"The trails took us up mountainsides, along creeks, and down logging roads," says Nancy Warlick. "Your horse should be shod when traversing this mountainous area. There are challenging trails for seasoned riders."

J-D (pronounced J Bar D) Trail Riding Camp is a new facility in Octavia, Oklahoma. The camp is located in the southeastern part of the state, five miles west of State Highway 259, right off State Highway 144.

My husband and I wanted to try out a new place to ride and saw this camp advertised in The Trail Rider. So we left Greenville, Texas, and headed to Oklahoma with our two favorite Quarter Horses, Cotton and Bay Boy. As we started north on State Highway 259 past Hochatown, Oklahoma, the drive offered breathtaking views of what was to come.

A Warm Welcome

I’ve ridden in the Kiamichi Mountains before, but never have I experienced hospitality such as I received at J-D Trail Riding Camp. Owners Jo and David Harrington, and Ms. Ellie, are wonderful camp hosts who made us feel welcome as soon as we arrived.

When we arrived, Jo greeted us, then showed us where to park and unload our horses. There are 19 graveled campsites with water and electrical hookups; some are pull-through. Most offer plenty of shade trees.

We put our horses in the newly built covered stalls, where they were happy to get fresh water and hay after our long drive. Open corrals were also available. Jo and Ms. Ellie showed us around camp: the trailheads, showers, manure dump stations, and sewer dumps.

The camp is efficiently laid out for convenience and mountain views. Jo and David are planning to build cabins in the future; for now, there are two fully furnished recreational vehicles for rent. An open-sided, covered pavilion offers satellite television, charcoal grills, seats, a microwave, a sink, a refrigerator, ice, and more.

Spectacular Trails

That evening, we met other campers from Texas and Oklahoma, and we all decided to ride out together the next morning. Jo rode out with us and shared interesting facts about the area. The trails took us up mountainsides, along creeks, and down logging roads.

The Hirmon Trail is a four-hour ride with a rating of easy to moderate. Your horse should be shod when traversing this mountainous area. There are also more challenging trails for sea-soned riders.

The next day, Mike and I rode out alone with a trail map Jo provided. She helped us decide where we should ride, according to the type of trail and length of ride we wanted to do. We came across wild turkey, and saw a buck and two doe along the creek just behind the camp. The trails were easy to follow, and the views were spectacular.

Our experience at J-D was relaxing and enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back, and would recommend this camp to anyone looking for a new place to ride.

For more information on J-D Trail Riding Camp, call (580) 244-7261, or visit www.j-dtrailriding.com.