1 campground with availability this weekend
Cedar Lake in Hodgen and Big Cedar offer multiple horse-friendly camping options within eastern Oklahoma's Ouachita National Forest. The equestrian campsites provide essential amenities for both riders and horses, featuring dedicated campgrounds with access to bridle trails. Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp includes electric hookups, water access, and picnic tables at most sites, while also maintaining fire rings with grill tops for cooking. The campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with trailer parking available. Campground hosts regularly check in with guests during their stay and provide Smokey the Bear pins to children. The facility maintains clean restrooms and hot showers, though occasional maintenance closures for septic system repairs occur.
The 2-mile trail that circles Cedar Lake provides an excellent introduction to the area's riding opportunities, with mostly natural terrain that's perfect for both beginning and experienced riders. Additional trails connect to the campground, including the more challenging 14-mile Horsetheif Springs Trail which starts behind the dump station. Large pines throughout the camping areas create natural privacy barriers between sites, making this area particularly quiet and peaceful for overnight stays. The heavily forested setting provides shade during summer months, while fall brings spectacular foliage along the nearby Talimena Scenic Drive. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies as the closest town with services is approximately 45 minutes away. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, with both online booking options and first-come, first-served sites available.
"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
"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
"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
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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
"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
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
Eastern Oklahoma's Ouachita National Forest camping areas near Wister sit at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet. The region features pine-covered mountains and valleys with numerous small lakes. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range.
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Lake offers excellent fishing spots directly accessible from some campsites. "We stayed in a duplex cabin and could just fish right out our back door. They have hiking trails and 2 private lakes" notes a camper at Long Lake Resort.
Hiking trails: The region offers trails for all skill levels with natural terrain ideal for exploring. "The trail around the lake is flat and easy but other more difficult trails aren't far away," according to a visitor at Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground. For more challenging hiking, try Horsetheif Springs Trail.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Saw a ton of wild turkeys and two cottonmouth snakes," reports a camper at Cedar Lake about their wildlife encounters during their stay.
Privacy between sites: The natural layout of many campgrounds provides secluded spots. "The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private," shares one camper about their experience.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good sanitation standards. "The bathrooms are clean and positioned well to make them accessible to all the camp sites," notes a visitor at Cedar Lake North Shore.
Campground hospitality: Many locations feature helpful staff. "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 a camper about their experience at Cedar Lake.
Remote location requires planning: Most campgrounds are far from supplies and services. "The closest store/town is about 45 minutes so be sure to bring everything you need with you," advises a visitor at Ouachita National Forest Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp.
Seasonal considerations: Facilities may close for maintenance during certain 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!" warns one camper.
Limited cell service: Many horse campgrounds near Wister, Oklahoma have minimal connectivity. Visitors should download maps and information beforehand, as several reviews mention lack of service at campgrounds in this region.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific activities for children. "The campground hosts were amazing and came to check on us throughout our stay... our two boys thought she was the best when she gave them Smokey the Bear pins!" shares a visitor at Cedar Lake North Shore.
Swimming options: Multiple locations offer swimming in natural settings. "swimming for the kids and a playground. There are sites for people with horses also," notes a camper at Robbers Cave State Park.
Educational opportunities: The region provides natural learning experiences. "Lots of history at Robbers Cave State Park! Belle Starr famous Lady Outlaw! Jesse James Gang! Beautiful lakes and numerous hiking trails!" explains a visitor, highlighting historical features that can engage children.
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your specific needs. "Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only... Site 33 looks to be my fav," recommends an RVer who stayed at Cedar Lake.
Hookup options: Equestrian campgrounds near Wister offer various hookup configurations. "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 a visitor at CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground.
Storm preparation: Weather can change quickly in this region. "We stopped here due to winter storm. We did not get to enjoy much of what this site offered due to rain. Pull through sites lined by trees. Staff very friendly," shares an RVer, highlighting the importance of having backup plans during inclement weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Wister, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Wister, OK is Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) with a 4.9-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Wister, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Wister, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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