The Ouachita National Forest offers multiple equestrian camping options within a 30-mile radius of Jones Mill, Arkansas. Situated at elevations between 600-2,700 feet, this region experiences mild winters and warm summers with average rainfall of 55 inches annually. Horse enthusiasts can access over 40 miles of designated equestrian trails through mixed pine and hardwood forests.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Bear Creek Horse Camp provides access to multiple loop trails through the Ouachita National Forest. As Fred S. notes, "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."
Fishing access: Multiple lakes near Jones Mill provide fishing opportunities for campers. At DeGray Lake Resort State Park, visitors can fish directly from shorelines or boat launches. One camper reports: "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... This is also a great fishing lake."
Hiking options: Several maintained trails exist throughout the region, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. At Lake Catherine State Park, campers appreciate the "Three very good trails within the park" as Michael D. mentioned in his review. Another visitor, Alison C., specifically recommends "hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many horse campgrounds near Jones Mill provide adequate spacing between campsites. At Lake Catherine State Park, Chad K. notes that "The camp sites are spaced for privacy and are level for both campers and tents. The facilities are updated and well maintained."
Water access: Lakefront camping allows for convenient boat, kayak and swimming access. According to one DeGray Lake camper, "We stayed in 102 and 106 and had pretty views of the clear lake. Were able to park boat next to campsite and get kayaks and floats in and out of water easily. Boat ramp super close by."
Wildlife viewing: The forested setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Erwin Estate High Point, Susan E. notes "Wildlife sitings: Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more. Onsite catch and release pond bass fishing(bring your own gear)."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most horse camps offer basic amenities only. Fred S. observes that at Bear Creek Horse Camp, "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 mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge."
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall provide optimal camping conditions, while summer brings higher humidity. Lake Catherine "will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend," according to Chad K.
Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to equestrian camps may have seasonal challenges. As Fred S. reports about Bear Creek Horse Camp, "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road. FR11 is in good condition at the time of this visit."
Cellphone coverage: Reception varies throughout the region. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, Julie A. notes "we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum" while Fred S. reports "I received no T-Mobile cell service" at Bear Creek Horse Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Several camps offer accessible outdoor activities for children. At Lake Catherine State Park, Alison C. shared: "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."
Safety considerations: Some areas have late-night visitors that may disturb family camping. Mason G. warns about Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp: "I woke up a 11am to someone driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks and a guy was screaming out the window. So I was packed up and was out by 2am."
Waterfall access: Several horse camps provide access to seasonal waterfalls. Amy H. specifically mentions Lake Catherine's waterfall: "Pleasant hike. Pleasant environment. Pleasant waterfall. I remember this place being rather peaceful!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many equestrian campgrounds have uneven terrain. Ray & Terri F. warn about 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."
Road width limitations: Forest roads may present challenges for larger rigs. Loren J. notes about Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp: "Dirt roads no electric nice little quiet excluded spot but it's be tough for an RV to get around there."
Hookup availability: Electric and water options vary between camps. Jason W. describes Adam's Lake as "Another no-frills camp on a wildlife management area" while Michael D. reports that Lake Catherine offers "Nice, shady, level sites with full hook-ups."
