![]() There are two campground areas - Box Spring Campground and Whiskey Flats Campground - but campers can set up anywhere along the trails. Head to the McGee Creek State Park office to pick up a free permit or call in advance, as the number of permits are limited. This pristine, 8,900 acre area has been called “some of Oklahoma’s least traveled territory” by Backpacker Magazine and offers over 25 miles of trails with plenty of camping opportunities along the way. The McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area, located on the northeast corner of McGee Creek State Park in Atoka, is a hidden gem for backpack camping. As an added bonus, campsites are just $3 per night. This backpacker’s camp is located approximately 300 feet west of the main campground, and it’s open all year unlike the nearby main camp that closes during the winter. If you’re looking for a hike-in camp that has a bit more in the amenity department, like tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, lantern poles and a pit toilet, check out the Winding Stair Campground located within the lush Ouachita National Forest. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere within the area, so bring your tent and set up camp right next to the river. Purchase your land access pass online through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. ![]() An annual pass is also available for non-residents, and the pass is good for both wildlife management areas. ![]() For Oklahoma residents, a three-day pass is $10 or an annual pass is $40. Both Wildlife Management Areas require a Land Access Permit for Oklahoma residents and non-residents between the ages of 18-63. No designated camping areas exist, but pack-in camping is allowed. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere within the area, so bring your tent and set up camp right next to the river.Īnother option is the Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area, which spans 101,620 acres in Pushmataha, Leflore and McCurtain counties. This peaceful area is marked by loblolly pines plantations, thick hardwood forests, small ponds and most notably the gorgeous Glover River, which is one of the last free-flowing streams in the state. Open to wilderness camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area in Broken Bow offers 203,180 acres of recreation. Click here to read more about Greenleaf State Park’s Ankle Express Trail. Those planning on hiking or camping on the Ankle Express Trail will need a parking pass and, as an extra precaution, are asked to register at the trailhead kiosk with their time of departure and return, cell phone number and emergency contact number. ![]() The trail is essentially a large loop that connects in the middle, like a rough figure eight, and contains some uneven terrain with steep grades that are most suited for experienced hikers. Not only does this looping trail include a fun swinging bridge, but camping at the Mary’s Cove Campground and North Primitive Campground is completely free. Grab your pack and get ready to explore the 18-mile Ankle Express Trail at Greenleaf State Park in Braggs. Click here to read more about the Charon’s Garden Backcountry Camping Regulations. Since no more than 10 people are issued a permit for any three-day span, the odds are good that you won’t see another group the entire length of your stay. If you’re looking for serenity, this is the hike-in camping spot for you. Each permit is good for a three-day period, either Friday through Sunday or Monday through Wednesday. Located near Lawton, this camping area is open by permit only, so be sure to make your reservations in advance. Like the name implies, the area is a wildlife refuge, which means that there are animals moving about freely in the area - including bison and longhorns. As an added bonus, camping in many of these locations is completely free! Southwest Oklahoma:Ĭamping within the 5,000-acre Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is not for the faint of heart. Those looking for relaxation and solitude will find it with this list of backcountry camping opportunities in each region of Oklahoma. There’s no better way to reconnect with nature than with a peaceful excursion into the wilderness.
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