Southeastern Oklahoma is shaped by forests, rivers, and long stretches of quiet road. The landscape is made of pine-covered hills, slow-moving creeks, and valleys that hold onto morning fog. This is a place where small towns settle into the terrain rather than rise above it.
Towns like Muse, Nashoba, and Smithville are part of that pattern. They’re surrounded by the Ouachita and Kiamichi Mountains, bordered by national forest, and connected by highways that curve more than climb. Most have just a few dozen households. Community life centers on local schools, churches, and shared work—farming, forestry, and land management.
These towns fall within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation, whose government plays an active role in the region. Tribal services, health clinics, and cultural programs operate alongside county roads and general stores. The Nation’s presence adds another layer of identity to the area—one grounded in history and ongoing connection to the land.
Life here moves at a slower pace, not out of nostalgia but practicality. The distances are real. The terrain sets the rhythm. And for many who live here, the appeal is simple: space, quiet, and a strong sense of place that doesn’t need to be advertised.
10. Octavia: Peaceful Living at the Edge of the Winding Stair Mountains
Octavia is a tiny community where you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with a population of just around 50 residents who enjoy the tranquility of rural life. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Ouachita National Forest, perfect for hiking, fishing, and camping amid breathtaking landscapes.
There aren’t many commercial industries here; it’s primarily a farming and ranching community, which adds to its quiet charm. What makes Octavia truly secluded is its location nestled against the Winding Stair Mountains, offering stunning natural vistas and a peaceful atmosphere.
Life in Octavia is all about enjoying the simple pleasures—fresh mountain air, starlit skies, and a strong sense of community.
Where is Octavia?
Octavia is tucked away in Le Flore County in southeastern Oklahoma, right on the edge of the Winding Stair Mountain range. Its secluded nature is due to its remote location far from any urban centers and limited access via winding rural roads.
To get there, take the scenic Route 259, which meanders through dense forests and rolling hills, making the journey as enchanting as the destination itself. The isolation of Octavia is part of its allure, providing a true escape into nature and solitude.
9. Snow: A Peaceful Retreat in Pushmataha County
Snow is one of those places that is truly mesmerizing, with a population hovering around 200 people who cherish the slow-paced, serene lifestyle. The town offers picturesque settings perfect for nature walks and photography, especially with its proximity to the Kiamichi Mountains.
There aren’t many industries here, which means fewer distractions and more time to soak in the natural beauty. What makes Snow secluded is the expansive lot sizes and the vast stretches of untouched land surrounding it. Living here feels like having your own little corner of paradise far removed from the noise of the modern world.
Where is Snow?
Situated in Pushmataha County in southeastern Oklahoma, Snow is nestled amidst rolling hills and dense forests. Its seclusion comes from its remote location and the fact that it’s miles away from any major highways or cities.
Take State Highway 144, which winds through the countryside, highlighting just how tucked away this gem is. The journey itself reinforces the tranquility that awaits in Snow, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet.
8. Muse: Where Wilderness Meets Serenity
With a small population of about 70 residents, Muse offers an intimate community setting that is incredibly welcoming. The area is a haven for outdoor lovers, with opportunities for hunting, fishing, and hiking in the Ouachita National Forest.
There aren’t any significant industries; the residents often engage in small-scale farming or simply enjoy retirement amidst nature. Muse’s vast natural landscapes and its location deep within the forested hills contribute to its secluded feel.
It’s a place where the tranquility of the wilderness provides an uninterrupted backdrop to daily life.
Where is Muse?
Muse is located in Le Flore County, southeast Oklahoma, tucked away in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains. Its seclusion is enhanced by the dense forests that surround it and the limited number of roads leading in and out.
To reach Muse, drive along Highway 63, a scenic route that underscores the remoteness of the town. The journey through the wilderness to get there is part of what makes visiting Muse such a unique and peaceful experience.
7. Moyers: Escape to the Quiet of the Kiamichi Mountains
Moyers is a small unincorporated community with a population of around 200. The town is perfect for those who love outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
There are no major industries, which contributes to its quiet, laid-back atmosphere. What makes Moyers secluded is its setting amidst the panoramic views of the Kiamichi Mountains and the abundant wildlife that thrives in the area. It’s a place where nature takes center stage, and life moves at a leisurely pace.
Where is Moyers?
Located in Pushmataha County, Moyers is nestled in the southeastern part of Oklahoma, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain. Its seclusion stems from its distance from major cities and limited access via smaller highways.
To get there, take Highway 2, which provides a scenic route through the Kiamichi Mountains, emphasizing the isolation and natural beauty of the area. The town’s remote location makes it an ideal escape for anyone wanting to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
6. Nashoba: Untouched Beauty in Southeastern Oklahoma
Nashoba, with a small population of around 50 people, is a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in untouched landscapes. The town offers serene living with rolling hills perfect for hiking and exploring. There aren’t any significant industries, keeping the area pristine and undisturbed.
What makes Nashoba secluded is its remote setting amidst vast expanses of natural beauty, away from the noise and pollution of urban life. It’s an ideal spot for those of us who seek peace and a connection with nature.
Where is Nashoba?
Nashoba is found in Pushmataha County, deep in the heart of southeastern Oklahoma. Its seclusion is accentuated by the lack of major roads and the surrounding untouched wilderness.
Drive along State Highway 144, a route that weaves through serene landscapes and emphasizes the town’s remoteness. The journey itself is calming, and reaching Nashoba feels like stepping into a tranquil world far removed from everyday stresses.
5. Honobia: Bigfoot’s Backyard in the Heart of Wilderness
Honobia is a unique and fascinating place, with a population of about 75 people who enjoy life amidst dense forests and rolling hills. The town is famous for annual Bigfoot sightings, and there’s even a festival celebrating the legend.
There are no major industries here; the economy is mostly based on tourism related to the Bigfoot phenomenon and small-scale farming. Honobia’s seclusion comes from its deep roots in the wilderness, offering a true escape into nature and perhaps a chance encounter with the mythical creature!
Where is Honobia?
Located in Le Flore County, Honobia is nestled in southeastern Oklahoma, surrounded by the Kiamichi Mountains. Its isolated location and the surrounding dense forests enhance its secluded feel. To reach Honobia, take State Highway 144 or Highway 3, both of which wind through scenic landscapes.
The drive itself is an adventure, heightening the sense of entering a remote and mysterious area. Honobia’s remoteness makes it a perfect destination for those intrigued by legends and enamored with untouched nature.
4. Ringold: Tranquility Along the Little River
Ringold is a tranquil community of around 80 residents where life revolves around the natural rhythms of the Little River. Fishing, boating, and enjoying riverside picnics are among the simple pleasures to cherish here. There aren’t significant industries; it’s mainly agricultural and residential, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere.
What makes Ringold secluded is its location along the river, surrounded by forests and away from bustling towns. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking solitude and a strong connection with nature.
Where is Ringold?
Ringold is situated in McCurtain County in southeastern Oklahoma, nestled alongside the Little River. Its seclusion is due to its remote riverside location and limited access roads. Take State Highway 3, then a series of county roads that bring me through lush landscapes to this hidden gem.
The journey underscores how tucked away Ringold is, making it an ideal escape for anyone looking to unwind amidst natural beauty.
3. Bethel: Rustic Living Amidst Towering Pines
Bethel, an unincorporated area with a population of about 150, offers rustic living surrounded by vast woodlands and towering pine trees. You will love exploring the nearby trails, ideal for hiking, bird watching, and embracing the quiet of the forest.
There’s a strong sense of community here, with residents often engaged in forestry and small-scale farming. Bethel’s seclusion is heightened by its sprawling spaces and the dense forests that envelop the area, providing a serene backdrop to everyday life.
Where is Bethel?
Located in McCurtain County, Bethel lies in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma, deep within the forested regions. Its secluded nature is due to its distance from major highways and urban centers, surrounded instead by miles of woodlands.
Access Bethel via State Highway 4 and winding county roads that lead through the scenic woods. The remoteness of Bethel makes arriving there feel like finding a hidden retreat where the modern world fades away.
2. Battiest: Serene Landscapes and Small-Town Charm
Battiest is a small, charming community with a population around 250. The town is surrounded by serene landscapes perfect for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
There are few industries here; most people are involved in agriculture or forestry, which keeps the community tight-knit and grounded. What makes Battiest secluded is its expansive acreages and the enveloping natural beauty that provides an escape from the hustle of city life.
Where is Battiest?
Nestled in McCurtain County in southeastern Oklahoma, Battiest is tucked away amidst rolling hills and dense forests. Its seclusion comes from being off the main thoroughfares, accessible primarily by smaller county roads.
Take State Highway 144, enjoying the peaceful journey through rural landscapes. The town’s remote setting makes it an ideal spot for anyone seeking the charm of small-town life in a serene environment.
1. Smithville: A Hidden Gem in the Ouachita Mountains
Smithville is a small town of about 100 residents nestled in the lush forests of the Ouachita Mountains. The area offers fantastic opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and fishing in crystal-clear streams.
There aren’t major industries; it’s primarily driven by local businesses and ecotourism, contributing to its laid-back atmosphere. What makes Smithville secluded is its mountainous surroundings and the dense forests that create a natural barrier from the outside world.
Living here feels like being part of a hidden gem where nature and community blend seamlessly.
Where is Smithville?
Smithville is located in McCurtain County, sitting comfortably in the southeastern part of Oklahoma within the Ouachita National Forest. Its remoteness is due to its mountainous terrain and limited road access, which adds to its charm.
To reach Smithville, travel along Highway 259, winding through scenic mountain passes and forested areas. The journey emphasizes the town’s seclusion, making it a perfect destination for those yearning to immerse themselves in natural beauty and tranquility.
