David L.
Traveler
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.
Equestrian Camping near Flippin, AR
14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Woolum Dispersed Area within Buffalo National River provides primitive equestrian camping options. The large, open meadows accommodate horse trailers and offer ample space for setting up temporary corrals or highlines. While the campground lacks dedicated horse facilities such as permanent stalls or wash racks, its spacious layout allows equestrians to create suitable arrangements for their horses. Multiple spots throughout the campground feature level areas for trailer parking near good tie-out locations. Fire rings mark designated camping areas, and vault toilets provide basic sanitation facilities.
Located directly on the Buffalo River, Woolum gives riders convenient water access for horses between trail rides. The surrounding area offers numerous riding opportunities through diverse terrain including forested hills and river valleys. Many equestrians appreciate the campground's proximity to connecting trails within the Buffalo National River system. Primitive conditions mean riders must bring their own water, feed storage containers, and waste management solutions. The remote location creates a peaceful camping experience away from crowds, even during holiday weekends. Vehicle access requires navigating gravel roads that can become challenging after heavy rainfall, occasionally limiting accessibility for larger horse trailers. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with spring offering flowing water crossings and fall providing spectacular foliage views along riding routes.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Flippin (14)
1. Bidwell Point Park
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. 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 Availability3. 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."
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."
from $22 - $24 / night
Check Availability5. 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
"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!"
"Close to lake Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, and Branson if that's your thing."
from $48 - $251 / night
Check Availability8. 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 Availability9. Down Home Campgrounds
"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."
"Location had a nice setup for the bath house and a great setup for the camp sites."
from $30 / night
Check Availability10. Rippee Conservation Area
Drive Time
- 1 hr 49 min from Springfield, MO
- 2 hrs 3 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs 25 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs 34 min from Jonesboro, AR
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Flippin, AR
2 Photos of 14 Flippin Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Flippin, AR
86 Reviews of 14 Flippin Campgrounds
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.
GuideSteel 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.
- MMiranda D.Scout
Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River
Clean, accessible and a great starter site!
This is a great campsite if you’re wanting to get outdoors, but aren’t quite adventurous to go full-out. 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!
It has running water, and even a pretty nice public bathroom. Fees are not outrageous, and there is even a site for campers with horses. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’d recommend to all! One thing to consider, however, is to make sure your car has pretty good handling and brakes— as the drive up to the entrance and down to the campsite is steep and curvy (it is paved, though)!
Guide to Flippin
Woolum Dispersed Area provides primitive equestrian camping options 12 miles southwest of Flippin, Arkansas. The Buffalo River watershed terrain features limestone bluffs and oak-hickory forests at elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet. Weather fluctuates seasonally with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while spring brings frequent rainfall that affects trail conditions and river crossings.
What to do
Trail riding access points: Multiple campsites at Woolum provide direct trail access to the Buffalo National River system. "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," notes William M. about Woolum Dispersed Area.
River activities: The Buffalo River offers swimming opportunities from late spring through early fall. "We took a canoe trip down the buffalo river a few springs ago and I believe this was one of my stops. It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren't open yet," reports Jacob B. about his experience at Woolum.
Hiking from campsites: Connect to multiple trail systems directly from camping areas. "I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round," shares John W. about Woolum Dispersed Area.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: The open layout at Woolum accommodates various camping setups. "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," notes Shelly J. about Woolum Dispersed Area.
Riverfront access: Direct river entry points provide convenient water access for horses and recreation. "This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring. We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming," says Kloee S.
Natural features: The surrounding landscape includes diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels. At Steel Creek Campground, "You can see beautiful bluff from the campground. The campsites are all in a big grassy field which I love. There are trails to the river nearby and a great swimming hole!" explains Lindsey P.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: The Buffalo River fluctuates significantly throughout the year. "One of my stops. It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren't open yet," notes Jacob B. about Woolum.
Road conditions: Access roads can become challenging after rainfall. At Erbie Campground, "It's quite the trip down the dirt road to get here. Probably will take you 20/30 minutes of gravel road. Don't recommend bringing any type of trailer down here," advises Wendy M.
Limited facilities: Most equestrian camping areas provide only basic amenities. "So many options to make your home away from home! 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," describes Candace R. about Woolum.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife suitable for educational experiences. At Tyler Bend Campground, visitors report "Beautiful park, very well maintained. Great for swimming in the cold Buffalo River. Lots of wildlife including elk," according to Steve S.
Swimming spots: Several river access points provide natural swimming areas with varying depths. "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," notes another Steve S. about Tyler Bend Campground.
Insect preparation: Warm seasons bring increased insect activity around camping areas. "Buggy but Beautiful...Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen," recommends Candace R. about camping at Woolum.
Tips for RVers
Site limitations: Many dispersed camping areas near the river have size constraints. At Henderson Park, "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 kayaks or similar," advises N I.
Seasonal road access: Spring rainfall often affects road conditions to riverfront camping areas. "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. Not sure when main road will reopen," reports John W. about his attempted visit to Woolum.
Trailer positioning: When bringing horse trailers, arrive early for optimal site selection. "This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring. 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," shares Kloee S. about her equestrian camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Flippin, AR?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Flippin, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Flippin, AR is Bidwell Point Park with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Flippin, AR?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Flippin, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Flippin, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring