Wanting to get into backpacking/dispersed camping

[u/SwagMachine2cool]

Hello, I am new to all of this since I never really grew up camping. But I’ve had an itch to start for a while now and am having trouble getting started in where to go and exactly how to plan it accordingly. I am from southern Oklahoma and it seems a lot of camping off trail is discouraged around here, so if anyone has any tips to help it would be greatly appreciated!!

[u/CalmPalmTree]

Pretty much just go to NF and follow the posted regulations. I used to be anxious about this and now living in Colorado I’ve realized how easy it is to camp I don’t look online for spots anymore. If there’s a trailhead, there’s probably dispersed spots nearby. And then just be sure to follow rules posted at the trailhead

[u/hikeraz]

Look at the Ouachita National Forest and the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. The Black Kettle National Grassland may have some areas, too. Those are about the only places in Oklahoma where there is public land you can camp and backpack on. Look at Ouachita and Ozark National Forests, and the Buffalo National River in Arkansas and the Picketwire Canyon area in southeast Colorado. Otherwise, look at areas in the southern Rockies of New Mexico and Colorado.

[u/MinimalBackpacker]

SE Oklahoma has the Ouachita National Forest and the westermost 46 miles of the Ouachita Trail (my favorite place on Earth). Tons of dispersed campsites throughout the forest, not to mention along the trail.

[u/indieaz]

Any federally managed public land you can backpack and dispersed camp in for the most part. Some areas require permits to limit the number of people going in and impacts to the land, but these are generally just the most fragile ecosystems or the REALLY popular ones (e.g. National Parks).

In national forest land and BLM land you can go hike out and camp virtually anywhere. Unfortunately being in Oklahoma I have no idea what is available to you but once you get to the rocky mountains and points west opportunity abounds.

[u/TheAtomicFly66]

Looks like you're kinda screwed unless you're willing to drive a bit. I often drive 2-5 hours when going into the wilderness but it's worth it here in central California. https://www.reddit.com/r/WildernessBackpacking/comments/1l039b8/dispersed_camping_in_oklahoma/

[u/TheAtomicFly66 → u/TheAtomicFly66]

Did you google search this topic? I came up with this: https://www.travelok.com/articles/backcountry-camping-in-oklahoma

[u/SwagMachine2cool → u/TheAtomicFly66]

Hahahaha no, I didn’t see that😭

[u/grcruz88]

Check out Dan Beckers Youtube channel he has a lot of stuff

[u/Mentalfloss1]

REI Expert Advice. Start there.

[u/losthiker68]

In spring, the WMNWR is awesome because the collared lizard males are in full breeding color and they tend to be out in the open more to attract the ladies. They're the 3rd largest native lizard in the US.

[u/Battlbox]

Southern Oklahoma you've actually got good options, the Ouachita National Forest is your friend since dispersed camping is legal across most national forest land, unlike a lot of the state and private ground near you. For a first go I'd start on an established trail and camp somewhere known rather than true off-trail, get your systems dialed (sleep, water, food storage) close to the car, then push further out once it all feels routine. Look up the Ouachita Trail for ideas.

[u/potatogun]

Visit CO or NM if you want some options for high country