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Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horses in the Ouachita National Forest near Big Cedar, Oklahoma. The campground accommodates both tent and RV campers with electric hookups, water connections, and sewer hookups at select sites. Campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and trash service with easy access for horse trailers. The grounds include toilets and showers for guests. Sites are reservable year-round with 30-amp electrical connections available. Most campsites maintain enough space between neighbors for comfortable horse camping. Cedar Lake Recreation Area nearby offers additional equestrian camping options with similar amenities and trail access points.
Direct access to forest riding trails begins at Cedar Lake, connecting riders to extensive routes throughout the Ouachita National Forest. The trails accommodate horses of all experience levels with varied terrain options. Campers can enjoy day rides directly from their sites without needing to trailer horses to trailheads. Water sources for horses are available throughout the grounds. Camping facilities remain open throughout the year, allowing for four-season trail riding opportunities. The North Shore section of Cedar Lake offers particularly scenic riding with lake views and forested paths. Riders appreciate the well-maintained trails that extend from the campground. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during spring and fall when weather conditions are most favorable for extended trail rides.
"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."
"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."
"Campground was alongside the highway, however the highway divides the state park, sites up the hill are farther away from the highway."
from $32 / 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"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"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."
"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."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $10 - $23 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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"
"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."
GuideNice little Park, Bathrooms are a bit dated, but clean and adequate. Lots of shady areas, and not alot of campers mid week in October. Alot of the sites have access to the water, so bring your fishing pole!
GuideDuring the past five years, we've stayed at this park at least six times. It's a good overnight stopping point as we head back to Texas, with easy access from the highway and a nice dog park. If you travel with pets, then you know why that's important.
All the park staff we have ever dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate. Even though it's close to the highway, you really won't hear much traffic noise, especially if you're at the rear of the park away from the roadway.
We were assigned to pull-through site number E1 with a concrete pad that is level from side to side. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located.
NOTE: We always request space E1 because it is level, has a nice-sized shade tree that blocks the afternoon sun, and is close to the bathrooms, showers, pool, and laundry room. I've included several aerial photos of the park, and you will see that it is pretty full. Probably 90% of those staying here are full-time or seasonal. Row E is usually left open for travelers, so you might want to request a site on that row, as they are pretty much level. Even though the park has mostly full-time residents, it is nice, quiet, and well maintained. If it wasn't, we wouldn't continually stay here.
The bathrooms, showers, laundry room, and pool area are all located in one location at the front of Row E and are clean and well maintained with secure door and gate codes. Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: We were able to get AT&T 5G with 3 bars. AT&T achieved 567 Mbps down and 6.43 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, and if you do need totally clear access for satellite reception, there are sites available with no trees. We were able to get 30 OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable and Wi-Fi were not available.
Dog Park: They have a very nice fenced-in park that is always in great condition. The park is divided for big and small dogs, and the large-dog area is very large with lots of tree coverage. They also provide doggie bags and a trash can.
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from town, where you can find plenty of stores and restaurants. Also, this is a Good Sam Park, so if you're a member, you'll get a discount if you let them know. Summary: A great place for an overnight stay, and I would not hesitate to recommend it- enjoy your stay!
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.
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.
LegendStayed 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.
TravelerFriendly helpful staff. Decent lots. Many are shaded. Several things for kids including a pool.
TravelerShowers need cleaning and water pressure is very poor
GuideGreat camp ground, pleanty of shady spots. Would have given 5 stars, but they are limited on sites with 50amps. Showers were in rough shape as well
Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers dedicated horse camping facilities in the Ouachita National Forest region near Keota, Oklahoma. The area sits at elevations between 700-2,600 feet with pine-covered mountains creating a distinct landscape different from much of Oklahoma. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F while summer months reach 75-95°F with moderate humidity compared to eastern Oklahoma.
Trail riding beyond the campground: Venture from Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground to access extensive trail networks. "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," notes Matthew E., highlighting the convenience for riders.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Cedar Lake provides good fishing opportunities, especially in cooler months. "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," shares Kyle H. from Robbers Cave State Park.
Hiking scenic routes: The region offers multiple difficulty levels on well-maintained paths. "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," according to Patrick G.
Pine forest settings: The tall pines create distinct camping environments. "Beautiful and lush and QUIET. I love it. Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only. Gorgeous 3 mile hike around the lake," Jennifer O. mentions about Cedar Lake.
Water access: Many sites provide direct lake access for recreation. "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!" shares Ashley T. about Chicken Creek.
Year-round availability: Unlike some seasonal destinations, many horse campgrounds near Keota remain open throughout the year. "This place was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! So beautiful with all the pine trees and being so far out from everything. The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you," advises Kristi B.
Distance to supplies: The remote nature means limited nearby services. "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you. Super close to the Talimena Scenic Drive and Horse Thief Spring and plenty of ATV/UTV trails," notes a visitor to Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp.
Bathroom facilities vary: Some equestrian campgrounds have limited facilities. "Vault toilet was buggy enough that the kids wouldn't use it. Our site had good water access. Beautiful lake. I'd come back," reports John A. about Chicken Creek.
Reservation recommendations: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "We got the last site at the KOA. As first time KOA campers, we were pleasantly surprised with the entire experience. Restrooms clean and nice showers," explains Steve G.
Activity planning: Consider locations with multiple recreation options. At Robbers Cave State Park, "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," advises Kyle H.
Site selection: Choose spots with adequate space for kids and horses. "Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, grill, lantern poles, fire pit, parking spot and small counter-like food prep area. The setting is absolutely beautiful with tall pines, rolling hills and a gorgeous lake," explains Amelia S.
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for various wildlife encounters. "Saw a ton of wild turkeys and two cottonmouth snakes," notes a camper at Cedar Lake, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about keeping safe distances from wildlife.
Hookup availability: Check specific site amenities before booking at equestrian campgrounds. "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," shares Cynthia H. from Long Lake Resort.
Site spacing: Space between RV sites varies considerably between campgrounds. "My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact. Plenty of room for your RV but so close that you can hear and smell your neighbors," notes Craig E. about staying at the Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA.
Weather preparedness: The mountain terrain can create rapid weather changes. "Great campground is heavily forested with pine trees and there are some sites right off the lake. Normally when we would go (in the fall and spring) it was not very crowded," explains Kelly Z., suggesting these seasons offer better camping conditions for RVers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Keota, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Keota, OK is Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Keota, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Keota, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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