Equestrian Camping near Hot Springs Village, AR

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    Bear Creek Horse Camp provides primitive camping for equestrian riders in the Ouachita National Forest. Located along Forest Road 772 about 1 mile north of Forest Road 11, this small campground features four primitive sites with metal and rock fire rings. Hitching posts are available for securing horses, and the camp serves as a trailhead for the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system. The grounds include a clean vault toilet at the rear of the camp. Sites are mostly shaded, making solar recharging challenging. The camp is situated deep in a beautiful forest with easy access to interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system, which are also open to hikers.

    Equestrian riders can access the network of trails directly from the campground. The trailhead is located at the rear of the camp, providing immediate entry to the trail system. A small creek runs alongside the camp, offering water access. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. While the campground itself is not aesthetically pleasing, its location provides excellent access to forest trails. The camp does not appear to be regularly maintained, but visitors report clean sites. Tent and hammock camping are possible at this free primitive campground. Cell service may be limited, with no T-Mobile coverage reported. The Ouachita National Forest website no longer lists this site as an official campground, though it remains accessible to equestrian campers.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hot Springs Village (8)

      1. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

      4.6(86)15mi from Hot Springs VillageRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."

      "Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean!  Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. "

      from $15 - $25 / night

      Check Availability

      2. DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

      4.6(31)30mi from Hot Springs VillageRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This weekend we camped at DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Bismarck, Arkansas. We had a blast! DeGray Lake has a lot to offer for groups large and small wanting to get away."

      "Nice campsites, lakeside, lake view and in the woods, YURT rentals have the best location, DeRoche Ridge second best if you want to be right next to the lake."

      3. Bear Creek Horse Camp

      3.0(1)15mi from Hot Springs VillageTents

      4. Mount Nebo State Park Campground

      4.7(29)42mi from Hot Springs VillageGlamping

      "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."

      5. Erwin Estate High Point

      Be the first to review13mi from Hot Springs VillageTents

      from $80 - $100 / night

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      6. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

      3.4(5)40mi from Hot Springs VillageTents

      "Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."

      "The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps. The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum. The sunset was beautiful."

      7. Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp

      2.5(2)40mi from Hot Springs VillageRVs, Tents, Cabins

      8. Camp Conway RV Park

      3.0(2)49mi from Hot Springs VillageRVs

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Hot Springs Village, AR

    4 Photos of 8 Hot Springs Village Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hot Springs Village, AR

    157 Reviews of 8 Hot Springs Village Campgrounds

    • Joy J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 3, 2026

      Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

      There Is No Lake

      There is no lake. At the end of a rock and gravel road, that is easy to navigate you come to the end of the road where the lake used to be and there’s a dirt Sirkel drive I’m in a 16 foot transit van with a cargo carrier attached and it was very easy for me to navigate. It might be a tight turn for a large trailer in the middle of the turn is a stack of cinderblocks and what looks like somebody tried to make into a fire pit by using an old pallet. It was a free quiet place to spend the night, but I wouldn’t spend more than a night there.

    • Kimberly P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Lake Catherine State Park Campground

      Cute and busy

      We liked Lake Catherine State Park. My husband tried fishing, to no avail. I chose swimming and was also a little let down. The water by camp is extremely shallow. Even 50 ft from bank youre only in 2 ft of water.. so I opted for floating and it was perfect. My husband had my float tied around his waist while he waded around trying to fish. It was honestly magical. The bathrooms, which contain a couple of stalled showers, are some of the cleanest we've seen in all our travels. A lot of the sites are directly on the water and it looks like each group of sites has its own dock, so thats really cool. The waterfall had no falls bc it hasnt rained here in some time. There was a really nice shop that had ice, wood, souvenirs, a few groceries, and practical items like sunscreen and bug spray as well as rv stuff, like pipes and hoses. There is watercraft rental here but we didnt check that out. 2 nights cost us $52 for 30 amp, water hookup, right by the bathhouse and a site on the water. It was honestly worth it. Probably would have stayed longer if it had been a little cheaper though.

    • Bryce N.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 16, 2026

      Mount Nebo State Park Campground

      Campground with the view!

      Campground made for the smaller rigs. Access road has a 24 foot camper length limit. Fun drive with steep switchbacks. Some campsites are on the cliffs edge so the views are fantastic. Staff was helpful and the sites clean. Some good leveling will be required at a few RV sites but it's more then worth it!

    • Amanda F.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 13, 2026

      Lake Catherine State Park Campground

      Nice park with so many amenities.

      Such a great place. The staff here are amazing and so friendly. You cannot go wrong here.

    • Julie H.
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Camp Conway RV Park

      Horrible

      This is a long review but please read it. It is a public service announcement. Camp Conway greenbrier. Landlord Burt Zinser. Where to begin.. Let start with Ameneties. The website states Each site has full hook ups including 20/30/50 amp electric, clean city water, city sewer and fiber-optic high-speed WiFi. Guests at Camp Conway have the option of porches, sheds and gazebos with management approval. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. 1. Clean city water- it taste like plastic and chlorine. Must have a water filter if you actually want to drink it or give it to your pets. 2. Fiber optic high speed wifi. That's a joke. Shoddy at best. TCW repeatedly has to come out to fix it and it's still garbage. If you are okay with internet dropping in and out every 5 to 10 min, then it's great. Save yourself the headache and get your own, but don't expect Burt Zinser to reduce your rent for services he offers but you can't use. Here at camp conway you can expect to pay for services unrendered.(Not the only one that has this problem in the park) 3. Porches, sheds or gazebos. 100%, as long as you are one of his favorites, like the people in the pictures he uses on his website. The beautiful two story rv with full front porch, likes to watch what everyone else is doing and then go complain to Burt if she doesn't like how your lot looks or what your doing. Burt will be sure to tell you it's too much, or beauty is sometimes only in the eye of the beholder. 4. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. The"Bath House" is one shower, without a bathroom vent, a toilet and sink, in the laundry room and is always disgusting. Hair on the floors, wall, drain, soap scum, ect. The toilet has pubic hair and feces on and around it. No one cleans it, nor cleans up after themselves. Not sure who replaces the toilet paper but half the time it's empty. The laundry is two household washers and dryers. Costing 2.50, which isn't bad. Just don't run the washers at the same time or they flood the room(you will be blamed for over loading it) and expect to dry your clothes for an hour or so, or they will be damp. The state of the laundry room is horrible. Trash overflowing, dog hair, and random debris all over the floors. Again no one cleans them.( you think well I'll just get compact washer, expect to be charged extra for water and don't you dare hang clothes outside to dry, that includes beachwear and towels). It's not visually appealing. 5. Spacious lots. The outer lots are 600 and the other lots 565(it was 550 back in Feb, this is important to note). Price subject to change without a notice. Do Not expect Burt Zinsers crappy memory to remember not to over charge you(text wont help you either). Honestly, don't bother to ask Burt about it, or he will get annoyed and either kick you out or threaten to. I'll get to that later. The lots flood when it rains, grass is almost non existent, scorching heat from lack of trees and of course you have to love the red clay that gets over everything. Lots are suppose to mowed by him, but he hasn't mowed in the 5 months we've been here. He sends his child out, who does a half ass job weed whacking around the pedestals and mows part of the big field. If it wasn't for one of the permanent resident here mowing for people that ask him, it would be horrible. 6. Someone pointed out they have a huge open field with plans to extend the park, but currently it's a great dog area to let your dogs off leash to play. WRONG. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE OFF LEASH. Expect to be harassed about picking up your dog poop. Even when you do, other people do not, while letting their dog roam free and you will be blamed. He has plans to extend the park, true, but until then expect for Burt to constantly remind you that until the park fills up, it all comes out of his pocket, so he's loosing money. You can rent one of his tiny homes if you want to pay near 1,000 for a studio apartment, open floor plan, with a 500 dollar, per pet, fee. You will be secure too as one of his security cameras point directly in the front windows of the current one and only tiny home he has on the premises. 7. Rules. It all depends which of his rules and who you are. If he tells you no AC units in the windows of RVs. There are currently 5 RVs that have units in the windows, so he doesn't really give a crap about that rule. I personally don't care but it was one of the things he stated when we called. No agressive dogs. His example, like pitbulls. Hey as long as you tell him it's another breed he doesn't know the difference and isn't bothered to check. I see nothing wrong with pitties, he's just the type that believes in bad dogs, not bad owners. Oh and on that note you will be sure to hear or be told, that you don't need another mouth to feed, or straight up told you can't keep another pet if you get one. 8. Privacy. Don't expect it. Burt Zinser likes to meddle in people's business. He gives unsolicited relationship advice, opinions on how you should decorate, how your vehicle looks, if your working or not(regardless if you pay rent on time, he doesn't like it if you are a stay at home person). Our experience here has been crap. We moved into the park on Feb 3rd. The lot was one giant mud pit. We asked if he would buy grass seed and we'd care for the lawn until it fully grown. We were told yes at first then the next day we received a text staying no because then he'd have to do that for everyone. We bought grass seed, tilled the land by hand and grew grass. We called about the internet 3 different times. The first time he handed us a wifi extender, that didnt work and TCW said it was pointless since it wasnt hooked into landline nor had bluetooth capabilities. He then had TCW come out two more times to"fix" it, before we said screw it and got starlink. When asked if he would remove the fee for the interent we can't use. He said no. When we asked why are we paying for something we can't use, he stated it was our problem, not his. For the month of Feb rent was 550. March 550. April we TEXT him after hours and asked him to gIve us a call so we could pay rent. HE CALLED US, did the transaction and got off the phone. We checked and noticed he overcharged us, 565. We TEXT him again and pointed out he over charged us. HE CALLED US BACK. He asked when we had moved in, we told him Feb, he apologized and refunded the 15 dollars. When asked when he was going to raise the rent if he would be notifying us. We asked if we would still be paying 550 until then. He called us nieve to think rent wouldn't change. When we explained that we didn't think it would stay 550 forever, but that we would be notified and not just him taking whatever amount he decides he wants. He got irritated said we were busting his balls and he hadn't eaten dinner yet but instead dealing with this crap, and that we were temporary visitors(i didnt know 5 months of renting was temporary). He belittled a person that has autism and learning disabilities when he was the one to CALL US BACK and interupt his own supper. We called during business hours and informed him of the condition of the shower being filthy and smelling of cat urine, because everyone closes the door behind them after a shower and there is no vent( burt decided it wasn't needed, told to us by someone else). We were told people are supposed to be cleaning up after themselves. We asked if he would get a deck brush, hose and cleaning supplies for us and we would clean it for free, once a week. He said sure. A week later we saw him on the property asked about it again. He got annoyed, we dropped it and bought an external on demand hot water heater to be able to shower and feel clean. Once again it was time for rent to be paid. I noticed he had been over charging us again for may and June, not even a week after he told me that August 1st was when the rent would be raised. I saw him on the property and walked over to bring it to his attention. He got irritated and told me that it was becoming a bit much. When asked what he was talking about he stated that no one else bothers him as much as we do, and it's overwhelming. I stated to him that we haven't been unreasonable in holding him accountable for his property. I had explained previously about my husband being autistic with learning disabilities that sometimes effect how he understands things. I brought up that he stated he thinks he's autistic and his wife has told him thay his facial expressions and attitude towards people can be offputting and misinterpreted. I would think he would be more understanding. I told him he obviously has an issue with my husband and that from now on he will be dealing with me since my husband irritates him so much. He tried telling me no that wasn't the issue. I cut him off and said that was exactly the problem or it was holding him accountable, or both. He asked if we be out by then end of the month and I said no, as we have done nothing wrong. Rent is never late. Always paid. Our site is clean, we follow the rules. The next day we received a text from him telling us to be out by the end of the month and he was sorry it didn't work out. Retaliation for a woman speaking to him. Burt Zinser is a horrible business man, landlord and human being. He has issues with speaking too and dealing with woman if they try to be an equal. I truly believe he's sexist and I'm not the only woman in this park that thinks that. If you and your husband are speaking to him, you ask him a question he will disrespect you by looking at your husband and answering. Ask around, talk to people in the park, and not his favorites. I'm hoping I can attach the photos I've taken around the park and facilities but if I can't, feel free to reach out. I have no problem sharing them, in hopes you won't support this man and his park. I will be posting this in every RV group I'm a member of, local community pages and restaurants. Let's hold this man accountable for his disrespect, horrible ethics, and business. Greenbrier is a better community then this man deserves and he shouldn't be allowed to continue this way.

    • Amanda F.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 3, 2025

      Mount Nebo State Park Campground

      Great place

      One of the best places I have camped in a while. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice trails and panoramic views.

    • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 18, 2025

      DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

      Very quiet and secluded CG

      We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 12 for 1 night in mid September. The CG is clean and well maintained but showing its age. The CG roads are paved, but narrow, winding, and fairly bumpy in spots. Few if any of the sites in this section of the CG were anywhere close to level and our site, one of the few pull-throughs, was one of the worst, I mean seriously sloped even after ratcheting up the front levelers as far as they’d go. The CG is very quiet and peaceful. There was only one other camper in this section of the CG while we were there. 

      AT&T coverage was basically nonexistent with 1 bar of LTE service but very little if any throughput. The CG is heavily wooded, so Starlink was unusable.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 5, 2025

      Bear Creek Horse Camp

      Small, Secluded Primitive Equestrian Campground

      Coordinates: 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.

    Guide to Hot Springs Village

    Bear Creek Horse Camp offers primitive equestrian camping near Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. The camp is positioned on Forest Road 772 in the Ouachita National Forest, approximately 1 mile north of Forest Road 11. The small campground features four primitive sites with hitching posts for horses and serves as an access point to the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system. Trails are also open to hikers looking to explore the dense forest surroundings.

    What to do

    Trail riding on Bear Creek Equestrian Trails: The network of interconnecting loop trails starts right from the Bear Creek Horse Camp trailhead. "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," notes Fred S.

    Hiking at Mount Nebo State Park: Located about 1.5 hours from Hot Springs Village, the mountain offers several trail options. "The 'Rim Trail' is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views. Different sections of the Rim Trail range from easy to moderate to strenuous. They are marked," shares Dave V. from Mount Nebo State Park Campground.

    Fishing at Lake Catherine: Just 30 minutes from Hot Springs Village, this lake provides excellent fishing opportunities. "We got an amazing site right on the water and spent a day here because it was so beautiful. We were driving out west and didn't plan on stopping but it was so beautiful, we took a couple hikes and thoroughly enjoyed the day," says David B. who stayed at Lake Catherine State Park Campground.

    What campers like

    Scenic views from mountain sites: At Mount Nebo, campers appreciate the elevation advantages. "Great campsites right on the edge of the mountain. Wonderful showers at the bathhouse. Sites are fairly close together it's wonderful with the views of the city," reports Dale H.

    Wildlife watching opportunities: Many camping areas near Hot Springs Village offer chances to observe local fauna. At DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Tina B. mentions "Depending on where you are in the park you can see the Ouachita mountains in the horizon. Great place for photo enthusiast with Beautiful sunsets and an abundance of wildlife."

    Shade at primitive sites: Bear Creek Horse Camp provides tree cover that keeps temperatures more comfortable during summer months. Fred S. notes "Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge." This natural canopy creates more comfortable camping conditions during hot Arkansas summers.

    What you should know

    Limited facilities at equestrian sites: Bear Creek Horse Camp offers basic amenities only. "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," explains Fred S.

    Road conditions can vary seasonally: Access roads to camping areas may have erosion issues. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, there's "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road. FR11 is in good condition at the time of this visit."

    Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have limited connectivity. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, one camper reports "I received no T-Mobile cell service." When planning horseback riding trips or dispersed camping near Hot Springs Village, bring printed maps as backup.

    Wildlife awareness needed: At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, campers should prepare for insects. Ken H. advises, "I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning."

    Tips for camping with families

    Choose sites with swimming options: Lakes provide refreshing breaks for kids during hot summer months. At Lake Catherine State Park, Alison C. shares, "We took my nieces on a weekend trip in our camper to Lake Catherine State Park. Our campsite backed up to the lake, so we had a great view. The campsite was a great size and well spaced out from our neighbors. There were trees to hang our hammocks."

    Look for kid-friendly trails: Some parks offer easier hiking paths suitable for younger children. Alison C. continues, "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail."

    Bring mosquito protection: Arkansas camping often means dealing with insects, especially near water. Mason G. at Camp Robinson notes people "driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks and a guy was screaming out the window." Consider quieter, more family-oriented established campgrounds instead of dispersed sites.

    Tips from RVers

    Check road grades before driving: Mountain access roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. At Erwin Estate High Point, campers enjoy elevated views but should note it's "Just 15 minutes from beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas!" with "180+ degree view overlooking Benton to Malvern to Greater Hot Springs."

    Consider hookup availability: Many equestrian camping areas near Hot Springs Village lack RV connections. Loren J. at Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp warns, "Dirt roads no electric nice little quiet excluded spot but it's be tough for an RV to get around there."

    Seek out level sites: Many primitive campgrounds have uneven terrain. Fred S. notes about Bear Creek Horse Camp, "In fact, you need to be somewhat creative in locating a level tent spot." This applies even more to RVs requiring stable positioning.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hot Springs Village, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hot Springs Village, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hot Springs Village, AR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Hot Springs Village, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.