Dispersed Camping on Poteau Mountain in the Ouachitas

Come along for a night in the woods on the fifth highest mountain in the Ouachitas. I scope out a campsite, check out Poteau Mountain Road, make some tasty camp meals, and explore the area around my site.
I approached Poteau Mountain (2,671') from the east on Poteau Mountain Road just north of Waldron, Arkansas. Once I'd located a (gorgeous) site and set up camp I went for a drive to the west, hoping to get to the summit of the mountain.
The road became more rutted and rocky as I went. Had I been with others, I likely would have tried to go further, but as it was I was alone and didn't want to court disaster in an unfamiliar area I turned around a few miles west of the campsite and made my way back for dinner and rest.
The next morning I wandered around the area near camp. I had the notion that I would go up East Poteau Mountain, but the briar patches between me and the summit were considerable so I poked around the forest a bit without a destination in mind before heading home.

[@jdknight64]

Beautiful Okla...LOVE your adventures!!!! Please keep them coming!!!!

[@OklahomoHiker]

Thank you so much for the kind message of support! It’s truly a gorgeous state.

[@catpatrick3838]

My go-to camping meal is most definitely steak and eggs so I can't fault you for that choice 😊. Going to have to check out that area as soon as the weather (and hunting season) permits. I'm in north Louisiana so Arkansas is my favorite "local" place for hiking and camping weekends. Thanks for a new option that wasn't even on my radar. ETA pro tip, always buy pull top cans when camping 😂.

[@OklahomoHiker]

When will I learn to search out the pull top cans? 😆 Louisiana is a place I’d love to see more of. Anything you’d recommend up your way, camping or hiking wise? Thanks so much for watching, by the way. I appreciate the kind comments! Happy holidays to you and yours!

[@catpatrick3838]

@@OklahomoHiker Interesting trails are pretty scarce in Louisiana. Most are pretty flat. The Sugar Cane Trail in Kisatchie north of Minden on Caney Lakes. Decent camping there and the 6+ mile trail. It's a loop, which I like, well marked and usually well maintained. Kisatchie Hills Wilderness area, south of Natchitoches has some good trails with established campsites on trail. The Backbone Trail (10+ mile loop) and Caroline Dorman Trail (10+ out and back) are pretty good. Backbone is one of my faves. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a road walk to make it a loop. Or you can combine Backbone with the Caroline Dorman and Sandstone Trails to make it a 30, or maybe it's 40, mile loop. Sandstone is pretty much ATV so buyer beware. And this is why I like hiking in Arkansas, New Mexico, AZ, Nevada and Colorado 😂. Though eastern Oklahoma, and Missouri, are moving up on the to explore list. Happy Holidays to you and happy trekking! 🥾

[@OklahomoHiker]

@@catpatrick3838 Thanks so much for all the info! I can’t wait to check them out. I’m always looking for new adventures. You have a lot of information there and I appreciate it.

[@rorycolgan]

Another good video!

[@OklahomoHiker]

Thanks so much, for watching and for the nice comment!

[@yahwehschild1375]

I love your videos

[@OklahomoHiker]

Thank you so much for the sweet message! I’m so glad you enjoy them. Happy holidays!

[@stephenshed3485]

Another great video

[@OklahomoHiker]

Thanks so much, Stephen! I hope you’re getting some good adventures in yourself. Happy holidays to you!

[@stephenshed3485]

@@OklahomoHiker drove the backroads, mostly dirt roads, to Kansas from OKC a couple of weeks ago. It was great.

[@Lorinapier2015]

Without trying to insult a backpacker because I totally love you!! Can you do more disperse camping videos? I am a day hiker. I go with my dog and I like camping with all the luxuries. I know, I need to be slapped. I am always on the search for great camping spots that aren’t covered up with ATVs. If you know of anymore places, can you let me know. For the record- I will be camping at this location soon.

[@OklahomoHiker]

Haha! No offense taken! I’ve pondered giving more coverage to the camping aspect of these adventures. Maybe this is the encouragement I need for that. I hope you enjoy that spot. It’s a beaut, for sure!

[@thedudeabides3930]

Watch out for Bigfoot.

[@yahwehschild1375]

Have you had an encounter?

[@OklahomoHiker]

I always keep my eyes and ears peeled. 👀