USFS•Talihina, OK•8.6h from Austin

Winding Stair Campground — Ouachita NF

forestmountainsriver

Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.

Fee

$3/nt

Hookups

No hookups

Trailer

Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)

Cell Signal

No signal

Water

Bring your own

Toilets

Yes

Best Season

Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov

Reservations

First-come (self-pay iron ranger)

Highlights

▶ Direct trailhead access to the Ouachita Trail — one of the premier long-distance hiking trails in the South
▶ $3/night self-pay — cheapest campground night on any itinerary
▶ Talimena Scenic Drive (US-270/US-271 ridge) offers sweeping Ouachita Mountain views from the campground approach
▶ Oklahoma's Ouachita Mountains rival Arkansas in terrain but draw a fraction of the visitors

Planning Notes

Paved access off US-271 handles a 21-ft trailer without issue; do NOT attempt secondary forest roads beyond this campground. 23 shaded sites with pit toilets, fire rings; no water on-site. Dispersed camping is also legal anywhere in the Oklahoma Ouachita NF units (30-day max). Cell signal: minimal to none in the valley; some AT&T from high-ground pullouts on Talimena Drive.

Contact: (918) 567-2326

Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.