Beautiful, peaceful and uncrowded, but not serviced adequately (trash was overflowing the entire three days I was there). I stayed for two nights just after Memorial Day 2022. There were never more than two or three parties there (in 22 campsites plus a backpacker campground) while I was there.
The nearby (Walking distance) Emerald Vista offers unobstructed views of the Ouachita mountains, picnic tables, and plenty of parking. The campground itself is lovely with many trees, and each site offers picnic tables, fire rings and lantern poles. The campground is dog friendly and includes two pit toilets which were in good condition except for the lack of toilet paper.
There’s no water (old fashioned faucets are waterless) and apparently trash had not been collected in quite some time as it was beyond overflowing. I knew there would be no water so I brought plenty, but apparently some web sites, maps or guides (may be private or National Forest) still mention available water, with the result that backpackers still arrive from the nearby Ouachita Trail needing water. Even with a car, the nearest town on 259 (Smithville) would be a long drive just for water. Anyone with maps, trail guides or web sites referring to Winding Stair needs to clarify that there is no water.
Trails are easily followed through the mixed pine-hardwood forest, and signage good, although perhaps in need of repair. Several 8+ mile round trip hikes, such as to Billy Creek, are available, but bring a trails map or guide book as there isn’t much trail info on the campground signs. The nearest trail (the Mountain Top trail) starts near campsite 16 and a spur trail to the right leads to the backpacking camp.
The wind gusted to 50-60 mph at night, and a sizable tree fell on my campsite, # 7. Luckily no one was hurt. This must be a rare occurrence or downed trees would be everywhere.