9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp in Ozark National Forest provides primary access for equestrian campers near Blue Mountain. The camp accommodates both tent and RV camping with areas designed specifically for horse trailers. While no formal corrals are available, riders can secure their horses at designated tie areas throughout the campground. The primitive facilities include vault toilets with no electricity or running water. Most campsites feature level ground suitable for setting up portable corrals or highlines for overnight horse containment. The campground is typically accessible year-round with no reservations required.
Bear Creek Horse Camp offers another primitive equestrian camping option in the area. Located 45 minutes from Blue Mountain, this dispersed camping area allows fires and pets while providing basic toilet facilities. The camp connects directly to riding trails that wind through varied terrain including forested ridges and creek crossings. Most riders bring their own water for both themselves and their horses as on-site water sources are unreliable. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring offering optimal riding weather and water availability. Riders often encounter moderate trail difficulty with some rocky sections and occasional steep grades. The surrounding trail system provides multiple day-ride options with routes ranging from 5-15 miles without leaving horse camp vicinity.
"The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."
"There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by."
"A great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top."
"Camped near the river and had a wonderful time exploring the off-road trails near the area."
"This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
from $10 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
Check Availability"There are some trails nearby, but the area and trails are really designed for ATVs."
"short drives from the campgrounds to beautiful scenery with a little bit of research, or ask greg. alot are even accessible by car. take the 30 min drive to hillbillys lims bbq as well."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
TravelerReservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by. We opted for the hike in site and it was perfect for us. Off-road and hiking were great! Views are breathtaking!!
LegendCoordinates: 34.78571,-93.15988. Visited in early May 2025. Located along Forest Road 772, about 1 mile north of Forest Road 11 in the Ouachita National Forest. Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road. FR11 is in good condition at the time of this visit. The camp is on the western edge of the Deckard Mountain Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area. The camp serves as a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system. These trails are also open to hikers. The trailhead is located at the rear of the camp. Free. Four sites (2 official national forest sites with metal fire rings plus 2 dispersed sites with rock fire rings), available on a first-come/first-based only. Hitching posts are available in the camp. A small creek runs along side the camp. The grounds of the camp do not appear to be maintained, but the sites were clean. There is a very clean vault toilet located at the rear of the camp; it was well supplied. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Sites are mnostly shaded making solar rechargiong and Starlink access a challenge. I received no T-Mobile cell service. The camp itself is not aesthetically pleasing, but it is located deep in a beautiful forest with easy access to a trail system. Note that, when I last checked, the Ouachita National Forest Web site no longer lists this site as a campground.
LegendWe stayed here for some backwoods hiking in the Ozarks and it was about 40 minutes from the various hikes we had planned. There are some trails nearby, but the area and trails are really designed for ATVs.
It doesn’t offer a lot in terms of comfort—there are full hookups but no real fire rings, no trees or shade and it’s HOT in early June. It’s an all gravel path so not great for any elderly walkers or those in need of ADA. The showers are ROUGH, but they exist. They have hot water, but there’s a literal nail to operate the handles. Toilets are okay. No laundry. It has stables for horses and seems to really be built for ATVers.
No ATT or Verizon service there or in the general area, had to download a map that was essentially a PDF to get around.
Nicest people in the world own it and work there. They have a shop and cafe on site that is open only on the weekends. The cafe is okay. It does have WiFi, but that does not extend to the camp/ RV sites. The real draw is the folks who work there, can’t state enough how wonderful and helpful they are.
Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive.
Very beautiful sites close by: falling water falls, big creek cave falls, glory hole falls, pedestal rocks and kings bluff trails, alum natural bridge—and so much more.
GuideWe stayed at an RV site at Cameron Campground, #2. Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it.
This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot. But the neighbors were all very quiet.
The bathhouse had two showers, several toilets.
Several signs up say beware of bears, but we didn't see any.
We saw LOTS of deer.
Be prepared for a long winding road up the mountain. It's not overly steep, but it takes a while to get ANYWHERE in this part of Arkansas.
Went to Cove Lake (11 miles away, about a 20 minute drive) to fish, but didn't stay long, and didn't catch anything. Cove lake has camping but no hookups.
RangerA great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top. When you arrive, walk into the Visitor's Center and right through the other door on the back to take in the view and step right onto a nice hiking trail. The campground has an open feel, so you might see cars going by on the main road, or strike up a conversation with your camping neighbors. It is nonetheless a nice place, particularly the sites that overlook the bluff. If you have kids, there are two sites that back up directly to a playground. For tent campers, the real draw is the hike-in campsites, which are easy to hike to on a flat, wide trail that circles the top of the mountain (similar in width to a fire road), or the various other well maintained hiking paths that parallel or criss-cross it. Wake up and check out the view at Sunrise Point, enjoy a day of hiking and other activities, then top it off with the view at Sunset Point.
GuideThis campground was very nice, bathrooms and showers were clean. The pool was nice and the kids had a great time going down the water slide over and over. Although it's summer in Arkansas and the highs were in the 90s, it still felt great. There's so much less humidity than where we live (southern AR). We enjoyed our time here. The trails were well maintained and had great views. The campsites were a little close together. Luckily no one was occupying the sites right next to us so it wasn't a big deal.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW:: Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park
Turning off I-40 at Exit 88, Mount Nebo is viewed less than 10 miles southwest…a stand-alone mountain.
At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, “Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft”. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%.
The State Park rests up its summit.constructed by the CCC, many of their stonework craftsmanship can be seen in the buildings and trail system.
The “Rim Trail” is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views. There are two distinct areas of the “Rim Trail” that can be driven to…to capture those special photos…Sunset Point and Sunrise Circle.
Different sections of the Rim Trail range from easy to moderate to strenuous. They are marked. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail but are permitted on other trails as are horses. So know and exercise proper trail etiquette.
There are bear in this area, and precautions are taken by the park. Park staff informed us of numerous venomous reptilian, too…so be aware on the trails, or if you choose to wander off them.
A large rentable enclosed stone pavilion sits on the end of the mount, between Site 17 and the pool. Yes, a very nice pool (separate daily or annual fee). A standard picnic pavilion also sits out front of the larger stone pavilion beside public parking area.
The beautiful Visitor Center is deeper into the park to the right. You can sit on its back porch and look out over the valley. There are numerous cabins that are available for rental…and appear very inviting.
When you crest the top of the mountain, the camping area is directly to the right, as are the pavilions and pool. Cabins dot the summit, but private residences are interspersed among them. As mentioned, the Visitors Center is further up the road to the right…on the right.
Being on an 1800 ft elevation summit, surrounded by valley…its quiet and enjoys a constant breeze. Enjoying blue skies, the shade trees are appreciated in the camping area.
On a Wednesday, the 1st of August, we had our pick of beautiful and spacious sights. Very few campers on this day. So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes. It was a toss-up between 16 and 17 …even 14 is directly on the Rim. $22 + tax a night.
Each of these sites had separate electric, water spigot, fire pit, standing grill, picnic table and lantern post. Metal bear cabinets and resistant trash receptacles were clustered conveniently among the campsites. Though I was surprised they didn’t have timber outlined leveled tent areas. In fact, you need to be somewhat creative in locating a level tent spot.
Restrooms are clean and stocked. The pool showerhouse has but one shower a piece for men and women. The entire park is well-maintained and clean.
Overall, a very enjoyable and relaxing campground.
LegendMount Magazine has it all! The official campground has full service hookups with appropriately spaced sites and newer restrooms. There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley. If you prefer cabins or a suite, they have that too with amazing views that overlook hang gliding cliffs and a pleasant valley below. For hiking, you can choose a short loop up to the top of the mountain, medium day hikes or a longer 2 day out and back to the bottom of the mountain. This place is a must see if you live anywhere close to the park.
TravelerState park with swimming pool in summer. Playground and swings for young ones. Several hammock friendly sites. Hang gliders frequently use the bluffs to launch. Beautiful views of Arkansas River/Lake Dardanelle.
Campsites are close together with little privacy. Several rental cabins as well.
Horse camping opportunities near Blue Mountain, Arkansas center around the Ozark National Forest with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,300 feet. The region features a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows with multiple trail systems designed for equestrian use. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring offering mild temperatures averaging 65-75°F during daytime hours and more reliable water sources for horses.
Trail riding at Mount Magazine State Park: Located approximately 30 minutes from Blue Mountain, the park offers multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. "This is a very nice state park that mostly offers hiking and beautiful views. We stayed in our camper, but there is a beautiful lodge and a good restaurant here as well. The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," notes Jeremy C. about Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
Swimming spots: After a long ride, cool off in nearby water access points. "Not uncommon for horseback riders to come through. Can be rough and muddy getting down to the water," says Athina W. about Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp Ozark NF. Following heavy rains, some creek crossings become deep enough for horses to wade and cool down.
Scenic overlooks: Take advantage of the elevation changes for panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains. "One of the best places I have camped in a while. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice trails and panoramic views," writes Amanda F. about Mount Nebo State Park Campground. The mountain overlooks provide clear sightlines up to 30 miles on clear days.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the space between campsites at certain locations. "The campground is level and spaced out to have a little privacy. The cabins and lodge are beautiful and a great place to watch storms roll in and a great view of the valley below," says Chad K. about Mount Nebo State Park Campground.
Natural scenery: The forests and mountain terrain create photogenic camping environments. "The trails are mostly shaded and well defined. Remember you are on a mountain so there will be elevation changes as you walk," notes Gary F. about Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The area supports diverse wildlife populations that campers often observe. "The deer will walk up to you and you can pet them awesome park highly recommended," shares Steve S. about Mount Nebo State Park Campground. Common wildlife sightings include white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species.
Trail difficulty levels: Many horse trails include challenging sections requiring experienced riders. "Small, Secluded Primitive Equestrian Campground. The camp serves as a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system," explains Fred S. about Bear Creek Horse Camp.
Limited cell service: Communications can be unreliable throughout the region. "No ATT or Verizon service there or in the general area, had to download a map that was essentially a PDF to get around," warns Amy & Stu B. about Macks Pines. Most horse camps have no reliable cellular coverage, so download maps before arrival.
Weather considerations: The mountain climate brings rapidly changing conditions. "I would recommend calling ahead and seeing if you can get the site on the Bluff it looked beautiful. You can burn what you find around the site so that's awesome," advises Jackie F. about Mount Nebo State Park Campground. Spring thunderstorms can develop quickly, particularly in afternoon hours.
Kid-friendly hikes: Several trails accommodate younger hikers. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice," shares Jeremy C. about Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Natural water features provide recreation during warmer months. "State park with swimming pool in summer. Playground and swings for young ones. Several hammock friendly sites," notes Stan G. about Mount Nebo State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy animal sightings around the campgrounds. "Deer," lists Jackie F. among the pros at Mount Nebo State Park Campground. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with dawn providing optimal bird watching conditions.
Access restrictions: Mountain roads limit RV size in certain areas. "Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain. It has 18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer. Two have 50 amp service with the rest having 30," informs Gary F. about Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Some sites require a bit of leveling, lots of full hookup and good amount of 50 amp. Some sites are close, so are not," explains Roscoe's R. about Macks Pines. Bring leveling blocks as many sites throughout the region require minor adjustments.
Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to horse camps may present challenges. "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road. FR11 is in good condition at the time of this visit," reports Fred S. about Bear Creek Horse Camp. Access roads often deteriorate after heavy rainfall, especially at creek crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Blue Mountain, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Blue Mountain, AR is Mount Magazine State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Blue Mountain, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Blue Mountain, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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