Looking for the best dispersed campgrounds in Oklahoma? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from technology and disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Oklahoma camping adventure.
Elevation: 4,500'. 5 picnicking units.
If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it. Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains. Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out.
If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.
Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains.
Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/?cid=fseprd727994
Scout
To enter the grounds you need a hunting/fishing license or a 3day wildlife conservation passport. The passport is for any activity on the grounds, excluding hunting or fishing and they are $51 currently.
Traveler
Stayed here in early November the creek was dry but beautiful. We pulled of the highway and wend down deadman’s trail about halfway and pulled into a very secluded camping spot with a good amount of space with an established fire pit.
ScoutMy 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.
Traveler
The roads a little rough but it’s free with great views
ScoutThe water was amazing and clean. We went on a Tuesday so there wasn’t any one else there. We did some awesome exploring up and down the river. There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat. There is a huge flashing sign going into the area telling every adult to have a fishing/hunting license. The fishing however is not good. We stayed for 3 days and fished the whole time with no luck. There’s a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing.
TravelerRight off of Forest road51220, large area to park and camp all by yourself. stream is 40 feet away with a swimming hole. Very private
Scout
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
TravelerThe river and creek merging was so beautiful! It was a beautiful drive there. But whoever was there before me trashed it out. It’s sad.
ScoutNo cell service around the park at all. No over the air tv. Great place to bring your kids if you want them to put the phones down and spend quality time with you.
TravelerGorgeous.
Scout
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.
Guide When I arrived at the location to which my GPS directed me, I was a little concerned that there was just a building with bathrooms and three large dumpsters off to the side.
If I had a been brave enough to drive my little Mustang down the gravel path that was on the opposite side of the road leading away from the restrooms, I would have found waterfront campsites along the Blue River, large boulder, formations to climb, and beautiful views.
What I did, though, was continue down the road I had a been on and found a large dirt parking lot. There were fire pits and designated camping set up along one side of the parking lot, which seemed a little weird.
There was a gravel road on the opposite side of the parking lot that led to the RV camping and a couple of tent sites along that road, so I chose one. The campsite was secluded with several paths that lead down to the river. 
What I found to be the best part of this area was Hughes Crossing! It’s a waterfall that you can drive over. I did not attempt this in the mustang, but watched several trucks easily pass over.
Not only is there a beautiful little waterfall that also substitutes as a bridge, but the area is perfect for swimming. There is a bit of green algae, but it is otherwise clear and refreshing.
The only downside was the amount of trash that people had left. I think I might make it a new goal to try to carry out at least one or two grocery bags worth of other people’s trash so that I can hopefully leave places better than I found them.
GuideStayed 5 days in all. Att service good. The creek is just to the east of camp spot. Most camp spots you have your own driveway and large spot. Adjacent spots probably a mile apart
GuideWe were her two days and loved it. Then we found the creek just east of us off a small trail. Just start walking right into the woods and you’ll find it. Many camps here some small some large. Some full sun some full shade!
GuideThe road in was a little bumpy take it slow and you’ll be fine. Just on the right is a clearing you can’t miss next to the Kiamichi River along side pigeon creek. You’re surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. What’s not to love? The terrain is rocky so use a thick mat or hammock but you will love it.
ScoutHad a great time. Beautiful scenery
TravelerUsed the direction provided by this app and Google maps. If this is the site it's small. Could possibly get 3 small pickup trucks side by side in this spot. if you don't need a big area then this would be a nice place.
TravelerGreat 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!!!
TravelerFirst 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
Guide
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.
Guide
Fort Gibson Lake is a flood control lake so the water levels can fluctuate. Specifically the waters can rise to where boating ramps are not available. 2020 has been a good year (without excessive rain) and everything was open for the summer season. The east side of the lake is spring fed creeks and therefore cleaner and clearer. I grew up on this lake and it can be a fun place. Many people enjoy the summer here.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutLooked like there were four or five openings for a car or tent. I was the only one on the road the Friday night before Labor Day.
Also looks like there is a trail that starts at the road and connects to the Ouachita trail. I drove down to the state park about ten minutes away but saw it marked on the trail map while hiking.
TravelerPretty 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.
LegendThe dam site campground is nice but crowded. The sites are packed together and leave little privacy. There is plenty to do around the area, fish, hike and explore. The people are nice and the camp host helped us out with firewood.
ScoutThe dam site at Ft. Gibson lake it a great place. The view is awesome, and there is a lot to do. 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. The site hosts are great and very friendly. Lots of sites and lots of trees for shade.
Oklahoma offers a variety of dispersed camping options for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. From serene lakesides to secluded forest spots, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
