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Talimena
Overview
Talimena State Park serves as the western gateway to the famous 54-mile Talimena National Scenic Byway. Nestled at the base of the Ouachita National Forest, this park provides a tranquil starting point for travelers exploring the winding mountain roads of eastern Oklahoma. It is a smaller, intimate park that focuses on the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests rather than modern urban distractions, offering a serene basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside Talihina, Oklahoma, the park is surrounded by the dense hardwoods of the Winding Stair Mountains. The elevation offers slightly cooler temperatures during the summer and a world-class display of colors during the autumn months. The environment is secluded and quiet, providing a stark contrast to more developed resort areas, making it a true mountain escape for those seeking peace and solitude within the diverse ecosystems of eastern Oklahoma.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers 10 RV sites equipped with water and electric hookups, including both 30-amp and 50-amp service options for various rig sizes. While the park maintains a rustic vibe, guests have access to essential facilities including:
- A sanitary dump station for convenient RV maintenance
- A comfort station featuring hot showers and restrooms
- A picnic pavilion and playground for family gatherings
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the Talimena National Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking vistas and numerous overlooks along the ridge. Hikers will appreciate direct access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, a renowned long-distance trail perfect for day hikes. The nearby town of Talihina provides a touch of local history and essential supplies, while the surrounding forest is ideal for seasonal birdwatching and professional photography of the valley views.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers who want to be the first on the road during the peak fall foliage season. Because of its intimate size and strategic location, it is perfect for road trippers crossing between Oklahoma and Arkansas. It specifically suits travelers who prefer a quiet, natural setting over high-traffic resorts and those looking for a rugged basecamp for mountain hiking adventures.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Anthony
Place was quiet, nice and clean. The RV spots are large and easy to back into. Will stay here next time I visit. Only one spot has a covered pavilion, so consider that if you are booking.
Terry White
We were hoping to see the leaf color change and the info I read said the last week of October and the first week of November. There was very little color and I know it was a warm October, but I think the info was misleading. I would recommend not going until after the 1st of November. Also the visitor center at the oklahoma entrance is closed so you have to go to Talihena to get info which is very limited. The scenery was still beautiful and I think it would be outstanding if you get there at the right time.
Kathy Silva
Let’s start with the good… The park is pretty and peaceful, we saw a lot of wildlife there. We also saw this really cute orange tabby running around that was very sweet, it gave us a scare on our first night but it was nice to make a little friend. It’s pretty easy to find what you need in the nearby town and everything is clearly marked at the campsite with the exception of a couple of sites. I also really liked that there was an abundance of picnic tables, there is also a little park which would be great for kids! The bad… Some tent sites are hard to navigate to since they didn’t have a road leading up to them and were hiding behind a tree line. The visitor center isn’t open at the same time as check in (closes at 4, check in is at 5). Also, the bathroom situation is not good. There are two buildings, both were in pretty bad shape and were lacking either toilet paper, hand soap, or both. Additionally, the showers had a clear curtain so there is no privacy when showering in the larger of the two buildings. In general, the restrooms didn’t look like they had been properly cleaned in weeks. While there, one of the campers even mentioned that the last time they saw toilet paper in the restrooms was nearly a week ago. I have been to my fair share of state parks, but the bathrooms/showers were just a tad bit too gross so we decided to end our stay early.
Julie Arnold
The park is a lot smaller than I expected, but I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Sometimes the smaller parks are a better experience. The entrance to the Ouachita Trail is in the park, so that was a bonus! Met some great people camping there. Other than the office not being open when I got there and the rest of the day, it was overall a great experience! Highly recommended!
Elizabeth Brigham
I did enjoy the place. Would have appreciated some signs up by the campground to show where the trails are to get down to the water. Signs to guide you once you are by the dam as well because the map shows a trial but there weren't signs directing you. The falls are peaceful and the walkway is good. Sturdy and handrails down by the water.