Campground List

CAMPGROUND NAME: Albert Pike

VISIT DATE: 03/28/1997

UPDATE DATE: 1/30/2008

STATE: Arkansas

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Caddo

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Langley

RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
From Langley, AR, take State Rt. 369 north for 5.7 miles to
campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 1,060 ft.

The campground is adjacent to Little Missouri River and very popular 
for canoers.  The campground has four loops (A, B, C, and D) with 
loops C and D open year round.  Loop D features electric and water 
hook-ups while the other three loops have no hook-ups.  Sites are 
closer together then found in most National Forest campgrounds.  
There is convenience store and public phone near entrance to 
campground.

Hikers should enjoy using the Albert Pike campground as a base 
camp to hike the Eagle Rock Loop Trail.  The trail is is the 
longest loop trail in Arkansas at 26.8 miles.  The trail actually 
combines several trails and takes 2 to 3 days to hike.  Hikers 
successfully completing the trail receive an attractive patch 
and are added to the Eagle Rock Loop Trail Honor Roll.  As of 
March 25, 1997, 112 hikers (from as far away as Brookline, Mass.) 
had completed the hike and received a patch from the Caddo Ranger 
District.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes

Comments:  Loops A & B are open April 1 through October 15
Loops C & D are open year round.

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day - no hook-ups
$16 per day - electric and water hook-ups
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 3
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 51
   
   Total Sites: 54

Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 54
No. Grilles on Sites:54

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste):0
No. Water and Electric Only: 7
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0

Group RV Sites: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 2
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes 
Average Parking Apron Size: 15.5' X 40'

Comments:
Parking aprons are paved.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

Comments:
Wheelchair friendly showers

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 6
  No. Threaded: 0
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

WATER SPORTS
Lake: No
Swimming (provided): No
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: No
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: No
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No

Comments:
The Little Missouri is popular Class IV floating river.  The
river provides a large area for wading at the campground.

HIKING
Eagle Rock Loop Trail (foot) - 26.8 miles
Little Missouri Trail (foot) - 15 miles
Bluff Mtn. Hiking Trail (foot) - 1 mile

FISHING   
Rainbow Trout (Dec. - Apr.), Small Mouth Bass and Sunfish


CAMPGROUND NAME: Bard Springs

VISIT DATE: 03/28/1997

UPDATE DATE: 1/30/2008

STATE: Arkansas

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Caddo

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Athens

RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
From Athens, AR, take State Rt. 246 west for 2.2 miles to
campground sign (Shady Lake Rd.).  Turn right onto Shady Lake Rd.
and go 7.7 miles to campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 1,420 ft.

The campground is comprised of two sections.  The "lower" section 
is not suited for RVs.  It has five sites with shelters.  Access 
road to campground is not RV friendly.  The campground is primitive 
but scenic and is near Caney Creek Wilderness.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $8 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 13
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 0
   
   Total Sites: 13

Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 13
No. Grilles on Sites: 13

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No

Comments:
Bathhouse closed at time of visit.

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0
  No. Threaded: 0
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No

WATER SPORTS - None

HIKING - No

FISHING - No


CAMPGROUND NAME: Billy Creek

VISIT DATE: 03/23/1997

UPDATE DATE: 4/22/2009

STATE: Oklahoma

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Choctaw

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Muse

RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
From Muse, OK, take State Rt. 63 east 1.1 miles to campground
sign (Forest Rt. 6022).  Turn left onto Rt. 6022 and go north 2
miles into campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 900 ft.

The campground is composed of mature, mixed hardwoods and pines.  It
is adjacent to Billy Creek with some sites overlooking the creek.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $8 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 12
   
   Total Sites: 12

Tent Pads: No
Group Tent Sites: No
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 12
No. Grilles on Sites: 12

RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
Group RV Sites: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 62'

Comments:
Parking aprons are dirt.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
  No. Threaded: 0
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

WATER SPORTS - None

HIKING
Billy Creek Trail (foot, dirt bike, horse, mountain bike) - 3.5 miles
     Connector to multiple trails including the 35-mile Indian Nations Trail.

FISHING   
Pan fish


CAMPGROUND NAME: Cedar Lake

VISIT DATE: 03/23/1997

UPDATE DATE: 4/22/2009

STATE: Oklahoma

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Choctaw

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Heavener

RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation

DIRECTIONS:
From Heavener, OK, take US Rt. 270 south 9 miles to Cedar Lake
Recreation Area sign (Holson Valley Rd.).  Turn right onto Holson
Valley Rd. and go 2.8 miles to Winding Stair Recreation Area -
Cedar Lake sign (Forest Rt. 7269).  Turn right onto Rt. 7269 and
go 0.7 miles to campground entrance.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 860 ft.

Cedar Lake is one of two campgrounds in the Cedar Lake 
Recreation Area.  The other is the Cedar Lake Equestrian 
Camp.  The campground is composed of three loops - North 
Shore, South Shore/Sandy Beach and Shady Lane.  North Shore 
and South Shore/Sandy Beach are heavily wooded, close to 
Cedar Lake and rustic.  Shady Lane has both full and partial 
RV hookups and opened in late 1996.  If a camper wants hookups 
and state of the art bathhouse, Shady Lane is one of the best 
we've seen - public or private.  Although the sites are partially 
open, they are well separated affording comfort and privacy.  
Considering the entire campground, one can experience just about 
any type of camping from rustic/primitive to modern.  The bathhouse 
in the North Shore Loop was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps 
(CCC) in the 1930s.  Renovated since then, this facility adds to 
the overall charm and atmosphere of the campground.

Reservations are taken only for the Shady Lane Loop.  

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes

Seasonal Comment:
NOTE: North Shore loop closed for reconstruction; scheduled for 
re-opening mid-Summer.  Check with Ranger District Office for status.

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day - no hookups
$15 per day - elec. & water hookups
     Senior/Access Pass - $10 per day
$17 per day - full hookups
     Senior/Access Pass - $12 per day
$21 per day - double with hookups
     Senior/Access Pass - $13 per day
$23 per day - double with full hookups
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 25
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 59
   
   Total Sites: 84

Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: Yes
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 84
No. Grilles on Sites: 84

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 9
No. Water and Electric Only: 30
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0

Group RV Sites: Yes
No. RV Pull Throughs: 1
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes 
Average Parking Apron Size: 13.5' X 61'

Comments:
Parking aprons are paved.  There are two waste stations.  One is
at the North Loop entrance and the other is across from the Shady
Lane Loop.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

Comments:
Wheelchair friendly showers located at Shady Lane loop.  North
Shore bathhouse closed during winter.  The public phone is located 
at the Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp, about 1/4 mile away.  The 
playground is located in the Shady Lane Loop.

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: Yes
Public Phone: Yes
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 7
  No. Threaded: 6
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: Yes
Boat Carry Down Access: Yes
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No

Comments:
Cedar Lake is 86 acres.  No-wake lake.  Beaches are dirt and
grass.

HIKING
Horse Thief Spring Loop - 11.2 miles
Cedar Lake Trail (loop) - 2.9 miles
Old Pine Trail (interpretive) - 0.4 miles

FISHING   
Largemouth Bass, Catfish and Bluegill

There is wheelchair friendly fishing pier.


CAMPGROUND NAME: Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp

VISIT DATE: 03/26/1997

UPDATE DATE: 4/22/2009

STATE: Oklahoma

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Choctaw

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Heavener

RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation

DIRECTIONS:
From Heavener, OK, take US Rt. 270 south 9 miles to Cedar Lake
Recreation Area sign (Holson Valley Rd.).  Turn right onto Holson
Valley Rd. and go 2.8 miles to Winding Stair Recreation Area -
Cedar Lake sign (Forest Rt. 7269).  Turn right onto Rt. 7269 and
go 0.7 miles to campground entrance.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 600 ft.

Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp is one of two campgrounds in the Cedar 
Lake Recreation Area.  Between the facilities and nearly 100 miles 
of horse trails, this campground has got to be the "Cadillac" of 
horse camps.  There are hitching posts all over the place and ample 
room for horses at each site.  The bathhouses are state of the art.  
The campground is heavily wooded with some sites having electric and 
water hookups.  Shortly after entering the campground, there is Level 
D on the left side.  This is a loop with undesignated sites.  Although 
horse trailers can park there, it appears to be intended for overnight 
trail riders.  There is also a large pavilion in Level D.  Cedar Lake 
is located in the Cedar Lake campground, a short distance away.

As of June 16, 2006, the Forest Service has installed 12' X 12' corrals on 
about half the sites.  A single site has two corrals for two horses and a 
double site has four corrals for four horses.  Especially if making reservations, 
call the Ranger District Office for information on which campsites have corrals.  
Installation of the corrals continues.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $6 thru $12 per day - no elec./water hookups
     Senior/Access Pass - $3 thru $6
$17 per day - single w/elec. & water hookups
     Senior/Access Pass - $11 per day
$23 per day - double w/elec. & water hookups
     Senior/Access Pass - $14 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 54
   
   Total Sites: 54

Tent Pads: No
Group Tent Sites: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 75
No. Grilles on Sites: 60

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 18
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0

Group RV Sites: Yes
No. RV Pull Throughs: 26
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes 
Average Parking Apron Size: 13' X 68'

Comments:
Some paved, some grass parking aprons.  Waste station located
across from Shady Lane Loop of Cedar Lake campground on the way
into Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

Comments:
Showers are Wheelchair friendly.

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: Yes
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 14
  No. Threaded: 13
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: Yes
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No

Comments:
Cedar Lake is 86 acres.  No-wake lake.  Beaches are dirt and
grass.

HIKING
Cedar Lake Equestrian Trails - multiple trails w/varying lengths
for a total of 77 miles.

Horse Thief Spring Loop (foot)- 11.2 miles
Cedar Lake Trail (loop - foot) - 2.9 miles
Old Pine Trail (interpretive - foot) - 0.4 miles

FISHING   
Largemouth Bass, Catfish and Bluegill

There is wheelchair friendly fishing pier.


CAMPGROUND NAME: Charlton

VISIT DATE: 04/01/1997

UPDATE DATE: 4/22/2009

STATE: Arkansas

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Womble

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Crystal Springs

RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
From Crystal Springs, AR, take US Rt. 270 west for 3 miles to
campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 420 feet.

The campground, comprised of three loops (A,B and C), is heavily 
wooded with mixed hardwoods and pine and has some sites overlooking 
Walnut Creek.  Loopa A has been closed and is not included in this 
review.  Loop B has campsites with electric and water hookups while 
Loop C has ten sites with full hookups.

Charlton swim area and bathhouse was constructed by the Civilian 
Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1935 and 1938.  From Memorial Day 
through Labor Day there is an interpretive program every Saturday 
at the amphitheater.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No

Seasonal Comment:
Open April 1 through December 1 - Loop C.  Loops B open May 1 
through October 1.

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: 
$10 per day - single without hookups
       $5 per day (Golden Age/Access)
$17 per day - single with hookups
       $12 per day (Golden Age/Access)
$23 per day - double with hookups
       $15 per day (Golden Age/Access)
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 32
   
   Total Sites: 32

Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: No
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 32
No. Grilles on Sites: 32

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 10
No. Water and Electric Only: 22
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0

Group RV Sites: Yes
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes 
Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 70'

Comments:
The parking aprons are paved.  

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

Comments:
Bathroom facilities are considered family-friendly.

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: Yes
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 2
  No. Threaded: 0
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

WATER SPORTS
Lake: No
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: No
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: No
Boating (no power): No
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No

Comments:
Swim area is dammed up portion of Walnut Creek.

HIKING
Camp Charlton Interpretive Trail - 0.8 miles
Charlton Trail - 3.8 miles (hiking & mtn. biking)

FISHING   
Pan fishing


CAMPGROUND NAME: Lake Sylvia

VISIT DATE: 04/01/1997

UPDATE DATE: 3/2/2004

STATE: Arkansas

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Jessieville/Winona

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Perryville

RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
From Perryville, AR, take State Rt. 9 south for 8.5 miles to Lake
Sylvia Recreation Area sign (State Rt. 324).  Turn right onto
State Rt. 324 and go 4 miles to the campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 360 ft.

The campground, adjacent to Lake Sylvia, is located in mixed hardwood 
and pines adjacent to a turkey habitat.  Although sites 6, 7 and 8 
have electric hookups, there is no turn-around for RVs; walk into the 
sites before committing vehicle.

A nice day trip is the 27-mile Winona Auto Tour.  There are seven 
vistas.  One, Crystal Mountain, is fun for the crystal rock collectors.  
The tour, on Forest Rt. 132, is accessible from either State Rt. 7 or 9.  
A brochure is available at the Jessieville/Winona Ranger District Office in 
Jessieville, AR.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No

Seasonal Comment:
Open 1st Friday in May through the 1st Monday, after the first weekend, 
in October.

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day - no hookups
$15 per day - water and electric hookups
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 8
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 19
   
   Total Sites: 27

Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 27
No. Grilles on Sites: 27

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 19
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0

Group RV Sites: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes 
Average Parking Apron Size: 11' X 72'

Comments:
Loop A has paved parking aprons.  Loop B has gravel aprons 
and is tent camping only.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: No

Comments:
Loop B has wheelchair friendly flush toilets.  There are showers,
but they are cold.

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: Yes
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 2
  No. Threaded: 0
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: No
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: No
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No

Comments:
Lake Sylvia is 18 acres.  The beach is grassy.

HIKING
Trees of the Forest Trail (paved, interpretive with braille
signs) - 0.4 miles
Sylvia Spur (to Ouachita NR Trail) - 0.4 miles

There are also a variety of short, interpretive trails and loops.

FISHING   
Catfish


CAMPGROUND NAME: Little Pines

VISIT DATE: 2/5/2007

STATE: Arkansas

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Poteau

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Waldron

RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
From Waldron, AR, take State Rt. 248 west for 11.4 miles to campground sign.  
Turn left onto Rt. 10 and go 0.1 miles to first right turn.  Turn right and then left 
at first left turn.  Turn right at first right turn and proceed to campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation 660 ft.

NOTE: Campground previously surveyed by authors March 1997 when it was 
located short distance from current location.  All current information provided by 
the Poteau Ranger District Office.

This popular fishing campground is located next to Lake Hinkle in a thin mixture 
of pine and hardwoods.  All campsites have a view of the lake but those on east 
side of campground have the best view.  Besides the picnic table and grill, each 
site also has a "prep" table for coleman stove, preparing food, etc.  Boats can be 
moored at the courtesy docks.  No cell signal at campground.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $16 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10
   
   Total Sites: 10

Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: Yes
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 10
No. Grilles on Sites: 10

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 10
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0

Group RV Sites: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes 
Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 45'

Comments:
The parking aprons are paved and wider at front.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

Comments:
The bathhouse is state of the art including a family unit room.

WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: Yes
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No

Comments:
Lake Hinkle, a no-wake lake, is 970 acres.  The beach is grass
and dirt.

HIKING
Little Pines Trail (loop - foot & pedal bike) - 1 mile

FISHING   
Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, Hybrid Stripped bass and 
saugeye

No fishing from courtesy docks.


CAMPGROUND NAME: Shady Lake

VISIT DATE: 03/28/1997

UPDATE DATE: 4/22/2009

STATE: Arkansas

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Mena

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Athens

RESERVATIONS: 1-479-394-2382*

DIRECTIONS:
From Athens, AR, take State Rt. 246 west for 2.2 miles to
campground sign (Shady Lake Rd.).  Turn right onto Shady Lake Rd.
and go 3.7 miles to campground.

NOTE: Shady Lake Rd. is composed of course gravel and dirt.  It is
rough and one lane in some places.  Traction for RVs may be
difficult on some parts of the road.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 1,280 ft.

*Limited number of sites.

There are four loops, A through D.  Some sites overlook Shady Lake and 
the Saline River.  Water spigots in two loops are located on bathhouse 
wall.  The campground is adjacent to Caney Wilderness.  Consider hiking 
the Tall Peak Trail which accesses the Tall Peak Fire Tower, built by the 
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No

Seasonal Comment:
Loop A & D - open 1st wknd in March thru last wknd in November
Loop A - bathhouse - open last wknd in March thru 1st wknd in November
Loop B - open 1st wknd in May thru 1st wknd in November
Loops C - Same as Loop B
Loop C, site 22 (full hookups) - open 1st wknd in March thru last wknd in 
    November

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
$10 per day - single (no hookups)
$15 per day - electric & water hookups
       $10 per day Senior/Access Pass
$16 per day - double (no hookups)
$21 per day - electric & water - double
       $13 per day Senior/Access Pass
$17 per day - full hookups
       $12 per day Senior/Access Pass
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 66
   
   Total Sites: 66

Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 66
No. Grilles on Sites: 66

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 1
No. Water and Electric Only: 20
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0

Group RV Sites: Yes
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes 
Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 43'

Comments:
Parking aprons are paved and gravel.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

Comments:
Wheelchair friendly toilets are in Loops A and D.

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: Yes
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 13
  No. Threaded: 13
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: Yes
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No

Comments:
Shady Lake is 25 acres.  Grass beach.  Power boats limited to 
electric motors.

HIKING
Interpretive Trail (foot) - 0.5 miles
Shady Lake Trail (mountain bike & foot) - 3.1 miles
Tall Peak Trail (foot) - 3.2 miles

FISHING   
Largemouth Bass, Catfish and Sunfish


CAMPGROUND NAME: Winding Stair

VISIT DATE: 03/24/1997

UPDATE DATE: 4/22/2009

STATE: Oklahoma

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Choctaw

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Heavener

RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
From Heavener, OK, take US Rt. 270 south 14 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.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 1,980 ft.

The campground is located on a ridge just off Talimena Drive Scenic
Byway within walking distance of the Emerald Vista, a fantastic
view of the valley below.  The campground is heavily wooded and
convenient to the beautiful Talimena Drive Scenic Byway.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No

Seasonal Comment:
Open April 15 to November 1.

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day - single
$16 per day - double
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 23
   
   Total Sites: 23

Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: No
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 23
No. Grilles on Sites: 23

RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
Group RV Sites: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 13' X 59'

Comments:
Parking aprons are paved.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

Comments:
Wheelchair friendly showers and private room in bathhouse
for families.

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 5
  No. Threaded: 5
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

WATER SPORTS - None

HIKING
Ouachita Trail (access) - 0.1 miles
Mountain Top Loop Trail - 1.1 or 2.2 miles

FISHING - No