Billy Creek Recreation Area

4.69

77 reviews

From Big Cedar, Oklahoma, drive west on State Highway 63 for 6 miles.

Peace & QuietGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oklahoma#1 Primitive Camping Oklahoma#1 Hiking Camping Oklahoma#1 +8 more

Quick Facts

896 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Oklahoma Ranger District (South) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

896 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Oklahoma Ranger District (South) site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

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USFS

Provider

(580) 494-6402.

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What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 77 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

From Big Cedar, Oklahoma, drive west on State Highway 63 for 6 miles.

Billy Creek Recreation Area

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviewers note summer can be 'brutally hot,' reducing comfort for some campers.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers comfortable hiking and scenic foliage; quieter and very pleasant per seasonal notes.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely offers mild weather and good hiking; seasonal blooms and active creek enhance visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 16% in OK

Open year-round; winter provides crisp, clear days and solitude though temperatures dip into the 20s.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout12 campsites located near Billy Creek, close together but not overly crowded based on user reviews.

Reservation Platforms.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is likely year-round due to no reservation fees or platforms.

Cancellation Policy.

AccessibilityNo details provided regarding accessibility features suitable for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeReviews indicate camp sites are adequately sized and a few reviewers described them as 'quite big.

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 SitesSites near the creek recommended for scenery and tranquility.

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.

HikingThe 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.

FishingFishing is permitted in the small stream at the campground, with sunfish being a commonly caught species.

BikingMountain biking is available and popular in the area, with forest service roads providing suitable terrain for exploration.

Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities to observe wildlife, including bears and coyotes. Campers are advised to exercise caution due to the presence of bears.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear 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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyStandard rock-ring firepits and iron charcoal grills available.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specified quiet hours, but user reviews mention noise subsides at 9 pm.

Emergency ServicesOklahoma 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.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash cans or dumpsters are provided. Campers are required to pack out all trash they generate, including food waste.

Water FeaturesBilly Creek runs through the campground.

Camp HostNo specific host contact information or services mentioned.

Weather at Billy Creek Recreation Area

Reviews

4.7

77 reviews

Top-Rated

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 77 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 77 reviews

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 77 reviews

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 77 reviews

Seasonal 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 77 reviews

Camper 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 77 reviews

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 77 reviews