Equestrian camping near Vian, Oklahoma offers access to pine forests and lake views within the Sans Bois Mountains region. The area features both remote and developed horse trails at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 feet, with campgrounds typically open March through November. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for overnight equestrian adventures.
What to do
Lake activities: At Chicken Creek Campground, you can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in Lake Tenkiller. "Beautiful lake. I'd come back. Excellent Verizon service," notes camper John A. The lake's clear waters make it suitable for various water activities.
Cave exploration: Explore the historic hideouts at Devil's Den State Park Campground. The Yellow Rock trail offers rock formations perfect for climbing. "The large rock 'mountain' it leads you too are so much fun to play on. They have tiny caves and are incredibly easy to crawl around on," reports camper Cj C. Wear proper footwear for rocky terrain.
Wildlife viewing: Visit Long Lake Resort where you can see buffalo and horses while enjoying fishing opportunities. "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," shares Cynthia H.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA receives praise for its maintenance. "Friendly helpful staff. Fabulous showers," notes Lynda K. The campground provides full hookups with level sites and modern bathrooms.
Family amenities: Campers appreciate the recreational options for children. "We chose this campground for the Tiny House rental for our Daughter and her husband & kids. We stayed in an RV site, enjoyed the pool, bounce pad & basketball," reports Cheryl T. The campground also offers fishing opportunities in their pond.
Spacious sites: Many equestrian campers value room for trailers and horses. "Taylor Ferry is great except no sewer connections. The boat ramp is fantastic, great views of the lake and plenty of trees most sites are shaded," says Royce A. about Taylor Ferry Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds operate on different schedules. "Chicken Creek has peak season April 01 to September 30. First-come, First-served October 01 to November 30," according to camper N I.
Water access: Lake levels can vary throughout the year. "Because of the low water, you can walk very far into the water from where we were staying. The north side we were on will close for the winter soon," explains Elizabeth B. about Taylor Ferry.
Cell service: Connectivity varies by location. When camping at Robbers Cave State Park, note that reception can be spotty in valleys but stronger at higher elevations. Some campsites at Chicken Creek report "excellent Verizon service."
Horse requirements: Remember to bring current health documents. "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.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Choose paths appropriate for children's abilities. "The cave 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," says Kyle H.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer multiple water recreation choices. "My family would spend hours fishing while the kids would play. Located right on the lake," shares Tom K. about Taylor Ferry Campground.
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas. "There is a concrete pier that is located along the swim ropes that you can climb up and jump off of," notes Kyle H. about Lake Carlton at Robbers Cave.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs. "They did a hayride that lead us through the park to the stables where there is a petting zoo, we saw the second largest pine tree in Oklahoma, and drank water from an artesian well," explains Kyle H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on your needs. "If you want the best experience - grab one of the sites along the ridge (83, 85, 87) - these have a great view off the back and offer incredible space," advises Gonzo A. about Devil's Den.
Access routes: Large rigs should plan their approach. "If you have a large rig - make sure to take the West Fork exit off I-49 vs. the south exit (Winslow)," recommends Gonzo A.
Supplies and services: Stock up before arrival. "Bring what you need, the nearest store is about 20 minutes out and the restaurant is not that good," warns tiffany H. about Devil's Den.
Water quality: Consider bringing filtration. "I do advise having a water filter system on your rig," suggests Elizabeth B. after staying at Taylor Ferry.
