The best camping near Wister Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Wister Lake State Park adventure.

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Discover the natural splendor of Lake Wister State Park.

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Community favorites near Wister Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Wister Lake State Park

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Wister Lake Campground

153 sites · RVs, Tents In Wister Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Wister Lake State Park

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Heavener Runestone Park

17 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · OK

This 55 acre park is home of a large sandstone that contains 8 markings believed to have been made by Vikings many years ago. The park features a seasonal waterfall, covered picnic areas, playground, amphitheater with seating, community building, scenic views, gift shop and approximately 2 miles of nature trails. Be advised that most tent sites have a tent pad but a few are primitive. The RV sites are not typical with limited hook-ups and no dump station. Restroom and shower facilities are located within the park. Forest setting while still close to stores in case of forgotten items but the gift shop is stocked with camping supplies, as well. Variety of small wildlife in the area. All sites allow campfires UNLESS we are under a county wide burn ban. *Note moderate cancellation policy for most dates - full refund 3 days before check-in time. * ** Special event camping is a strict no refund policy.

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End of the Trail

5 sites · Lodging65 acres · Boles, AR

This property was once home to American Indians and arrowhead are abundant.Learn more about this land:65 acres on the Foursch La Fave river surrounded by Ouachita National Forest.. This property has access to ATV trails, horse back riding, Kayaking, hiking, along with great sunrises and beautiful sunsets. At the property entrance we have a 3 bedroom 2 bath home that is available for rent thru Evolve.

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Sacred Pines

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Boles, AR

Surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest, enjoy secluded time in nature! Stay in our off-grid treehouses, peaceful campsites, cozy tiny homes, and handcrafted cabins, allowing you to connect with others in the wild. We are located near many hiking trails, kayaking spots, swimming holes, atv and bike trails and so muchg more!

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Yearling Ridge River

1 site · RV, Tent37 acres · Waldron, AR

This beautiful property sits on the banks of the Fourche La Fave (pronounced Foosh La Fay) River. This 151 mile long river was once the grounds of the Caddo Native American Tribe. The river is now home to a wide variety of wildlife, and offers multiple species of fish. Scott County is over 70% public national forest, with thousands of acres of public land available for the outdoor enthusiast. Though this property has the look and feel of woods and river camping, there is actually a 24 hour convenience store less than two miles away just in case you need a midnight snack! Learn more about this land:Beautiful flowing river for swimming, fishing, canoeing. Nice open air pavilion with power, LED lighting and a large picnic table. Firepit with added grill for cooking right at the rivers edge. Dedicated hammocking area overlooking the river, or have some friendly competition with a game of Bag-O game (boards provided). This area offers a wide open space for exercising, walking/bike riding along a country road, or just relaxing by riverbank. Want a little more adventure? This area boasts an expansive network of country dirt roads and trails for your ATV/UTV, and is less than five miles from the Ouachita National Forests' Fourche Mountain Trail. All this but still close to civilization. A 24 hour convenience store is less than two miles from the campsite. This quaint little spot has a lot to offer!

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Lakeside Point

13 sites · RVs, Tents29 acres · Clayton, OK

A property that has stunning lake and mountain views. You can walk to the water to swim or fish or take your kayak out from the banks of our campground. Although you cannot launch a boat from our place, the boat ramp is only a few miles away. You are allowed to pull your boat to our shore during the day for easy access to your camp. We are a small campground that has large pull-through sites. Our sites start at 40x60 foot. We offer full hookups so no need to worry about dumping when you leave.

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Winding Stair

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Talihina, OK

Primitive camping on 30+ acres of big trees and rocks. Secluded spots with level, cleared areas are available for tent campers and parking. Or hike into the woods for a wilderness adventure. Motorhomes, RV, and 5th wheels have options too. One pull through loop offers easy in and out for up to a 40ft vehicle. Two more vehicle access points are available. Busses, smaller campers, and vans may choose pull in locations with option to stay hitched or park separately. We only have one site listed on this property to provide a private camping experience. No other campers, loud music, all night light, generators, kids, or pets. All of which you are welcome to bring since you are the ONLY campers on property. There is room to accommodate a large camping group with multiple vehicles. If you would like to hold a group campout, or have any question about the property contact me. We can accommodate your group. Always free firewood 5 miles to town with local shopping, farmers market, restaurants, and bars Laundry, banking, library and hospital Nearby Attractions: Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is a United States national recreation area in the Ouachita National Forest. State Highway 1, known as the Talimena Scenic Byway, bisects the recreation area. U. S. Highway 271 loops up through the summit. Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area and the nearby Upper Kiamichi River and Black Fork Mountain Wilderness areas were created by an act of Congress on October 18, 1988. The recreational area consists of 26,445 acres (107.02 km2), comprising the Winding Stair Mountains, several campgrounds, an 85 acres (340,000 m2) lake and many hiking trails. It lies mostly within LeFlore County, Oklahoma. A 45-mile (72 km) section of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail passes through the recreation area providing for diverse hiking opportunities. Also Nearby: Buffalo Mountain Hang Gliding Bigfoot Museum Shooting range Robbers Cave Sardis Lake Clayton Lake Lake Talihina and Lake Carl Albert Canoeing at Broken Bow Lake Fall Foliage Festival in Talihina Rune Stone, Heavener Choctaw Council House, Tuskahoma Choctaw Labor Dav Festival Spiro Indian Mounds in Spiro Boom in the valley in July Little River Speedway World's highest hill at Cavanal Forestry Heritage Center Talimena Scenic Byway Owner on-site

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Wildwoodz

13 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Mansfield, AR

RV park and campgrounds in Mansfield , Arkansas. Located near highway 378 on Wildwood Road, Wildwoodz RV park and campgrounds deliver convenience to traveling campers. Enjoy the peace and quiet near the National forest, which includes a fire pit, hook-ups with water and electric, a few select sites have sewer, a sewer dump site is available. Trailhead for ATV riding 1.1 miles from campgrounds. Horseback riding or hiking the trials can be accessed from the campgrounds if preferred. See photos

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Hill Top Lodge

4 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · Hackett, AR

Learn more about this land:Pull up primitive camp sites. Hiking, fishing, and natural beauty of the forest and mountains. Bring your UTV for short excusions to enjoy ridge running near by mountain roads. Ask for details.

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Pond, River, and Ridge Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Mena, AR

We are located East of Mena, Arkansas. Our farm has been in the family since 1897 and is listed as a Century Farm with the state of Arkansas. It is a working cattle farm on 160 beautiful acres with frontage along the Irons Fork River in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains. Our adjoining property is our zipline and amphitheater facilty, The Blue; zipline and Farm. Venture off the farm to take advantage of the plethora of things to do; canoeing, boating, ATV trails, hunting, state parks, National Forest, antiquing, rock hounding, and more. Our new shower house is finished and has hot water on demand. (We're autism friendly, hence the name Blue)

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Morning Light Mountain Lodge

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Poteau, OK

After years of searching, we finally found that one perfect place, our own slice of a mountain with spectacular views and access to so many of our favorite outdoor adventure activities. By the Grace of God, we have made a place we adore.Learn more about this land:Morning Light Mountain Lodge is our 5.7 acre dream come true on the side of Round Mountain in the Ouachita Mountains. We have several beautiful hiking trails and two breathtaking vistas at which to gaze at the picturesque mountains in the distance. “Meandering Trail” takes you to where the property borders the gigantic Ouachita National Forest. Keep going if you please. It’s 1.8 Million acres of wilderness made just for you! A true hunters paradise teeming with deer and other wildlife. The national forest is also accessible via Roger’s Pass and an easement. Bring your ATVs!If you like spectacular sunrises then this is the place for you. Just pray you have enough disk space on your camera! The Legendary Talimena Byway is just a few miles down the road; a 54 mile winding wonderland across the backs of the mighty. Winding Stair and Ridge Mountains with dozens of pull-offs and vistas that are a feast for the senses. Plenty of Ouachita’s endless hiking trails can be accessed from the byway. Kayaking the incredible Kiamichi river can also be on your agenda. Check out paddlers websites and forums for details and ideal entry points. Anyone like fishing? Oklahoma’s premier Bass fishing lake, Cedar Lake is a short 20 minute drive. Just wait till you see this lake; the happy little lake you’d expect in a Bob Ross masterpiece. Morning Light Mountain Lodge is a beautiful and wild place with plenty to keep you busy enjoying God’s Creation. It has a remote feel but is easily accessible from Talihina, LeFlore, Wister, Poteau, and Fort Smith, AR. Come and visit this magical place. You’ll be glad you did!

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Campgroundtbd and Sacred Space

23 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Mena, AR

Grown-up grounding getaway. Beautiful, quiet space in nature. Large pond for kayaking and fishing. Walking trail around the pond. 2400 sf building available for additional fees. Incredible sunrise and sunsets. Just off the Talimena Scenic Byway. Very simple toilet (ever improving) in the large building. Cabin spots are available as well (with lodge style baths). Grill and firepits on site for use. Cabins, and others listed on hipcamp as well. 420 friendly, we request you monitor that you and your guests keep it legal.

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Fourche Mountain Campground

70 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Boles, AR

Welcome to our 40-acre campground featuring convenient pull-thru RV sites equipped with water and electric connections (50 & 30amp), with a dump station available on exit. Our facilities include a clean showerhouse for your comfort. Choose from our 5-bedroom cabin, where you can rent the upstairs (2 bedrooms) or downstairs (3 bedrooms with a full kitchen). Enjoy the outdoor kitchen for your culinary needs. For a unique experience, we offer a glamping tent with both heating and air conditioning, accompanied by a nighttime potty. Start your day with a cup of coffee, provided for your convenience. Our location is adjacent to the Fourche Mountain ATV Trails, and the Ouachita Hiking Trail is in close proximity. Explore nearby attractions such as Hot Springs Spas, horse racing, and the renowned Mt Ida crystals. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or looking for a relaxing getaway, our campground has something for everyone.

The best camping near Wister Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Escape the real world and get back to Mother Nature at Lake Wister State Park. This stunning lake is your gateway to the Ouachita National Forest, and offers stunning vistas, wildlife viewing, and family adventure. Hike deep into the forest on the 6.4 mile nature trail, spot eagles overhead, or experience that perfectly pink heartland sunset. Those wanting to cool off can head out on the lake, the shoreline swimming and water spray park are fun for the whole gang! Pop your boat in the water using one of the super fancy lighted boat ramps, water skiing and fishing are just a few nautical notches away. There’s plenty of rustic cabins and cozy campsites to make your Lake Wister trip the highlight of your season!

Notable campgrounds

Lakeview Area - Offers stunning views of the lake and easy access to water activities.
Quarry Island - Secluded spots for a peaceful camping experience close to nature.
Victor Area - Ideal for families with a water spray park and playground nearby.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your preferred spot, especially during peak seasons.
Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Explore nearby camping options if your desired campground is full.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Wister State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers a wealth of activities but can be quite warm, while winter provides a quiet escape, though some facilities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check weather forecasts and park alerts for any closures or safety advisories.
Accessibility varies across the park, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
Pets are allowed in designated cabins with a daily fee.
Remember to pack essentials as dishes and cookware are not provided in cabins.
Secure a parking pass in advance to ensure a smooth visit.