How to Camp for Free in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers a vast area of camping and recreation. It is truly a diamond in the rough when it comes to outdoor adventure. Oklahoma is startled between the great western prairies and the lush central United States. It’s unique to have forest and water in the east but plains and plateaus in the west!

The National Forests of Oklahoma

The first places to look for are federal lands and forests. The US Forest Service defines dispersed camping as camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. The national forest system is a huge area found in many states and you’re allowed to camp almost anywhere. In Oklahoma, there are 2 types of federal forests you will find. The first is the traditional national forest system that many are accustomed to. The two forests in astern Oklahoma are the Ozark National Forest and the Ouachita National Forest. Both are densely forested areas with ample trails, foliage, and water. It also offer both off-trail camping and developed trails for day hikes.

The main allure for the Ouachita National Forest is the Ouachita Trail. It is an organized and maintained trail that stretches from Talimina State Park, Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas. The trail is similar to the Appalachia trail that goes from Georgia to Maine on the east coast. This whole area can be used for camping and trekking for FREE!

The National Grasslands of Oklahoma

The other main federal area is the US National Grasslands. These are usually managed by the Forest Service but as you would imagine, grow prairie grasses. These areas are located mostly in the central United States. They were originally designed to restore the traditional prairie grasses to their state as a conservation effort against dust. It also preserves the original look that encompassed the Great American Desert. There are two national grasslands in Oklahoma.

The first is the Black Kettle National Grassland located on the western border with Texas and the Rita Blanca National Grassland located in the southwest corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle. These grassland areas have similar rules to national forests and many have trails and wide-open spaces that are accessible by many different avenues such as hiking, biking or car. Dispersed camping is available in many parts of national grasslands and provides the same benefits – free camping and wide spaces!

As a disclaimer, please always check local permits, fire status, and off-limits areas on official websites. Your particular situation may have special requirements before you start your journey. Also, please avoid private property and always have an actual map with you to ensure you stay in proper areas. Rita Blanca or Black Kettle National Grassland camping can be a great addition to your camping passport!

Unique Locations for Free or Low Cost Camping in Oklahoma

The US Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. The reserve is located in the southwestern portion of the state near the city of Lawton. This area provides ample day trekking and hiking across its large area, but beware animals roam freely here and are protected, including the bison and antelope herds. Always avoid large animals because they are unpredictable and can be dangerous! Once you are in the park the only available camping area is in the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area for a small fee. This is located in the western section of the refuge.

Some state parks in Oklahoma also offer free trail and camping areas. One example is Greenleaf State Park located in the northeastern section of the state. There you can explore the Ankle Express Trail and also camp for free in the Mary’s Cove and North Primitive Campground area. You can also tent camp along the Ankle Express Trail itself.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages the Three River Wildlife Management area. It’s an area in southeast Oklahoma. It is a natural area with hunting. But lucky for us, it also allows for tent camping throughout the entirety of the reserve. Since this is a hunting area, you should always be aware of when hunting seasons are active or not and as always have hunter orange on you if you’re walking around during these hunting seasons.

Don’t Forget…

Another disclaimer about these other unique areas. These don’t fall under the US Forest Service like the first two areas. These unique areas may have fee permits, low-cost entry fees, ranger station check-in requirements, among others, and even free options. A phone call to a ranger or a park station can save you hours of planning and checking official websites can provide real-time information on conditions and “open or close” status.

Oklahoma offers a wide array of free camping across the entire state. From the far eastern portions that have lush forests, rivers, and rolling hills all the way to the west that is part of the Great American Desert, with waving grasses and thundering buffalo – all in the same state. There are tons of options so get out and keep trekking!