1 campground with availability this weekend
Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp offers specialized camping areas for riders and their horses in the Ouachita National Forest near Poteau. The campground features both RV sites with electric hookups and tent camping areas that accommodate horse trailers. Campsites include picnic tables, fire rings with grill tops, and access to drinking water. Flush toilets and shower facilities are available on site, though visitors should check ahead as occasional maintenance closures affect bathroom availability. The campground sits among tall pine trees providing natural shade and separation between sites. The large parking areas accommodate vehicles with horse trailers, and campers consistently report the peaceful setting makes an ideal base for equestrian activities. Recent visitors note the campground's cleanliness and well-maintained grounds contribute to its popularity among horse enthusiasts.
A 2-mile trail circles Cedar Lake, providing an easy riding route directly accessible from the campground. Equestrians can also connect to the more challenging Horsetheif Springs Trail, which offers either a short loop or an extended 14-mile route through the forest. Multiple bridle paths throughout the Ouachita National Forest provide additional riding opportunities. The campground requires reservations during peak seasons, though some sites remain available on a first-come basis. Cedar Lake is approximately 45 minutes from the nearest town, so riders should bring all necessary supplies, including feed and water containers for horses. The campground maintains quiet hours after 10pm, creating a peaceful environment for both horses and riders. The setting among rolling hills offers scenic trail riding with opportunities to spot wildlife, including wild turkeys.
"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
"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 this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $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
"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
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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
"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."
"I drive truck, always have a hard time getting in/out of places with a semi and usually end up not getting to camp. The main pavilion in the center of the grounds is HUGE!"
from $12 - $105 / 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
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
Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers a well-equipped base for horseback riders exploring Ouachita National Forest trails. The Oklahoma campground sits in the Sans Bois Mountains at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, creating cooler temperatures than surrounding areas. The horse-friendly facility operates year-round with specialized amenities for both riders and their mounts.
Trail riding from campsite: Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground provides direct access to multiple riding trails without trailering. "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," notes Patrick G. about Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground.
Fishing options: Most equestrian campgrounds offer fishing opportunities after trail rides. "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," shares Ashley W. from Cedar Lake.
Wildlife viewing: The forested setting provides opportunities to spot wildlife while riding. "Saw a ton of wild turkeys and two cottonmouth snakes," reports Amelia S. about her Cedar Lake stay.
Natural separation between campsites: Pine forests provide privacy throughout horse campgrounds near Poteau. "The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private," explains Ashley W. about her experience at Cedar Lake.
Affordable horse-friendly accommodations: Most equestrian sites maintain reasonable rates while providing specialized facilities. "This is 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.
Year-round accessibility: Unlike some seasonal facilities, Poteau area equestrian campgrounds remain open throughout the year. "In the middle of nowhere beautiful! Super close to the Talimena Scenic Drive and Horse Thief Spring and plenty of ATV/UTV trails," shares Kristi B. about her experience at Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground.
Remote location requires planning: Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground sits approximately 45 minutes from major services. "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you," cautions Kristi B.
Maintenance schedules affect facilities: Bathroom and facility closures sometimes occur for repairs. "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. from Cedar Lake North Shore.
Water availability varies: Some equestrian areas have limited water access points. "There is running water and bathrooms which were relatively clean. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, grill, lantern poles, fire pit, parking spot and small counter-like food prep area," notes Amelia S.
Bring entertainment options: Children enjoy both riding and water activities at equestrian campgrounds. "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," reports Jennifer O. from Cedar Lake.
Pack for variable temperatures: Mountain elevations create cooler evenings even in summer. "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," suggests Megan P.
Plan group activities: Equestrian campgrounds accommodate youth groups effectively. "We took a group of Trail Life boys there and we had a good time. There are plenty of good trails near by and we used Cedar Lake as our basecamp," explains Daniel R.
Bring all supplies: Limited services near equestrian campgrounds require self-sufficiency. "We didn't get to use the playground area this visit as pool and hot tub were closed for the year. They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond," shares Craig E. from Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, one of the nearest full-service RV parks to Poteau.
Reserve electric sites early: RV sites with power connections fill quickly during peak seasons. "This last minute, weekend trip was hands down my favorite camping trip that I have ever taken. 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," explains Nate S.
Access considerations: Some horse campgrounds have specific entrance requirements. "The park hosts were amazing and came to check on us throughout our stay. The park was still under construction for upgrades and repairs to their septic systems and equipment but didn't bother us," notes Kristi B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Poteau, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Poteau, OK is Long Lake Resort with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Poteau, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Poteau, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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