Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest

After driving 4 hours to one of our favorite campsites in this area we arrived to find it closed until May 2025.  No explanation why.  We have camped here in winter several times before.  Disappointing!

I did not stay at this campground (I was driving the scenic byway), but I stopped for "scouting purposes". It seems very nice, the vault toilet was locked? But otherwise, a well kept dry campground with many sites and good views. Also, the pricing on here is incorrect; USFS website says $8/night for singles, $14/night for doubles (can't beat those prices honestly). Will stay if I pass this way again!

The site felt really safe for me as a first time solo camper, and the scenery was beautiful. Really clean trash and litter wise, but dang…those bathrooms 😬 Still, it was a really great experience and an absolutely gorgeous setting!

The campground is very peaceful, only two other campers On a Thursday in the middle of June. There used to be places to get water but they are turned offIt really looks like there is very little maintenance. There are pit toilets But that is it. It is a very peaceful place but lacking in amenities

Driving from Mena to Talihina along this stretch of highway is a treat when it comes to the spectacular views.   But stopping at places like this campground even further explain just how much of an amazing place this part of Oklahoma really is!   This area was once logged to the point that it was basically worthless before the Forest Service took it over and started to replenish the land and create public spaces like this campground.    It now is a thriving place for recreation and viewing.

The campground is a series of pull ins and thru sites which vary in size allowing for tent camping with single cars or even some larger rigs.    There are vault toilets centrally located at the entrance in addition to extra picnic tables for those wanting a little extra space to enjoy.    

A few spigots are around camp that are not in the best of shape, but they do still work, so don't be fooled.

The roadways through camp and the sites themselves are very well taken care of, however because of recent rains the grass was a bit more wooly than it typically would have been.   Despite this the sites were still clear of grass for the most part.  

Each site was equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern hooks, grills and prep stations and large spaces for tents, should you have one.  Additionally you can find trash cans around camp in a few places.

From the campground you can easily access the scenic point which additionally has more picnic tables with a view, definitely suggest checking it out!!  

Campground is first come first serve and does have a senior discount with the park pass.   Envelopes are provided at the main kiosk.

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

Just a bit off the beautiful Talimena Drive, it is well shaded, close to spectacular overlooks and lots of hiking options around.

Ouachita Trail access and other options available.

23 sites to pick from and there are a variety to choose from. Some pull-through, some smaller. All appeared to have tables and grills.

Neatly kept and peaceful.

I had Verizon service, but bring what you need - it’s a long way to town.

It had bear caution signs, so be advised.

Of the 23 campsites, we choose #1. A single campsite that we doubled up in. One of our group of 4 arrived early last Friday morning and our campers all were there by 5pm. We had enough room four 3 vehicles and one trailer. It was pretty foggy for the entire trip so I am sure that the Emerald Vista view would have offered a bit of wow, but nevertheless we found time to enjoy our company.

On Saturday we found ourselves on the 2.5 mile Mountain Trail Loop. The beautiful hike heads out of the camp, around the mountain to a rocky vista which probably has a cool view (again...foggy) and then back on the opposite side of the highway (which is almost always in earshot from the trail but not intrusive) to the campsite. From both the turnback point, and the beginning of the trail are opportunities to hope on the much larger Ouachita Trail. 

Back to the campsite. A circular campsite with 2 human dropping stations. I didn't see any water, but we never looked. Almost every type of camper type was there, from RVs down to single tents. The high temp for the weekend was about 56 and the place was packed solid. 

Payment is via a pay station as you come in. The ranger will come around in the morning some time and check your stubs. We paid $8 per night for a single camp site.

A great campsite, one of the best in Oklahoma in fact. some sites are large enough for small trailers. But with no electric or water hookups at the sites (there is community water) they are limited to “the right folks ;)” Tent camping is fantastic too of course. Even better. It’s a no reservations campground which is nice but be prepared to dispersed camp in the National Forest if needed on popular weekends. The fall color is stunning. Campfire rings, grills and tables at each campsite. Standard NFS fair.

The trails are what really shines here. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail passes by the camp and ties you into hundreds of miles of adventure.

During the summer the trail can be a little hard to follow. Fall too if the leaf fall is heavy. But watch for blue blazes on the trees and you are good. A great set of volunteers keep this trail system in great shape!

If interested in the entire trail, Ike even just an overnight there is a great guidebook out there by Tim Ernst. Super details with great mileage records and maps.

Lots of 4wd fun around too if you look in the right place!

This is a hands down favorite in the late spring and mid fall. Check it out for sure!

A must visit! Stunning views of pines and mountains. No reservations, fire rings and picnic tables on every site. A couple trails within walking distance. No firewood or ice available to purchase on site.

My boyfriend and I took our first backpacking trip in the Ouachitas, and stayed at this campground. We absolutely LOVED it. The views are spectacular, lots of wildlife, all the wildflowers were blooming, and it was so quiet. The stars were amazing. No complaints, would do it all over again if we still lived there.

Just make sure if you do go camping, get out on some trails. You won't regret it.

This is a beautiful place to camp along the Talimena drive. You are up on top of the Ouachita Mountains and there are beautiful views. This campground was very quiet when we stayed, not a lot of people were here. There is a restroom at this campground. Lots of great hiking nearby.