Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers several horse camping areas specifically designed for horseback riders in Oklahoma's Ouachita National Forest, approximately 25 miles from Gillham, Arkansas. The campground features electric hookups, water connections, and sewer facilities for RVs, while maintaining a horse-friendly environment throughout the grounds. Both Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp and Cedar Lake North Shore accommodate riders with access to forest trails and adequate space for horse trailers. The facilities maintain clean restrooms, showers, and trash collection services, allowing riders to focus on trail experiences rather than campground logistics.
Located within the Ouachita National Forest system, the equestrian campgrounds connect directly to extensive bridle trails winding through the forested landscape. Riders access varied terrain suitable for different experience levels, from novice trail rides to more challenging routes with elevation changes. The proximity to Cedar Lake provides water access for both campers and horses, with shoreline areas accessible from camping areas. Trailer parking spaces accommodate various sizes, though reservations are recommended during peak seasons. The campground's location allows easy access to additional horse trails throughout the broader region, including connecting routes to other forest service lands. Campground layouts provide sufficient space between sites to maintain privacy while still fostering a community atmosphere among horse camping enthusiasts.
"We had initially planned to go camping at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas; however, unfortunately we were unable to go due to the COVID crisis and Arkansas only allowing in-state residents to begin camping again"
"Fern is in front of the horse depot and train. In the summer I would imagine this is a high traffic area so Acorn and Cypress may be more desirable."
from $20 - $40 / night
"This campground is located right off of Hwy 71 for easy access. Plenty of room for big rigs. Just a short ride to the Wolf Pen Gap trail system."
"I drive truck, always have a hard time getting in/out of places with a semi and usually end up not getting to camp. The main pavilion in the center of the grounds is HUGE!"
from $12 - $105 / night
"A beautiful rustic site with hook up clean showers and toilets, and beautiful bbq and eating area, The river is just a 2 second walk to the river and they hire kayaks for a 4 hour kayak $25 Brilliant,"
from $45 / night
"This is as near perfect as you can get!"
from $30 / night
"If you want to hike, there are more hiking trails and equestrian trails than you could actually accomplish even in fourteen days. The GPS points are all over the map."
"we took a group of Trail Life boys there and we had a good time. There are plenty of good trails near by and we used Cedar Lake as our basecamp."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $40 / night
"The ATV trails are around camp and the noise from the machines buzzing by can be a lot, but it wasn’t a busy weekend so not too bad."
"This was such a cool place and a perfect distance away from everything. There were plenty of options for camping spots but also plenty of people there that you don’t feel completely alone."
"I’ve lived in OK for 30+ years and didn’t know of Cedar Lake in the Quachita mountains near Heavener, OK. It’s incredible!! Clean site, right in the national forest."
"It’s wonderful in the fall when the leaves are changing, the days are cooler, and the nights are perfect for gathering around a camp fire."
from $10 - $23 / night
"Super close to the Talimena Scenic Drive and Horse Thief Spring and plenty of ATV/UTV trails. The park hosts were amazing and came to check on us throughout our stay."
"With so many trails that you can access just by walking out of the camp site. This is my favorite spot to camp in Oklahoma"
TravelerIf you are heading this way this is a deffo stop the tranquility nature and river is absolutely stunning The owners are amazing friendly and accommodating one of the best on this road trip so far Thank you so much
TravelerA beautiful rustic site with hook up clean showers and toilets, and beautiful bbq and eating area, The river is just a 2 second walk to the river and they hire kayaks for a 4 hour kayak $25 Brilliant, the owner is super friendly and welcoming would defiantly recommend a visit i could easily stay longer ❤️ love it And Thankyou x
GuideWe arrived late. The pit toilet is boarded up. Not usable. The area is beautiful with a nice creek. Very peaceful. No potable water!
TravelerThis was such a cool place and a perfect distance away from everything. There were plenty of options for camping spots but also plenty of people there that you don’t feel completely alone.
LegendThis place genuinely is amazing. If you want to hike, there are more hiking trails and equestrian trails than you could actually accomplish even in fourteen days. The GPS points are all over the map. Essentially, come down to Cedar Lake. And there are two group campgrounds, a spot called shady lane equestrian, campground, and then the campground right on the water, they're all terrific. Most nights there wasn't anybody here. I spent four nights in the equestrian, campground and two nights in shady lane absolutely terrific.
GuideBuckeye campground is a newly renovated loop. The sites on the water are absolutely beautiful! Easy set up. Plenty of room for our 5th wheel and truck. Level concrete site. It rained a lot during our stay but we were not bothered at all since there was no mud around us.
TravelerBroken Bow area is nestled in and around the beautiful lake that supports many types of activities. The grounds are wooded, hilly and forestry - the campground areas are set up to maximize the areas available for camping - thus they are all close quarters. Be aware, there are 2 separate camping areas with 2 separate entrances and live help was not available - at least when we were there. The facilities are clean and modern but not centrally located within the camping areas.
ScoutWith so many trails that you can access just by walking out of the camp site. This is my favorite spot to camp in Oklahoma
LegendBeautiful and lush and QUIET. I love it. Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only. Gorgeous 3 mile hike around the lake. I hear it’s a fishing lake but we don’t fish. Enjoyed the scenery and peace. Would come again and again. Don’t forget the ice, there’s nothing close. Site 33 looks to be my fav.
Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers horseback riders a unique camping experience in Oklahoma's Ouachita National Forest. Located at 1,100 feet elevation within densely wooded pine forests, the area receives about 54 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation throughout spring and summer. The campground connects to over 200 miles of forest trails ranging from beginner-friendly flat terrain to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes.
Trail riding access points: Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground provides direct trail access for riders at various experience levels. As one camper notes, "This place was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! So beautiful with all the pine trees and being so far out from everything... Super close to the Talimena Scenic Drive and Horse Thief Spring and plenty of ATV/UTV trails."
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) offers excellent fishing from shorelines or docks. A visitor mentions, "There is a fishing dock and a trail that goes around the entire perimeter of the lake. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, grill, lantern poles, fire pit, parking spot and small counter-like food prep area."
Lake perimeter hiking: The 2-mile trail circling Cedar Lake provides an easy, scenic walk suitable for all skill levels. One camper described it as "a really fun trail that runs right around the entire lake, and it's a little over two miles. Nearly all natural terrain throughout the hike which makes it especially nice."
Wildlife observation: The forest area hosts diverse wildlife including wild turkeys and various bird species. A camper reported, "Saw a ton of wild turkeys and two cottonmouth snakes," highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness during visits.
Spacious, private campsites: Beavers Bend State Park Campground near Broken Bow offers well-spaced camping areas. A reviewer noted, "We were able to secure a campsite at the last minute. It was crowded but to be expected. The water was nice and we had a great time canoeing on the river. Deer were everywhere in the evening."
Clean facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds maintain good bathroom and shower facilities. According to one visitor at CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground, "Bathrooms and showers are spotless. The staff is extremely kind and helpful." This attention to cleanliness makes longer stays more comfortable.
Dedicated horse facilities: Horse-specific amenities include ample trailer parking and designated horse areas. A camper mentioned that Cedar Lake has "a section also for equestrian camping and riding as well as RV hookup sites," making it versatile for different types of visitors.
Quiet atmosphere: Many equestrian campgrounds enforce quiet hours after 10 pm. One camper appreciated that Cedar Lake was "Beautiful and lush and QUIET. I love it. Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only. Gorgeous 3 mile hike around the lake."
Seasonal closures and maintenance: Campgrounds occasionally close for repairs. A visitor noted, "Cedar Lake is going to be closed for few weeks during Fall of 2019 for maintenance and repairs. I would be sure and call office before traveling there in hopes of camping!"
Remote location: Ouachita National Forest Cedar Lake Recreation Area is significantly distanced from supplies. A camper warned, "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you."
Reservation recommendations: During peak seasons (spring and fall), securing campsites ahead of time is advisable. One visitor shared, "We reserved our campsite on line but many were available on a first come first serve basis."
Firewood availability: Limited on-site firewood requires planning ahead. According to a camper, "It was difficult to get fire wood. The campground didn't have any available but a local stated we could call a guy who would deliver some - we didn't have cell service so that wasn't an option."
Trail difficulty assessment: Match trail selection to family skill levels. A family camper shared, "We will BE back!! I've lived in OK for 30+ years and didn't know of Cedar Lake in the Quachita mountains near Heavener, OK. It's incredible!! Clean site, right in the national forest."
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer special programs for children. One parent mentioned, "She was really friendly, helpful, and our two boys thought she was the best when she gave them Smokey the Bear pins!"
Playground facilities: Boondockers Landing provides family-oriented recreation areas. A visitor confirmed, "Good place for family camping. Plenty of room and peaceful area. Our family had a enjoyable time."
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant temperature variations, especially in spring and fall. A camper recommended, "When we lived in Oklahoma we would camp out regularly in March, bring jackets and stuff to keep warm because it is still very chilly, but warm enough during the day for some nice hiking."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds offer various utility connections. One RVer stated, "Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only," indicating the need to check specific site amenities.
Site selection for horse trailers: Request sites with adequate space for both RV and horse trailer parking when making reservations. A camper mentioned, "Plenty of room for our 5th wheel and truck. Level concrete site. It rained a lot during our stay but we were not bothered at all since there was no mud around us."
Generator policies: Policies regarding generator usage vary between campgrounds and should be confirmed before arrival. Some restrict hours or prohibit them entirely in certain camping sections.
Road conditions: Access roads may present challenges for larger rigs. A visitor noted one campground wasn't configured for big rigs: "I drive truck, always have a hard time getting in/out of places with a semi and usually end up not getting to camp."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gillham, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gillham, AR is Beavers Bend State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 57 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gillham, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Gillham, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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