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Bear Creek Horse Camp offers four primitive sites with hitching posts for equestrian riders exploring the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system in the Ouachita National Forest. Located approximately one mile north of Forest Road 11 on Forest Road 772, this small secluded campground serves as a trailhead for interconnecting loop trails open to both riders and hikers. The grounds feature two official national forest sites with metal fire rings plus two dispersed sites with rock fire rings, all available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost. A clean vault toilet is maintained at the rear of the camp. Sites accommodate tent and hammock camping, though mostly shaded areas make solar recharging challenging. A small creek runs alongside the camp providing water access.
The Bear Creek Equestrian Trail network connects directly to the campground with the trailhead located at the rear of the camp. Trail conditions vary seasonally with some minor erosion where small creeks cross Forest Road 772. Horse owners should note there are no designated corrals, though hitching posts are available throughout the camp. The grounds do not appear to be regularly maintained, but sites remain clean and functional for equestrian use. No cell service is available for T-Mobile users in this remote forest location. Riders should be aware the camp is situated on the western edge of the Deckard Mountain Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area, which may affect seasonal usage. While the camp itself is not aesthetically remarkable, it provides practical access to beautiful forest riding opportunities.
"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"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."
"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."
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $80 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
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.
GuideThis 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. It has several camping spaces with water and electric hook ups (about $22/night), yurts (about $55/night), a lodge (about $100/night), a marina to rent boats or buy bait, several daily activities for children or adults of all ages (some free and some about $5-15/person), horse riding stables (no experience required, about $30/ride 1 hour trail), a full golf course, playgrounds, pavilions, overall clean facilities, and a restaurant. Although our bank fishing experience wasn’t so great, I’m sure with a boat it would have been better. And for those that want to make the camping trip into the ultimate family vacation, this park is about a 30 minute drive from Hot Springs, AR where there is tons to do like restaurants, mini golf, shopping, and we even decided to get ice cream at Scoops (24 homemade flavors and delicious)! We will definitely be back for a visit!!
TravelerSmall open Campground with no specific sites (Tent Only Area). There is a small lot nearby to park then you must walk everything in. This can be anything from right next to your car to a few hundred feet away depending on where you want to set up. Picnic tables, fire rings and campground grills located throughout but again nothing is marketed as far as site numbers. The area allows for up to six camp permits per night. Could be good for smaller groups. It’s up away from the lake unlike the rest of the campgrounds in the park. There are restrooms nearby with flushing toilets and sinks. Also a playground is located close to the campsite. Overall it was clean but felt cramped among other campers and parking away from the tent made for multiple trips back and forth.
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.
GuideWe 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. I’m betting the fishing is better if you have a boat. We did not use the restrooms/bathhouse. This site is smaller but fit our 22’ trailer perfectly. We had our ebikes with us and road around a little, but the campground is not ideally set up for using them like we did at Petit Jean. We did have some pretty tall weeds that we wished would have been taken care of before we arrived, but not a deal breaker for sure. We hiked several trails that were challenging and beautiful. Close proximity to Hot Springs so spent one day there. If I had it to do over again, I would have skipped it. Casino close by for those folks so inclined. Wish we would have brought our kayaks🤨
TravelerLake 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.
A short trail leads you to a waterfall or take the longer trail for a fun hike through the woods. Swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking are all a part of the fun.
The cabins are rustic but well-appointed. All cabins have water views.
No matter the time of year, Lake Catherine State Park is a wonderful place to visit.
ScoutI am quite fond of the state parks in Arkansas and this was a clean, quiet, beautiful and safe location near Hot Springs. I was very happy that I could also bring my dog. When I reached my campsite my booking tag was already there and there was some firewood placed on the fire pit for me already. I was only a minute walk from restroom facilities. I also found it was very easy to book last minute after receiving a recommendation from a local barista.
Bear Creek Horse Camp provides access to equestrian trails through the Ouachita National Forest. Four primitive sites with hitching posts accommodate horses and riders 1 mile north of Forest Road 11. Nearby, several other horse campgrounds near Jessieville, Arkansas offer additional trail access through mixed pine and hardwood forests. The region features elevations between 600-2,300 feet with moderate humidity in summer months and cool, damp winters.
Trail riding opportunities: Lake Catherine State Park provides multiple riding options for equestrians. "Nice, shady, level sites with full hook-ups. Three very good trails within the park. Situated on a beautiful lake near Hot Springs, AR with a marina," notes Michael D.
Hiking with elevation: Mount Nebo State Park offers trail systems with panoramic views. "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," explains Dave V.
Water recreation: Access to lakes and small creeks provides fishing and paddling opportunities throughout the region. At Lake Catherine State Park, "We enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," shares Alison C., who also mentions "We enjoyed the hiking trails and rented a few kayaks. It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm."
Diverse camping options: DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers different camping experiences. "Close enough to Arkadelphia if you need supplies. State Park Marina and Caddo Point have very nice boat ramps with a lot of parking which is good because this place gets crowded. RV and tent sites are clean and shaded and there are yurts available for rental," reports Jason W.
Wildlife viewing: The Ouachita National Forest region supports diverse animal populations. "Wildlife sitings: Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more. Onsite catch and release pond bass fishing (bring your own gear)," reports Susan E. at Erwin Estate High Point, who also notes that "Occasionally, we even have a Golden Eagle that will make an appearance!"
Seasonal advantages: Camps at higher elevations provide relief from summer heat. At Mount Nebo State Park, Stan G. explains it has a "State 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."
Road conditions: Some forest roads require caution and appropriate vehicles. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, Julie A. reports "The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum."
Facility limitations: Most forest service equestrian campgrounds provide only basic amenities. At Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, Athina W. notes it's "Not uncommon for horseback riders to come through. Can be rough and muddy getting down to the water."
Seasonal variations: Weather affects accessibility and conditions. According to Fred S., small creeks crossing forest roads can cause "Some minor erosion" particularly after heavy rains.
Swimming options: Mount Magazine State Park has family-friendly activities. "This is a very nice state park that mostly offers hiking and beautiful views. We stayed in our camper, but there is a beautiful lodge and a good restaurant here as well. The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," shares Jeremy C.
Beginner-friendly trails: Start with shorter trail segments for younger riders or hikers. At Mount Magazine, "The camping spaces are large and accommodating, most are level and can fit almost anything you travel in," notes Charles H.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds may experience varying noise levels. Tiffany H. mentions at Lake Catherine that "The only reason I didn't give a 5 is the partying kids across from us. They partied hard cussing and loud music until 3 am two nights in a row."
Road grade limitations: Mountain access roads often restrict larger vehicles. At Mount Nebo State Park, Jackie F. advises "I would recommend calling ahead and seeing if you can get the site on the Bluff it looked beautiful."
Leveling challenges: Some campsites require additional equipment for comfortable setup. Ray & Terri F. report at DeGray Lake "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."
Cell and internet connectivity: Coverage varies significantly. At Camp Robinson, Julie A. notes "We had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum" while at DeGray Lake, Ray & Terri F. caution "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Jessieville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Jessieville, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 84 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Jessieville, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Jessieville, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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