DAVIS HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Boondock the Arbuckles: Tent Camping Across Cross Bar Ranch’s 6,500‑Acre Playground
Offroad through the Arbuckle Mountains and pick your own backcountry campsite on Cross Bar Ranch’s vast property; this guide explains what to bring, where you may camp, and how long you can stay.
Boondock the Arbuckles: Tent Camping Across Cross Bar Ranch’s 6,500‑Acre Playground.
Adventure brief
Boondock the Arbuckles: Tent Camping Across Cross Bar Ranch’s 6,500‑Acre Playground
Experience the thrill of offroading in the Arbuckle Mountain range and the freedom of boondocking across Cross Bar Ranch’s 6,500‑acre spread near Davis, Oklahoma. The property offers diverse terrain and unlimited camping spots—bring a tent and stake out your own site, then sleep under the stars.
Venture into the heart of Oklahoma’s Arbuckle Mountains for an offroad tent camping experience that puts you miles from the crowds and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. This rugged 6,500-acre property near Davis offers a vast playground of diverse terrain perfect for those seeking freedom in the outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a first-time boondocker, you’ll find countless spots to pitch your tent under wide-open skies and immerse yourself in the quiet magic of the wilderness. The Arbuckle Mountains are one of Oklahoma’s oldest ranges, known for unique geological formations like ancient granite outcrops and rolling hills blanketed with oak and pine forests.
During the day, explore backcountry trails that wind through valleys, creeks, and rocky ridges. Terrain varies from gentle slopes to more challenging rugged pathways, providing options for both relaxed hikes and spirited four-wheeling. Nightfall reveals a spectacular dark sky perfect for stargazing, far from city lights. Nearby Davis offers convenient access to provisions, with friendly locals welcoming adventurers who come to explore this lesser-known outdoor gem.
What sets this tent camping experience apart is the sheer scale and versatility of the property, allowing guests to find their own private nook. This isn’t a typical crowded campground—here, you find solitude and authentic connection with nature. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the broader Arbuckle area, including Turner Falls Park and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Tent Camping on this 6,500-acre ranch is perfect for travelers who want an offgrid experience that pairs adventure with comfort. Bring your own gear and enjoy the freedom to roam across trails and trailside creeks. The ranch’s dedication to preserving natural landscapes means your impact here supports ongoing conservation efforts. Whether you’re gazing at the Milky Way or waking to quiet birdcalls, this camping trip is a chance to reconnect with the wild heart of Oklahoma.
Prepare to rediscover outdoor freedom where every sunset and trail invites exploration.
Route Schematic
Route schematic & campsite flow
Stops outline the basic flow from property entry to picking a boondock site and exploring local terrain.
Entry to Cross Bar Ranch
Arrive at the ranch property and begin your offroad access into the Arbuckle foothills on Cross Bar Ranch’s acreage.
Off‑road exploration
Explore the diverse off‑road terrain of the Arbuckles within the ranch boundaries, choosing routes that match your vehicle and skill.
Select a boondock campsite
Pick an unlimited camping spot reachable by vehicle—camping is allowed where you can wheel to, except in unauthorized areas.
This is remote, vehicle‑access tent camping: you may camp wherever vehicle access and authorization allow. Observe rules about unauthorized areas and come prepared for self‑sufficient boondocking.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Diverse Arbuckle off‑road terrain
The Arbuckle Mountain range around Davis provides varied, rugged terrain for wheeling and exploration—the very reason offroad drivers come to Cross Bar Ranch.
Unlimited boondocking options
On this property you can boondock in unlimited spots: if you can wheel there, you can camp—so long as you avoid unauthorized areas.
A sprawling 6,500‑acre canvas
Cross Bar Ranch’s thousands of acres create room to spread out, explore off‑road lines and choose a private tent site away from crowds.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to boondock here
This is a self‑directed, offroad tent camping experience: you wheel into the Arbuckle foothills, pick a legal spot somewhere on the ranch’s wide acreage, set up a tent and settle in for a night under the stars. The trip is defined by open terrain, vehicle access to remote sites and simple, backcountry camping.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tent‑camping experience suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Stays are offered for 1–7 nights.
Bring a tent—the listed required item for camping on the ranch.
Nightly rentals do not include the General Admission fee. Each person camping in the park needs to purchase a pass for the length of the stay.
Boondocking is permitted across unlimited spots on the property where vehicle access is possible, except in unauthorized areas.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I camp on Cross Bar Ranch?
Stays are available for 1–7 nights.
Where can I set up my tent?
You may boondock and camp wherever you can wheel to on the ranch’s property, except in unauthorized areas.
What gear do I need to bring?
Bring a tent—the primary required item for this camping offering.
Do nightly rentals include park admission?
No. Nightly rentals do not include the General Admission fee; each person camping needs to purchase a pass for the length of the stay.
What kind of terrain will I encounter?
The Arbuckle Mountain range around Davis features diverse off‑road terrain across the ranch’s acreage, offering a range of lines to explore.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-21T02:34:48.116Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.