Best Equestrian Camping near Harrison, AR

Horse campers at Erbie Campground in the Buffalo National River area find primitive camping with river access and several trail connections. Located approximately 5 miles up a gravel road, the campground offers free sites suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs, though it lacks designated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities. The campground serves as a good base for accessing nearby horse trails and the Erbie Horse Camp area, which provides more suitable accommodations for those with larger horse trailers. Sites can accommodate small groups with room for horses to be kept near campsites. The long, scenic drive in requires careful navigation, especially for those with horse trailers, as road conditions can be challenging after rain.

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provides a premier destination for equestrians exploring the Buffalo River region. The ranch features camping areas where horses can roam the property alongside the resident horses and goats. Trail access directly from the property connects riders to numerous routes through the surrounding scenic terrain. The gravel and dirt access road presents challenges for motorcycles and may require careful navigation with horse trailers, though the destination proves worth the effort for most equestrians. Camping options include tent sites, RV spots, and cabins for those preferring more comfortable accommodations after a day of riding. Facilities include potable water, showers, and trash disposal, making extended stays with horses more comfortable. Most sites offer shade, providing relief for horses during hot Arkansas summers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Harrison, Arkansas (19)

    1. Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River

    14 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "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.   "

    2. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / 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."

    "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!"

    3. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    19 miles
    Website

    $5 - $245 / night

    "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."

    4. Down Home Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    11 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "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."

    5. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    7 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    23 miles
    Website

    "It's a horse camp and there are many spots with shade and some with none. There are two vault bathrooms, no tables provided, and not trash."

    "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."

    6. Roaring River State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, AR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

    "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

    7. Tyler Bend Campground — Buffalo National River

    6 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 - $50 / night

    "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."

    8. Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch and Adventure Park

    5 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 220-2944

    $15 - $90 / night

    "They continue to upgrade trails and add beautiful camping spots. This is a family room ranch and Donny and Lynn are wonderful hosts. I always come home feeling reconnected with myself and family"

    9. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson

    6 Reviews
    Forsyth, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 546-3000

    $48 - $251 / night

    "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."

    10. Bar M Resort & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 338-2593

    $50 - $60 / night

    "Access to Table Rock, Game Room, Pool and Jacuzzi. Small cabins and A-frames to rent. They have it all. This is my getaway**!"

    "Nice, easy and quiet with a great pool and lake access! We will definitely be coming back. Site 47 has a bit of sun"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Harrison, AR

2 Photos of 19 Harrison Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Harrison, AR

152 Reviews of 19 Harrison Campgrounds


  • David L.
    Jun. 22, 2019

    Swan 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.

  • Hannah W.
    Oct. 15, 2018

    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.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Erbie 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.

  • B
    Jul. 7, 2021

    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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2021

    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

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Jun. 16, 2022

    Macks Pines

    Rough around the edges but does the job

    We 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.

  • T
    Sep. 2, 2019

    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!!

  • M
    Jun. 1, 2018

    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)!

  • W
    Mar. 14, 2017

    Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    Buffalo Base Camp

    Steel Creek campground is a beautiful grass savanna orbited by 500 foot bluffs. From the campsites is a short hike through large beautiful hardwood trees. A glorious river of milky blue green waters flows at the base of the bluff around the camp's peninsula. East of Ponca this is the closest area to car/RV camp. This camp is also horse camp friendly. Many trails come through Steel Creek for backpackers, horse trails, and of course canoe/kayakers dock and launch from here. I call this base camp because there are so many trails and historic options in this upper area of the Buffalo. My one and only con is the tent camp area is open to all the other tent campers. In other words your camping side by side. Aside from that its definitely worth it!


Guide to Harrison

Equestrian camping options near Harrison, Arkansas provide access to extensive trail systems through Ozark forests and Buffalo River terrain. The area sits at elevations between 800-1400 feet with seasonal temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Most horse campgrounds operate March through November when trail conditions are optimal for riding.

What to do

Trail riding along Buffalo River routes: Access miles of maintained trails from Woolum Dispersed Area, where riders can explore riverside paths. "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. It's a horse camp and there are many spots with shade and some with none," notes Shelly J.

Explore Ozark forest routes: Take your horses through dense wooded areas with varied terrain. According to Wendy M. at Erbie Campground, "Hiking here is beautiful. 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."

Swim with your horses: Several riverside access points provide places for horses to cool off during summer rides. "We hiked the Goat Bluff Trail from the campground with a 6 year old who had no problems," says Matt B. about trails near Erbie Campground, adding that they "also floated from Kyles down to Erbie. Nice short float as water was very low."

What campers like

Natural swimming areas: Horse riders appreciate cooling off after trail rides. At Steel Creek Campground, Samantha W. notes, "Really beautiful views of the bluffs and easy access to the river for swimming. Only drawback was the fact that all the sites are in a large open field with picnic tables denoting specific sites, so just not a ton of privacy."

Quiet, primitive camping: Many equestrians value the peaceful settings. "Quiet, plenty of private campsites. Free. Gorgeous in the fall. Primative," says Nikki M. about her stay at Erbie Campground, which offers a more secluded experience than developed parks.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts diverse wildlife including elk. "We saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over," reports Samantha about Steel Creek Campground, providing natural encounters while camping with horses.

What you should know

Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to horse camping areas can be challenging after rain. "Long scenic drive in on gravel road, used to be a pay campground is now disperse camping, sites may have picnic table and lantern hook, do have picnic table, firepits w grill, bathrooms were closed and not in use," says Lula L. about Woolum.

Limited facilities at primitive sites: Most horse campgrounds offer basic amenities. "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," warns Wendy M. about Erbie Campground.

Seasonal availability: Trail and camping conditions change throughout the year. John W. notes about Woolum Dispersed Area, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Harrison, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Harrison, AR is Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Harrison, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Harrison, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.