Cabins near Talihina, Oklahoma offer lodging in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,600 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with average summer temperatures in the 80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most cabin properties in this region require reservations several weeks in advance during peak spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Horseback riding opportunities: At Robbers Cave State Park, equestrian camping is highly regarded. "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," notes one visitor.
Historical exploration: The area contains significant historical sites. "Lots of history at Robbers Cave State Park! Belle Starr famous Lady Outlaw! Jesse James Gang! Beautiful lakes and numerous hiking trails!" reports a camper who visited the park.
Fishing from lakefront cabins: Long Lake Resort offers cabins with direct water access. "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," explains one reviewer.
Mountain biking trails: Several mountain bike routes connect cabins to wilderness areas. Trails range from beginner-friendly flat paths to technical routes with significant elevation changes through pine forests.
What campers like
Private forested settings: Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground receives praise for its natural surroundings. "This campground is heavily forested with pine trees and there are some sites right off the lake. It has a very nice bathroom facility with showers," notes one camper.
Clean, modern facilities: Many cabins feature updated amenities. "The bathrooms are clean and positioned well to make them accessible to all the camp sites," explains a visitor to Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground.
Geological features: Unique rock formations attract visitors. "We did hike up to see robbers cave and the terrain was beautiful. It made me sick that people would carve into the rocks and spray paint the cave. But all in all it was really nice," reports one Robbers Cave visitor.
Lake activities: Multiple water recreation options exist at cabin properties. "We spent two afternoons swimming in Lake Carlton. The designated swim area has a very rocky drop-off for an entrance, but once out it was very nice swimming. There is a concrete pier that is located along the swim ropes that you can climb up and jump off of."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility maintenance differs between locations. One recent reviewer at Robbers Cave noted: "Showers need cleaning and water pressure is very poor."
Cell service limitations: Mobile coverage can be spotty in valley areas but generally reliable at higher elevations near cabin properties.
Seasonal closures: Some facilities undergo maintenance during off-peak periods. "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 one visitor to Cedar Lake North Shore.
Site layout challenges: At some properties, cabin placement affects privacy. "Sites are laid out badly and way too close to each other. Grills, picnic table and fire ring behind sites. Most within 5 feet of neighbors sewer connection," notes a visitor to Lake Wister State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several properties offer play areas for children. Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA includes "Basketball hoop, pool and hot tub, pond with kayaks, and more. Laundry, showers and a decent shop too."
Kid-friendly trails: Choose cabin locations with appropriate hiking difficulty levels. "It is a ¾ of a mile trail that my son absolutely loved. He was trying to find the robber that was hiding out. The hike was worth every hair raising nervous parent moment."
Weather preparation: The area experiences rapid weather changes. "We came to get away from our house for a few nights during the Corona virus outbreak. A lot of things were shut down and it was too early in the season to swim. Despite all that we had an amazing time."
Recreation programs: Some parks offer structured activities. "When you get to camp they will give you a schedule of all the events that are going on throughout the week you are staying. We did a hayride that lead us through the park to the stables where there is a petting zoo."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Lake Wister State Park's Ward Landing offers advantages over other areas. "Ward landing isn't as cramped as Victor landing which is why we like it, but it doesn't have sewer connections most of the sites at Victor landing do have sewer connections."
Off-season benefits: Winter camping provides unique experiences. "Very pretty campground, clean and relatively quiet this time of year. A very few campers here the week of Christmas 2020. Firewood available at the camp host site."
After-hours arrival procedures: Some properties accommodate late check-ins. "After hours checkin is still by the honor system!!"
Accessibility considerations: Not all cabin properties accommodate mobility devices. "This campground is nice but not really wheelchair friendly. The road was really large rock that is very bumpy and uncomfortable to wheel over."
