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Dog-Friendly Camping near Big Cedar, OK

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    Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground permits pets at multiple camping areas throughout its facilities. The campground features drive-in and walk-in access with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Campers can set up near the north shore where pets are welcome year-round. Big Cedar Cabins & RV Park also allows pets in their cabins and at RV sites with full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections. The park maintains clean facilities with showers and toilets available for visitors. Talimena Scenic Drive provides free, dispersed camping options where pets can accompany their owners in a more primitive setting. Most campgrounds in the region require pets to be leashed when outside vehicles or tents.

    Several pet-friendly trails surround the camping areas near Big Cedar. Billy Creek Recreation Area provides access to hiking paths along the creek where pets can cool off in the water during warmer months. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail passes by Winding Stair Campground and connects to hundreds of miles of adventure suitable for pets and their owners. Cedar Lake campsites are well-spaced even on busy weekends, providing privacy when camping with pets. Visitors should note that some dispersed camping areas like Pigeon Creek have reported access issues or occasional trash problems, so calling ahead to confirm conditions is advisable. Campers traveling with pets should pack adequate water supplies as some primitive sites like Dead Man Gap and County Road D1590 do not offer drinking water facilities.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Big Cedar (104)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest

      4.6(13)5mi from Big Cedar25 sitesRVs, Tents

      "If you plopped me into this camp I wouldn’t have guessed I was in Oklahoma."

      "Driving from Mena to Talihina along this stretch of highway is a treat when it comes to the spectacular views.  "

      from $3 - $14 / night

      2. Cedar Lake (Oklahoma)

      4.9(13)8mi from Big Cedar117 sitesRVs, Tents

      "We completed this campout with another family and this is our favorite campout in Oklahoma. The large pines, the facilities and the hiking is wonderful. Cedar lake is beautiful."

      "The lake nearby is great. We brought 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."

      from $15 - $40 / night

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      3. Billy Creek

      4.3(7)6mi from Big CedarRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "There was a easy and short little trail down to the river and lots of large rocks to hang out on.  The campsite has tons of big trees.  Each site has a fire ring, picnic table and grill. "

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      4. Queen Wilhelmina State Park — Queen Wihelmina State Park

      3.7(19)16mi from Big CedarRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Trails are short but have nice views. Forest trail is overgrown once you leave the state park and go into the national forest."

      "The lodge is a pretty short walk up hill. It has a restaurant and small gift shop. It also has a lookout, and two trailheads. The lobby is spacious with a great view."

      from $23 / night

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      5. Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground

      4.8(6)10mi from Big CedarRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This was mine and my mom's favorite place to camp in Oklahoma. The campground is heavily forested with pine trees and there are some sites right off the lake."

      "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

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      6. Talimena Scenic Drive

      4.5(4)4mi from Big Cedar

      "From the Scenic Drive, go down forest road 6014, just near horse leaf Springs and about a 1/2 a mile down the road. There will be a crossing road that has dispersed camping on both sides of it."

      "This is an awesome place the drive is well worth it too as long as you don’t catch fog like we did you couldn’t see 2ft in front of your car it was crazy how bad it was I hadn’t ever seen anything like"

      7. County Road D1590 Dispersed

      4.0(3)5mi from Big CedarRVs, Tents

      8. Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

      4.3(9)16mi from Big Cedar

      "Go another 40 ish yards and there is the end of the side ‘road’/stone path and you’ll find the site we stayed at.
      There is a great fire pit and a well established site."

      "First time in the Ouachita national forest and we found a most excellent spot next to Lillard Creek off of 6010 Deadmans trail Rd. Would recommend a 4wd vehicle."

      9. Big Cedar Cabins & RV Park

      5.0(1)0mi from Big CedarRVs, Tents, Cabins
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      10. Pigeon Creek Dispersed

      3.0(3)7mi from Big CedarTents

      "Just on the right is a clearing you can’t miss next to the Kiamichi River along side pigeon creek. You’re surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. What’s not to love?"

      Check Availability
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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Big Cedar, OK

    48 Photos of 104 Big Cedar Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Big Cedar, OK

    367 Reviews of 104 Big Cedar Campgrounds

    • Kelly Z.
      Jun. 23, 2016

      Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground

      Great campground

      This was mine and my mom's favorite place to camp in Oklahoma. 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. Lots of great hiking trails nearby and the scenic Talimena scenic drive is beautiful, especially in the fall.

    • Ana A.
      May. 28, 2018

      Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

      Memorial Weekend

      This place is a beautifull forested remote area and you have to drive over 4.5 miles to get to the campsite, its a two lane dirt road, lookout for deer and other critters crossing. We stayed at the walk in campsites, they have those and a few where you can park next to your site, don’t expect very much privacy, you can’t make reservations, they are all first come first serve and you pay at your site. All are tent only. we stayed at #20 with a short walk from the parking area but a little bit too close to #21, 18 and 19 seem to be the ones with more privacy. We did have a nice shaded site with a fire ring, a barbecue grill, a picnic table and nice surface for your tent. the camping area is just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water. The bathrooms are adequate but no running water, therefore don’t expect showers. We camped with our dog Lulu, the sites are pet friendly and she had fun in the water too. There is an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and thicks!

    • Kyle H.
      Jul. 24, 2018

      Robbers Cave State Park — Robbers Cave State Resort Park

      Our First Camping Voyage into Oklahoma

      Our first Oklahoma camping trip lead us to Robbers Cave State Park in the southeastern portion of Oklahoma. It is located on more than 8,000 acres in the San Bois Mountains. The parks claim to fame is outlaws such as Belle Starr, the Dalton Gang, and Jesse James used it as a hideout from the law. This was going to be our first full week of vacation spent in the popup, and our first camping trip outside of Missouri. We selected Robbers Cave State Park for two reasons it’s distance was a little over 4 hours away, and the number of amenities it offered for our 4 year old on our extended outing.   

       The first thing this park did was challenge my perceptions on what the Oklahoma landscape is. This is a park is located in an old growth pine forest, located in the rocky terrain of the Sans Bois Mountains. The park is split in half by Hwy 2 with the east side of the park consisting of the RV campgrounds, cabins, and Belle Starr Lodge. The west side of the park includes Lake Carlton, the equestrian camps, swimming pool, miniature golf, and nature center. This layout was negative in the fact that we could not walk between two sides with my son because of the distance and elevation change, you could rent golf carts if you would like. The positive was that it kept traffic down in the campground from the day use visitors of the park. We booked site 23 in the Old Circle Campground, when booking on the Oklahoma state park website there are no photos of the sites, only short descriptions…sometimes. I will let you know there is a youtube video that someone made driving around the old circle campground. I used this to take a look at our site after booking it.  Site 23 was a pull through site with full hookups located only about 5 feet off the main campground road. This could be a problem if the park was busy and there is a lot of traffic. Lucky for us we were camping through the week and this was not an issue. The site then on the opposite side held our own little secluded spot surrounded by pine trees down a slight slope from camper. We had a fire circle, picnic table, grill, and lantern post. We loved this site for this very reason. I will post pictures of both sides of our site below so you can get a visual. The bathroom and shower house is located in the middle of the old circle loop. The structure is very old and very dated stone structure, where you might find frogs sitting on shower curtains, spiders, and lizards (Those are just the ones that I witnessed). There is a newer shower house located outside of the Whispering Pines campground, next to the campground office and store. If you go to the newer one to take a shower make sure you have some quarters, or some dollar bills, because the showers cost money. Four quarters will get you 6 minutes worth of shower time.   

       When we were not at camp we spent most of our time exploring the west side of the park. We spent two afternoons swimming in Lake Carlton. The designated swim area has a very rocky drop-off for an entrance, but once out it was very nice swimming.  There is a concrete pier that is located along the swim ropes that you can climb up and jump off of. Besides swimming you could rent peddle boats, canoes, and paddle boards to go exploring. There was a pool with two water slides and a splash zone, it is $5 dollars to enter for the entire day. My son also got to play miniature for the first time at the course located next to the pool. One word of warning the golf course is very dated with carpet ripped or completely missing in spots. This did not slow us down at all, it just needs a little work.  They also sell shaved ice at the miniature gold building.    

      The Oklahoma Park staff were very knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to answer any of my questions. Also when you get to camp they will give you a schedule of all the events that are going on throughout the week you are staying. We did a hayride that lead us through the park to the stables where there is a petting zoo, we saw the second largest pine tree in Oklahoma, and drank water from anartesian well. They also had a campfire with stories and smores one night, a cane pole fishing class, and even a tour of Lake Carlton by canoe. Just make sure you have cash because each item does cost money. 

      The last thing we did before leaving Robbers Cave State Park after our three night stay was to go and search for the outlaws in the cave ourselves. I will give you a spoiler alert, the hiking trail to the cave is steep and rocky with big drop-offs, so be careful with small children. It is a ¾ of a mile trail that my son absolutely loved. He was trying to find the robber that was hiding out. The hike was worth every hair raising nervous parent moment.    

      It is a consensus with my family that we will need to return to this park again. It has so much to offer, and we did not even touch on the many miles worth of trails to hike or go for a horseback ride on.  We look forward to our return to continue the exploring and searching for the elusive robbers.

    • Tracey L.
      Jan. 2, 2026

      Shady Lake Campground

      One of our favorite places!

      We have been coming to Shady Lake for decades and it is one of our most favorite places. It is a good location on the edge of the Ouachita National Forest with plenty of things to do within the recreation area and in the surrounding area as well. There are multiple hiking trails, some with connections to longer trails outside the rec area. Access for hunters and ATVs outside the rec area. Beautiful canoeing (bring your own boat) where you can see otters, eagles, yes- snakes and all kinds of wildlife. I love that this is an older more rustic park, some people have considered that a negative but to me that is a positive (people who like everything shiny and new definitely should look elsewhere). If the cat wasn't already out of the bag on this treasure of a camp, I certainly would not make a post encouraging more people to come here. lol! Sadly they have demolished the A camping loop right at the front and are 'upgrading' it to bring in more people with bigger rigs. the heavy construction has run off a lot of the wildlife for a couple seasons so will see how it turns out in the end. I hope the Bald Eagle and otter family return when it all quiets back down. There are sites with water and electric and tent only sites- some of which are very primitive and if you like to be far from other campers and can do primitive sites- they are a plus! (some will think they are awful, but to others they are a bonus- lol!)  If you love getting back nature, peaceful cell phone free beauty and quiet in a rustic camping setting you will love it. Fishing, hiking,, swimming, nearby ATV riding, hunting, easy access to other nearby national forest rec areas, rivers and trails.

    • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 24, 2018

      Queen Wilhelmina State Park — Queen Wihelmina State Park

      Small

      The campground is small with limited pads. Each site is close to the next and are generally occupied with RVs or camper trailers. I would suggest that this campground is most appropriate for the camper who prefers a more modern feel. There is ample cell phone service, WiFi is nearby, facilities are clean and modern. It is approximately a 15 minute drive into Mena, AR where you can find significant shopping. The campground is also near a large hotel. There are many hiking and mountain bike trails available in the area. A few miles down the road you can find an old fire tower which is interesting and can be accessed if you are daring. This area is dog friendly, dogs can access the trails as well. There are also some very neat driving trails, the bypass is a popular destination for motorcyclists which can offer some noise during the day. The park is also approximately a mile from the Oklahoma state line. This is a nice area for the avid cyclist, hiker, and motorcyslist.

    • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 7, 2026

      Robbers Cave State Park — Robbers Cave State Resort Park

      I stayed for almost 10 days

      Stayed in the Equestrian campground with access to miles and miles of trails. It was wonderful and some of the best hiking I have done in quite a while. The hikes along the lake edges were great. There are horse trails id have loved to have done but it was time to move on. Of all the campgrounds, and there are many in the park, the Equestrian is the best if you want to hike.

    • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 25, 2018

      Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

      Soothing

      The campground is tricky to locate, I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the directions especially if you are arriving after dark. There are several miles of driving on a gravel forest road between the main highway and the campgrounds.

      The campsites are relatively private, we pretty much had the campground to ourselves until after the first night. A very large family arrived and decided that the best campsite available was immediately next to us. Had it been full this wouldn't have been irritating, but there were more than a dozen other sites to choose.

      Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit, there are toilets available but no showers and phone signal is sparse. River access is within a very quick walk, this section of the river is very calm. Overall the campground is isolated. Its about a fifteen minute drive to the park headquarters, popular trails, and other activities. The park is dog friendly, the surrounding trails are accessible for dogs.

    • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 30, 2020

      Carson Creek Campground — Beavers Bend State Park

      Great Water Access Points & Nearby Community Fun

      Many flock to Broken Bow for their cabins and beautiful outdoor spaces.   What better way to take advantage of those spaces than with a trip to Carson Creek!!   

      Carson Creek is a bit removed from the State Park access points and with that comes a unique charm which is fun for the family without quite the large crowds which sometimes can bottleneck into the State Parks.    

      There are three camping areas at Carson Creek, referred to as Quail, Turkey and Hawk.   Both Quail and Turkey allow you to set up in an RV for $16 while Hawk is designed for primitive camping and is only $8. The sites cannot be reserved so much like other portions of the lake I do recommend arriving early on weekends during warmer months.  

      The camp offers great amenities for those camping here including standards such as fire rings and picnic tables and access to restrooms.    Additionally they do have community style events at the campground which are nice for those visiting.

      My favorite point of this campground was the access to the water.   From the shore you can easily fish, swim or put a small boat in the water to explore.    

      The town of Hoochatown is just a short drive from this campsite and has everything you will need for supplies as well as some very fun and unique attractions to even further your experience.   I spent an entire afternoon at the Hoochatown Petting Zoo enjoying the wildlife which includes a variety of species you won't find just everywhere.     

      A great way to spend a day, a weekend of a week away with a bit less crowds.

    Guide to Big Cedar

    Pet friendly camping near Big Cedar, Oklahoma centers around the forested terrain of the Ouachita Mountains. Sites range from 800 to 2,600 feet in elevation with steep ridges creating distinct microclimates. Many locations offer year-round access, though some primitive sites close during winter or have limited water availability from November through March.

    What to do

    Hiking the Ouachita Trail: The Winding Stair Campground connects to hundreds of miles of trail suitable for all skill levels. "The Ouachita National Recreation Trail passes by the camp and ties you into hundreds of miles of adventure. During the summer the trail can be a little hard to follow. Fall too if the leaf fall is heavy. But watch for blue blazes on the trees and you are good," notes ShaneB.

    Creek exploration: Visit Billy Creek Recreation Area for water activities during warmer months. "We set up camp right above the river and got to hear the river going over the rocks the whole time. There was an easy and short little trail down to the river and lots of large rocks to hang out on," shares Janna R. The site works well for dogs who need water access.

    Mountain views: Take the scenic byway with your pets for memorable overlooks. "Driving from Mena to Talihina along this stretch of highway is a treat when it comes to the spectacular views. But stopping at places like this campground even further explain just how much of an amazing place this part of Oklahoma really is," writes Crystal C. about Winding Stair.

    What campers like

    Natural soundscapes: Many pet owners appreciate the peaceful environment at Cedar Lake. "The large pines, the facilities and the hiking is wonderful. Cedar lake is beautiful," reports Megan P. The lake trail provides a gentle walk for pets and owners with minimal elevation changes.

    Primitive camping options: For those seeking more seclusion with their pets, dispersed camping delivers privacy. "We were skeptical on this spot's location, but it was very easy to locate. The spot was great... Our closest neighbors were at least 300 yards away and we only knew they were there because we had hiked away from our camp and noticed their fire," describes Ryin J. about Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite.

    Wildlife viewing: The forests around Big Cedar host diverse wildlife. "We noticed that there wasn't much wildlife about and guessed it was because the creek bed was bone dry and a bunch of smoke in the area might have made them leave," notes John H., suggesting that conditions affect animal sightings. Consider visiting during spring when water is more plentiful.

    What you should know

    Campground closures: Always verify operating status before traveling. "After driving 4 hours to one of our favorite campsites in this area we arrived to find it closed until May 2025. No explanation why. We have camped here in winter several times before. Disappointing!" warns Mark H. about Winding Stair Campground.

    Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. "Used the direction provided by this app and Google maps. If this is the site it's small. Could possibly get 3 small pickup trucks side by side in this spot. If you don't need a big area then this would be a nice place," explains Larry B. about Dead Man Gap.

    Road conditions: Access to some pet-friendly sites requires careful driving. "The road in was a little bumpy take it slow and you'll be fine. Just on the right is a clearing you can't miss next to the Kiamichi River along side pigeon creek," advises Jessica W. about Pigeon Creek Dispersed. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary after rain.

    Tips for camping with families

    Bring water supplies: Many primitive sites lack drinking water for humans and pets. "No electricity or water. Some 4 wheelers on the area roads. Does have a vault toilet. First come basis and no fees," notes Larry B. about Billy Creek Recreation Area. Pack enough water for your family and pets, especially in summer.

    Choose developed campgrounds for amenities: Families with younger children may prefer Queen Wilhelmina State Park just across the Arkansas border. "The restrooms and showers were spectacular. Everything was clean and well kept. The lodge is a pretty short walk up hill. It has a restaurant and small gift shop," reports Neil T.

    Pack for variable temperatures: Mountain elevations cause significant temperature changes. "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," advises Megan P. about Cedar Lake.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection matters: At Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground, different loops offer varying experiences. "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," notes Amelia S. Each site has specific amenities for different camping styles.

    Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in some areas. "I had Verizon service, but bring what you need - it's a long way to town," mentions Neil T. about Winding Stair Campground. Download offline maps before traveling with pets to remote sites.

    Full hookup options: For complete RV amenities with pets, consider Big Cedar Cabins & RV Park. "Really nice place, the owners are wonderful!" shares Buddy M. Sites feature water, electric, and sewer connections, making extended stays with pets more comfortable.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Big Cedar, OK?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Big Cedar, OK is Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Big Cedar, OK?

    TheDyrt.com has all 104 dog-friendly camping locations near Big Cedar, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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