Ouachita National Forest - Arkansas

This trip was originally supposed to be to Western Oklahoma. We had planned to camp on the Black Kettle National Grassland and visit the Washita Battlefield near Cheyenne. Forecasted highs nearing 100 in that area altered our plans. Instead of going west, we went east into Arkansas where temps were much more manageable (although the humidity was somewhat uncomfortable). Friday morning we made our way to the Ouachita National Forest north of Hot Springs, looking for the Winona Scenic Drive. After 4 hours of pavement, it was a relief to reach dirt and venture into the forest.

After our little side trip we continued on the Winona Scenic Drive to Lake Sylvia. There are tons of forest roads shooting off of the road we were on, it would be a blast to go back and just explore all the roads available. We stayed the night at Lake Sylvia Campground, which was quite nice and not crowded (at least in the tent camping area, there were quite a few people in the RV spots). Most of our time was spent keeping Carter from eating rocks and chasing him through the campground. Probably due to that, I forgot to take pictures of the campground and our campsite. We did get a pic of the small lake the campground is named for, though.
Saturday morning we packed up and headed towards Hot Springs, home of Hot Springs National Park. We spent a little time there walking down Bathhouse Row and stopping in the visitor center. Then we hit the road for the long trip back home. I really enjoyed this trip, I only wish these areas were closer to Tulsa.