Billy Creek Campground – Big Cedar Oklahoma
Okay. So you’re looking for a small, secluded campground somewhere in the Quachita mountains of Oklahoma. Preferably one near a small lake or creek? You think you’ve camped at nearly every campground in Oklahoma. But I’ll bet that you haven’t heard about Billy Creek Campground near Big Cedar Oklahoma have you?
Billy Creek Campground is a small campground ran by the U.S. Forest Service. To get to it, you have to go about 6 miles West of Big Cedar on U.S. Highway 63. Then you’re going to turn right at the sign, you’ll be going North on Forest Road 6022, and follow the road to Billy Creek.
This is one of my favorite places to camp in the fall. Especially around the time that all the leaves are turning. In Wintertime, you pretty much have the place to yourself. It can be so quiet some days, that it’s eerie. Especially on those crisp cold Winter days when it’s snowing. Just absolutely peaceful!
Be aware though, your big honking RV has to stay home. There are only 11 camping places and no hookups. The sites are for small popup type travel trailers or very short TT’s. It’s really a place to bring a tent and enjoy staying outdoors. There is well water available, but I always carry a little extra water myself. You just never know!
There is a pavilion onsite as well. You’ll have to contact the Kiamichi Ranger station of the Quachita National Forest for info on reserving it.
The camping fee the last time I was there was $8. The only bathroom the last time I was there was the vault type toilets.
Yeah, it’s primitive camping at its best!
Billy Creek is nearby (which is where the campground gets its name) and a great place to catch a few fish for dinner. Actually, I usually do very well on several types of fish there by using a Rapala floating minnow lure or some 1/32 ounce jigs. Stay with natural colors that resemble minnows or crawfish. In fact, another good lure is the Rebel wee r crawdad. I’ve caught a ton of fish out of Oklahoma lakes and streams off of those lures.
There are about 7 miles of hiking trails around the Billy Creek campground, so there is a little something for everyone. This trail runs up the mountain before looping around and coming back down. If I remember right, these trails may connect to the Indian nations hiking trail if you want to hike further. If that doesn’t get your blood flowing, then try some canoeing or whitewater kayaking on the Kiamichi river, which lies nearby.
Each of the campsites have the traditional grill and picnic table, but no tent pad. You’ll just have to scratch you out a place on the ground!
Billy Creek campground is truly one of those out of the way places not everyone will visit. Especially if you’re idea of roughing it includes 50 amp hookups, flush toilets, running water and wi-fi service! There are plenty of those types of places nearby if that’s what you want. On the other hand, if you want a primitive campsite near a beautiful and serene creek in the Quachita National Forest, then Billy Creek has what you’re looking for.
Here are the GPS Coordinates.
Latitude: 34.68972
Longitude: -94.73278
Map To Billy Creek Campgroun