Picnic Table
Restrooms
Fire Pit
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Winding Stair Campground (OK).
23 reviews
Winding Stair Campground offers a beautiful, serene setting with excellent views and easy access to nearby trails, making it an ideal base for exploration. The primitive campground features about twenty sites for $8 per day, though amenities are limited to pit toilets and no water. While some maintenance issues have been noted, such as overflowing trash bins and unclean facilities, many campers appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Based on 23 reviews
Showing 23 reviews
November 11, 2025 Google Maps
The primitive campground has about twenty sites that cost $8.00 per day. There are a couple of bathrooms but no water. The location is about 19 mi into the Hwy 1 Scenic drive and is very quiet and tucked into the trees with an overlook to the north view.
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October 26, 2025
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October 26, 2025
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October 20, 2025
Not sure if it's due to the shutdown or the budget cuts, but the campground was visibly not being serviced. Vault toilets had insect nests and one of our party saw a mouse or rat in one of them. Trash bins all full and overflowing with people leaving trash by the full bins because there was no where else to put it. We packed some ours out instead of leaving it where bears could get into it, but someone really should be monitoring this location more closely.
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October 20, 2025
Not sure if it's due to the shutdown or the budget cuts, but the campground was visibly not being serviced. Vault toilets had insect nests and one of our party saw a mouse or rat in one of them. Trash bins all full and overflowing with people leaving trash by the full bins because there was no where else to put it. We packed some ours out instead of leaving it where bears could get into it, but someone really should be monitoring this location more closely.
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October 19, 2025 Google Maps
Amazing place to camp! 100% primitive, with amazing views and a nice dark sky. Clean facility, just limited options lol.
Emerald Vista gets a great sunrise, and Sunset Vista is right up the road for sunsets.
First come, first reserved. You can pay cash there for $8 a night or scan the QR code.
It's high enough up that you do get cell service, even though you usually lose it on the drive in.
Lots of hiking from the campground, and a nature center right up the road with a very mild hike.
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November 3, 2024 Google Maps
I was only able to stay Halloween night because the park closes down for the season on Nov 1. Yet my stay was great and very private. There were maybe 4-5 other campsites being used. Very nice setting and a great base for exploring the area.
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May 13, 2024
One of the best COE campgrounds ever!!!!!!!
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May 13, 2024
One of the best COE campgrounds ever!!!!!!!
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May 11, 2024
Great campground with access to trails and viewpoint. We were able to get Starlink and solar from site 10. Clean bathrooms
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Winding Stair Campground, Hwy 1, Talimena Scenic Byway, Hodgen, OK 74939 United States
Elevation: 584 ft
Winding Stair Campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 271, which is approximately 10 miles to the west. Additionally, State Highway 2 is nearby, providing further access to the region.
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Population: 52
Nearby city: Fort Smith, AR
Approx. 49 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 541 ft
Hodgen, OK
