USDA Forest Service · Oklahoma
Winding Stair Campground (OK)
USDA Forest Service · Oklahoma, United States · in Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area
- Sites
- 25
- Hookups
- 25 with water, 24 no hookups
- Season
- March 1 to November 30
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 1,932 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile weak · AT&T weak · Verizon weak (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- EMERALD VISTA (NFSR 7201) · bituminous surface treatment · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Ouachita National Forest
- Nearest town
- Hodgen
- Address
- US Forest Service - Ouachita National Forest, Hodgen, OK, 74939
- Activities
- Auto Touring, Backpacking, Biking, Camping, Day Use Area, Observation Site, Picnicking, Scenic Drive
About
Overview
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.
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.
Facilities
Developed RV/Tent campsites, paved roadway and campsites, vault toilets. Currently there is not water available at the campground. No electricity available at campground.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (918) 653-2991.
Nearby Attractions
Ouachita National Recreation Trail: https://friendsoftheouachita.org/wp/
Cedar Lake Recreation Area, Campground and Equestrian Camp
Talimena Scenic Byway
Charges & Cancellations
Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.
Fees
Honor box is available for payment. Scan & Pay with credit card or debit card is an option as well.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47° | 28° | 4° | 66° | 9 of 11 |
| February | 55° | 33° | -8° | 71° | 9 of 11 |
| March | 62° | 42° | 24° | 77° | 6 of 11 |
| April | 69° | 49° | 31° | 85° | 1 of 11 |
| May | 76° | 61° | 45° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 85° | 67° | 56° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 87° | 69° | 61° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 88° | 71° | 61° | 101° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 84° | 64° | 52° | 93° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 69° | 51° | 32° | 85° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 62° | 42° | 19° | 78° | 3 of 10 |
| December | 51° | 35° | 19° | 69° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Billy Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi
- Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi · 118 sites
- Cedar Lake Group Campground · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi
- Lake Wister State Park · Oklahoma State Parks · 15 mi · 154 sites
- Talimena State Park · Oklahoma State Parks · 16 mi · 21 sites
All public campgrounds in Oklahoma · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.