Destination

~Broken bow Lake (lakeside campsite)

This lake is located about three hours northeast of the Dallas/Fort worth metroplex. It’s a reservoir lake sitting on the mountain fork river and is completely encompassed by the Ouachita National Forest.

Campsite Location

~This campsite is right off the shore of Broken Bow lake and is about 30 miles northeast of Broken Bow Oklahoma. There are about three campsites that branch off the road going to this spot with one massive one that we saw a bunch of people at. The spot we camped at could fit probably two or three vehicles.

Campsite coordinates: 34.2807158, -94.6843853

Campsite accessibility

~ The trail to the campsite is accessible by absolutely any vehicle during good weather conditions. If it is raining four wheel drive may be required

Route to campsite

~ The Route to this camp spot starts off highway 259 near Mount Herman Broken Bow. Take the Johnny Beavers trail east all the way to Holly Creek public campground. This campground is first come first serve and offers nice campsites right off the lake.

Destination

~Cossatot Mountains

This mountain range lies within the Ouachita National Forest and is located in the southwest region. Like most mountain ranges in the Ouachitas they run east to west unlike the rockies or the appalachian mountains, and is home to the little missouri river which is known for great trout and walleye fishing.

Campsite Location

~This camp spot wasn’t the greatest but nevertheless was a peaceful place to stop for the night. It was the quietest night i’ve experienced in awhile, I didn’t hear the wind blow even the slightest or any bugs or wildlife. There are much better campsites along the little missouri river towards the west but we wanted to explore further and this was a solid place for the night.

Campsite coordinates: 34.50324, -93.50765

Campsite accessibility

~ The trail through the Cossatot mountains is not technically difficult. The only challenging part of the ride is it’s a very long gravel road. We probably rode for at least a few hours on a constant bumpy gravel road. This experience is the exact reason why I have invested in an air compressor so that I can deflate my tires and air them back up for occasions like this.

Route to campsite

~ The Route to this camp spot starts off highway 246 near Faulkner Springs Arkansas. Taking a left onto Polk road 94 begins the bumpy route through the mountains. This trail parallels several creeks and rivers with many campsites along the way with allowance for several vehicles.

Destination

~Broken bow (Eagles Nest)

This is a scenic spot on Broken bow lake that offers an awesome view of the lake. It can be a little windy because it’s on top of a ridge that towers over the lake. There is also a lot of people traffic from others trying to get a good view. However, if the spot is open it makes for one of the best campsites on the lake.

Campsite Location

~Again, this spot is on a ridge overlooking the lake. It’s about a seven mile trip down some gravel forest roads. It being a popular spot means that the journey there can be fruitless as other campers may have claimed it. Additionally, there aren’t really any other campsites nearby, but it’s always worth a try. During good weather and holidays I would make claim of this spot earlier in the day for the best chance to camp there.

Campsite coordinates: 34.27269, -94.70115

Campsite accessibility

~ It’s a bumpy gravel road but there isn’t anything very technical. I would say any vehicle could make it here. Deflating your tires isn’t a bad idea and will make the drive more enjoyable.

Route to campsite

~ To get to this spot you take highway 259 to the northern end of Broken bow lake. Turn onto forest road 54000 and drive on that all the way to a four way stop. Then head straight onto forest road 54256 and then take a right onto forest road 54262 which goes all the way to the spot.