Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers specialized facilities for riders in the Ouachita National Forest of Oklahoma, located 13 miles south of Heavener. The campground sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation within pine forest terrain and connects directly to over 100 miles of designated horse trails. Water access and trail connections make this area popular for combination riding and camping trips.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground provides direct access to multiple designated horse trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels. The campground serves as a central hub for exploring the Ouachita National Forest on horseback. "The campground is heavily forested with pine trees and there are some sites right off the lake. Lots of great hiking trails nearby and the scenic Talimena scenic drive is beautiful, especially in the fall," notes Kelly Z. from Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Bring fishing gear to enjoy the stocked lakes around Sallisaw. Taylor Ferry Campground offers shoreline fishing opportunities on Fort Gibson Lake. "We caught some catfish right off the rock peer. Gate keepers were wonderful and very helpful," reports Elizabeth B. at Taylor Ferry, adding "Bait and a Dollar General were right down the road."
Hiking without horses: For those without horses, the area still offers excellent hiking options. The trail around Cedar Lake is approximately 2 miles and relatively flat. "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," explains Patrick G., who camped at Cedar Lake North Shore.
What campers like
Quiet, forested settings: Horse campgrounds near Sallisaw provide peaceful environments with natural shade. "This is our all time favorite camping spot. 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," writes Danielle L. about Cedar Lake North Shore.
Clean facilities: Many equestrian campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, "Friendly helpful staff. Fabulous showers," reports Lynda K., while Kevin L. notes "Friendly helpful staff. Decent lots. Many are shaded."
Wildlife viewing: The Ouachita National Forest region offers opportunities to see native wildlife. "Saw a ton of wild turkeys and two cottonmouth snakes," mentions Amelia S. from Cedar Lake, who stayed in the non-electric sites at the North Shore loop. Visitors to Long Lake Resort can even see "Buffalo, horses and awesome amounts of fish," according to Cynthia H.
What you should know
Limited services nearby: Pack all essential supplies as stores are scarce near equestrian campgrounds. "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you," advises Kristi B. about Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp. Jennifer O. agrees: "Don't forget the ice, there's nothing close."
Seasonal considerations: While horse trails are accessible year-round, fall offers ideal weather and scenery. "This campground is one of my all time favorites!! Hiking here is definitely the best, because the views are amazing," shares Ashley W., who recommends morning activities: "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."
Maintenance schedules: Some horse campgrounds near Sallisaw 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," Susan F. advises. Similarly, campground facilities can sometimes be affected: "While they do have bathroom and shower facilities our section of camps were down along with several others due to septic tank system issues."
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment options: While horse activities dominate, families need additional recreation. At Devil's Den State Park, "Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!" reports Melissa M. from Devil's Den State Park Campground, who found it "a great family getaway" despite the humidity.
Check shower and bathroom conditions: Families with children need reliable facilities. Wayne T. reports at Robbers Cave State Park: "We booked our site online after having looked at the rv sites a few weeks beforehand, so we knew what we were getting. The girls rode bikes, swam at the pool and in the lake." However, be prepared for rustic conditions in some locations.
Choose campsites based on proximity: Select sites that minimize walking for children between horse areas and camping spots. Cheryl T. notes that accessibility can be an issue: "This campground is nice but not really wheelchair friendly. The road was really large rock that is very bumpy and uncomfortable to wheel over."
Tips from RVers
Arrive with full tanks: Limited sewer hookups exist at horse campgrounds. "The campground is great except no sewer connections. The boat ramp is fantastic, great views of the lake and plenty of trees most sites are shaded," notes Royce A. about Taylor Ferry. Many equestrian sites offer water and electric only.
Book specific sites: Request sites suited for both horse trailers and RVs. At Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, "Full Hookups, level sites (mostly gravel but level), shop with souvenirs and RV gadgets," reports Craig E., though noting "sites are really compact. Plenty of room for your RV but so close that you can hear and smell your neighbors."
Stock up in Sallisaw: Purchase all needed supplies before arriving at horse campgrounds. "When we were there everything was wet, and the smell of wet creosote from the log yard next door was terrible. We drove about 30 mins to the closest 'town' to get firewood from a gas station quick stop," shares Joel R., emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.
