How much does camping cost at Winding Stair Campground?

Camping fees at Winding Stair Campground range from $3-$14/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Winding Stair Campground before I book?

Yes! Winding Stair Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Winding Stair Campground?

Winding Stair Campground is open Peak season generally coincides with open season, April 1 to November 15.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Winding Stair Campground?

Winding Stair Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Winding Stair Campground?

Fire policies at Winding Stair Campground: Campfires are permitted. Fire rings are provided at each campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Winding Stair Campground?

Cell phone service at Winding Stair Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Winding Stair Campground have?

Winding Stair Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Winding Stair Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Winding Stair Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Winding Stair Campground?

Winding Stair Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Winding Stair Campground

Q: Is Winding Stair Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Winding Stair Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rarely are there many people there, according to user reviews.

4.25

173 reviews

null

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

Get Directions

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

Get Directions

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...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(580) 494-6402null

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

null

Winding Stair Campground

null

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.

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.

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.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Top 14% in OK

Fall is popular; reviewers cite 'beautiful fall foliage' and mild weather.

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.

Historical Significance

Your camping adventure unfolds along the legendary Talimena Scenic Byway, a historic route that has connected travelers to the heart of the Ouachita National Forest for generations. This storied roadway and surrounding forestlands tell tales of early settlers, Native American heritage, and the conservation movement that preserved these mountains for future generations to explore and cherish.

Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.

ElevationPerched at 1,900 feet above sea level, Winding Stair Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where temperatures drop several degrees below the valleys below. This elevated position not only provides natural air conditioning during summer months but also creates the perfect vantage point for watching morning mists roll through the valleys and evening sunsets paint the ridgelines in brilliant hues.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom your campsite atop the dramatic Winding Stair Mountains, sweeping vistas of the Ouachita National Forest stretch to the horizon in every direction. A canopy of mixed hardwoods and towering pines provides dappled shade throughout the day, creating a natural cathedral where sunlight filters through branches and the forest comes alive with birdsong. The ridge-top setting offers both intimate forest camping and spectacular long-range views that showcase the rugged beauty of this ancient mountain range.

Geological RegionThe campground crowns the ancient Winding Stair Mountains, a dramatic geological formation within the greater Ouachita range. These time-worn peaks, shaped by millions of years of geological forces, create a ridge-top sanctuary where campers can literally touch the clouds and experience the raw beauty of one of America's oldest mountain chains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a single loop winding through mixed hardwood and pine trees.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rarely are there many people there, according to user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not applicable as reservations are not available.

AccessibilitySome sites feature concrete around picnic tables and accessible fire pits, and the vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly. However, trail accessibility information is not specified.

Site SizeThe campground features a mix of standard and double campsites. Each site includes a paved spur and space for tents.

PrivacyThe campground offers a reasonable level of privacy due to tree coverage, and the sites are well-spaced to ensure seclusion.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesEmerald Vista offers great views and is a recommended spot to visit. Sites near the Mountain Top Trail are convenient for hiking.

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted. Fire rings are provided at each campsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesOklahoma Ranger District (South), Address: 111 SH-259A Broken Bow, OK 74728, Phone: (580) 494-6402.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are available, but reviewers frequently noted that these were overflowing during their stays, leading to concerns about maintenance and wildlife safety.

Water FeaturesNo water features nearby; the campground does not offer swimming or boating facilities.

Camp HostThere is no official mention of campground hosts.

Weather at Winding Stair Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

173 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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