Bonnie M.
Guide
GuideWoolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Beautiful spot on the river. Vault toilets available and very clean. Road is not terrible going in, didn't have to use 4wd. Spots on the river and spots in the meadow.
Equestrian Camping near Fifty-Six, AR
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Woolum Dispersed Area along the Buffalo National River offers primitive equestrian camping with spacious sites suitable for horse trailers. This horse-friendly campground features grassy meadows and riverside locations where riders can set up camp. The dispersed camping area includes vault toilets but lacks drinking water, electric hookups, or shower facilities. Horse owners appreciate the ample room to set up temporary corrals or highlines for their animals. The campground's layout accommodates both tent camping and RV parking, though no hookups are available for recreational vehicles.
Located within the Buffalo National River recreation area, Woolum provides direct access to horseback riding trails that wind through the Ozark Mountains. The river crossing at Woolum serves as a natural water source for horses during low water periods, though riders should check water levels before attempting crossings. Trail riders can connect to multiple routes from this access point, exploring the scenic river valley and surrounding wilderness. The quiet, spacious environment makes this location particularly suitable for group equestrian camping. Visitors note the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere despite occasional bugs during warmer months. The campground's primitive nature requires equestrians to pack in all necessary supplies for both themselves and their horses, including feed, water containers, and waste management tools. Riders seeking horse campgrounds near Fifty-Six will find Woolum one of the most accessible and open options in the area.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Fifty-Six (8)
1. Bidwell Point Park
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $50 / night
2. 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."
3. 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $50 / night
4. 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $24 / night
5. Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
"I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit."
"There are lots of trails, bike paths, water activities and BEAUTIFUL scenery. Very photogenic. Arkansas State Parks are always enjoyable. Staff was excellent and friendly."
6. Greers Ferry Lake - COE/Cherokee Rec Area
"went here on a fishing trip, and i pulled out so many rainbow trouts from this lake!"
7. Camp Mockingjay
8. Riverbend
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 10 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs 13 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 36 min from Springfield, MO
- 2 hrs 50 min from Fayetteville, AR
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fifty-Six, AR
53 Reviews of 8 Fifty-Six Campgrounds
- MMadison T.
TravelerWoolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Was always a few groups around but still plenty of space! Road was a little rough and some steeper hills for a bigger camper but still doable!
- WWilliam M.Guide
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Great river camp
Clean pit toilets with camps right above the crystal clear river. The spots when you first pull in have the best solar due to shading further down. Watch for snakes. We have already seen a copperhead.
- Joy J.Guide
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Clean and Quiet
So far, my favorite spot in Arkansas. There are vault toilets in the area around them is groomed as a matter fact, they were mowing when I was there. I looked at three different spots before choosing the one that I wanted, based on the fact that it was the most level. However, all the spots that I looked at were clean and had nice fire pits. I was pretty much right on the river show people that were coming to check it out for the purpose of kayaking or canoeing would drive-by but they weren’t disruptive at all. I would definitely do 10 days there and be very happy, maybe next time I’ll have the time to do that.
- 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.
Fred S.
LegendWoolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
Great hiking and MTB trails
Camped here in mid-December, 2025. This state park has Class D walk-in tent sites and Class AAA full hookup sites. Some sites are on the lake front. Although overkill for my Chevy Express campervan, I stayed at Site #26 - Class AAA site. Since I'm a senior citizen and an Arknsas resident, and since it was midweek, I received a 50% discount; otherwise, the campsite fee is $42. When I made the reservation online, I paid full price with a credit card, and received a credit on my credit card a few days later. Very clean site; large. Electric and water turned on during my stay. The paved site has a metal fire ring, grill, picnic table, and lantern poll. There was a tent pad behind the site - up the hill and in the trees. Almost no privacy between sites. The bathhouse is conveniently located across the campground road from my site. The bathhouse was very clean, heated and stocked. There were only a handful or so of other campers here during my stay; peaceful. Can hear some distant highway noise. Received sporadic AT&T and T-Mobile data service. Starlink connectivity possible from this site. This a beautiful state park. Pretty lake and fantastic trail system. The day use area is very nice.
- Fred S.Legend
Woolum 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.
Amy W.TravelerWoolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
SITE #3 All the great outdoor opportunities, small enough to avoid crowds
I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit. There is a marked Artesian Spring right at the turn to this loop before Site #1.
This park has so much going for it. It is clean, small, handicap accessible....great hiking with short and long options, a pour-off waterfall during the wet season when the lake is high, biking options. You can rent paddle boats and kayaks for the small but beautiful lake that is known for fishing. The visitor's center has nice restrooms, local author's books and art, and is well-stocked in emergency supplies, treats, a water fountain, and friendly staff. I live close by and opt for this park when I need to get away from the hustle and bustle for a while. This park is small enough to avoid the typical state park crowds and still enjoy all the outdoor sights, sounds and activites you are looking for.
- WWilliam M.Guide
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Love this place
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. Vault toilets. Good Solar.
Guide to Fifty-Six
Woolum Dispersed Area provides primitive dispersed equestrian camping approximately 5 miles west of Fifty-Six, Arkansas in the heart of Buffalo National River's Ozark region. The campground sits at roughly 700 feet elevation along a wide riverbank with several open meadow areas suitable for horses and camping equipment. Seasonal water levels impact camping conditions, with spring typically offering higher water and summer featuring more exposed shoreline.
What to do
River activities: The Buffalo National River at Woolum Dispersed Area offers excellent swimming and water recreation. "Right on the river with both a rock and sand beach currently," notes William M., who appreciated the riverside terrain. For low-water periods, the shallow crossing provides natural play areas.
Trail riding: Horseback trails through Buffalo National River feature moderate elevation changes and connect to longer routes. "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," shares Shelly J., highlighting the trailer-friendly access for horse owners.
Wildlife viewing: Tyler Bend Campground provides opportunities to spot native species within Buffalo National River. "Lots of wildlife including elk," mentions Steve S., indicating the diverse animal population in the surrounding areas.
What campers like
Natural swimming spots: During warmer months, the Buffalo River offers natural swimming holes for cooling off. "The river is gorgeous, I was sad it was too cold to swim!" notes Lucy P. at Tyler Bend Campground, suggesting that seasonal timing affects water activities.
Peace and quiet: The remote location provides genuine solitude for horse camping. John W. describes Woolum as "One of the best remote campgrounds in AR," mentioning that he has "camped right on the riverbank" with "beautiful scenery year-round."
Open camping spaces: The large meadow areas accommodate horses and camping setups without feeling crowded. "Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology," writes Candace R. about the campground layout.
What you should know
Primitive facilities only: Toilet facilities at Woolum are basic vault toilets without running water. "It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren't open yet. Bare bones camp sites with only fire pit rings," Jacob B. explains about the minimal amenities.
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian camping areas can become problematic. "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., indicating potential seasonal closures.
Insects: Bidwell Point Park visitor N I. notes that while the area has "beautiful mature camp" with "water abounds for all types of recreational activities," visitors should be prepared for insects, especially after rainfall when "some sites could be under water."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water play: Lower water levels in summer create kid-friendly areas for water exploration. "We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming. There were hiking trails, nice clean restrooms, lots of bike riding and nice large spaces," writes Kloee S. about the family-friendly environment.
Educational opportunities: Woolly Hollow State Park offers nature programs for children. "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," shares Kelci C., highlighting the educational value for families.
Beach areas: Some sections of riverbank form natural sand beaches for play. "Great place to swim we go a couple times a year nice quiet and well kept love the picnic area right above the river try it you won't be disappointed," Steve S. recommends for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Trailer parking: Horse trailers require specific considerations for maneuvering. "The sites are small but well shaded which is a bonus," notes N I. about Cherokee Recreation Area, providing insight on the spatial limitations.
Low-clearance access: Some sites at equestrian campgrounds require backing down inclines. Brent M. at Bidwell Point Park warns: "If you are not proficient in backing your camper sites 10-13 are probably not the best choice. You have to back down a hill quite a ways."
Generator policy: Check generator restrictions before planning an extended stay with an RV. "We had a nice time but weren't particularly wowed, our only issues were lack of hookups, bad weather, and some people who decided to crowd us and run a loud generator despite the campground being mostly empty," Lucy P. shares about her experience at Tyler Bend.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fifty-Six, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fifty-Six, AR is Bidwell Point Park with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fifty-Six, AR?
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