Best Campgrounds near Big Cedar, OK
The Ouachita National Forest surrounds Big Cedar, Oklahoma, with multiple campgrounds offering diverse accommodation types. Cedar Lake Recreation Area provides both equestrian campsites and standard camping areas with access to hiking trails. Tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabins are available throughout the region, particularly at Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground and Big Cedar Cabins & RV Park. Dispersed camping options exist along the Talimena Scenic Drive and at locations like Dead Man Gap, where campers can experience more primitive conditions without designated facilities.
Road access varies across campgrounds in the Big Cedar area, with some sites requiring travel on gravel or forest roads. Most established campgrounds feature amenities like drinking water, toilets, and fire rings, while dispersed sites typically lack facilities. "This is my favorite spot to camp with so many trails that you can access just by walking out of the camp site," noted one visitor about Cedar Lake Recreation Area. The region experiences distinct seasons with fall bringing colorful foliage along the Talimena Scenic Drive. Summer temperatures can be hot, making sites with water access popular. Cell service is limited in more remote areas, and campers should bring supplies as the nearest towns with services may be several miles away.
Pine forests dominate the landscape around Big Cedar, creating shaded camping environments particularly valued during warmer months. Campers frequently mention the quality of hiking trails accessible from campgrounds, with multiple trail systems connecting throughout the Ouachita National Forest. Several campgrounds provide direct lake access for fishing and water activities. One reviewer described Cedar Lake as "heavily forested with pine trees with some sites right off the lake," noting that spring and fall visits typically see fewer crowds. Night skies in the area offer excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer and various bird species throughout the camping areas.
