The Ozark National Forest area near Dennard offers numerous equestrian camping options with direct access to an extensive network of riding trails. Located at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the region features undulating terrain with limestone bluffs and dense pine-oak forests. Winter camping temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer months typically see highs above 90°F with significant humidity.
What to do
Horseback riding trails access: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provides excellent facilities for riders with access to numerous trails. "Such an awesome place for just about everything! They have horse back riding and tons of world class rock climbing. Very safe and clean," notes Spenser S.
Buffalo River floating: From several campgrounds including Woolum, visitors can access prime river sections. "Right on the river with both a rock and sand beach currently. Fire rings. Only one other camper that's at the other end of the campground on memorial weekend," shares William M., highlighting the campground's river proximity.
Wildlife observation: The surrounding forests offer opportunities for spotting native wildlife. At Erbie Campground, one visitor recommends to "Watch for Elk, you'll probably see an armadillo or two as well. You can hike from camp to an old homestead then to the river and back."
What campers like
Secluded primitive sites: Woolum Dispersed Area appeals to campers seeking quieter experiences. "This is a very primitive campground, but it's one of our favorites! We can almost always find a spot to camp and it's super easy to pull our trailer into every spot there," writes Shelly J.
Historic sites exploration: Erbie Campground provides access to preserved local heritage. "Located within a few miles of the horse camp, this site is... immediately next to Erbie put in, with walking distance to both the Erbie Ford and the old community of Erbie, which includes several old homes that have been preserved, the old Erbie Church and Cherry Hill cemetery," explains Jane T.
Natural swimming holes: Several sites feature swimming access points. At Tyler Bend, reviewers note the "Beautiful park, very well maintained. Great for swimming in the cold Buffalo River. Lots of wildlife including elk."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most areas have minimal connectivity. At Macks Pines, one visitor states, "No ATT or Verizon service there or in the general area, had to download a map that was essentially a PDF to get around."
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating difficult terrain. "The road in is dirt and gravel," mentions one reviewer about Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, while another cautions about Erbie: "It's quite the trip down the dirt road to get here. Probably will take you 20/30 minutes of gravel road."
Limited supplies: The region has few shopping options. About the Macks Pines area, one visitor warns: "Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access points: Woolly Hollow State Park offers a designated swimming area with amenities. "They have great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is a nice swimming area with a shop to order drinks/snacks," reports Alison C.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer interpretive programs. One visitor at Woolly Hollow recounts, "The state park ranger had a weekend full of planned events from a box turtle demo to a sand castle competition. The best part was the guided hike with Master Naturalist group of AR."
Moderate hiking trails: Family-appropriate trails exist throughout the area. Steel Creek Campground receives praise for its accessibility: "You wake up every morning to the sound of the Buffalo River coursing by just a few hundred yards away, and are greeted by the breathtaking view of the bluffs you are surrounded by!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require significant adjustment. At Macks Pines, "some sites require a bit of leveling, lots of full hookup and good amount of 50 amp. Some sites are close, so are not."
Weekend amenities: Services vary by day of the week at some locations. At Macks Pines, visitors note "cafe onsite during the weekend with good breakfast and AWESOME burgers. I know many folks love to cookout when rving, but the burgers are worth a stop."
Site selection considerations: For RVs at Steel Creek, one visitor advises: "Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small." Another mentions at Tyler Bend that there are "no hookups for our rv and most sites are first come, first serve."
