1 campground with availability this weekend
Salt Plains State Park Campground features a dedicated horse corral among its camping amenities, making it one of the few equestrian-friendly options near Waynoka, Oklahoma. The park accommodates various camping styles including tent, RV, cabin, and glamping while providing essential facilities for horse owners. Campers note the park remains peaceful and quiet even during peak seasons, with spacious sites that can accommodate horse trailers. The campground offers water and electric hookups at paved RV sites, though some campers mention these sites can be close together. Clean restrooms, showers, and a playground are available near the equestrian camping area. The park's multiple campground loops provide options for different preferences, with the River Road campground offering more shade and isolation along the river.
Located approximately 60 miles from Waynoka, Salt Plains State Park connects riders to scenic trails with views of the unique salt plains landscape and Arkansas River. The park's trail system accommodates horseback riding with routes suitable for various skill levels. Horse owners appreciate the easy access to water for their animals, with the campground positioned near both the river and lake. The equestrian facilities remain open year-round, though some visitors recommend checking seasonal conditions before planning extended rides. Trailer parking is available near the horse corral, allowing for convenient loading and unloading. Beyond riding, the park offers additional activities including crystal digging (April through October), fishing, and birdwatching, making it suitable for mixed groups of riders and non-riders. The campground's relative isolation creates a peaceful environment for horses and riders alike.
"Besides having to navigate around bridge construction on highway 38, this was an excellent trip. We started the day by heading straight to the visitors center, nature trail, and auto tour."
"It was hard to find since it's not past the main enternace it is further along 84 past the equestrian campsite and behind the rv park. But we were right on the water which was awesome."
from $15 - $25 / night
"Decided to try this since it was close to home. Even though the park said so many sites were reserved, it was almost empty."
"Bathrooms are strangely located and the put toilets are not cleaned. I was the only camper here and no water and no bathrooms due to winter."
Available this weekend
from $18 - $184 / night
ScoutNot a bad park, the drought really took a toll on the river. It’s clean and has really good hiking trails. But, be careful with pets due to the sand burrs, they will do a number on their paws. Plus, a lot of black and red ants and biting flies. Maybe the best time is late fall or even winter. We stayed in the River Road area. Restroom and showers were clean.
GuideGreat COE park, very busy, very spread out Has one loop for big rigs Nice lake Clean restrooms and showers Great camp gate host Paved roads and sites, roof over picnic tables Electric and water
One loop without electric or water or pavement
LegendThis is our second time staying here and it’s always so peaceful and quiet. Several spots are butted up right against the river with lots of shade trees. There are 30 and 50 amp spots and all the spots have water. There are plenty of tent camping spots as well. Showers and flushing toilets and a playground are nearby. Great hiking and great birdwatching. You do have to make reservations online or go to the Ranger station to pay.
GuideBeautiful campsites. I stayed at tent sites on South Spillway and North Spillway. Hiking was awesome. Views from top of the spillway are unbelievable. Lots of fishing going on. Restrooms near campsites are very clean. Showers are new and nice.
WiFi is available at office.
Verizon service works good throughout the park.
Two years ago when I visited I was using T-Mobile, and it hardly work at all. Very bad signal.
I know many locals use AT&T and seem to have a good signal.
RangerI've been many times. Each time, even during the summer season, I have to say this is the quietest lake I've ever been to. Now, I can't say it's always that way, but it was when I was there. I've been in June, August, and November, and the beautiful, natural setting is so refreshing. If you're looking for a lazy, laid-back time, this is your place. If you're looking for a lot of amenities, not so much. Might also be the only lake in Oklahoma that has salty water (not like ocean, though). Catfish are abundant and LARGE. Lake is fairly shallow. Wonderful hiking.
LegendThere are multiple campgrounds available and a lot of spots. Bathrooms are strangely located and the put toilets are not cleaned. I was the only camper here and no water and no bathrooms due to winter.
TravelerStayed one night so didn't get a chance to explore the park much. But the sites were nice and spacious. Park was also nice and right by a lake - they had quite a few campers with boats on their sites so appears to have additional parking to accommodate watercraft in some cases.
Travelerclean sites, Clean bathrooms, Affordable. Good sells service for T-Mobile. Friendly staff. Beautiful stock lake. Main town is less than 15 miles away with pretty much anything you need.
GuideWe will stay here 5 nights. Shower/bathrooms are clean and near the RV spots.. The beach/access to the lake is very near the RV sites. Park very big and lots of different areas to explore. Out of the way but well worth the drive.
Salt Plains State Park provides equestrian camping opportunities approximately 60 miles from Waynoka, Oklahoma, in the northeastern part of the state. The park sits at around 1,200 feet elevation within a unique ecological zone where the Arkansas River flows into the Great Salt Plains Lake. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days often exceed 100°F, creating seasonal considerations for horse owners planning overnight stays.
Digging for selenite crystals: Visit the salt flats digging area between April and October at Salt Plains State Park Campground. "The Great Salt Plains is great place to go for an adventure. You could spend hours just digging up the crystals on the salt plains," notes Alyn M. Bring shovels, water jugs for cleaning finds, and sifters for better results.
Cave exploration: Take guided cave tours at Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground for $10 per person. "Definitely take a cave tour while visiting, but also explore the other trails in the park through the canyon," suggests Dan N. Tours reveal unique alabaster formations, and the park even offers cave camping experiences for adventurous visitors.
Fishing: Fish the sandbars and shorelines at Fort Supply Lake where catfish are abundant. "If you have a boat the sandbars are a great place to stop and let the kids play safely in the water," mentions Keri F. The lake contains numerous freshwater mussel shells, so water shoes are recommended for wading.
Quiet atmosphere: Many horse campgrounds near Waynoka maintain peaceful environments even during peak season. "I've been many times. Each time, even during the summer season, I have to say this is the quietest lake I've ever been to," writes Dana H. about Salt Plains State Park. This creates a calm environment for horses and their owners.
Spacious sites: COE Fort Supply Lake Supply Park offers generous camping areas. "The sites were nice and spacious. Park was also nice and right by a lake - they had quite a few campers with boats on their sites so appears to have additional parking to accommodate watercraft in some cases," notes Gonzo A., making it suitable for horse trailers as well.
Dark skies: Equestrian camping areas in this region provide excellent stargazing opportunities. "The area appears to be a Dark Sky Area with little artificial light, so the night sky was brilliant!" reports Charyle C. about Alabaster Caverns. The limited light pollution creates ideal evening conditions after a day of riding.
Seasonal closures: Crystal digging areas and some trails close annually from October to April. "Crystal digging is only available from April 1 to October 15 due to the area being a migration stop for whooping cranes," explains Richard about Salt Plains. Check ahead for seasonal access limitations.
Limited cell service: Prepare for spotty connectivity at most horse campgrounds near Waynoka. "Verizon service works good throughout the park. Two years ago when I visited I was using T-Mobile, and it hardly work at all. Very bad signal," reports Korina D. about Salt Plains State Park.
Bathroom conditions: Restroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds and seasons. "Bathrooms are strangely located and the put toilets are not cleaned. I was the only camper here and no water and no bathrooms due to winter," warns Teresa T. about Fort Supply Lake.
Tent site selection: Choose tent sites carefully in equestrian camping areas. "The tent camping site is on a slope and there doesn't really seem to be a good place to pitch a tent," warns Richard about Alabaster Caverns, suggesting families might prefer the RV camping area even when tent camping.
Playground access: Great Salt Plains State Park offers family amenities near the equestrian area. "Showers and flushing toilets and a playground are nearby. Great hiking and great birdwatching," mentions Lisa M. The playground provides alternative activities for children when not interacting with horses.
Swimming options: Fort Supply Lake has designated swimming areas suitable for families with children. "Amazing swimming area. Helpful staff," notes Keri F., though she cautions that "wear water shoes while in the water. Too many gashed feet from broken bottles and freshwater mussel shells."
Site spacing concerns: RV sites at Salt Plains vary in proximity. "Paved RV sites with water and electric, some a little too close together," observes Donna H., suggesting equestrians request sites with more separation for horse trailer accommodation.
Electrical hookup quality: Check the electrical systems at your chosen campground. "Electric boxes are newer and water pressure was good. Dump station available," reports Charyle C. about Alabaster Caverns State Park, noting the infrastructure upgrades benefit RV campers with horse trailers.
Weather preparation: Oklahoma's variable weather affects RV camping comfort. "The only distraction was the morning we left, when several small planes made practice landings and takeoffs at the nearby Jet Airport. They were so noisy when they flew over the campground and river that you couldn't hear anything but the engine noise," mentions Donna H. about Salt Plains State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waynoka, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waynoka, OK is Salt Plains State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
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