Southern Oklahoma is sprinkled with hidden enclaves that offer a serene escape from the everyday grind. I’ve had the pleasure of wandering through these quaint towns, each offering its own slice of tranquility and charm.
If you’re looking to step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in peaceful surroundings, these 25 secluded towns might just be what you’re seeking.
From lakeside retreats to countryside hamlets, they provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. Join me as we count down the top ten secluded towns in Southern Oklahoma that are worth a visit.
25. Gene Autry – Small Town with a Big Name
Gene Autry may carry the name of the famous singing cowboy, but the town itself is quiet and unassuming, with fewer than 200 residents. Nestled among rolling hills and farmland, it feels like a forgotten corner of Oklahoma where history and stillness coexist.
Visitors can explore the small Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum, take slow drives past cattle pastures, or simply enjoy the open skies that stretch wide overhead. The community is supported by ranching and small local trades, making it modest yet grounded.
What makes Gene Autry secluded is not its name but its quiet roads, absence of noise, and deep sense of nostalgia. It’s a place where time ambles rather than rushes. For many, Gene Autry is a reminder that fame can live gently in a humble place.
Where is Gene Autry?
Gene Autry is tucked into Carter County, about 10 miles northeast of Ardmore. It sits off U.S. Highway 77, reached by smaller county roads that slip through open farmland.
Its location away from interstates gives it a secluded charm. By the time you arrive, the world feels just a little slower and softer.
24. Katie – Hidden in the Arbuckle Foothills
Katie is a small unincorporated community barely visible on most maps, tucked into the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains. With only a handful of homes scattered among wooded hills and creeks, it feels deeply hidden from the world.
Locals live simply, often tied to ranching or small-scale farming. Visitors find beauty in the quiet—exploring wooded trails, listening to birdcalls, or watching mist rise from the hills at dawn. There are no shops or attractions, only the landscape itself to entertain.
The seclusion comes from its winding backroads and the absence of commercial life. Katie feels like a sanctuary for those who love quiet corners.
Where is Katie?
Katie lies in Garvin County, about 20 miles northwest of Pauls Valley. The community is reached via rural roads that weave off State Highway 19.
Its isolation in wooded hills makes it feel far removed despite its relative closeness to town. The drive into Katie feels like a gentle retreat into nature’s arms.
23. Hickory – Peace Beneath Towering Oaks
Hickory is a tiny community where towering oak trees shelter a scattering of homes and small farms. With a population of around 50, its quiet is profound—broken only by rustling leaves or the occasional passing pickup.
The economy is tied to agriculture, and many residents live self-sufficiently, cultivating gardens and raising livestock. Visitors might walk under shady groves, fish in nearby creeks, or simply take in the serenity of the countryside.
Its remoteness lies in being far from major highways and overshadowed by larger nearby towns. Hickory feels timeless, a place where life is measured by seasons rather than clocks. It’s the kind of place that shows how much peace can exist in simplicity.
Where is Hickory?
Hickory is located in Murray County, about 12 miles south of Sulphur. It sits along small local roads branching off State Highway 177.
The town is surrounded by forest and farmland, giving it a tucked-away atmosphere. Arriving feels like slipping quietly into a shaded haven.
22. Lone Grove – Countryside Calm Along Old Highways
Lone Grove may have grown over the years, but it still feels like a town where the countryside sets the pace. Ranches and wide stretches of farmland dominate the landscape, while the small-town center offers just the essentials.
Visitors can stop at local diners, explore roadside parks, or take scenic drives under Oklahoma’s vast skies. The community thrives on ranching, oil, and small businesses, yet never feels busy or overwhelming.
Its seclusion comes from being bypassed by faster highways, left in the quiet lane of history. Lone Grove feels familiar, neighborly, and calm. It’s the sort of town where the land itself teaches patience.
Where is Lone Grove?
Lone Grove is in Carter County, about 8 miles west of Ardmore along U.S. Highway 70. Though near a highway, it retains a rural calm due to its spread-out neighborhoods and surrounding ranchland.
The approach is simple and open, lined with fields and fences. By the time you arrive, it feels like you’ve left the bustle behind.
21. Foster – Rolling Fields and Open Horizons
Foster is a small farming community where horizons stretch unbroken in every direction. Life here revolves around agriculture, and most of the town is made up of fields, barns, and a handful of homes.
Visitors may enjoy the solitude of open-country drives, birdwatching, or exploring nearby creeks. Its seclusion is clear—there are no shops, no noise, and no traffic beyond locals. Evenings bring crickets, soft breezes, and starlight.
The simplicity of Foster makes it a retreat from the modern rush. It’s the kind of place where the sky feels larger than anywhere else.
Where is Foster?
Foster lies in Garvin County, about 15 miles west of Pauls Valley. It’s accessible by State Highway 29 and then local roads that curve into farmland.
The lack of through-traffic ensures its quiet remains unbroken. By the time you roll in, the vastness of the countryside has already slowed your thoughts.
20. Tatums – Historic Hamlet with Deep Roots
Tatums is one of Oklahoma’s historically significant all-Black towns, now a small, quiet community of fewer than 200 people. Its seclusion comes from its placement among farmland and rolling countryside, away from busy routes.
The town’s history is tangible in old buildings, cemeteries, and family homesteads that still stand. Visitors can explore its heritage, wander rural lanes, and pause at churches that have long anchored community life.
The atmosphere is humble, steady, and deeply rooted. Tatums feels tucked away not just geographically, but in time. It’s the kind of place where the past and present overlap gently.
Where is Tatums?
Tatums is located in Carter County, about 20 miles north of Ardmore. It’s reached via U.S. Highway 77 and smaller county roads.
Its distance from interstates and urban centers preserves its isolation. The quiet drive in underscores the town’s deep, enduring stillness.
19. Springer – Gateway to the Arbuckles
Springer is a small town on the edge of the Arbuckle Mountains, where rocky hills rise behind fields and creeks. Its population hovers around 700, but it still feels remote, tucked between farmland and forest.
Visitors can hike nearby trails, fish in local ponds, or explore backroads with dramatic views of the mountains. Ranching and small businesses sustain the community, keeping it practical but unhurried.
Its seclusion lies in the surrounding natural barriers that make it feel cut off from busier routes. Springer carries a blend of ruggedness and warmth. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger longer than planned.
Where is Springer?
Springer is in Carter County, about 8 miles north of Ardmore. It’s accessible by Interstate 35, yet once you step off into town, the feel shifts instantly to small-town quiet.
Hills and pastures surround it, closing off the sense of sprawl. It feels like a quiet threshold between the plains and the mountains.
18. Dougherty – Tucked Beside the Washita River
Dougherty is a tiny community nestled by the Washita River and rimmed with the Arbuckle Mountains. With only a couple hundred residents, it feels hidden by its geography—rolling hills, river bends, and steep canyon walls nearby.
Visitors can explore Chickasaw National Recreation Area, paddle along the river, or hike shaded trails. Ranching and tourism lightly sustain the area, but life is largely quiet and slow.
Nights are dark and filled with stars, mornings with mist rising from the valley. Dougherty’s seclusion comes not from distance but from being embraced by land. It’s a place that feels sheltered in every sense.
Where is Dougherty?
Dougherty is located in Murray County, about 12 miles southwest of Sulphur. You reach it by winding county roads off State Highway 110.
Its setting in a river valley, framed by hills, makes it feel wrapped in nature. Arriving feels like stepping into a pocket of calm guarded by the land itself.
17. Boswell – A Quiet Town with Frontier Roots
Boswell is a small town with fewer than 700 residents, where life still echoes its frontier past. Its quiet streets are lined with modest homes, old churches, and a scattering of small businesses that serve locals and travelers who wander in.
The pace here is slow and steady, shaped by agriculture and the surrounding Choctaw County countryside. Visitors find peace in the open fields, historic cemeteries, and the sense of stepping into a place untouched by modern hurry. Boswell feels tucked away not just by geography but by time itself.
Where is Boswell ?
Boswell lies in Choctaw County, about 30 miles west of Hugo and not far from the Red River. Reached via U.S. Highway 70, the town sits in southeastern Oklahoma but still firmly within the Southern Oklahoma region. Its position, away from larger hubs and wrapped in farmland, preserves its quiet and hidden charm.
16. Leon – On the Edge of the Red River
Leon is a riverside community where fields spill down to the Red River itself. With a population of around 100, the town is quiet and scattered, with a rhythm tied to the water and the land.
Visitors can fish along the riverbank, drive levee-top roads, or watch sunsets paint the horizon. Ranching and farming dominate life here, giving it a steady, practical heartbeat.
Its remoteness is clear—few signs, few services, just wide land and river flow. Leon feels like a last stop before wilderness. It’s the sort of town where the horizon swallows sound.
Where is Leon?
Leon is located in Love County, about 25 miles southwest of Marietta, near the Texas border. It’s reached by winding county roads that branch off U.S. Highway 77.
Its riverside setting makes it feel cut off from everything but land and water. Arriving feels like following the Red River to the edge of quiet.
15. Ratliff City – Crossroads of Ranchland
Ratliff City is a small crossroads community surrounded by rolling ranchland and dotted with oil wells. With only a few hundred residents, it’s the kind of place where you know you’ve arrived only when you see the town sign.
Life revolves around ranching, oil, and the quiet routines of rural Oklahoma. Visitors might stop at the café, wander backroads lined with wildflowers, or take a slow drive beneath big skies.
Its seclusion lies in its location—far from interstates, far from cities, and content to be overlooked. Ratliff City carries a rugged, grounded energy. It’s the kind of place where the land sets the rhythm of every day.
Where is Ratliff City?
Ratliff City lies in Carter County, about 20 miles northwest of Ardmore. It’s reached via State Highway 7, then smaller country roads.
The town sits in open ranchland, far from any urban hum. The drive in feels like entering a place shaped entirely by land and labor.
14. Hendrix – A Town on the Border’s Edge
Hendrix is a small town near the Oklahoma-Texas border, where life slows to the pace of the railroad that once defined it. With fewer than 100 residents, it’s quiet, rustic, and steeped in history.
Visitors may walk the remnants of the old depot, explore rural lanes, or enjoy nearby fishing along the Red River. Farming and small-scale ranching remain the main industries.
Hendrix’s seclusion comes from being nearly forgotten—just a scattering of homes and fields at the far edge of the state. It feels both ghostly and alive at once. It’s the kind of place where history breathes softly.
Where is Hendrix?
Hendrix is in Bryan County, about 15 miles south of Durant, right near the Red River. You reach it by taking State Highway 78 and then smaller local roads.
Its borderland position and small size keep it quiet and overlooked. Arriving feels like finding a name barely written on the map.
13. Graham – Life in the Wide Open
Graham is a small community scattered across southern Carter County, known more for its open land than any town center. Ranches dominate, and cattle graze in fields stretching beyond sight.
Visitors may find old churches, abandoned barns, or hidden fishing holes along backroads. The atmosphere is rural, steady, and faintly windswept. Oil and ranching tie most residents to the land.
Graham’s seclusion is in its openness—little to mark it, much to feel. It’s a place where the land feels bigger than the people who inhabit it.
Where is Graham?
Graham is located about 25 miles west of Ardmore, in Carter County. It’s accessed by State Highway 76, which threads through ranchland and prairie.
The lack of a central town structure makes it feel diffuse and hidden. The landscape itself is the landmark, quiet and immense.
12. Burneyville – Golf Greens and River Quiet
Burneyville balances a quiet riverside location with the green calm of a golf resort nearby. The town itself is tiny, with only a few hundred residents, yet the Falconhead Resort and Lake Murray nearby add a touch of recreation.
Visitors can golf, fish, or wander along the Red River’s wooded edges. Despite the resort, the community feels sleepy and deeply rural. Ranching remains central, but retirees and weekenders are sprinkled in.
Burneyville’s seclusion lies in being far from highways, hidden among winding county roads. It’s a place where sport and stillness blend in surprising harmony.
Where is Burneyville?
Burneyville is in Love County, about 12 miles west of Marietta and near the Red River. It’s reached by small roads off U.S. Highway 32.
Its distance from interstates keeps it hushed despite its golf reputation. The approach feels like slipping into a retreat guarded by farmland.
11. Kingston – By the Waters of Texoma
Kingston may be the gateway to Lake Texoma, but the town itself is slow, modest, and set back from the water. With around 1,500 residents, it still feels like a lake hamlet more than a bustling town.
Visitors come for boating, fishing, and camping by Texoma’s sprawling shoreline, then retreat to Kingston’s quiet streets. Small diners, bait shops, and local businesses provide just enough to serve residents and travelers alike.
Its seclusion is tied to the lake—Kingston feels like it exists in rhythm with the water, calm and expansive. Nights here are quiet except for frogs and the hush of the breeze. Kingston is the kind of place where water becomes part of daily life.
Where is Kingston?
Kingston is in Marshall County, about 20 miles southeast of Madill and on the northern shore of Lake Texoma. It’s accessed by U.S. Highway 70, but the lake bends the sense of geography, enclosing the town in its wide blue reach.
The roads wind down to marinas and campgrounds, but Kingston itself stays hushed. It feels both lake-close and world-far.
10. Enville – Quiet Country Living
Enville, with a population hovering around 100 residents, embodies the essence of quiet country living. Nestled amidst rolling farmlands, I appreciate how this tiny community offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life.
While there aren’t tourist attractions or bustling streets, the charm lies in its close-knit community and the peace that comes with rural living. Agriculture is the lifeblood here, with many locals engaged in farming and ranching, keeping Oklahoma’s agricultural traditions alive.
What makes Enville truly secluded is its distance from major highways and urban centers, surrounded by expansive fields and untouched landscapes. It’s a place where you can hear the wind whisper through the grass and watch stars fill the night sky.
Where is Enville?
Located in Love County, Southern Oklahoma, Enville sits southeast of Marietta and near the Texas border. Its seclusion is heightened by the absence of major roads passing through, making it a hidden gem off the main routes.
To get there, I take winding county roads that meander through the countryside, offering scenic views and a sense of adventure. This remoteness ensures Enville remains a tranquil haven, perfect for those looking to disconnect and embrace the quietude of rural life.
9. Lebanon – Lakeside Serenity
Lebanon is a small unincorporated community with around 300 residents, offering a peaceful lakeside experience. Situated near the shores of Lake Texoma, I find it’s an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the water.
The local economy revolves around tourism and recreation, with small businesses catering to visitors seeking a quiet retreat. The spacious lots and minimal development contribute to the town’s tranquil atmosphere.
What makes Lebanon secluded is not just its small size but also the natural barrier provided by the lake and surrounding wooded areas, creating a serene environment away from the crowds.
Where is Lebanon?
Lebanon is located in Marshall County, just north of the Oklahoma-Texas border. Its seclusion comes from its position away from major highways and urban centers, nestled between grassy plains and the expansive Lake Texoma.
To reach Lebanon, I usually drive along State Highway 32 and then take local roads that lead towards the lake. The journey itself, through rural landscapes and pastures, adds to the feeling of stepping away from the hustle and bustle, making Lebanon a perfect lakeside getaway.
8. Tussy – A Hidden Haven
Tussy is a tiny unincorporated area with an estimated population of less than 100 people. Surrounded by undeveloped land and rolling hills, I appreciate Tussy for its untouched natural beauty and the sense of solitude it provides.
There aren’t any major attractions, but outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and simply soaking in the peaceful environment. The community is primarily supported by agriculture and small-scale ranching.
Tussy’s seclusion is due in part to its remote location and the lack of commercial development, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a hidden haven away from city life.
Where is Tussy?
Situated in Carter County, Tussy lies in the southern part of Oklahoma, away from major towns and highways. Its location is further nestled between rural roads and vast stretches of countryside.
To get there, I take State Highway 7 and then venture onto smaller county roads that lead into the heart of Tussy. The journey through the scenic backroads underscores the town’s remoteness and the peaceful isolation that defines this quiet community.
7. Reagan – Serenity in Johnston County
Reagan is a small unincorporated community with approximately 80 residents. This tiny town offers a serene atmosphere where one can truly appreciate the simplicity of rural life. I enjoy visiting the nearby national forests and rivers, which provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
The town doesn’t have a defined industry, and many residents lead a self-sustained lifestyle, embracing the natural surroundings. Reagan’s seclusion is enhanced by its enveloping natural landscapes and the absence of commercial developments, offering a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the noise of modern life.
Where is Reagan?
Located in Johnston County, Reagan sits in south-central Oklahoma, northeast of Tishomingo. The town’s seclusion is due to its location amid rolling hills and forests, with no major roads bringing through traffic.
To reach Reagan, I often take State Highway 48 and then navigate through a network of local roads that wind through the countryside. This off-the-beaten-path location ensures that Reagan remains a tranquil spot, untouched by the rush of nearby cities.
6. Fillmore – Seclusion Amidst Rolling Plains
Fillmore is home to around 100 residents and offers seclusion amidst Oklahoma’s vast rolling plains. The town is a peaceful place where you won’t find bustling streets or crowded venues. Instead, I enjoy the quiet roads and open skies that make for perfect stargazing nights.
Agriculture is the mainstay here, with residents engaged in farming activities that have been passed down through generations. Fillmore’s minimal development and wide-open spaces provide a sense of peace that is hard to find elsewhere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude.
Where is Fillmore?
Situated in Johnston County, Fillmore lies to the east of Tishomingo. Its secluded nature comes from its isolation amid expansive plains and the lack of nearby urban centers.
Getting to Fillmore involves traveling along State Highway 99 and then venturing onto smaller rural roads. This remoteness, coupled with the surrounding natural beauty, makes Fillmore a hidden retreat away from the hectic pace of city life.
5. Milo – Hidden in the Heartland
Milo is a small unincorporated community with a population of about 150 people. Surrounded by farmland and gently rolling hills, I find that Milo offers a peaceful environment where life moves at a slower pace. Outdoor activities include exploring country roads, enjoying the local wildlife, and absorbing the serene landscapes.
The community is rooted in agriculture, with many residents involved in farming and cattle ranching. What makes Milo secluded is its distance from major towns and the enveloping farmland, providing a quiet haven in the heartland of Oklahoma.
Where is Milo?
Located in Carter County, Milo sits northwest of Ardmore, away from major transportation routes. The town’s hidden nature is due to its placement among extensive agricultural lands and the absence of commercialized areas.
To reach Milo, I usually travel via U.S. Highway 70 and then navigate through a series of local roads that weave through the countryside. The journey itself accentuates the feeling of leaving the busy world behind and entering a place where tranquility reigns.
4. Pernell – Countryside Privacy
Pernell is another unincorporated community with a modest population of around 100 residents. Nestled among Southern Oklahoma’s natural beauty, I appreciate Pernell for its rural solitude and the privacy it offers. The area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, horseback riding, and exploring nature trails.
The main industries revolve around agriculture and oil production, reflecting the region’s economic history. Pernell’s secluded nature comes from its sparse population and the expansive landscapes that separate it from larger towns, providing a peaceful environment for its residents.
Where is Pernell?
Pernell is located in Garvin County, south of Lindsay and east of the Arbuckle Mountains. Its seclusion is amplified by its position away from major highways and urban sprawl.
To get there, I take State Highway 76 and then venture onto county roads that lead into the heart of Pernell. The surrounding countryside, dotted with farms and natural features, contributes to the town’s sense of isolation and quiet charm.
3. Fittstown – Hidden Gem Off the Beaten Path
With a population of around 200, Fittstown is an unincorporated area offering privacy amidst Southern Oklahoma’s rolling hills. I find Fittstown to be a hidden gem, where you can explore nearby springs, creeks, and enjoy the serenity of rural life.
The local economy includes small businesses and agriculture, with a historical tie to the area’s once-thriving mining industry. Fittstown’s secluded nature is due to its off-the-beaten-path location and the surrounding natural barriers that keep it tucked away from bustling city life.
Where is Fittstown?
Fittstown is situated in Pontotoc County, south of Ada along State Highway 99. Its seclusion comes from being nestled among hills and forests, away from major traffic routes.
When I visit Fittstown, I enjoy the drive through scenic landscapes that heighten the sense of entering a peaceful retreat. Accessible yet quietly hidden, Fittstown offers a unique blend of accessibility and seclusion.
2. Overbrook – Quiet Living Amongst Nature
Overbrook is a small community with approximately 200 residents, offering quiet living amidst lush natural surroundings. Positioned near the Red River, I appreciate the opportunities for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the abundant wildlife.
The area features large lots and natural barriers like forests and rivers, providing residents with privacy and a deep connection to nature.
The local economy is primarily agricultural, with a focus on cattle ranching and farming. Overbrook’s seclusion is a result of its ample space and the natural landscapes that envelop the town, making it a serene escape.
Where is Overbrook?
Located in Love County, just south of Ardmore, Overbrook sits near the Oklahoma-Texas border. Its secluded feel comes from its rural setting and the lack of urban development in the immediate area.
To reach Overbrook, I take U.S. Highway 77 and then branch off onto local roads that lead deeper into the countryside. The proximity to natural features and the quiet roads contribute to Overbrook’s charm as a peaceful, secluded haven.
1. Rubottom – Tranquil Retreat in Love County
Rubottom is an unincorporated community with an estimated population of less than 50 people, making it one of the most secluded towns I’ve encountered in Southern Oklahoma.
Surrounded by expansive rural landscapes, it’s a place where I’ve found true tranquility. Activities here are centered around nature, including hiking, bird watching, and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
There are no significant industries, and the residents often lead self-sufficient lifestyles, embracing the simplicity of rural living. Rubottom’s seclusion stems from its remote location and the vast open spaces that separate it from larger towns, providing a haven for those seeking solitude.
Where is Rubottom?
Rubottom is located in Love County, near the Red River and the Texas border. Its seclusion is amplified by its distance from major highways and the surrounding agricultural lands.
To reach Rubottom, I navigate a network of county roads that traverse the beautiful Oklahoma countryside. The journey itself is part of the allure, as the peaceful landscapes signal the approach to a place where one can truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquil retreat that Rubottom offers.
