Talimena State Park RV & Campground Guide
Oklahoma
Talimena State Park is a unique recreation area covering 8,246 acres of land in the Winding Stair Mountains, a part of the Ouachita Mountain range. Most who travel here from nearby Talihina, OK, or beyond do not realize they are within a state park's borders until they observe the signs alongside the road indicating a campground, a trailhead, or an ATV area. The park runs along both sides of United States Highway 271 (US-271) as it travels a twisting, winding route along the crest of the mountains. Spectacular foliage views occur during the spring and fall months, making the park one of the most desirable drives in Oklahoma. Many turnoffs at viewpoints fascinate visitors as they view the Ouachita Mountains—the only mountain range in the Western Hemisphere that runs east to west. Considered the gateway to the Ouachita Mountains, Talimena State Park is reachable from the west and McAlester, OK, through Talihina, and via Fort Smith, AR, from the east.
Spring 41-80 F
Summer 66-92 F
Fall 40-85 F
Winter 29-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Talimena State Park
It makes sense to camp in an RV while visiting places like Talimena State Park. When you use an RV, you have a roof over your head to keep you dry during any inclement weather. RV technology advances, such as RV showers, satellite hookups, and waste tank improvements, can turn your RV into a traveling home. To find an RV rental near Talimena State Park, search options in Talihina on RVshare.
Talimena State Park Campground
Since there are only 10 RV campsites at Talimena State Park Campground, consider placing a reservation several weeks before beginning your trip. For your comfort, the campground provides restrooms with flush toilets and bathhouses with hot showers. Recreational trails for hiking and biking are the major draws of the park. The campground also supplies a dump station. Fire rings grace each campsite, and picnic tables are placed to take advantage of amazing views. A playground is available to entertain the kids.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30 amps
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $25 per night
Potato Hills Central
Only 32 miles southwest of Talimena State Park lies Potato Hills Central. It offers 82 RV campsites along the shores of Lake Sardis. Rigs up to 45 feet in length are acceptable at this campground, but the sites are all back-in. The park provides restrooms with flush toilets and warm showers. A dump station sits near the entrance to the campground. There is a central water spigot for fresh-water access. A boat ramp gives easy access to the lake for those who wish to fish in solitude. A beach area allows swimmers to enjoy the water, and recreational trails provide some great views as they wander amongst the oak and pine trees that provide a canopy over the area. A playground is maintained inside the campground.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $18 per night
Robbers Cave State Park
Robbers Cave State Park offers 112 RV campsites. Located only 31 miles northwest of Talimena State Park, it serves as a viable alternative if the Talimena site is full. Each campsite is graced with a fire ring and picnic table. A dump station, restrooms with flush toilets, and warm showers are provided by the park. Rigs up to 45 feet in length are accommodated in the spacious sites, some of which have pull-through capability and are 70 feet long. A camp store with a café and snack bar inside provides fresh produce and other perishable essentials for the park's guests. There is a swimming pool, playground, and a mini-golf course maintained by the park. Once nearly inaccessible, the 8,246-acre park served as the perfect hideout for outlaws like Jesse James and Belle Starr. Fourteen natural lakes are spaced throughout the park providing great opportunities for anglers to fish in a natural environment. Cliffs overhang much of the park providing excellent rock-climbing and rappelling sites. Hiking trails run between the lakes. A 250-acre area allows ATV and motorbike enthusiasts to have fun. You must have a reservation to camp at this park.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $30 to $40 per night
What to Do at
Talimena State Park
Inside Talimena State Park
Talimena State Park is known for offering incredible views of incredible hillsides. Covered in evergreen pine and deciduous trees, these hills burgeon with life in the spring and with intense color in the fall. Sitting on the only east/west mountain range in the Western Hemisphere, this terrain is a geologist's dream. Hiking trails go on for miles, with access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which runs 223 miles from the western terminus in this park to the eastern terminus at Pinnacle Mountain State Park west of Little Rock, AR. Talimena State Park also serves as a starting place for dirt bikers and ATV enthusiasts looking to explore the Ouachita National Forest.
How to Get to
Talimena State Park
Talihina, OK, is the closest community to Talimena State Park. To reach the park from Talihina, get on United States Highway 271 North (US-271 N) and travel for 7 miles. The park entrance is on the left.
To approach the park from McAlester, OK, 77 miles to the west, get on United States Highway 270 (US-270) and drive eastward for 62 miles. Turn right onto US-271 S. Drive another 15 miles to find the park entrance on the right.
To reach the park from Fort Smith, AR, take Interstate 540 South (I-540 S) for 10 miles and then merge onto Oklahoma Highway 9 West (OK-9 W). Stay on OK-9 W for 2 miles, then turn left onto North Pocola Boulevard, which is also Oklahoma Highway 112 (OK-112). Continue driving on OK-112 for 20 miles. Turn right to get onto US 271 S. Go for 15 miles, then turn left to stay on US-271 S. Follow the final directions from McAlester, found above, to reach the Talimena State Park entrance.
Entering Talimena State Park
Talimena State Park is a day-use area that is open 24-hours per day.
Talimena State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Talimena State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Talimena State Park
There are two times of year that are a great time to visit Talimena State Park. Fall is a popular time to see beautiful foliage, and spring is when the trees and flowers start to bloom.
Many wildlife species can be found in the park, including deer, turkey, groundhog, chipmunks, gray squirrels, quail, foxes, opossums, raccoons, and more. Some western animals, including roadrunners, coyotes, and armadillos, are moving into the area.
Yes, there are 10 RV sites within Talimena State Park. The sites have 30-amp water and electric hookups. Campgrounds have fire rings, a comfort station with showers, and a playground.
Yes, online reservations are required for camping spots. There is no reservation fee for Oklahoma State Parks. However, there is a $5 cancellation fee, and you may have to reserve a minimum number of nights on the weekends and holidays.
Yes, Talimena State Park is pet-friendly. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet and under control at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
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