Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horseback riders in the Ouachita National Forest with sites designed specifically for horse trailers and camping equipment. The campground has water and electric hookups at most sites, with enough space for vehicles and horse trailers. Several camping loops are laid out with equestrian needs in mind. Riding trails connect directly to the campgrounds, letting riders access the forest trail system immediately from their sites without trailering.
What to do
Trail riding around Cedar Lake: The 3-mile trail around Cedar Lake offers riders a scenic route through pines and rolling hills. According to a camper at Cedar Lake, "Hiking here is definitely the best, because the views are amazing!! The campground is always really well kept as well which I appreciate."
Wildlife watching on horseback: The forested riding paths provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. A visitor noted: "Saw a ton of wild turkeys and two cottonmouth snakes" during their stay at Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground.
Swimming access: After a day on the trails, cool off in Cedar Lake. "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."
Hiking Horsetheif Springs Trail: This trail starts behind the dump station and offers options for different skill levels. "You can either hike a small couple mail loop or extend it to 14 miles. Be warned however that the trails can be overgrown in the late Summer/Fall as a recent fire cleared some of the trees on the trail."
What campers like
Private, spacious campsites: Sites at Cedar Lake provide good separation between neighbors. "The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private."
Year-round accessibility: The campground's facilities remain open throughout the seasons. One visitor at Ouachita National Forest Cedar Lake Recreation Area shared: "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."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintenance of campground amenities. "They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren't people partying all night long."
Site amenities: Each site comes equipped with essential camping infrastructure. A camper described: "Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, grill, lantern poles, fire pit, parking spot and small counter-like food prep area."
What you should know
Prepare for limited supplies: The campground is remote with no nearby stores. A visitor at Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground advised: "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you."
Weather considerations: The campground experiences seasonal weather patterns typical of the Ouachita Mountains. "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."
Occasional maintenance issues: Facilities may 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!"
Fire restrictions: Campfires are allowed in designated areas, but local conditions may dictate availability of firewood. "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."
Tips for camping with families
Bring all supplies: Stock up before arrival as services are limited. A visitor at CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground recommended: "This campground is located right off of Hwy 71 for easy access. Plenty of room for big rigs. Just a short ride to the Wolf Pen Gap trail system."
Plan morning activities: Consider timing for popular spots. "Hiking is great, and there are multiple good spots nearby. Again, go early to beat the crowds!"
Take advantage of ranger programs: The park offers organized activities. "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."
Consider noise levels: Some campground areas are quieter than others. "They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren't people partying all night long."
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Most equestrian sites provide water and electric connections. A visitor to Robbers Cave State Park suggested: "I will stay in the old circle campgrounds next time, they looked like they had bigger spots with more privacy than whispering pines."
Generator restrictions: Be aware of noise policies regarding generator use. One camper noted: "The only problem we had was that someone ran their loud generator all night."
Dump station location: Plan for waste disposal needs during your stay. "The bathrooms are clean and positioned well to make them accessible to all the camp sites."
Site selection: Research specific sites before booking. "Site 33 looks to be my fav" according to a recent visitor commenting on the layout and positioning within the campground.
