Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground provides specialized accommodations for riders and their horses in the Ouachita National Forest. The campground features electric hookups, water connections, showers, and toilets in a heavily forested pine setting with sites situated near the lake. Campers report the bathroom facilities are clean and well-maintained, making extended stays comfortable. The park offers both tent and RV camping options with generous spacing between sites that creates a private camping experience. Cedar Lake North Shore and Cedar Lake Recreation Area both accommodate equestrians with similar amenities. The campground maintains a quiet hour after 10 pm, creating a peaceful environment for horses and riders alike.
Located approximately 45 minutes from the nearest town, Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground connects to multiple trail systems including the Horsethief Springs Trail which can be extended to a 14-mile route. The trail around the lake measures just over two miles, offering an easy ride option with scenic views. Horse owners find the proximity to the Talimena Scenic Drive provides additional riding opportunities. Trailer parking is available at designated sites with sufficient room for vehicles and equipment. The campground experiences periodic closures for maintenance and septic system repairs, so calling ahead is recommended before planning a horse camping trip. Most riders note the quiet, peaceful setting makes this location ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway with horses, though all supplies should be brought in as no services are available on site.
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
"General: Located in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas, you can enjoy time off the grid (we had limited cell service when we were at the summit of the Yellow Rock Trail but none in the campground"
"I stayed in Campground E, one of 5 campgrounds in the park, not including the equestrian campground or the walk in tent sites off of Campground A."
from $20 / night
"Buffalo, horses and awesome amounts of fish! We stayed here in a duplex cabin and could just fish right out our back door. They have hiking trails and 2 private lakes."
from $35 - $40 / 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 this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $40 / night
"The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."
"There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."
from $35 / night
"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
"They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond. My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact."
"Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites. There is a whole new section for Class A and large 5th wheel campers now."
"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."
"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"
RangerPark has lots of hiking trails and lots of pro mountain bike trails too. The main Devils Den trail was closed for repairs when I arrived but still enjoyed the park. I have Verizon and the reception there was awful.
GuideThe campground was really nice. The sites were spread out really well for full hookup spots. Each spot had some privacy and distance between them. Bathrooms were super clean. There’s plenty of hiking trails around but other than that it’s a pretty relaxing campsite. Weather is 10-15 degrees cooler than what you’d expect in the River Valley.
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.
LegendWe took advantage of the 75 degree weather at the end of February to enjoy Mount Magazine. What a beautiful campground! All spaces have LOTS of room between them, it’s quiet, bathrooms are new and clean. A fantastic view of the region within a short walking distance. Lots and lots of hiking. 100% would visit again. I would probably stay in site 9, 15, or 17 if I had the choice again but none of the sites are bad. Full hookups.
GuideMount Magazine is absolutely gorgeous! Camping was great, bathrooms are kept very clean, campground had great sites that gave you lots of space and privacy.
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.
RangerDevil’s Den SP had a great campground with full hookups available. The natural beauty of this area is breathtaking! Plenty of hiking opportunities and tons of activities. Very pet friendly. And close to so many attractions in Northwest Arkansas!
LegendGreat stop right off highway between Ft Smith and Fayetteville. Nice mix of all types of camping from tent-RV. Mountain Biking trails are on point, and plenty of hiking to scratch that itch or keep in shape for big trips
Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers specialized facilities for horse owners in the Ouachita National Forest. The campground sits about 45 minutes from nearby towns at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet in heavily forested pine terrain. Trails connect directly to camping areas with access to multiple route options including the 14-mile Horsethief Springs Trail extension.
Trail riding around the lake: The trail that circles Cedar Lake measures just over two miles, making it an ideal short ride for beginners or those wanting a quick scenic option. At Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground, visitors note that "The lake was absolutely beautiful and so were the campsites. Our camp host was super nice and got us a great spot to spend the weekend."
Hiking through pine forests: The Ouachita National Forest offers multiple trails accessible from campgrounds. A visitor at Ouachita National Forest Cedar Lake Recreation Area mentioned "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."
Access the Talimena Scenic Drive: This renowned driving route runs along the Ouachita Mountains ridges with numerous lookout points. One camper at Cedar Lake North Shore shared: "You can go up on the mountain to catch the views. There are sites for people with horses also."
Privacy between campsites: The spacing and natural barriers create secluded camping experiences even during busy periods. A reviewer noted about Cedar Lake North Shore: "This is our all time favorite camping spot. 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."
Clean facilities: Despite remote location, bathrooms and shower buildings receive regular maintenance. One camper at Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp mentioned: "Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, grill, lantern poles, fire pit, parking spot and small counter-like food prep area. The setting is absolutely beautiful with tall pines, rolling hills and a gorgeous lake."
Quiet atmosphere: The remote setting and campground policies create a peaceful environment. A visitor stated: "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."
Limited supplies nearby: No stores or services are available at the campgrounds. One camper at Cedar Lake advised: "Beautiful and quiet family fun! One of the best camping trips that our family has ever taken. Lots of things to do, hiking and camping was amazing."
Periodic facility closures: The campgrounds undergo maintenance that may affect bathroom availability. A reviewer at CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground shared a similar experience at their campground: "The manager (John) even wanted us to stay in a storm shelter room if the rain got worse. Nonetheless, we left due to the rain, but will definitely go back if we could!"
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for natural wildlife interactions in this remote setting. One camper observed: "Saw a ton of wild turkeys and two cottonmouth snakes."
Pack all essentials: The remote location requires bringing everything you need. A camper at Cedar Lake North Shore noted: "This campground is beautiful. Clean showers with hot water. Swimming for the kids and a playground."
Consider weather variations: Mountain elevations can create temperature differences between valley and campsite. A visitor remarked: "We camped here in the fall, bring jackets and stuff to keep warm because it is still very chilly, but warm enough during the day for some nice hiking."
Plan water activities: The lake provides swimming and fishing opportunities during warmer months. One visitor recalled: "I needed an electric hookup to charge the batteries on my boat every night and he was able to give us a site with hookups close to the boat ramp."
Check road conditions: The mountain access roads can be challenging for larger vehicles, especially in poor weather. At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, an RVer noted: "Pretty good tow up the mountain. Limited number of sites. Full hookup. A lot of trees."
Reserve sites in advance: The limited number of suitable RV spaces fill quickly during peak seasons. A camper mentioned: "We stayed in the non-electric sites (North Shore loop). Campgrounds were incredibly peaceful and quiet. There is running water and bathrooms which were relatively clean."
Bring leveling equipment: Many sites require adjustments for comfortable parking. One visitor advised: "The sites are level, and were Pull-Thru so we didn't even unhook."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Midland, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Midland, AR is William O. Darby RV Community with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Midland, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Midland, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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