Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground in Oklahoma's Ouachita National Forest attracts horse enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers seeking a quieter alternative to busier recreation areas. Located approximately 40 miles west of Waldron, Arkansas, the campground sits at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet within dense pine forest. Winter temperatures can drop into the teens, with summer highs rarely exceeding 90°F due to the shaded forest environment.
What to do
Trail riding access: Cedar Lake Recreation Area connects to over 170 miles of OHV trails in the surrounding Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. "We took our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning. It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on the weekends," notes Ashley W. from Cedar Lake (Oklahoma).
Lake activities: The Cedar Lake area features a fishing dock and opportunities for swimming. "There is 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," shares Patrick G. from Cedar Lake North Shore.
Mountain exploration: Take a day trip to Mount Magazine, Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," writes Jeremy C. from Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
What campers like
Pine forest setting: Campers consistently mention the dense pine forest that provides ample shade and natural beauty. "The campground is heavily forested with pine trees and there are some sites right off the lake," explains Kelly Z. about Cedar Lake North Shore.
Trail variety: Hikers enjoy the diverse terrain and multiple difficulty levels. "We always have Cedar Lake on our list of places to visit in Spring and Fall. The sites are well spaced and even on busy weekends you aren't really ever bothering anyone," says Tom K. from Cedar Lake (Oklahoma).
Pristine facilities: Many visitors comment on the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms and showers are immaculate! Hiking was right next to the campground, so this made for a very fun, relaxing weekend," Jennifer H. reports about Mount Magazine State Park.
What you should know
Bring supplies: The remote location means limited access to stores or supplies. "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you," warns Kristi B. from Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage but requires extra preparation. "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," shares Danielle L. about Cedar Lake North Shore.
Firewood limitations: Some campgrounds don't sell firewood on-site. "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," notes Missy G.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites strategically: For families seeking horse campgrounds near Waldron, Arkansas, some sites work better than others. "We stayed in the non-electric sites (North Shore loop). Campgrounds were incredibly peaceful and quiet. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, grill, lantern poles, fire pit, parking spot and small counter-like food prep area," explains Amelia S. from Cedar Lake (Oklahoma).
Pack for temperature swings: The elevation causes significant temperature variations. "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens. So unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket," advises Donny S. from Mount Magazine State Park.
Limited playgrounds: Parents should note that structured play areas aren't common at horse campgrounds near Waldron. "For anyone with kids, I would say at the outset that this isn't a very kid-friendly park. No playgrounds, very, very mountainous, and generally just not a park for kids," cautions another Mount Magazine visitor.
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Most equestrian sites can accommodate larger vehicles with trailers. "Plenty of room for big rigs. Just a short ride to the Wolf Pen Gap trail system. Located in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, 7 miles south of Mena," notes John from CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground.
Hookup options: Electric, water and sewer connections vary by site. "Asphalt and gravel sites. Water and electric only. Site 33 looks to be my fav," suggests Jennifer O. about Cedar Lake (Oklahoma).
Drive conditions: Morning fog can create hazardous driving conditions on mountain roads. "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," warns a Mount Magazine visitor.
Legend
