Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp offers specialized camping for horseback riders within the Ouachita National Forest. The campground features both primitive and developed equestrian campsites with access to extensive trail systems. Campers have access to drinking water, electrical hookups with 30-amp service, and sewer hookups. The grounds maintain showers, toilets, and trash collection for visitors. Located approximately 60 miles from Parks, Arkansas, the campground accommodates both tent and RV camping alongside equestrian facilities. The bathhouses are air-conditioned with hot running water, providing comfortable amenities after a day of riding.
The equestrian campground connects directly to the Ouachita National Forest trail system, offering miles of scenic riding opportunities through diverse mountain terrain. Cedar Lake Recreation Area provides additional trails that wind through the forest landscape, allowing riders to explore the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. Horse owners appreciate the well-maintained campground with its picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak riding seasons when the equestrian camps reach capacity. The campground's layout accommodates various rig sizes with big-rig friendly sites available. Most equestrian sites remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect trail accessibility in certain areas of the forest.
"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."
"If you are ever driving through Arkansas a trip to Mount Magazine State Park is a must."
from $35 / 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
"Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by."
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW:: Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park Turning off I-40 at"
"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."
"There is a fishing dock and a trail that goes around the entire perimeter of the lake."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $40 / 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
"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."
"This was a great little park and stay at while we were in fort Smith. The price was right and operated by a family and the whole family chips in to run the park."
"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
"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
"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."
GuideCampground made for the smaller rigs. Access road has a 24 foot camper length limit. Fun drive with steep switchbacks. Some campsites are on the cliffs edge so the views are fantastic. Staff was helpful and the sites clean. Some good leveling will be required at a few RV sites but it's more then worth it!
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.
LegendOne of the best places I have camped in a while. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice trails and panoramic views.
LegendCoordinates: 34.78571,-93.15988. Visited in early May 2025. Located along Forest Road 772, about 1 mile north of Forest Road 11 in the Ouachita National Forest. Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road. FR11 is in good condition at the time of this visit. The camp is on the western edge of the Deckard Mountain Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area. The camp serves as a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system. These trails are also open to hikers. The trailhead is located at the rear of the camp. Free. Four sites (2 official national forest sites with metal fire rings plus 2 dispersed sites with rock fire rings), available on a first-come/first-based only. Hitching posts are available in the camp. A small creek runs along side the camp. The grounds of the camp do not appear to be maintained, but the sites were clean. There is a very clean vault toilet located at the rear of the camp; it was well supplied. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Sites are mnostly shaded making solar rechargiong and Starlink access a challenge. I received no T-Mobile cell service. The camp itself is not aesthetically pleasing, but it is located deep in a beautiful forest with easy access to a trail system. Note that, when I last checked, the Ouachita National Forest Web site no longer lists this site as a campground.
Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers dedicated horse riding facilities 60 miles from Parks, Arkansas, within the Ouachita National Forest. The campground features both tent and RV camping options with access to over 100 miles of trails through diverse mountain terrain. Water and electrical hookups are available at most sites with 30-amp service.
Hiking on mountain trails: At Mount Nebo State Park Campground, visitors can access several trails with varying difficulty levels. "Different sections of the Rim Trail range from easy to moderate to strenuous. They are marked. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail but are permitted on other trails as are horses," notes Dave V.
Horseback riding: The equestrian facilities at Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground connect to extensive trail systems. "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," says Kristi B.
Fishing: Cedar Lake offers good fishing opportunities close to campsites. "We stayed in our camper by the lake and could just fish right out our back door," mentions Cynthia H. The lake contains multiple species of game fish and is accessible via shoreline or small watercraft.
Wildlife viewing: The forest areas around Parks contain diverse wildlife. "Saw a ton of wild turkeys and two cottonmouth snakes," reports Amelia S. about her stay at Cedar Lake. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities.
Mountain views: Mount Magazine State Park Campground offers panoramic vistas from Arkansas's highest peak. "The views ARE the reason to experience this park! They are simply delicious!" exclaims Charles H. The park sits at 2,753 feet elevation with viewing areas accessible by short walks from camping areas.
Private camping spaces: Many campers appreciate the layout at Cedar Lake. "The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private," writes Ashley W. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and level tent pads.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms are clean and positioned well to make them accessible to all the camp sites," notes Danielle L. Most equestrian campgrounds in the area maintain heated shower facilities with hot water year-round.
Trail access: Ouachita National Forest Cedar Lake Recreation Area provides direct trail connections from campsites. "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," explains Matthew E.
Remote location: Equestrian campgrounds near Parks are typically situated away from urban areas. "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you," advises Kristi B. Cell service can be limited or unavailable in many areas.
Steep access roads: Some mountain campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%," cautions Dave V. about Mount Nebo State Park.
Wildlife precautions: The area has active wildlife including venomous snakes and bears. "There is a pack of dogs that came through at night. So be sure to put up your trash and food at night. Especially since bears could be around," warns Jackie F. Most campgrounds provide bear-resistant storage containers.
Seasonal maintenance: Facilities may close periodically for repairs. "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!" advises Susan F.
Pool access: Some campgrounds offer swimming facilities for children. "State park with swimming pool in summer. Playground and swings for young ones," mentions Stan G. about Mount Nebo State Park, which provides a welcome activity after trail riding.
Hiking difficulty: Be aware of trail challenges when planning with children. "The trails in Nebo are a little rough. The map says easy... I think that is if you are an expert hiker. lol. There were some steep points and going down various rock trails. We had 5 dogs and 7 people and we were all struggling a tad," shares Jackie F.
Campsite selection: At Cedar Lake, request sites away from the lake if you have small children. "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," enthuses Patrick G. whose family enjoyed the campground with two boys.
Educational opportunities: The forests offer chances for nature education. "The hiking is wonderful. Cedar lake is beautiful. 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," recalls Megan P. who brought along another family.
Military option: William O. Darby RV Community provides a secure environment for overnight stays. "This was a great little park and stay at while we were in fort Smith. The price was right and operated by a family and the whole family chips in to run the park. The hosts were very accommodating and the military police patrolled the park," shares Leslie D.
Site amenities: Check for specific hookup details when planning an RV stay for horse camping. "The RV area looked new because all of the power boxes had 50/30 and 120 outlets and breakers which is super cool. All of the sites had sewer and water connections too," notes Cynthia H. about Long Lake Resort.
Road restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations on RV size due to mountain roads. "Pretty good tow up the mountain. Limited number of sites. Full hookup. A lot of trees," explains Rob W. about Mount Magazine State Park. Larger rigs should verify access before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Parks, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Parks, AR is Mount Magazine State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Parks, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Parks, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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