OT has a shelter system consisting of 21 three-sided “AT-style” shelters located every 8-12 miles.
One thing to note is that not all shelters are near a reliable water source, and none have toilets or pit toilets. You will usually find a log for shelter and some may come with brooms and tarps.
If sleeping in a shelter isn’t for you, or you think they are full, there are numerous campsites and tent sites along the trail. Camping is permitted along most of the trail, except for the last 20 miles to the east. Stealth camping is also allowed except in state parks or from mile 194 eastbound.
Developed campgrounds include:
Spiral Staircase Campground. (mile 23.8) is a paid campground in the Ouachita National Forest. The campground has 23 tent sites, parking, restrooms and showers (one site $8/night). There are also several campsites for hikers with picnic tables, bear poles and pit toilets, slightly separated from the main campground ($3/night). The developed campground is closed in winter, the exact dates vary, but the sites remain open for tourists (no fee if the main campground is closed).
Queen Wilhelmina SP(51.5 miles) The park includes 41 campsites (eight Class A, 27 Class B, five water tent sites and one walk-in tent site) less than 0.5 mile west of Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, known as the “Castle in the Clouds. “. Perks of staying here include a modern bathhouse and access to the lodge with an AYCE buffet and lobby with TVs and charging outlets. Water is being turned off at the campsites and the daytime restroom is closed for the winter from December 1. The current rate is $14 per night.
The Brashear Big Recreation Area (mile 94.5) is the site of an old campground that is now a day use site. The site has a restroom pit and a covered pavilion where you can have a good rest or meal during the day. There are also several trash cans on the territory.
Lake Sylvia Recreation Area(187.3 miles) is another paid campground for the Ouachita National Forest 0.4 miles north of the OT. The campground has water and a nice bathhouse with hot showers. Usually open from April to the end of October. No reservations.