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The camping area lies along a small stream, which provides a great spot to fish for sunfish in the small pools. Billy Creek Trail starts here and climbs to the top of Winding Stair Mountain. The trail intersects the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which travels east from Talimena State Park in Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas for 225 miles. Printer-friendly guides to Billy Creek Recreation Area and Billy Creek Trail.
From Hodgen, OK, take U.S. Rt. 270 south 10.4 miles to U.S. Rt. 259 sign. Turn right after sign onto Rt. 259 and go 9.2 miles to State Rt. 63 sign. Turn right onto Rt. 63 and go 5.7 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign onto Forest Rt. 6022 (dirt, single lane with no turnouts) and go 0.1 miles to an intersection. Turn left and go 1.4 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left onto Billy Creek Rd. and go 0.1 miles into campground.
Grew up going swimming and camping there now my kids grew up going swimming and camping there.
My dad used to bring us here when I was a baby, to set up the teepee and camp for weeks at a time. It still is a favorite place if mine, especially since so few people know about it! It's hardly ever got other campers when I go, but when there are other folks, it doesn't make much of a difference frankly. The campsites are luxuriously large (and free!!!) and spaced in such a way that even your closest neighbor won't be a bother. Half the campsites at least are abutting the creek bank, so that the soft sound of the water soothes you to sleep at night and gently wakes you in the morning. It's only a short walk down the bank to the water itself, and the creek depth varies enough for all ages to enjoy, from ankle deep rivulets and shallows amongst the rocks, to deep swimming holes and green-blue pools to dive into. The water is cold, but not frigid--- perfect for a hot summer day; and the whole area, including the creek itself, is so well shaded that the temperature there is usually at least ten, fifteen degrees lower than it ought to be. The camping is primitive and there is no water, electric, showers, etc. There are vault toilets if you're brave enough to use them, otherwise, I suggest you invest in a latrine shovel. All trash must be packed out with you, as there are no dumpsters or cans on site, so prepare for that as well. Otherwise, this is a perfect site for intermediate to experienced campers!
