Billy Creek Recreation Area
4.7219 reviewsFrom Big Cedar, Oklahoma, drive west on State Highway 63 for 6 miles.
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Billy Creek Recreation Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees required for this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(580) 494-6402.
What Campers Say
4.72
Top-Rated
Based on 19 reviews
70 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quiethikingwater
Some mention
noise
"The campground receives praise for its serene and natural setting, making it ideal for primitive camping enthusiasts. However, the lack of potable water, electricity, and trash facilities might deter some visitors."
Fees & Passes at Billy Creek Recreation Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: .
Cancellation: .
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Oklahoma Ranger District (South) website.
Best Time to Camp at Billy Creek Recreation Area
Billy Creek transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures dipping into the 20s—perfect for cozy campfires and frost-kissed morning hikes. As spring unfolds, the forest erupts in wildflowers and fresh green growth. Summer arrives with a sultry embrace, pushing temperatures past 90°F and filling the air with the humid breath of the southern wilderness. Fall paints the hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise under comfortably cool skies.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: .. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.
About Billy Creek Recreation Area
Tucked away in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, Billy Creek Recreation Area beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This pristine primitive campground sits alongside a babbling creek, where the only sounds breaking the silence are chirping birds and rustling leaves. Gateway to both the legendary Ouachita National Recreation Trail and the majestic Winding Stair Mountain, Billy Creek serves as basecamp for hikers, nature photographers, and anyone yearning to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the forest's timeless rhythms.
Billy Creek Recreation Area is a primitive campground primarily catering to tent camping. It offers limited facilities and does not support RV hookups or luxury accommodations.
Historical SignificanceBilly Creek stands as a portal to the storied Ouachita National Recreation Trail, a protected wilderness corridor that has preserved these ancient mountains for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. This intersection of campground and trail connects modern adventurers to a legacy of conservation and exploration, where countless hikers have traced paths through some of America's oldest mountains, following routes that echo with the footsteps of early settlers, indigenous peoples, and the pioneering conservationists who fought to protect this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsBilly Creek transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures dipping into the 20s—perfect for cozy campfires and frost-kissed morning hikes. As spring unfolds, the forest erupts in wildflowers and fresh green growth. Summer arrives with a sultry embrace, pushing temperatures past 90°F and filling the air with the humid breath of the southern wilderness. Fall paints the hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise under comfortably cool skies.
ElevationNestled within the rolling ridges and deep valleys of the Ouachita Mountains, Billy Creek offers the perfect vantage point to experience this ancient range's varied topography. The campground's mountain setting provides natural air conditioning in summer and stunning vistas year-round, while the surrounding peaks and hollows create a diverse ecosystem that changes dramatically with even small shifts in elevation.
Natural Features and SceneryBilly Creek Recreation Area immerses visitors in a tapestry of towering pines and stately hardwoods that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's namesake creek winds through the property, offering quiet pools for contemplation and riffles where native fish dart between moss-covered stones. This pristine waterway invites anglers to try their luck while providing a natural soundtrack for campers. The surrounding Ouachita wilderness showcases nature's artistry—from delicate woodland wildflowers to massive oak trees that have stood sentinel for centuries.
Geological RegionSet within the ancient Ouachita Mountains, Billy Creek rests atop some of North America's oldest exposed rock formations. These weathered peaks tell a geological story spanning hundreds of millions of years, their folded layers and rugged ridges creating a landscape unlike any other in the region. The distinctive east-west orientation of the Ouachitas sets them apart from other North American ranges, while the mix of resilient pines and diverse hardwood forests blankets slopes that offer breathtaking vistas and hidden hollows waiting to be explored.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details provided regarding accessibility features suitable for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeReviews indicate camp sites are adequately sized and a few reviewers described them as 'quite big.'
Sites PrivacyThe campsites provide some level of privacy; however, they are not overly secluded, with reviews mentioning that they are 'close together but not too close.'
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the creek recommended for scenery and tranquility.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
.
Stay Limit
.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Specific details about group camping sites, such as guest limits and site configurations, were not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout12 campsites located near Billy Creek, close together but not overly crowded based on user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation Platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is likely year-round due to no reservation fees or platforms.
Cancellation Policy.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Billy Creek Recreation Area provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, picnicking, and observing wildlife. The campground is situated in bear country, making wildlife observation an intriguing but sometimes cautionary activity.
Hiking
The Billy Creek Trail starts at the campground and offers a challenging hike to the top of Winding Stair Mountain. The trail intersects with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which spans 225 miles across multiple states.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the small stream at the campground, with sunfish being a commonly caught species.Biking
Mountain biking is available and popular in the area, with forest service roads providing suitable terrain for exploration.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities to observe wildlife, including bears and coyotes. Campers are advised to exercise caution due to the presence of bears.Winter Activities
Some reviewers noted that the campground can be peaceful during the off-season, such as winter, but no specific winter recreation activities were mentioned.Water Sports
No information provided on non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Standard rock-ring firepits and iron charcoal grills available.
- Quiet hours are No specified quiet hours, but user reviews mention noise subsides at 9 pm.
Hazards
General hazardsBear country precautions are necessary, as highlighted in reviews. Coyotes and other wildlife are common. Terrain challenges on trails may require proper gear.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather at Billy Creek Recreation Area
45
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Oklahoma Ranger District (South), Address: 111 SH-259A Broken Bow, OK 74728, Phone: (580) 494-6402, Visitor center hours Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm.
Good to know
Peak season dates.
Trash and recyclingNo trash cans or dumpsters are provided. Campers are required to pack out all trash they generate, including food waste.
Proximity to water featuresBilly Creek runs through the campground.
Common complaintsAbsence of potable water, electricity, and trash facilities; noise from ATV enthusiasts.
HostNo specific host contact information or services mentioned.
Campground Map
From Big Cedar, Oklahoma, drive west on State Highway 63 for 6 miles.
Driving directionsFrom Big Cedar, Oklahoma, drive west on State Highway 63 for 6 miles. At the campground sign, turn right (north) and follow the signs for 3 miles.
The access road is not paved, as mentioned in the user review by Olivia Hinson which states 'primitive camping'.Nearby places
Big Cedar, Oklahoma, 6 miles
Oklahoma City, approximately 180 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies likely at Big Cedar, Oklahoma, approximately 6 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
19 reviews
Billy Creek Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives praise for its serene and natural setting, making it ideal for primitive camping enthusiasts. However, the lack of potable water, electricity, and trash facilities might deter some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers appreciate the tranquility, scenic beauty, and opportunities for hiking and fishing. The quiet atmosphere during the off-season is particularly noted, along with the sounds of nature...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include the absence of potable water, electricity, and trash facilities. Vault toilets are described as primitive, and the campground's popularity with ATV enthusiasts can disrupt the...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water and pack out all trash. Precautions should be taken due to the presence of bears. A GPS is recommended for navigating trails, as maps may be unclear.
Based on 19 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is quieter during the off-season, such as winter, with fewer campers and lower temperatures. Summer can be brutally hot, as noted by one reviewer.
Based on 19 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'There are NO TRASH CANS OR DUMPSTERS on site, so you will have to plan on portaging out all the trash you bring with you.' - Olivia Hinson
2. 'Very quiet, all I could hear was the creek flowing.'...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One reviewer mentioned '12 campsites with pit toilets,' noting a tight fit for big trailers. Another reviewer described finding an available tent site during deer hunting season.
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or pet-related experiences were provided.
Based on 19 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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