Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp in the Ozark National Forest serves as the primary equestrian camping destination near Havana, Arkansas. Located within driving distance, this established campground accommodates both tent and RV camping for horse owners throughout the year. The trails around Mount Magazine State Park connect to equestrian routes, providing access to varied terrain for riders. Mount Magazine maintains a 3-star rating from equestrians who appreciate the natural setting and access to forest trails. Bear Creek Horse Camp offers more rustic dispersed camping options with basic toilet facilities and designated areas for horses. The campground permits pets alongside horses and provides fire rings for overnight stays.
Trail access remains the primary appeal for horse campers in the Havana area. The Ozark National Forest trail system connects multiple camping areas, allowing extended riding opportunities through diverse terrain. At Moccasin Gap Horse Trail campground, riders find toilet facilities and trash disposal, with drinking water available for both campers and horses. Camping areas accommodate various sizes of horse trailers with sufficient parking for vehicles and equipment. Fire restrictions vary by season and location, with some campgrounds prohibiting open flames during dry periods. The elevation changes throughout the trail system provide challenging rides with significant ascents and descents. Most equestrian camping areas maintain a natural, rustic atmosphere without extensive amenities, focusing on trail access rather than facility development.
$35 / night
"The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."
"There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."
"Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by."
"A great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top."
$10 - $22 / night
"Camped near the river and had a wonderful time exploring the off-road trails near the area."
"This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
$20 / night
"There are some trails nearby, but the area and trails are really designed for ATVs."
"short drives from the campgrounds to beautiful scenery with a little bit of research, or ask greg. alot are even accessible by car. take the 30 min drive to hillbillys lims bbq as well."
$22 - $25 / night
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
TravelerReservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by. We opted for the hike in site and it was perfect for us. Off-road and hiking were great! Views are breathtaking!!
LegendCoordinates: 34.78571,-93.15988. Visited in early May 2025. Located along Forest Road 772, about 1 mile north of Forest Road 11 in the Ouachita National Forest. Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road. FR11 is in good condition at the time of this visit. The camp is on the western edge of the Deckard Mountain Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area. The camp serves as a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system. These trails are also open to hikers. The trailhead is located at the rear of the camp. Free. Four sites (2 official national forest sites with metal fire rings plus 2 dispersed sites with rock fire rings), available on a first-come/first-based only. Hitching posts are available in the camp. A small creek runs along side the camp. The grounds of the camp do not appear to be maintained, but the sites were clean. There is a very clean vault toilet located at the rear of the camp; it was well supplied. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Sites are mnostly shaded making solar rechargiong and Starlink access a challenge. I received no T-Mobile cell service. The camp itself is not aesthetically pleasing, but it is located deep in a beautiful forest with easy access to a trail system. Note that, when I last checked, the Ouachita National Forest Web site no longer lists this site as a campground.
LegendWe 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.
GuideWe stayed at an RV site at Cameron Campground, #2. Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it.
This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot. But the neighbors were all very quiet.
The bathhouse had two showers, several toilets.
Several signs up say beware of bears, but we didn't see any.
We saw LOTS of deer.
Be prepared for a long winding road up the mountain. It's not overly steep, but it takes a while to get ANYWHERE in this part of Arkansas.
Went to Cove Lake (11 miles away, about a 20 minute drive) to fish, but didn't stay long, and didn't catch anything. Cove lake has camping but no hookups.
RangerA great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top. When you arrive, walk into the Visitor's Center and right through the other door on the back to take in the view and step right onto a nice hiking trail. The campground has an open feel, so you might see cars going by on the main road, or strike up a conversation with your camping neighbors. It is nonetheless a nice place, particularly the sites that overlook the bluff. If you have kids, there are two sites that back up directly to a playground. For tent campers, the real draw is the hike-in campsites, which are easy to hike to on a flat, wide trail that circles the top of the mountain (similar in width to a fire road), or the various other well maintained hiking paths that parallel or criss-cross it. Wake up and check out the view at Sunrise Point, enjoy a day of hiking and other activities, then top it off with the view at Sunset Point.
GuideThis campground was very nice, bathrooms and showers were clean. The pool was nice and the kids had a great time going down the water slide over and over. Although it's summer in Arkansas and the highs were in the 90s, it still felt great. There's so much less humidity than where we live (southern AR). We enjoyed our time here. The trails were well maintained and had great views. The campsites were a little close together. Luckily no one was occupying the sites right next to us so it wasn't a big deal.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW:: Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park
Turning off I-40 at Exit 88, Mount Nebo is viewed less than 10 miles southwest…a stand-alone mountain.
At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, “Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft”. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%.
The State Park rests up its summit.constructed by the CCC, many of their stonework craftsmanship can be seen in the buildings and trail system.
The “Rim Trail” is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views. There are two distinct areas of the “Rim Trail” that can be driven to…to capture those special photos…Sunset Point and Sunrise Circle.
Different sections of the Rim Trail range from easy to moderate to strenuous. They are marked. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail but are permitted on other trails as are horses. So know and exercise proper trail etiquette.
There are bear in this area, and precautions are taken by the park. Park staff informed us of numerous venomous reptilian, too…so be aware on the trails, or if you choose to wander off them.
A large rentable enclosed stone pavilion sits on the end of the mount, between Site 17 and the pool. Yes, a very nice pool (separate daily or annual fee). A standard picnic pavilion also sits out front of the larger stone pavilion beside public parking area.
The beautiful Visitor Center is deeper into the park to the right. You can sit on its back porch and look out over the valley. There are numerous cabins that are available for rental…and appear very inviting.
When you crest the top of the mountain, the camping area is directly to the right, as are the pavilions and pool. Cabins dot the summit, but private residences are interspersed among them. As mentioned, the Visitors Center is further up the road to the right…on the right.
Being on an 1800 ft elevation summit, surrounded by valley…its quiet and enjoys a constant breeze. Enjoying blue skies, the shade trees are appreciated in the camping area.
On a Wednesday, the 1st of August, we had our pick of beautiful and spacious sights. Very few campers on this day. So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes. It was a toss-up between 16 and 17 …even 14 is directly on the Rim. $22 + tax a night.
Each of these sites had separate electric, water spigot, fire pit, standing grill, picnic table and lantern post. Metal bear cabinets and resistant trash receptacles were clustered conveniently among the campsites. Though I was surprised they didn’t have timber outlined leveled tent areas. In fact, you need to be somewhat creative in locating a level tent spot.
Restrooms are clean and stocked. The pool showerhouse has but one shower a piece for men and women. The entire park is well-maintained and clean.
Overall, a very enjoyable and relaxing campground.
TravelerState park with swimming pool in summer. Playground and swings for young ones. Several hammock friendly sites. Hang gliders frequently use the bluffs to launch. Beautiful views of Arkansas River/Lake Dardanelle.
Campsites are close together with little privacy. Several rental cabins as well.
LegendIf you are ever driving through Arkansas a trip to Mount Magazine State Park is a must. Mount Magazine is the state’s highest point topping out at 2,753 feet and delivers sweeping views of broad valleys, lakes, winding rivers, and distant mountains. The rugged rock outcroppings protrude from the densely wooded forests. What makes this park even more spectacularly beautiful is that it is surrounded by National Forest lands encompassing glorious acres of woods.
In the late 1800’s, the railroad made travel easier and people were drawn to the area for its cooler weather and awe-inspiring scenic beauty. Resort lodges and restaurants sprang up and the resort “Town of Mount Magazine” began. Soon a post office, parks, streets and a dance pavilion dotted the town. The town took a turn when drought, erosion, and the Great Depression brought the town to collapse. The 1934 Resettlement Act purchased all the private land on the mountain and was shortly transferred to the U.S. Forest Service. In the late 1930’s and 40’s, the Works Progress Administration built campgrounds, trails, cabins, and a lodge were constructed. A fire destroyed the lodge in 1971. In 1998, Arkansas State Parks entered into a cooperative agreement with the USDA Forest Service to develop Mount Magazine State Park. The lodge reopened in 2006 and graces the same beautiful setting as the original structure.
We found this park very relaxing which is kind of amazing because there is so much for outdoor enthusiasts to do making it hard to sit still. There are miles and miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, hang gliding launches, cycling, and some of the most dramatic locations for rock climbing and rappelling. The diverse mountain ecosystem offers amazing bird watching and wildlife viewing and provides habitat for over 90 species of butterflies. Many were brightening the woods when we were there. We were there at a time when wildflowers were blooming so the forest floor was lit up with color. The higher altitude and cooler weather on the mountain meant that trees had not leafed out yet but a look down in the valley was a stark contrast with trees fully leafed out. The park has a relatively small campground with a meek 18 sites with full hook-up (two of which are 50 amp). Campsites are well-spaced with gravel pads and patios with fire pits and picnic tables. We so enjoyed hanging around our campsite but for those that don’t camp you will be perfectly comfortable in the lodge or cabins.
The Lodge at Mount Magazine has breath-taking views and some rooms have spa tubs on their balconies to enjoy the view. Thirteen cabins dot the ridge line offering the same awesome views and Jacuzzi tub options on your balcony. At the lodge is The Skycrest Restaurant which is a nice treat for those not wanting to cook. We decided to have drinks one evening on the veranda enjoying the setting sun lighting the valley. The next day we popped in for lunch where $6 got a plate of open-face prime rib sandwich, mashed potatoes, salad, and squash casserole. Pretty good deal if you ask us.
This state park so worked for us. It was the combination of the reading in a quiet wooded campground, being able to go to the lodge for a drink, lunch and great view and spending hours walking in the woods. The park is a good 30 minutes drive from the nearest town so you may want to stock up so you can just relax on the mountain.
Equestrian camping near Havana, Arkansas centers around the western reaches of the Ozark National Forest, where elevation ranges from 800 to over 2,700 feet across the area's trail systems. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes, with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler on mountaintops than in valleys below. Most equestrian sites in the area maintain a primitive, rustic character with trail connectivity as their primary feature.
Climb Magazine Mountain: The highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet provides multiple hiking opportunities and panoramic views. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," notes Jeremy C. about Mount Magazine State Park. "The trails are mostly shaded and well defined. Remember you are on a mountain so there will be elevation changes as you walk," adds Gary F.
Off-road adventures: The national forest roads and trails offer extensive 4x4 routes for adventurous campers. "They not only have their own trails on private land, but off-roaders can hit trails in National Forest territory not too far down the road. Good place for vehicles that need to hook up or primitive," explains Eric L. from Byrd's Adventure Center.
Experience sunrise views: Several mountain campsites offer exceptional sunrise viewing spots accessible by short hikes. "Mount Nebo reminded my a lot of Mt Mag. Both overlook the Arkansas river valley... The hikes are worth a trip to Mt Nebo," states Chad K. who visited Mount Nebo State Park Campground.
Mountain elevation camping: The higher elevations provide cooler temperatures during hot Arkansas summers. "Being on an 1800 ft elevation summit, surrounded by valley... its quiet and enjoys a constant breeze. Enjoying blue skies, the shade trees are appreciated in the camping area," writes Dave V. about Mount Nebo State Park.
Trail connectivity: Horse riders appreciate the interconnected trail networks that allow for extended trips. "Not uncommon for horseback riders to come through. Can be rough and muddy getting down to the water," mentions Athina W. about Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, highlighting the camp's natural setting.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate sites with enough room for horse trailers and equipment. "The sites are very spacious on the RV area, the smaller camper and primitive sites are very generous as well," reports John F. about Byrd's Adventure Center, which accommodates various camping setups.
Campsite layouts vary significantly: Some mountaintop sites have unusual configurations. "Sites layout is weird and close together," notes Jackie F. about Mount Nebo State Park. "Each of these sites had separate electric, water spigot, fire pit, standing grill, picnic table and lantern post. Metal bear cabinets and resistant trash receptacles were clustered conveniently among the campsites," explains Dave V.
Mountain roads present challenges: Access roads to mountaintop campgrounds can be difficult. "The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious," warns Rebecca P. about Mount Nebo. For Mount Magazine, Gary F. points out "Pretty good tow up the mountain. Limited number of sites."
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife includes bears and venomous snakes, requiring appropriate precautions. "There is a pack of dogs that came through at night. So be sure to put up your trash and food at night. Especially since bears could be around," advises Jackie F.
Choose family-friendly trails: Look for shorter trails with manageable elevation changes. At Mount Magazine State Park, "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice," recommends Jeremy C.
Consider alternatives to tent camping: The state parks offer lodging options beyond traditional camping. "Mount Magazine SP also has a lodge with a restaurant and 13 cabins if camping is not your thing," suggests Gary F.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: The elevation can cause significant temperature drops at night. "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens. So unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket," advises Donny S.
Verify size restrictions: Mountain roads often have strict limitations for larger vehicles. "At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%," cautions Dave V. about Mount Nebo State Park.
Check cell service availability: Coverage varies dramatically across the area. "[I had] TMobile 3 bars at site 17, Verizon lower..." reports Heather K. about Mount Magazine, while Amy & Stu B. note "No ATT or Verizon service there or in the general area" at Macks Pines.
Expect limited utilities: Many horse camps offer minimal amenities. "Loop of primitive sites along Hwy 7 providing access to Ozark Highlands Trail. Not much to look at, listen to hwy traffic. Serves it's purpose," explains Stan G. about Moccasin Gap Horse Trail campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Havana, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Havana, AR is Mount Magazine State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Havana, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Havana, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
