By:
Submission
Cedar Lake is located in southeast Oklahoma, in the pine and hardwood-forested mountains of the Ouachita National Forest. The campground is situated on the shores of the scenic lake, a popular destination for boating, fishing, horseback riding and hiking.
The campground is a popular starting point for the Winding Stair Mountain Equestrian Trails, a system of over 70 miles of marked horseback riding trails.
Swimming, boating and fishing on Cedar Lake are popular activities. Swimming areas, a boat ramp and fishing piers are available within the recreation area.
A hiking trail around Cedar Lake is also available. Talimena Scenic Drive is within 10 miles of the campground.
The campground offers a variety of sites, including equestrian, group and family sites. Shady Lane (SHRV) sites have electric, sewer and water hookups; Sandy Beach sites have electric hookups only; North Shore family sites are primitive without hookups. Most equestrian sites have electric hookups.
Picnic tables, grills, campfire rings and lantern posts are provided, as are flush toilets, warm showers and drinking water. Picnic pavilions are on-site. Horse corrals are located within the equestrian area.
Cedar Lake covers 86 acres and is situated at an elevation of 900 feet. Fall foliage season usually occurs from the last two weeks in October to the first two weeks in November.
The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. The forest encompasses 700 miles of trails, 43 vistas, six wilderness areas and the highest elevations between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Rockies.
From Poteau, OK, take U.S. Highway 59 south approximately 22 miles to Holson Valley Road (10 miles south of Heavener). Turn right (west) onto Holson Valley Road and travel approximately 2.5 miles. Turn right (north) onto Cedar Lake Road and travel 1 mile to the camp boundary.
From Talihina, OK, take U.S. Highway 271 east toward Poteau for 11 miles. Turn right (east) onto Holson Valley Road and travel 19 miles to Cedar Lake Road. Turn left onto Cedar Lake Road.
Campers with horses must reserve sites in the equestrian loops only (HCLE and HCMR) All horses must have proof of current Coggins test Maximum outboard allowed on lake is 7.5 horsepower If a reservation holder does not show up by 2:00 p.m. the day after their scheduled arrival date, the reservation is cancelled and the site is open for first come/first served or walk in service.
We went on a big group camping trip. The camp sites were spacious and there were great places to setup the tents. Old homestead foundations are all over the camp sites and create a great flat raised clean area for the tents. Good hiking all over the area within walking distance and nice access to the water.
Love it there! Easy parking. RV hookups. Still very affordable. Now with box stalls for the horses. Fantastic trails. Could be better marked. Ride all day or just an hour or so. Bring your fishing pole 'cause the lake is within walking distance. Don't forget your license!
I visited this campy I r the very first time In June. I love it. Restrooms and showers are clean and easy access, Water electric at sites. Plenty clean pens, great trails marked well. It's definitely put together good. I will be going back.
Very nice campground. Good pens for the horses and lots of shade. Pull thru and back in spots with electric & water. Dump station at the camp. Great camp host! Trails are rocky! Shoes or boots are absolutely necessary!
This was the only place open in the area to camp. We didn't have any horses. Just camp trailer, 2 dogs and 2 adults. It was a beautiful place to camp. All the horse equestrian were very friendly and we got to see beautiful horses. The rest rooms and showers were very clean. The camp host was funny and very nice. I give five stars.
