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Winding Stair Campground (OK)
FSU.S. Forest Service — Hodgen · Oklahoma · Ouachita National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Ouachita National Forest |
| Location | Hodgen · Oklahoma · Ouachita National Forest · 34.71446, -94.67509 · Map |
| Sites | 24 public sites counted from the federal listing — 24 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 24 sites Water hookups at 0 of 24 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 24 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 24 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Honor box is available for payment. Scan & Pay with credit card or debit card is an option as well. |
| Check-in / out | In 02:00 PM · Out 01:30 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 25 sites, as reported |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview Winding Stair Campground sits along the Talimena Scenic Byway. The mountain-top campground offers scenic views from Emerald Vista located adjacent to the campground. During the Spring and Fall seasons, cool mountain temperatures enhance the camping experience. The campground is open year-round and serves as a trailhead for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. All RV/Tent campsites in the campground have paved surfaces and gravel tent pads for setting tents up at the site. The Backpackers Camp, located adjacent to the campground offer designated tent pads for tent placement.
This location is available on a first-come, first served basis only. Visitors are required to physiclaly arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) with cash, check, money order, or by scanning a QR code using the Recreaion.gov mobile app. Please download the Recreation.gov app prior to arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cell service.
Recreation The Winding Stair Campground is the only campground in Oklahoma along with Talimena Scenic Byway that provides developed campsites. Located along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail (OT), the campground serves as a trailhead for the OT.
Facilities Developed RV/Tent campsites, paved roadway and campsites, vault toilets. Currently there is not water available at the campground. No electricity available at campground.
Natural Features Mountain top and valley views can be seen from Emerald Vista located adjacent to the campground. All campsites in the campground are well shaded.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (918) 653-2991. Nearby Attractions Ouachita National Recreation Trail: https://friendsoftheouachita.org/wp/
Cedar Lake Recreation Area, Campground and Equestrian Camp
Talimena Scenic Byway
Charges & Cancellations Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.
Directions, from the listing
The campground is located on the Talimena Scenic Drive (Oklahoma State Highway 1), two miles west of US Highway 259 junction.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · HODGEN OklahomaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPotato Hills Central
37 mi straight-line · CLAYTON OklahomaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPotato Hills South
37 mi straight-line · CLAYTON OklahomaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersTurkey Creek
43 mi straight-line · VALLIANT OklahomaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersLost Rapids
44 mi straight-line · RINGOLD Oklahoma
Trip Card — Winding Stair Campground (OK)
Hodgen · Oklahoma · Ouachita National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Hodgen · Oklahoma · Ouachita National Forest |
| Fees | Honor box is available for payment. Scan & Pay with credit card or debit card is an option as well. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 24 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10169585 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.