Whether you're a newcomer to the saddle or a seasoned rider with your own horses, Oklahoma has hundreds of miles of equestrian trails and outfitters waiting to help you explore the state’s diverse terrain on horseback. Several facilities welcome riders to camp overnight with their horses in tow. If you’re only a casual outdoorsman, you’ll find plenty of guest ranches that will put you up in style for the night and introduce you to the trails on a calm horse with plenty of guidance.
Stables Providing Trail Rides
Beavers Bend Depot & Stables - Broken Bow
Grab the kids and hit the trail on horseback at Beavers Bend Depot & Stables. Your little ones will love to see beautiful southeast Oklahoma from horseback and children ages five and older may ride alone, while younger kids can double up with an adult. From the same Broken Bow facility, depart on a one-hour hayride adventure or see the serene surroundings from a narrow-gauge railroad. Whichever way you choose to travel, Beavers Bend State Park offers a gorgeous backdrop complete with tall pine trees and rolling hills, as well as a crystal clear lake and streams.
Sequoyah Riding Stables - Hulbert
Horseback riders who wish to take in the stunning views within Sequoyah State Park can take one-hour or two-hour trips with Sequoyah Riding Stables in Hulbert. These guided rides take advantage of the more than 300 acres of gorgeous trails within the park that reveal both open plains and secluded woods. There’s no better way to finish the day than reminiscing with the whole family on a relaxing hayride.
Arbuckle Trail Rides - Sulphur
Enjoy a scenic trail ride in the magnificent Arbuckle Mountains where you'll jaunt through wooded areas, across streams and up to cliff summits that overlook the spectacular scenery below. Arbuckle Trail Rides in Sulphur take riders out to some of the largest and most historic ranches in southern Oklahoma for breathtaking views of both rolling hills and rugged canyons. Arbuckle Trail Rides provides gentle, well-trained ranch horses selected to be safe and sure-footed. These scenic trail rides are suitable for all skill levels including inexperienced riders and children as young as five years old. The trail rides are available year round, but reservations are required.
Equestrian Camps and Trails for Horse Owners
Bell Cow Lake & Equestrian Campground - Chandler
Pack up your horse and head to Bell Cow Lake & Equestrian Campground in Chandler for a truly unique outdoor adventure. Most trails run alongside serene Bell Cow Lake, a central Oklahoma gem. Two popular trails are the 12-mile Flat Rock Trail and the 22-mile Red Bud Trail. Stop for a break along the sandy swimming beach and when night falls take advantage of RV and primitive campsites, a horse-washing area, manure dump and a lighted pavilion.
Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp - Hodgen
Located in the Ouachita National Forest of southeast Oklahoma, Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp in Hodgen is the most popular starting point for the Winding Stair Mountain Equestrian Trails, a 70-mile trail system of marked equestrian trails. Wind over hills through a variety of landscapes ranging from tall majestic pines to stately hardwoods and lush river bottoms. You and your horses can turn in at one of the 130 campsites for equestrians at Cedar Lake. Amenities include corrals, restrooms with warm showers, curbside manure removal and an area for horse washing.
Horse Heaven Ranch - Talihina
Riders and their horses love Horse Heaven Ranch for the top-notch amenities and sprawling views of Talimena State Park. Guests will enjoy exploring more than 100 miles of trails that snake through southeast Oklahoma’s Winding Stairs Mountains while staying at this Talihina ranch. Tired of seeing the surroundings from horseback? Nearby activities include kayaking and mountain biking. Turn in for the night surrounded by fragrant pines in fully equipped RV camping sites complete with vet and farrier services, firewood, a full-size arena and horse boarding services.
Wood Guest Ranch & Equestrian Center - Boswell
Relax and unwind along the 21 miles of horse trails on the expansive Wood Guest Ranch & Equestrian Center in Boswell. View breathtaking hills, flowing rivers and tranquil pastures from horseback on this beautiful ranch. Stay overnight with your horse in one of more than two dozen campsites complete with corrals and wash racks, or bring your RV and stay on their equipped hook-up pads. Those looking for top-notch accommodations can rest easy in the Wood Guest Ranch & Equestrian Center’s 3,000-square-foot log cabin with all the conveniences of home.
Foss State Park - Foss
Fall in love with Oklahoma’s prairie landscape from horseback on the trails at Foss State Park. You can see for miles on rides through this peaceful park, which features an equestrian camp and a multi-purpose trail for horseback riding. Hop on your horse and ride past tall native grasses, an expansive field and a handful of swimming beaches. At the end of your ride, relax at a primitive camp site or venture into the park for watersports, a hike or a picnic.
River Park Equestrian Trail - Oklahoma City
For Oklahoma City folk that love horseback riding, the River Park Equestrian is a great option to get the joys of the trail without traveling far from home. Located along the south side of the scenic Oklahoma River near Historic Stockyard City, the this 20-acre park offers the opportunity to ride on a softscape loop trail in a distinctly urban landscape.
Guest Ranches
Hitching Post Lodging & Ranch - Kenton
Surround yourself with the rugged beauty of Black Mesa State Park as you and your horse traverse Kenton’s Hitching Post Lodging & Ranch. A working ranch for more than 100 years, you’ll soak up the history and beauty of this magical place with a trail ride capped by an overnight stay at the guest ranch. Overnight accommodation options include a log cabin, cottage or mobile home, and each choice offers the opportunity to experience life and work on a rugged ranch. Saddle up to enjoy a trail ride and get familiar with the Wild Wild West.
A to Z Guest Ranch - Smithville
A to Z Guest Ranch offers a horse and rider the ideal opportunity to stop and smell the pines. This Smithville ranch features more than 150 miles of trails that wind through the flowing creeks, wildlife habitats and wooded forests of the Kiamichi Mountains. Stay in a cabin and enjoy riding the trails while dining on chef-prepared meals during your stay. If you own your own mounts, bring them along and stay at the ranch's campgrounds with your horses. The ranch is also located near outdoor recreation hotspots including the area’s popular Beavers Bend State Park.
More information & Tips
If you’re a novice, note that long pants are a good idea when riding horses, no matter the season. If you don’t own a pair of Western boots, at least try to wear a shoe with a heel, such as a hiking boot, which will help keep your foot from slipping through the stirrup.
Find more information on our Equestrian and Horseback Riding page.
