Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground provides specialized amenities for horse owners in the Ouachita National Forest near Sallisaw, Oklahoma. The facility features camping options specifically designed for those traveling with horses, including both primitive and electric sites with adequate space for horse trailers. Equestrian campers appreciate the dedicated horse areas that accommodate trail riding activities while offering basic amenities like toilets, trash disposal, and drinking water. The campground maintains a peaceful atmosphere with sites positioned to provide riders convenient access to their horses throughout their stay.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to an extensive network of designated horse trails through the Ouachita National Forest. These pathways offer varied terrain suitable for different riding experience levels, from novice to advanced horseback riders. Cedar Lake's horse-friendly environment extends beyond just accommodations, with ample space for horses to rest between trail rides. Riders often comment on the well-maintained trails and natural beauty surrounding the campground. The campground operates year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities through changing forest landscapes. Horse owners should note that reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, as the equestrian-specific sites can fill quickly with regular visitors who return for the quality riding experiences and horse-friendly facilities.
"https://koa.com/campgrounds/sallisaw/"
"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."
"I stayed in Campground E, one of 5 campgrounds in the park, not including the equestrian campground or the walk in tent sites off of Campground A."
"There's easy access to Lee Creek and trails that lead from the campground around to the dam, pool and gift shop. They also have a horse camp, tent camping, cabins and camper cabins."
from $20 / night
"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!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $50 / night
"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
"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
"My son fished in the lake right outside our spot and we had deer walking by!"
"It is close to Hwy 51 but you really can’t tell. Gate keepers were wonderful and very helpful I saw some old oyster mushrooms all over the place possibly some lions mane 💓 I had a great time."
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $40 / night
"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
"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
"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."
GuideWe stopped at Taylor’s Ferry for one night on a road trip and pretty much had the whole campground to ourselves! We stayed in spot 51 (pull through) right on the water and shaded! Campground is very clean and hosts are helpful. My son fished in the lake right outside our spot and we had deer walking by!
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!
RangerPark has lots of hiking trails and lots of pro mountain bike trails too. The main Devils Den trail was closed for repairs when I arrived but still enjoyed the park. I have Verizon and the reception there was awful.
GuideThis was a great stay with great spots for both smaller RV, tents & travel trailers. I loved this spot plus it was free. There are restrooms but no showers. First come first serve since there is no office or website to book! There was not many people when we went March-April and weather was nice. I also got to use my generator.
ScoutHauling our new camper home and Fort Gibson was a convenient mid point. Dialed up campgrounds and chose this one on CBC a whim. Spent a week here and during that time scouted out all the other government sites in the area. This one is the best gov site in the area.
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.
RangerDevil’s Den SP had a great campground with full hookups available. The natural beauty of this area is breathtaking! Plenty of hiking opportunities and tons of activities. Very pet friendly. And close to so many attractions in Northwest Arkansas!
LegendI think part of the possibility confusion is the north and south campground. There is both on the campground on the south side of the road. There is also a day use area on the overall north side of the road which is for boating and picnics. Campground is great but if you have read you can stay for free on the picnic area, that is not correct as it allows no camping.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sallisaw, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sallisaw, 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 Sallisaw, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Sallisaw, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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