Nicholas L.
Guide
GuideGreat Escapes RV Resorts Branson
Great for the kids
Well taken care of place with lots of activities. Close to lake Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, and Branson if that's your thing.
Equestrian Camping near Bull Shoals, AR
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Bar K Wrangler Camp provides free primitive horse camping near Bull Shoals, Arkansas with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Located in Garrison, Missouri, this campground offers year-round access for equestrians and their horses. The campground sits alongside Swan Creek, creating natural water access for horses, though campers should be aware of potential flash flood risks when setting up near the water. No drinking water is available on site, so visitors must bring their own supplies. The campground accommodates both tent camping and smaller RVs, with pull-through access available for horse trailers.
The campground connects to multiple trail systems suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Swan Creek Conservation Area surrounds the camp, offering extensive riding opportunities through varied terrain. The remote location provides excellent conditions for stargazing and quiet recreation away from crowds, despite being relatively close to the highway. Campers follow pack-in, pack-out principles as there is no trash service available. Bar K Wrangler Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. The gravel access road leading to the campground can be somewhat rough and dusty, requiring approximately one mile of travel on unpaved surfaces. Cell service is limited or non-existent in the area, with T-Mobile users reporting no signal at the campground.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Bull Shoals (15)
1. Bidwell Point Park
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Henderson Park
"Arkansas is experiencing flooding at this time and we were fortunate that our site was not flooded. We are gets more rain this evening and tonight so many sites here are closed."
"Beautiful site right on beautiful lake. Short distance from town. Small park mature trees."
from $22 - $24 / night
Check Availability3. Tyler Bend Campground — Buffalo National River
"The pictures of the river are from a different buffalo river access point Easy access to bathroom, drinking water and river from this spot."
"Quiet and close to the river."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability4. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
"This site was large enough to accomodate multiple vehicles and horse trailers. I did not try to find a spot on the river bank, although the river bank appeared easy to access."
"Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao."
5. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River
"The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."
"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!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability6. Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River
"Located within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see."
"I explored each in detail and took a day to enjoy the trails around them. "
7. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson
"Close to lake Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, and Branson if that's your thing."
"Half the sites are close to pool and playground, but not many trees. The other half are an easy 2 minute walk and tree covered!"
from $48 - $251 / night
Check Availability8. Rippee Conservation Area
9. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
"They have horse back riding and tons of world class rock climbing. Very safe and clean. Facilities were just fine."
"Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."
from $5 - $245 / night
Check Availability10. Busiek
"Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"
"Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 59 min from Springfield, MO
- 2 hrs 13 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs 36 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs 40 min from Jonesboro, AR
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Bull Shoals, AR
2 Photos of 15 Bull Shoals Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bull Shoals, AR
94 Reviews of 15 Bull Shoals Campgrounds
- David L.
TravelerSwan Creek
Dispersed Camping Galore
Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT.
Fred S.
LegendWoolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Easy access to the Buffalo National River
Camped here mid-week in early November, 2025. Came here to camp while doing some smallmouth bass fishing on the Buffalo River. Quickly found a large, open, level site with a rock fire ring on a grassy field. This site was large enough to accomodate multiple vehicles and horse trailers. I did not try to find a spot on the river bank, although the river bank appeared easy to access. Only two other camping groups were here during my stay - far enough away that I couldn't hear them. Including the one at the day use parking lot, there are three clean and supplied vault toilets here. The campground appeared well maintained. No potable water and no trash service. Solar recharging and Starlink connectivity are possible. I received spotty T-Mobile 2G and 4G LTE service. This primitive campground is convenient for kayakers and canoers, as well as for overlanders and equestrian campers. I met a backpacker who just came off of the Ozark Highland Trail across the river and was camping on the rocky river bank. I recommend, especially for those driving 2WD passenger vehicles, accessing the campground using Searcy County Road 15 - not CR14. Although open during my time here, narrow CR14 still had some damage from recent landslides which resulted in rough driving conditions (although, high clearance, 4x4 vehicles should have no problems). Overall, I enjoyed camping here, and I'm looking forward to returning to this beautiful area in the Arkansas Ozarks.
- Hannah W.Guide
Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River
Close sites, beautiful area
We rolled in at 8pm on a Friday night. The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us. The 26 sites are in two layers, one closer to the parking lot, one closer to the woods, river and bluffs. Rangers patrol regularly and are very helpful. There is a ranger station beyond the horse campground which is a pleasant walk or a quick drive. We stopped there to get our National Park stamp! Easy access to a trail directly from the lot, or walk beyond the horse camp to the Old River trail head. Centerpoint Trail is a 15 minute drive away and offers access to the Big Bluff/Goat Trail. Caution drivers: the road in to the campground is windy and steep. A sign warns against bringing RVs. However there were an enormous bus and tons of horse trailers and campers at the bottom of the hill - braver people than I:) Bathrooms are clean, dimly lit at night presumably to keep bugs out. Each site has a lantern pole, fire ring and picnic table. Lost Valley Trail and shelter are a 10-15 minute drive away. Since it was raining we cooked our dinner in the shelter. Overall a beautiful place with great access to multiple trails as well as river access. Sites are a little close, but if you're fine with having neighbors 20 or so feet away, we highly recommend:)
- Jane T.
ScoutErbie Campground — Buffalo National River
Erbie is a great base for group camping! It is located right by Erbie putin
Located within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see. It 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.
Both cecil Cove Trail and the main Buffalo River trail are right there. With bathrooms and a nice swimming hole, this is a local favorite. The water is seasonal, so ne aware of flash flood risks.
- BBradyScout
Down Home Campgrounds
Hidden Gem
This place is a true hidden gem. It is so close to the Buffalo River, Jasper, and Erbie Horse camp. We had such a great weekend with our family! Loved being away from all of the crowds in this secluded area.
- NN I.Legend
Bar K Wrangler Camp
Hey Cowboy
Open: year round
FREE
FCFS
Pack it in Pack it out
LNT
This a primitive horse camp that is not far off the highway. It is far enough that it is or can be quiet. It is also great for star gazing, hiking, mountain biking and trail rides. Swan Creek runs along side the camp so you will need to be aware of possible flash floods if you are camped right next to the creek. There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet. NO WATER
BTYFI
Travel safe
- TTodd S.Scout
Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River
Needs improvement
We booked 6 sites of horse camp for Labor Day weekend back in July. They had plenty of time to take care of sites. We got there and the grass was high on all sites. One of the guys with us brought a battery operated weed eater and started to weed eat our area when a park ranger stopped and said we weren’t allowed to weed eat only they are allowed to mow. We asked if they would mow sites and they said NO. The people right down from us on other horse site had to keep horses tied to trailer because weeds were that high you couldn’t get to horse post. One of had brought our RV with horses and were told we weren’t allowed to bring RV even though when we booked it online, it gave us the option to book RV with horses. We usually come to horse camp 5-6 times a year, but think this might be our last time going. Seems they are trying to close down horse camp.. we had reservations on Memorial Day and when we got there it was full of tent campers with NO HORSES but they were allowed to stay there. This place is turning into a joke. You pay $20 a night to get nothing but harassed by the park rangers!!
- ssavGuide
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Beautiful
Lots of room, lots of fire rings. Several (maybe 5?) vault toilets that are well-maintained and stocked. When we got there, there were probably 50 people at 20 different spots scattered across the field. When we left, it was just us and one other group. Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao. One of the roads into the park is closed, but the detour is signed well and easy to figure out. If I had to guess, it’s closed because one of the edges is getting pretty close to crumbling into the river. I wish I had thought to bring paddle boards and kayaks. There were lots of people who brought big rigs down to the camp site, as well as pulled boats. The gravel roads are well maintained enough that I’d be comfortable doing that, but the hill is pretty steep at times, so be wary.
Guide to Bull Shoals
Bull Shoals, Arkansas sits at the confluence of the White River and Bull Shoals Lake, creating diverse camping opportunities across forested Ozark terrain. Elevations range from 650 to 1,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 30°F. Fall camping conditions offer reduced humidity and temperatures between 60-75°F during the day with cooler nights.
What to do
Water recreation access: Bull Shoals Lake spans 45,000 acres with 1,000 miles of shoreline, making it ideal for fishing, swimming, and boating. At Bidwell Point Park, campers can enjoy direct water access. "It is beautiful! Quickly becoming one of our favorites. We are in site 13 right on the water!" notes Brent M.
Horseback riding: Multiple trail systems near Bar K Wrangler Camp offer equestrian camping near Bull Shoals, Arkansas. The campground connects riders to the Swan Creek Conservation Area trail system. "There are many spots with shade and some with none. There are two vault bathrooms, no tables provided, and not trash. We love the peacefulness of this place," reports Shelly J. about a similar horse-friendly area.
Hiking options: The Buffalo River corridor provides extensive trail networks for day hikes or multi-day treks. "We hiked the Goat Bluff Trail from the campground with a 6 year old who had no problems," shares Matt B. about Erbie Campground. Other trails connect to the Ozark Highland Trail system across the river.
What campers like
Riverside locations: Many campgrounds offer direct access to water features. "Clear running water (river) great views," says Trebor S. about Steel Creek Campground, where campsites are positioned close to the Buffalo River for cooling off during hot summer months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse animal populations including deer, elk, and numerous bird species. "We saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over," reports Samantha W. Local conservation areas maintain wildlife food plots that attract animals year-round.
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. Several campgrounds have open field areas perfect for astronomy. The region averages 200+ clear nights annually, with summer meteor showers visible from late July through August.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. "If you're coming from the west, Apple/Google Maps' shortest route will take you through Kingston and then down some rough dirt roads with a couple low water crossings. Easier route is to go to Hwy. 7 then come back east," advises Matt B. about accessing Erbie Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. "We were fortunate that our site was not flooded. We are gets more rain this evening and tonight so many sites here are closed," notes N I. about Henderson Park, highlighting how weather can affect both camping conditions and communication options.
Water level fluctuations: Rivers and creeks can change rapidly with rainfall. "I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round. I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS," reports John W.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly areas: Look for campgrounds with gradual water entry points and designated swimming areas. "This ranch is beautiful and great for hiking and climbing. The environment is awesome and the place is well-managed," says Alex M. about Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, which offers family-appropriate activities beyond typical campground amenities.
Plan for weather changes: The Ozarks can experience rapid temperature shifts of 20-30 degrees in a single day. Pack layers for all family members, especially in spring and fall. Bring extra tarps or shade structures for summer camping when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Wildlife safety: Store food properly and supervise children around water areas. Keep 100 feet between cooking areas and sleeping areas to minimize wildlife encounters. "We took our two kiddos and they had a blast! Bathroom, camping, outdoor tables, roaming goats and horses," shares Kelsey R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds have limited spaces for larger RVs. "This is a wonderful small campground. Will not handle large rigs. Better suited to smaller trailers or tents. Right on the water so it is great if you have a kayaks or similar," advises N I.
Hookup availability: Water and electric services vary widely between campgrounds. "No electricity, hot showers and water available close. Quiet and close to the river," notes David G. about Tyler Bend Campground. Many sites require boondocking preparations with solar or generator power.
Leveling challenges: The hilly terrain creates mostly uneven sites. Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for sites near water. "Site was a little hard to get into and a little tight with the pavillion there providing the only shade," reports Chris A. about his experience at Bidwell Point Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Bull Shoals, AR?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bull Shoals, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bull Shoals, AR is Bidwell Point Park with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Bull Shoals, AR?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bull Shoals, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Bull Shoals, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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