LIVE NOW

Plan the drive, the charging, and the weekend.

A practical guide for getting into town, finding EV charging, choosing cabins, building an itinerary, and avoiding the usual first-trip friction.

EV Charging

Make charging part of the route, not a last-minute errand.

Hochatown is cabin country. Public charging is available nearby, but EV drivers should plan the last hour of the drive, confirm cabin charging before booking, and use the live station map before committing to a stop.

50 micharging search radius
Level 2ask cabin hosts before booking
DC Fasttop off before US-259
Dallas and DFW driversUse Sherman or Durant as realistic top-off points before the final US-259 stretch.
Cabin staysAsk about Level 2 charging, NEMA 14-50 outlets, or safe 110V access before arrival.
Around townCheck recent plug reviews and availability before making a charger your only plan.
Trip Planner

Build a trip that matches how you actually travel.

Start with a guided flow or type a plain-English request. The planner can blend cabins, restaurants, activities, events, pets, group size, timing, and EV needs.

Plan Your Trip

What brings you to the area?

Pick the vibe that fits your trip

First-Timer Guide

The local basics to know before you go.

Use these quick sections for arrival planning, cabin check-in, groceries, weather, cell service, dining, outdoor essentials, and emergency contacts.

Hochatown is a small town nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of southeast Oklahoma, near Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park. Named for a Choctaw man, Hocha, who arrived on the Trail of Tears, the original town was established in the 1830s when displaced Choctaw families settled in the Mountain Fork River Valley. By the 1880s, twelve Choctaw families had built a thriving community. The lumber industry brought growth in the early 1900s, and Hochatown even earned the nickname "Moonshine Capital of Oklahoma" during Prohibition — an estimated 80% of families were involved in manufacturing, selling, or transporting moonshine. In the 1960s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Mountain Fork River to create Broken Bow Lake. The entire town — post office, general store, homes, churches, and cemetery — was relocated to higher ground along Highway 259. The original Hochatown now rests beneath over 200 feet of water, and scuba divers can still explore its remnants. After decades as a quiet community, Hochatown experienced a massive tourism boom starting around 2020, with cabin rentals surging over 400%. In November 2022, residents voted 129-18 to officially reincorporate. Today it's one of Oklahoma's most vibrant destinations, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each weekend.

BEFORE YOU GO

Hochatown questions, answered

Is Hochatown a real town?

Yes. Hochatown is an incorporated town in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Residents voted 129-18 to reincorporate in November 2022 after decades as an unincorporated community. The original 1830s Choctaw settlement now sits under Broken Bow Lake, which flooded the valley in the 1960s — the modern town was rebuilt on higher ground along US-259.

How far is Hochatown from Dallas and Oklahoma City?

Hochatown is roughly 3.5 hours from Dallas and about 4 hours from Oklahoma City. Most visitors arrive on US-259 heading north out of Broken Bow. The final stretch is scenic but winding, so allow extra time after dark when deer are active.

Is Hochatown the same place as Broken Bow?

They are two different towns about 15 minutes apart. Broken Bow is the larger service town to the south, with the grocery stores, gas, and chain retail. Hochatown sits north of it along US-259 next to Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake, and is where most cabin rentals, restaurants, and attractions are. Listings are often marketed as "Broken Bow cabins" even when they are physically in Hochatown.

Is there cell service in Hochatown?

Coverage is patchy. You may get one or two bars along US-259, but many cabins deep in the forest have no signal at all. AT&T is slightly better in some spots than T-Mobile or Verizon. Nearly all cabins provide WiFi, so plan to message and navigate over that, and download maps and playlists before you arrive.

Where do you buy groceries near Hochatown?

There is no full grocery store in Hochatown itself. Stock up in Broken Bow, about 15 minutes south, where you will find a Walmart Supercenter and Brookshire Brothers. Convenience stores and markets along US-259 carry firewood, ice, and basics, but selection is limited and prices run higher.

What is the best time of year to visit Hochatown?

Fall (September through November) is peak season for foliage and cool evenings, and books up earliest. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures along with thunderstorms. Summer is hot, humid, and best for lake days. Winter is the quietest and cheapest stretch, with occasional ice storms that can affect the roads.

Do you need a car in Hochatown?

Yes. There is no public transit or rideshare coverage to speak of, cabins are spread across miles of forest road, and attractions sit along a long stretch of US-259. A standard car is fine for the main roads; ask your property manager about the final approach if your cabin is on gravel.

What should you do in an emergency in Hochatown?

Call 911 for anything life-threatening. The nearest hospital is McCurtain Memorial in Idabel, about 40 minutes away. Non-emergency contacts worth saving before you lose signal: McCurtain County Sheriff (580) 286-3331, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police (580) 920-7000, and the Beavers Bend State Park office (580) 494-6300.

Hochatown Visitor Guide — What to Know Before You Go