiking opportunities with access points near several campgrounds. Cedar Lake Recreation Area features multiple trails accessible directly from campsites where pets can explore the pine-forested landscape. Winding Stair Campground along the Talimena Scenic Byway offers spectacular mountain views and trail access for pets and owners, though bear warning signs are posted so keeping dogs leashed is essential. Lake Wister's shoreline allows pets to cool off in designated swimming areas away from boat ramps. The campgrounds aren't overcrowded, providing ample space for walking pets, particularly at Wards Landing which offers more spacious sites than Victor Landing. Campers should be prepared for ticks during warmer months, as several visitors reported finding them on pets after hiking the trails. Most campground bathhouses and facilities are clean but dated, with varying levels of amenities depending on the specific camping area.
"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."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The lake nearby is great. We brought our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning. It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on the weekends."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $16 - $29 / night
Check Availability"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 ."
"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. "
from $3 - $14 / 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."
from $10 - $23 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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)."
"They have hiking trails and 2 private lakes. The RV area looked new because all of the power boxes had 50/30 and 120 outlets and breakers which is super cool."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability
RangerVery pretty campground, clean and relatively quiet this time of year. A very few campers here the week of Christmas 2020. Firewood available at the camp host site. Very nice lake views. Birdwatching is pretty good. Check out Spiro Mounds and Heavener Runestone, less than an hour's drive from Wister Lake.
ScoutWith so many trails that you can access just by walking out of the camp site. This is my favorite spot to camp in Oklahoma
RangerThis 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 has a very nice bathroom facility with showers. Normally when we would go (in the fall and spring) it was not very crowded. Lots of great hiking trails nearby and the scenic Talimena scenic drive is beautiful, especially in the fall.
LegendThis is KOA, not my favorite place to stop, but they have good, basic facilities, sort of like Motel 6. They are just off I-40, so it was convenient for a one night stop. The sites were level, and were Pull-Thru so we didn’t even unhook. Full hookups, Some shade, a dump station. The shower/bathroom was clean. There is a small store. They also have cabins and tent sites; Free Wi-Fi, cable tv, a pool and playground, and a pond for fishing. There is a small Kamp K9 (dog park). When we were there everything was wet, and the smell of wet creosote from the log yard next door was terrible.
LegendWebbers Falls is a very small community in Muskogee County Oklahoma with a population of just over 600 people. on the Arkansas River. The park is located right next to the river. Wonderful views of the river and the bridge spanning the Arkansas. The campground is dotted with large mature trees. The grass provides a soft carpet for parking any size rig. There is a circle drive and you will pull thru All sites are good sites with view of the river.
Hunting, fishing, and wild flowers and colors to keep you entertained. Directions off US 64 turn off at the Webber Falls exit; continue straight onto E1040(Weatherly Drive; keep left to continue on Commercial; turn right onto S. River Road; turn left onto Commercial Street
LegendWe really enjoy Lake Wister. It is never overcrowded. Nestled in a ring of pine and oak covered mountains: the Sans Bois, Jackforks, Kiamichis and Ouachitas, lodging facilities at Lake Wister State Park include 15 cabins, RV sites with full hook-ups or some with water and electric only, and tent sites. They have a nice splash pad and miniature golf. Nice hiking trails. Lots of animals like raccoons, squirrels, skunks and deers. It is a very remote State Park. It is a nice lake with the most beautiful sunsets and bald eagles fly overhead. It is one of my favorite lakes. It has a big spillway damn with great fishing for catfish and crappie. I go to Lake Wister to catch fish for my fish fries, and to fill my freezer. The park has nice campgrounds with big whispering pines. They have a boat ramp, boat dock and fishing dock. The bathrooms do need to be updated. I love the little rustic cabins that overlook the lake. They were built around the 1940's I believe. They do have a full kitchen and provide coffee, linens and towels. They have heat, air, and fireplace with a fire pit and picnic table outside. Very reasonably priced.. The rangers and employees are very nice and helpful. The campsites run $16-$29 dollars. They give discounts to disabled, military and seniors.
Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/lake-wister-state-park
Address: 25567 US Hwy 270 Wister, OK 74966
Park Office: Phone# 918-655-7212
RangerReally great vistas from the upper overlook. 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). Tent and RV camping available, which we didn't look at, but don't think big trailers and buses would fit; ours is an 18-footer, and was questionable at that! Really cool trek down to the runestone, but would highly recommend good walking shoes or boots, for it's a steep, rocky path with lots of small, deep steps and very few handrails or barriers; some areas are wet. Trail is not handicap accessible. There are a couple of benches along the way to stop and catch your breath and admire the rock formations. Donations taken for the runestone walk at the box outside the gift shop. Camping prices are reasonable.
ScoutThe campgrounds was amazing and the store staff was decently friendly but the owner and his wife where rude and being nasty I went to have my dgter Birthday and they charged everyone that wanted to enjoy her day $10 not a carload A PIECE my son has ptsd so we brought his service animal which is cocidered MEDICAL EQUIPMENT not a pet and these rude nasty people charged me $50 extra after I left said the Girl with the color hair snuck the dog in no that’s not even the point if your animal is service it’s medical equipment not a pet GET THAT RIGHT also said my cabin was left a mess listen here people imma a former Girl Scout leader and all the girls in my cabin was former Girl Scouts so when we leave we leave it as we found it or better so don’t go giving me that it was dirty line of crap I freaking know better then that.was definitely treated like outcast from the owner and his wife you guys should really just use that resort as a gated community with the people that’s already there since you don’t know how to be nice to the new guest☹️🤔😔😡
LegendAddress 801 S. Main Street, Gore, OK
PROS Free
CONS Lonely
ADA Compliant Pets allowed Picnic tables Basketball goal ADA porta pot Water Boat ramp(steep) Patrolled by police nightly
In the early 1900’s there was a ferry that crossed the Arkansas River and now there is an extremely high bridge that you may view from this quaint small park. This are is where the picnic tables and grill are located.
The parking area is paved and we pulled up next to the grassy wooded area to park.
This park is located just before the town of Gore and we felt safe but you would need to use your judgement. Great cell service. Just down the road at Love’s you will find a dump station.
Directions: Going north on Highway 100 as soon as you cross the bridge turn to the left at the first road. The park is a short distance located in a nice wooded area.
Campgrounds near Wister, Oklahoma sit within the diverse terrain of the Ouachita Mountains at elevations between 500-2,600 feet. The region receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush pine forests and healthy watersheds. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer temperatures can exceed 90°F with high humidity.
Trail hiking: Access multiple difficulty levels at Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp. The 3-mile trail encircling the lake offers consistent views and minimal elevation changes. "There is a really fun little trail that runs around the entire lake, and it's a little over two miles. Nearly all natural terrain throughout the hike which makes it especially nice," notes Patrick G.
Mountain vistas: Trek to overlooks from Winding Stair Campground. The 2.5-mile Mountain Trail Loop leads to rocky viewpoints with connections to the 220-mile Ouachita Trail system. Jesse H. reports, "The beautiful hike heads out of the camp, around the mountain to a rocky vista and then back on the opposite side of the highway to the campsite."
Fishing: Cast from shore or boat at multiple locations around Lake Wister. Bank fishing is popular at Below the Dam campground where dedicated anglers congregate. "This side is a bit more chill and if you are interested in fishing would be a much better option," explains Crystal C. The spillway dam offers productive catfish and crappie fishing.
Private tent spaces: Find secluded spots at Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp. "The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private," writes Ashley W. Cedar Lake enforces quiet hours after 10pm, minimizing nighttime disturbances.
Primitive camping experience: Enjoy free dispersed camping at Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite. Located on Forest Road 6010, these primitive sites offer established fire rings and creek access. "We were skeptical on this spot's location, but it was very easy to locate. A small running creek lies at the bottom of a short downhill hike. Our closest neighbors were at least 300 yards away," states Ryin J.
Historic attractions: Visit Heavener Runestone Park for camping with educational components. The park preserves a stone with ancient runic inscriptions. "The history around the Runestone is so interesting, the kids loved hearing about the Vikings. The hiking was beautiful and just challenging enough to be fun while accessible for little kids," shares Mara Y.
Water availability varies: Bring containers for potable water at dispersed sites. At Heavener Runestone Park, running water exists but may not be suitable for drinking. "One last note, you do need to bring your own drinking water in," advises Mara Y.
Bear awareness: Take precautions in the Ouachita National Forest. Several campgrounds display bear warning signs, particularly along the Talimena Scenic Byway. Proper food storage in vehicles or designated containers is recommended. "I don't think they have a problem in camp, but be aware that the Ouachita National Forest holds a fair number of Black Bears. Proceed accordingly," notes ShaneB.
Road conditions: Consider vehicle clearance for some access roads. Dead Man Gap requires navigating unpaved forest roads. "The road in/out has some tough spots, 4WD would be preferred," reports Ryin J. Some primitive campsites have steep or rocky approaches unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles.
Playground access: Choose camps with play areas for younger children. Talimena State Park Campground offers play equipment adjacent to tent sites. "My son enjoyed the playground, though it is really sized for kids 6 and under," notes Neil T.
Cliff safety: Request sites away from drop-offs at Heavener Runestone Park. "Out of the three cliff tent sites I would say only 1 was safe for kids, 2 and 3 were too close to the cliff," cautions Mara Y. Site #1 offers a playground and pavilion suitable for families with children.
Bathroom facilities: Check availability before booking primitive sites. Most established campgrounds maintain toilet facilities, but quality and accessibility vary. Cedar Lake receives praise for cleanliness: "Bathrooms were clean and easily accessed from our tent sites," reports Mara Y.
Limited big rig access: Measure your trailer length before booking. Quarry Island Campground has tighter spacing between some sites. "RV sites can be very crowded and not well spaced, especially at Victor Landing. The Wards would be the least crowded for RVs," advises Leslie N.
Full hookup availability: Reserve early for sites with sewer connections. Quarry Island offers 5 RV sites with full hookups. "The concrete pad was perfectly level and took no time to set up. 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," notes Leslie N.
Highway noise: Expect traffic sounds at certain campgrounds. Talimena State Park sits adjacent to a highway. "The RV campsites are against the highway and although you can't see it, you can certainly hear it. It's not an interstate though and the traffic does die down at night," explains ShaneB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wister, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wister, OK is Heavener Runestone Park with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wister, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 100 dog-friendly camping locations near Wister, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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