Winding Stair Campground

Star4.25
173 reviews
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Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

$3 - $14/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Oklahoma Ranger District (South) site

Official Website
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Winding Stair Campground
$3.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates are $8 per night for single sites, $14 per night for double sites, and $3 per night for backpacker's camp. Fees are reduced when potable water...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$3.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(580) 494-6402null
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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 173 reviews

175 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietspacioussites

"User reviews highlight the peaceful setting, scenic views, and the campground's appeal to hikers. However, the lack of potable water and issues with trash maintenance are common complaints."

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Campground Map

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Winding Stair Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Hodgen, OK, take US Rt. 270 south 10.5 miles to US Rt. 259. Turn right onto Rt. 259 and go 4.3 miles to Talimena Drive sign (State Rt. 1). Turn right onto Talimena Dr. and proceed to stop sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 1 (Talimena Drive) and go 2 miles to Winding Stair campground sign. Turn right at sign and proceed into campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads; however, low overhanging branches may be encountered on the interior road.
Nearby places
Hodgen: 2 miles.
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies can be found in nearby towns, such as Smithville, OK, which is a drive away. Bring all necessary supplies including water, as none is available on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Winding Stair Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the Ouachita highlands, where crisp spring and autumn nights give way to warm, humidity-kissed summer days. Mountain weather can be unpredictable—powerful wind gusts sometimes sweep across the ridgeline at 50-60 mph, reminding visitors of nature's raw power. During certain seasons, you might encounter fascinating clouds of harmless walking stick insects, adding to the campground's wild character and creating memorable wildlife moments.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is warm and humid with increased insect activity per reviews; campsite still open seasonally.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in OK

Reviewers highlight 'beautiful fall foliage' and mild autumn weather; fall is popular.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is popular for mild weather and fewer bugs according to seasonal notes and reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Nov 15–Apr 1; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season generally coincides with open season, April 1 to November 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from April 1 to November 15.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal water unavailability and overflowing trash receptacles have been reported.

About Winding Stair Campground

Escape to the serene heights of Winding Stair Campground, where 23 secluded campsites await along the breathtaking Talimena Scenic Byway. Nestled deep within the Ouachita National Forest, this hidden gem offers adventurers direct access to the legendary 192-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail, plus a dedicated backpacker's camp for through-hikers. While you'll find clean vault toilets throughout the grounds, the absence of potable water means you'll need to pack your own—a small trade-off for the tranquility and uncrowded atmosphere that defines this mountaintop retreat.
Winding Stair Campground caters to primitive and tent camping enthusiasts. The facilities are designed for a rugged camping experience, with no RV accommodations beyond small pull-through areas for vehicles.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check in: 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check out: 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, offering direct access to both the Ouachita National Recreation Trail and the Mountain Top Trail. The area provides opportunities for day hikes, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Emerald Vista also allows visitors to enjoy scenic photography.
HikingThe campground provides access to the 192-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail and the Mountain Top Trail, which includes a one-mile and a two-mile loop. Additional trails like Horsethief and Billy Creek Trails are within three miles.
Wildlife viewingVisitors often report sightings of wildlife, including walking stick bugs, which are noted to be particularly abundant during certain seasons.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include falling trees during high winds, bear activity, and seasonal infestations of walking stick bugs.
Active AlertsSeasonal water unavailability and overflowing trash receptacles have been reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Winding Stair Campground

Reviews

4.3
173 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Winding Stair Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful setting, scenic views, and the campground's appeal to hikers. However, the lack of potable water and issues with trash maintenance are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 173 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the spacious and quiet campsites, the proximity to beautiful trails, and the stunning views from Emerald Vista. The campground's affordability and primitive charm are also...
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Based on 173 reviews

Common Concerns

Major complaints include the lack of reliable potable water, overflowing trash bins, and occasional cleanliness issues with the vault toilets. Some visitors also mentioned seasonal infestations of...
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Based on 173 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water and lights, as the campground lacks potable water and electricity. Utilize bear-safe food storage techniques. For the best views, consider camping near Emerald Vista.
Based on 173 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular for camping due to mild weather and fewer bugs. Summer reviews note hot, humid conditions and increased insect activity, while winter camping is unavailable as the...
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Based on 173 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Beautiful place to stop in and camp for a night or two. The sites are great and the hiking trail is a clear trail that can be followed through a beautiful wooded area.' - 'Quiet, peaceful, and...
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Based on 173 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #7 was reported to have experienced a fallen tree during high winds. Campsite #16 provides direct access to the Mountain Top Trail.
Based on 173 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some sites with concrete areas and accessible fire pits are noted, but no specific reviews address broader accessibility concerns for users with mobility needs.
Based on 173 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is pet-friendly. However, visitors should follow leash requirements and clean up after their pets.
Based on 173 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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