Map showing campground location near Hodgen, Oklahoma

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Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Ouachita National Forest's Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground sits in the pine-forested hills of eastern Oklahoma, managed by the US Forest Service and open year-round to equestrian campers, tent campers, and RVs up to 65 feet. The campground provides full hookups including electric, water, and sewer, along with a dump station, drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. Reservations are available online, though first-come, first-served sites exist as well. Pets are welcome throughout.

Cedar Lake itself is the central feature here. A two-mile loop trail runs around the entire lake on mostly natural terrain, and some campsites sit directly along the water. The surrounding forest is heavily forested with pine, and reviewers consistently note views across the lake from both the trail and the water's edge. Swimmers and hikers both find reasons to stay multiple nights. The Talimena Scenic Drive, known for fall foliage, runs nearby and adds a day-trip option for those based here. Campers exploring campgrounds near Ouachita National Forest will find this one of the more full-featured sites in the area.

Firewood is not sold on-site, and cell service can be unreliable, so arriving prepared matters. The camp host presence noted by past visitors adds a degree of welcome that's not always common at Forest Service campgrounds. Patrick G. called it a "clean site, right in the national forest." The Ouachita National Forest Cedar Lake Recreation Area sits nearby for those who want to compare adjacent options before booking. Fall tends to draw repeat visitors; if that's your window, confirm the campground is open before making the drive.

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Map & DirectionsCedar Lake Equestrian Campground is located in Oklahoma near Hodgen

Public Campground

Coordinates

34.77895057 N
94.6918134 W

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Connectivity

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Good Coverage
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Last on 7/1/26
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Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 7/1/26
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No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 1 min from Fort Smith, AR
1 hr 48 min from Fayetteville, AR
2 hrs 6 min from Hot Springs, AR
2 hrs 31 min from Texarkana, TX

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the beautiful forested setting with lakefront sites and clean facilities including hot showers. Many visitors reported excellent camp host service and family amenities, though occasional maintenance issues may temporarily affect some facilities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Patrick G.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2020

A great campsite with great hiking, and amazing views!!

We will BE back!! 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. At the time we went they had a camp host that met you, took you to your site, and checked in on us several times during our three night stay. She was really friendly, helpful, and our two boys thought she was the best when she gave them Smokey the Bear pins! While they do have bathroom and shower facilities our section of camps were down along with several others do to septic tank system issues that they were waiting on parts to arrive to fix. They provided portable toilets in the interim which worked fine. 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. Though we didn’t visit they have a section also for equestrian camping and riding as well as RV hookup sites. Can’t speak highly enough of this camping area!

(5) View All

Susan F.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2019

Campground closure

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!

Danielle L.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2018

Perfect getaway for a quiet weekend

This is our all time favorite camping spot. It’s wonderful in the fall when the leaves are changing, the days are cooler, and the nights are perfect for gathering around a camp fire.

The bathrooms are clean and positioned well to make them accessible to all the camp sites.

The trail around the lake is flat and easy but other more difficult trails aren’t far away.

Month of VisitOctober

Missy G.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 23, 2017

Campground with lots to do and see

I camped here last year November 2016 with my boyfriend and dog. It was an easy drive from Dallas. We wanted to go to a campground with good hiking trails and a lake. The camp sites were great and hiking trails were within the park so we didn't need to drive anywhere. The fire ring was great with the added grill top. We reserved our campsite on line but many were available on a first come first serve basis. It was difficult to get fire wood. The campground didn't have any available but a local stated we could call a guy who would deliver some - we didn't have cell service so that wasn't an option. We drove about 30 mins to the closest "town" to get firewood from a gas station quick stop. Views from the lake and trails were great.

Month of VisitNovember

(5) View All

Cathy P.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 3, 2017

camping is glorious

This campground is beautiful. Clean showers with hot water. swimming for the kids and a playground. There are sites for people with horses also. And you can go up on the mountain to catch the views.

Kelly Z.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2016

Great campground

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. It has a very nice bathroom facility with showers. Normally when we would go (in the fall and spring) it was not very crowded. Lots of great hiking trails nearby and the scenic Talimena scenic drive is beautiful, especially in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equestrian facilities are available at Cedar Lake Campground in Oklahoma?

Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground offers dedicated sites specifically designed for people with horses. The campground is set in a heavily forested area with pine trees, providing a picturesque setting for equestrian camping. While specific horse-related amenities aren't detailed in depth, the campground does designate areas for equestrian use, making it a popular destination for riders. The surrounding Ouachita National Forest likely provides trail riding opportunities. For detailed information about stables, corrals, or specific equestrian regulations, contact the campground directly before your visit.

How do I get to Cedar Lake Campground in Oklahoma?

Cedar Lake Campground is located in the Ouachita Mountains near Heavener, Oklahoma. It's easily accessible by car and makes for a manageable drive from major cities in the region, including Dallas. The campground is situated within the Ouachita National Forest. For specific directions, use GPS coordinates or contact the forest service office for the most current route information, as forest roads may have seasonal changes or maintenance closures.

Are there photos available of Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground facilities?

Photos of Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground are likely available through various sources. The campground features clean bathroom facilities with showers, well-maintained campsites under pine trees, some waterfront sites along the lake, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. There's also a playground for children and swimming areas. To view official photos of these amenities, check the USDA Forest Service website, call the district ranger office, or visit recreation.gov where most federal campgrounds maintain photo galleries showing facilities and surroundings.

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