Cedar Lake Campground — Ouachita National Forest

Cedar Lake is one of the most well-known developed campgrounds on the Oklahoma side of the Ouachita National Forest — a proper USFS site with a small swimming beach, boat ramp, fire rings, picnic tables, and flush toilets in season. The lake sits in a pine-hardwood hollow that feels legitimately remote even though access is reasonable. It pulls a mix of overlanders, hunters, and weekend campers. Fills up on summer holiday weekends, so mid-week is your play.

Located near Hodgen on the eastern approach to the Ouachita high country, Cedar Lake puts you within striking distance of the Winding Stair Mountain corridor and routes feeding toward the Lonesome Pine Road. Access road is paved. Reservations accepted through Recreation.gov for some sites. Confirm open dates with the Choctaw Ranger District — some facilities are seasonal.

Pine-wrapped lake camp on the Oklahoma Ouachita.