Winding Stair Campground (OK)
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.
Developed RV/Tent campsites, paved roadway and campsites, vault toilets. Currently there is not water available at the campground. No electricity available at campground.
Notifications and Alerts
Winding Stair Campground will be closed from November 1, 2024 through May 29, 2025.
Winding Stair Campground will be closed from November 1, 2024 through March 1, 2025.
Need to Know
Currently, no water is available at the campground.
We offer first-come, first-served campsites. You will need to pay after arriving on site either at the kiosk with cash/check/money order or by scanning our facility QR code using the Recretion.gov mobile app. Please download the Recreation.gov app prior to arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cell service.
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
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.
Changes & Cancellations
Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.
Contact Information
Mailing
US Forest Service - Ouachita National Forest Oklahoma Ranger District 52175 US Hwy 59 Hodgen OK 74939
Physical
Winding Stair Campground Hwy 1, Talimena Scenic Byway Hodgen OK 74939
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The campground is located on the Talimena Scenic Drive (Oklahoma State Highway 1), two miles west of US Highway 259 junction.
Available Campsites
- Site 09, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Backpackers Camp -Tent Only, Loop Scan & Pay, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 02, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 04, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 07, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 23, Loop Winding Stair, Type Standard Nonelectric
