2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horse owners camping in the Ouachita National Forest. Located near Big Cedar, Oklahoma, approximately 50 miles from Sardis Lake, the campground features electric hookups, water connections, and sewer facilities for RV campers traveling with horses. Restrooms with showers and trash collection services maintain cleanliness throughout the grounds. The equestrian campground maintains consistent high ratings from visitors who appreciate the well-maintained trails directly accessible from the campsite. Campers can choose between tent and RV accommodations, with both options offering proximity to riding trails and horse-friendly amenities.
The trail system connecting to Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground allows riders to explore the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Trail riders can access miles of forest paths suitable for various skill levels without trailering horses to distant starting points. The campground remains open year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities through changing forest conditions. Reservation capabilities ensure campsite availability during peak riding seasons, particularly important for equestrians traveling with horse trailers who need specific parking accommodations. The combination of reliable facilities and direct trail access makes this area particularly suitable for both weekend trips and extended camping adventures with horses in southeastern Oklahoma.
"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
"Alot of the sites have access to the water, so bring your fishing pole!"
Available next weekend
from $18 - $150 / night
"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
"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."
"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
"Every so often my family and I will venture into Oklahoma to do some camping and hiking. About 5 years ago we came to Kiamichi Park and enjoyed our time there."
"Can walk down the hill from J9 to get to the shore. Shore is limestone, full of fossils. Very clean and mowed. Bath house is quite a way away from these sites but in good shape."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $100 / night
"A beautiful rustic site with hook up clean showers and toilets, and beautiful bbq and eating area, The river is just a 2 second walk to the river and they hire kayaks for a 4 hour kayak $25 Brilliant,"
from $45 / night
"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."
"This is as near perfect as you can get!"
from $30 / night
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!
TravelerIf you are heading this way this is a deffo stop the tranquility nature and river is absolutely stunning The owners are amazing friendly and accommodating one of the best on this road trip so far Thank you so much
TravelerA beautiful rustic site with hook up clean showers and toilets, and beautiful bbq and eating area, The river is just a 2 second walk to the river and they hire kayaks for a 4 hour kayak $25 Brilliant, the owner is super friendly and welcoming would defiantly recommend a visit i could easily stay longer ❤️ love it And Thankyou x
TravelerWe camped at J 9 and 10 which are on the water. Concrete pads very level. Can walk down the hill from J9 to get to the shore. Shore is limestone, full of fossils. Very clean and mowed. Bath house is quite a way away from these sites but in good shape. The corp is working to bring the rest of the park back after they allowed another co. To run the park for a few years. (They did not upkeep the park very well.
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.
TravelerShowers need cleaning and water pressure is very poor
Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers specialized facilities for horse enthusiasts camping in southeastern Oklahoma. Located approximately 50 miles from Sardis Lake, this area within the Ouachita National Forest maintains trail systems that connect directly to campsites, allowing riders immediate access without trailering horses to starting points. The equestrian campground sits amid tall pine forests at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet, where summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F.
Trail riding from camp: At Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground, riders can access trails directly from their sites. "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," notes Kristi B.
Fishing opportunities: Many equestrian camps near Sardis Lake also offer fishing access. At Cedar Lake, anglers can fish directly from their sites. "Trout fishing just steps away from camp and we had the whole campground to ourselves for the night," reports Neil T.
Hiking combined with horseback riding: The trail system around equestrian sites connects to longer hiking 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," writes Patrick G. about Cedar Lake North Shore.
Privacy between sites: Horse camping areas typically offer more space between sites than standard campgrounds. "The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private," explains Ashley W. about Cedar Lake.
Natural surroundings: The pine forests surrounding equestrian camps create a distinctive atmosphere. "The campground is heavily forested with pine trees and there are some sites right off the lake," notes Kelly Z. about Cedar Lake North Shore.
Quiet environment: Many equestrian campgrounds enforce quiet hours. "They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren't people partying all night long," mentions Ashley W. about Cedar Lake.
Horse-friendly amenities: Facilities specifically designed for equestrians make these sites practical. "This is such a great park, one of the best I have ever been to for equine camping. Horses are very happy here, just remember to bring your coggins paperwork," advises Kent B. about Robbers Cave State Park.
Preparation requirements: Horse campgrounds have specific documentation needs. "Just remember to bring your coggins paperwork," reminds Kent B. about Robbers Cave State Park, which offers additional equestrian facilities within reasonable driving distance of Sardis Lake.
Remote locations: Many equestrian sites sit far from urban areas. "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you," cautions Kristi B. about Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp.
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in these rural locations. "We didn't have cell service so that wasn't an option," mentions Missy G. regarding attempts to arrange firewood delivery.
Seasonal considerations: Most horse trails remain open year-round but conditions vary. "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.
Pack for variable temperatures: Southeastern Oklahoma weather can fluctuate. "Bring jackets and stuff to keep warm because it is still very chilly, but warm enough during the day for some nice hiking," suggests Megan P. about Cedar Lake.
Plan water activities: Many equestrian campgrounds also offer water recreation. "The lake was absolutely beautiful and so were the campsites. Our camp host was super nice and got us a great spot to spend the weekend. I needed an electric hookup to charge the batteries on my boat every night and he was able to give us a site with hookups close to the boat ramp," shares Nate S. about Cedar Lake.
Explore historical sites: Some horse camping areas connect to historical locations. "Lots of history at Robbers Cave State Park! Belle Starr famous Lady Outlaw! Jesse James Gang! Beautiful lakes and numerous hiking trails!" notes Eddie J.
Consider tent camping areas: For non-equestrians, tent sites can provide alternative options. "Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, grill, lantern poles, fire pit, parking spot and small counter-like food prep area," describes Amelia S. about Cedar Lake.
Confirm hookup types: Different equestrian campgrounds offer varying electrical options. "Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only," reports Jennifer O. about Cedar Lake.
Check site accessibility: Some equestrian-focused sites accommodate larger rigs. "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," observes Cynthia H. about Long Lake Resort, another equestrian-friendly option near Sardis Lake.
Plan for maintenance periods: Facility upkeep may affect availability. "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!" advises Susan F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sardis Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sardis Lake is Robbers Cave State Park — Robbers Cave State Resort Park with a 4.2-star rating from 62 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sardis Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Sardis Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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