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Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground in the Ouachita National Forest provides dedicated horse camping facilities near Van Buren, Arkansas. The campground features thirty-amp electrical hookups, water connections, and sewer hookups for RVs while accommodating tent campers as well. Bathhouses with showers and toilet facilities serve horse owners staying overnight. The equestrian campground maintains picnic tables at each site and allows campfires when fire danger is low. All sites are reservable through the national forest reservation system. Daily trail rides connect campers to the extensive trail system throughout the surrounding forest area. The campground maintains trash collection services for campers and their horses.
Located approximately 100 miles south of Van Buren in the Ouachita Mountains, Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground connects directly to forest service trails offering miles of riding opportunities through varied terrain. The campground remains open year-round, making it accessible for seasonal riding trips. Horse owners find the combination of modern amenities with direct trail access particularly valuable. Most campsites accommodate horse trailers with adequate space for parking and unloading. Cedar Lake receives consistently positive reviews from equestrians, earning a perfect 5-star rating from horse campers who appreciate the well-maintained facilities and trail access. The campground enforces standard horse camping etiquette including proper waste management and designated areas for horses within the camping area.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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 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
Check Availability"Camped near the river and had a wonderful time exploring the off-road trails near the area."
"This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
from $10 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Store outside gate. Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m."
"We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us. Great place to stay, friendly staff!"
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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"
LegendI had heard so many great things about this park but I was not that impressed. The sites are fairly close together. There’s no signs warning that if you are in a large RV you shouldn’t come in on a certain highway. They do have equestrian trails and a campground to accommodate campers with horses. They have a lot of hiking trails. There are cabins and a pool.
LegendGeneral: 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). Limited rainfall resulted in less dramatic (or non-existent) waterfalls that are otherwise boasted of during other times of the year but the scenery was still beautiful, especially in the fall.
Sites/Facilities: Many different camping options (some loops have full hookups while others do not have hookups and there is a dump station near Loop E), a hike-in campground, a group campground, and an equestrian campground. There are also 17 rustic cabins (1-3 bedrooms with kitchens and a/c and heating plus nearby bathrooms). We camped in Loop E and there was reasonable separation between the sites. The pads were paved. Each site had a metal picnic table, lantern hook, and fire grate. Many of the sites provided shade from the many trees.
Bathhouse: Like some other Arkansas state parks, there are two bathhouses in some loops, and they were open on alternating days so that the other one may be cleaned and sanitized (Covid related policy). While the open one in Loop E was clean, the several soap dispensers were empty which does not make sense to me when hand washing is recommended. You also need to bring your own towel, which I have been doing regardless. There are showers but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how good they are.
Activities/Amenities: Hiking! I highly recommend the Yellow Rock Trail and the Devils Den Trail plus there are several others. During the summer, you can rent paddle boats and canoes. There are several areas with picnic tables throughout the park. There is also a swimming pool, although I did not see it when we were there in October(it would only be open in the summer). Firewood is available for sale.
LegendThis is a gorgeous park, even on a rainy weekend. 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. E was a large campground, with mixed tent and RV camping, with some sites along Lee Creek. Each site was well equipped with paved parking pads, nice flat sites for tents (some gravel pads, some just grassy areas), and many of the spots had electic and water. All had campfire rings, picnic tables, and grills. There were two nice hiking trails leading out of this particular campground, and some of the other campgrounds (A in particular) also had good trails. The bathhouses were really nice and modern and very clean. What I liked about this park, besides the great hiking trails, were all of the historic CCC buildings. There is a really neat scenic overlook that was built by the CCC near the Yellow Rock trailhead, and if you step in the visitor's center, you are actually in the old CCC motor pool. There is a really nice statue and plaque commemorating the work of the CCC in building the park near the lake and cafe.
TravelerDevil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. The sites are generally spacious. If you want the best experience - grab one of the sites along the ridge (83, 85, 87) - these have a great view off the back and offer incredible space. There are several hiking trails within the park and other activities during warmer months (i.e. pool). If you have a large rig - make sure to take the West Fork exit off I-49 vs. the south exit (Winslow). There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park. Make sure to stock up on supplies beforehand - there are not many options within that area as far as food and services.
LegendAmazing State Park with something for everyone
I have been to Devil's Den State Park twice now and this is my favorite state park in Arkansas. Devil's Den State park has something for every camper, no matter how you prefer to camp. Tent camping, hike in camping, RVs, cabins, they have it all. Want to bring your horse, you can do that as well. Devil's Den has some great hiking and mountain biking trails, from short to long. If you only do one trail be sure that is the Devil's Den Trail, you won't be disappointed on this 1.5 mile trail. If you want a longer trail there is the 15 mile Butterfield Hiking Trail. Devil's Den campground includes 135 campsites ranging from basic tent sites to full hookups for the RV crowed and horse sites. Campground are all paved with paved parking pads. Individual sites have tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings and a first for me, hooks for hanging your lantern. Flush toilets and showers are included. If you like to swim they even have a pool. Park has a store to provide your food needs. Sites all appeared to be well spaced. If you want complete privacy the word is get one of the walk in sites, you will have a bit of a walk but the reward is complete solitude. Lee Creek runs through the park and a 8-acre lake which allows fishing and boating with canoes and pedal boats. You need to reserve your site before hand or at the visitor center. One thing I do like is if you arrive to late to register at the visitor center, then you can just grab an empty site for the night, you just have to register the next day by 10am.
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GuideWe only had three days and it rained all day for the first day but I still really enjoyed this park. The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way. We were not used to this setup so we thought it was broken. We were on site 53. I don’t like the placement of the fire pits, they are off at the road side of the site which makes it feel too close to other campers, rather than tucked into your own site. The bathrooms are probably the nicest I’ve experienced at a state park.
TravelerWe bought our first camper this year and have loved staying at Devil's Den. We made 4 trips there and enjoyed each one. The RV sites have full hookups and most are well shaded. There's easy access to Lee Creek and trails that lead from the campground around to the dam, pool and gift shop.
They also have a horse camp, tent camping, cabins and camper cabins. Whether you're looking to relax or explore one of the many hiking trails, there's something for everyone!
ScoutThis is a great place to camp or hike. It has a great trail that you can explore, with lots of large boulders and some caves that you can get real close to. I think you can go in them at some times too but when I was there it was closed due to something with the bats. There is also a pretty dam and lake that is right there for fishing or kayaking. When you think of a campsite that has it all, this one is it. It's got your water source, trails, big boulders to climb, caves. There is also a state park center to visit and get info. There are plenty of campsites and several cabins to rent. There is a horse trail and other things for horse but I haven't explored it. They do have a pool that is open for the summer. I have just been there to hike but saw these other amenities. Hope this helps.
LegendWe have been to DD many many times and always love staying here. Lee creek provides a great place to play on a hot day and the park has many great hiking opportunities for all ages. Biking and equestrian opportunities are also available. The bathrooms are updated and clean. You must make reservations in advance during the summer.
Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground exists within the larger Ouachita National Forest system where several equestrian camping options can be found within driving distance of Van Buren, Arkansas. The campground sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation in the Ouachita Mountains region. Temperatures typically range from 30°F in winter months to upper 90s during summer with humidity levels reaching 70-80% during rainy seasons.
Trail riding in Ouachita National Forest: Horse owners can access miles of designated equestrian trails directly from Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground. The trails wind through pine forests and around the lake perimeter. "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," notes Kristi B.
Explore nearby caves and rock formations: The Ozark region offers geological features for day trips from horse campgrounds. Devil's Den State Park Campground provides access to unique cave systems. "We stayed at Devils Den State Park and the camping was great but the scenery was awesome. I highly suggest hiking the Yellow Rock trail just outside of the campground. The large rock 'mountain' it leads you too are so much fun to play on. They have tiny caves and are incredibly easy to crawl around on," says Cj C.
Lake fishing access: Many equestrian campgrounds provide lake access for fishing between trail rides. "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," writes Cynthia H. about her stay at Long Lake Resort.
Direct trail connections: Horse owners appreciate campgrounds with immediate trail access without needing to trailer horses. "The trail around the lake is flat and easy but other more difficult trails aren't far away," notes Danielle L. about Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathroom facilities rank high on camper priorities. "Clean showers with hot water. Swimming for the kids and a playground. There are sites for people with horses also. And you can go up on the mountain to catch the views," comments Cathy P.
Privacy between sites: The spacing between campsites allows for horse trailer parking while maintaining privacy. "The campground is heavily forested with pine trees and there are some sites right off the lake. It has a very nice bathroom facility with showers. Normally when we would go (in the fall and spring) it was not very crowded," shares Kelly Z.
Distance from supplies: Most horse campgrounds near Van Buren require advance planning for supplies. "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you," warns Kristi B. about Cedar Lake.
Seasonal maintenance closures: Campground systems undergo periodic maintenance. "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.
Cell service limitations: Most horse camping areas have limited connectivity. At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, "TMobile 3 bars at site 17, Verizon lower..." reports Heather K., though reception varies significantly throughout the Ouachita region.
Bring bug protection: The forest environment requires insect preparation. "P.S make sure and bring lots of bug spray," recommends Cj C. after visiting Devil's Den State Park.
Water activities for children: Several equestrian campgrounds offer swimming areas. "My favorite camping spot yet. Aside from the extreme humidity this was a great family getaway. Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!" shares Melissa M.
Pack extra supplies: The remote location of horse campgrounds requires self-sufficiency. "We drove about 30 mins to the closest 'town' to get firewood from a gas station quick stop," explains Missy G. about her experience at Byrd's Adventure Center.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose appropriate sites when bringing horse trailers and RVs. "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.
Elevation considerations: The mountain terrain affects driving conditions. "Pretty good tow up the mountain. Limited number of sites. Full hookup. A lot of trees," advises Rob W. about his experience at Mount Magazine State Park.
Weather awareness: Mountain elevations create unique weather patterns. "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening," cautions Donny S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Van Buren, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Van Buren, AR is Devil's Den State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 88 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Van Buren, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Van Buren, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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