We love a good ride as much as anyone, but in Beavers Bend Cabin Country, there are a few ground rules (and we mean that literally) to keep the trails safe, the land healthy, and the fun going for years to come.
Know where you can go before you rev that engine.
The Ouachita Wildlife Management Area (WMA) of the Ouachita National Forest is the only spot in McCurtain County where off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are legal for public use.
The Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area and Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area allow ATV riding only to help hunters get around during deer season, and you’ll need a deer hunting license for that.
OHVs include ATVs, 4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, UTVs (like Mules), and motorcycles.
Get the green light to go.
Use any of the three options below to check your route and see where you can legally ride before you go:
Call the local Forest Service office at 580-494-6402.
25 MPH on the Ouachita WMA and all other WMAs, for all vehicles, ATVs included.
Equipment Requirements
All OHVs must have a USFS-approved spark arrestor in working order.
Loud, modified exhausts? Nope. They’re prohibited and may violate ODWC rules for Department Managed Lands.
Alcohol
No alcoholic beverages or low-point beer allowed in the Ouachita National Forest.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Ride
OHVs are only allowed on National Forest roads marked “OPEN” for ATV use on the current MVUM.
If it’s not on the MVUM as “OPEN,” it’s closed. Past use doesn’t count as permission.
No forest floor riding. It’s prohibited north and south of Hwy 70 in Beavers Bend.
Only ~33 miles of forest roads are open to ATVs (plus a few seasonal miles). Call the Forest Service (580-494-6402) if you’re unsure.
Trail & Terrain Restrictions
No riding on hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian-only trails.
Only motorcycles are allowed on the Indian Nations Trail in LeFlore County.
No driving on powerlines, pipelines, seismic lines, fire lines, or railroad rights-of-way.
No driving on or crossing paved roads.
Streambeds, creek beds, lake beds, along lake shoreline, or in the lake.
Hochatown Riding Rules
You can take your ATV or UTV onto the streets of Hochatown as long as it’s a registered street legal vehicle according to Oklahoma’s traffic laws. Here are a few rules to know:
Street speed is not to exceed 30 MPH.
You cannot drive your ATV or UTV on U.S. highways.
When you’re within town limits, you can only cross state highways at a right angle.
Your ATV/UTV must have seatbelts and you must wear a helmet.
You must follow neighborhood covenant rules.
Short term rentals may have their own restrictions. Always check your short term rental contract.
Rider Safety
Helmets are required for anyone under 18.
No passengers unless the OHV was designed to carry them (after-market mods don’t count).
Wear eye protection, boots, and gloves.
Give horseback riders the right of way.
Why These Rules Exist
Heavy or irresponsible OHV use can:
Damage watersheds
Destroy habitats
Harm native plants and animals
Pollute streams and rivers
By sticking to the rules, you’re protecting the land and making sure ATV access sticks around. Riding in closed areas can lead to fines or even jail time.
Seasonal & Hunting-Specific Rules
In Three Rivers WMA and Honobia Creek WMA, ATV use will only be allowed during deer season (Oct. 1 – Jan. 15) by licensed deer hunters.
During that time, ATV/OHV riders must wear fluorescent orange on the chest and head. If you’re wearing a crash helmet, only the chest covering is required.
Check the official ODWC rules before you head out:
