🌤 Weather at Talimena State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41–81 °F | 66–94 °F | 40–86 °F | 30–57 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wilburton 9 Ene, 17 mi away, elevation 635 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Talimena State Park — A 20-acre park at the western gateway to the Talimena National Scenic Drive (54-mile scenic byway) in the Ouachita Mountains of Le Flore County, Oklahoma — also the western terminus of the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail — featuring RV + tent camping (10 electric/water sites), stunning autumn foliage (peak: late Oct–early Nov), spring wildflowers, 15+ scenic overlooks (Choctaw Vista, Potato Hills Vista, Panorama Vista), ATV/dirt bike access into Ouachita National Forest, playground, comfort station with showers, and panoramic views of the highest peaks between the Appalachians + the Rockies.
Talimena State Park is where the Ouachita Mountains put on their finest show — sitting at the western end of the celebrated Talimena National Scenic Drive, a 54-mile byway that winds along the crest of some of the highest ridges between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. This intimate 20-acre park is also the western terminus of the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail, making it both a scenic basecamp and a serious trailhead for long-distance hikers.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Le Flore County, OK — near Talihina |
| Size | 20 acres — gateway park |
| Scenic Drive | Talimena National Scenic Drive — 54 miles (Talihina, OK → Mena, AR) |
| Long Trail | Western terminus — 223-mi Ouachita NRT |
| Foliage Peak | Late October – early November |
Camping
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| RV Sites | 10 sites — 30-amp electric + water hookups |
| Tent Sites | Designated tent camping areas |
| Amenities | Comfort station with showers, picnic tables, grills, playground |
| Reservations | Recommended — popular during foliage season |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Scenic Driving | Talimena Scenic Drive — 54 mi — 15+ overlooks — 1 hr 10 min without stops |
| Hiking | Ouachita NRT (223 mi) + Choctaw Nation Trail + Old Military Road |
| ATV/Dirt Bikes | Entry point into Ouachita National Forest |
| Mountain Biking | Multi-use trails in surrounding forest |
| Wildlife Watching | Ouachita Mountain wildlife — deer, turkey, songbirds |
| Wildflowers | Spring blooms along ridgelines + in forest |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is peak foliage on the Talimena Drive?
Autumn color along the Talimena National Scenic Drive typically peaks from the last week of October through the first week of November. The Ouachita Mountains’ mix of oaks, maples, and sweetgums produces vibrant reds, golds, and oranges. Weekends during peak foliage are very popular — book campsites well in advance.
Can I drive the scenic route in any vehicle?
Yes — the Talimena National Scenic Drive is a paved, well-maintained 54-mile highway suitable for all vehicles, including RVs and motorcycles. However, there are no gas stations or services along the route. Fill up before you go and bring water. The drive runs from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Lake Wister State Park (a short drive away) and Heavener Runestone Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Talimena State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 20 sites — Talimena Loop: RV Semi Modern 10 sites (30-amp electric, water hookup, no sewer), Tent 10 sites with pads (many other areas suitable for additional tents). RV length limit 50 ft back-in. (1 additional Shelter Standard day-use site with water hookup exists separately.) |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Online via TravelOK.com/ReserveAmerica, up to 11 months in advance. Nightly rate: $16 uniform across peak/off-peak seasons. Cancellation 5+ days before arrival for full refund. |
| Special sites | Oklahoma entrance to the 54-mile Talimena Scenic Drive through the Ouachita Mountains. Dirt bikes and ATVs permitted as an entrance point to National Forest lands. Group shelter available. |
| Season notes | Open year round. |
Camping questions about Talimena State Park
Can you camp at Talimena State Park?
Yes. Talimena State Park has 20 campsites. Talimena Loop: RV Semi Modern 10 sites (30-amp electric, water hookup, no sewer), Tent 10 sites with pads (many other areas suitable for additional tents). RV length limit 50 ft back-in. (1 additional Shelter Standard day-use site with water hookup exists separately.).
How do you reserve a campsite at Talimena State Park?
Online via TravelOK.com/ReserveAmerica, up to 11 months in advance. Nightly rate: $16 uniform across peak/off-peak seasons. Cancellation 5+ days before arrival for full refund.
Source: travelok.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Talimena State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet required; pets must be under direct physical control unless in a designated fenced pet area
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins for $40 per night per pet; pets are prohibited in lodge rooms ($300 fee assessed if a pet is found in a lodge room)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $40 per night per pet for pet-friendly cabins; no fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required and must be readily available; pets running at large may be impounded
Are dogs allowed at Talimena State Park?
Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via travelok.com. More: Oklahoma state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Talimena State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
