25
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Winding Stair Campground (OK)
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 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. 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. Nearby Attractions Ouachita National Recreation Trail: https://friendsoftheouachita.org/wp/ Cedar Lake Recreation Area, Campground and Equestrian Camp Talimena Scenic Byway contact_info For facility specific information, please call (918) 653-2991. Charges & Cancellations Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.
- 25 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (25).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Winding Stair Campground (OK) special
Perched high atop the Ouachita Mountains along the celebrated Talimena Scenic Byway, Winding Stair Campground is one of Oklahoma's most dramatically positioned places to pitch a tent. Its 25 sites sit at an elevation that puts you above the treetops, and the views from nearby Emerald Vista sweep across seemingly endless ridges of oak-hickory forest fading to blue on the horizon. It is a panorama that feels more Appalachian than Great Plains, and it never fails to surprise first-time visitors. The Talimena Scenic Byway itself is a destination-worthy drive, winding 54 miles between Talihina, Oklahoma, and Mena, Arkansas, through some of the most colorful foliage in the central United States each autumn. From the campground you can access hiking trails that descend through hardwood hollows, cross clear mountain streams, and connect to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail for longer adventures. Mornings at Winding Stair often begin above a sea of fog pooled in the valleys below, with sunrise painting the ridgelines in amber and rose. Evenings bring spectacular sunsets and dark skies ideal for stargazing. If you have driven through Oklahoma thinking the state is all flatland and prairie, Winding Stair Campground will change your mind in the most beautiful way possible. This mountaintop retreat is a genuine hidden gem of the Southern heartland.
Campsite Inventory
25 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Double, Single
Check-in time
02:00 PM
Check-out time
01:30 PM
Condition Rating
Standard
Hike In Distance to Site
300 ft
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
6
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Shade
Yes
Site Access
Drive In, Hike In
Site Rating
Standard
Water Hookup
No
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Getting There
The campground is located on the Talimena Scenic Drive (Oklahoma State Highway 1), two miles west of US Highway 259 junction.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Winding Stair Campground (OK).
How do reservations work for Winding Stair Campground (OK)?
Reservation availability for Winding Stair Campground (OK) can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Winding Stair Campground (OK)?
Winding Stair Campground (OK) currently lists Unknown (25).
Where is Winding Stair Campground (OK) located?
Winding Stair Campground (OK) is in Oklahoma near Hodgen. Coordinates: 34.7145, -94.6751.
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