Best Equestrian Camping near Little Rock, AR

Bear Creek Horse Camp offers primitive equestrian camping near Little Rock, with tent and RV sites accessible by drive-in routes. The dispersed camping area provides toilets but lacks electric hookups, water connections, and designated corrals. Most visitors note the importance of bringing bug spray when camping in this wildlife management area. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, another free horse-friendly option, allows tent camping with access for horses, though the lake has been partially drained for stump removal work. This primitive site features well-maintained access roads and peaceful surroundings where birds and frogs sing throughout the evening.

Trail riders can access multiple riding paths from Bear Creek, which connects to broader forest service trails. Lake Catherine State Park Campground, while not specifically designated for horses, accommodates various camping styles including tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with full hookups. The park features multiple hiking trails, including a path leading to a photogenic waterfall that provides a cool reprieve on warm days. Equestrians should note that most sites require reservations well in advance, particularly for holiday weekends. The park stays booked most of the year, with some visitors recommending making reservations up to 365 days before arrival for prime locations.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Little Rock, Arkansas (7)

    1. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Jones Mill, AR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 844-4176

    $15 - $25 / night

    "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. 

     "

    2. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Mayflower, AR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 345-0325

    "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."

    3. Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mayflower, AR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 967-7577

    4. Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park

    22 Reviews
    Greenbrier, AR
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 679-2098

    "The best features of this State Park are: 1) it is close to Conway and an easy drive from Little Rock; 2) there is a separate loop for tent camping and it's closer to the water than the hookups loop;"

    "I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit."

    5. Camp Conway RV Park

    1 Review
    Greenbrier, AR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 314-4268

    "Convenient to Conway and even Little Rock. Camp ground is friendly to monthly guests as well as nightly."

    6. Erwin Estate High Point

    1 Review
    Jones Mill, AR
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (323) 919-2436

    $80 - $100 / night

    "VOTED BEST HIPCAMP IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS! "

    7. Bear Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Jessieville, AR
    47 miles
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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Little Rock, AR

114 Reviews of 7 Little Rock Campgrounds


  • 2SHOE S.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park

    Friendly and accessible family campground

    The best features of this State Park are: 1) it is close to Conway and an easy drive from Little Rock; 2) there is a separate loop for tent camping and it's closer to the water than the hookups loop; and 3) it has a nice swim beach open in season. I believe the State Park puts on some interesting programs, too, so watch their calendar. The hiking loops around the lake and grounds are just fine but cannot offer the majestic scenery of some of the more mountainous regions of the state. If you camp in the RV loop you will likely meet some nice folks and enjoy nature among other RVers. The park is well taken care of, but again, it's not winning awards for the most striking setting our state has to offer. Nonetheless, Woolly Hollow makes a good getaway for families that want to spend time outdoors, ride their bikes around or take a swim, look up at the stars, and not venture too far from home.

  • B
    May. 31, 2024

    Camp Conway RV Park

    Wide-open layout, outside of town, quiet, full-hookups

    Camp Conway is quiet with excellent bird-watching. Must have seen 12 bird varieties thriving in the park. Convenient to Conway and even Little Rock. Camp ground is friendly to monthly guests as well as nightly.

  • Susan E.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    Erwin Estate High Point

    Erwin Estate High Point Excellent Views!

    VOTED BEST HIPCAMP IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS! 

    My mom and dad, Debra and Mike Erwin, have been enjoying welcoming campers to our little slice of heaven in Magnet Cove, Arkansas for a couple of years now. We have had many happy campers and are extremely proud to win this award! We hope to increase awareness about our listing and beautiful camping location. We boast the highest point in Southern Arkansas- Our“High Point”. You can camp on the tower or around it and enjoy one of the best views in the state of Arkansas. Debra and Mike Erwin truly care about their guests and make sure that they are taken care of with true Southern hospitality and safety in mind. 

    As of late, there is considerable wildlife to view and great fishing in our pond. 

    Occasionally, we even have a Golden Eagle that will make an appearance! HipCamp is like the camping version of Air BnB. Pitch your tent in our Erwin Estates High Point and have access to the lookout tower with a swing.

    • Just 15 minutes from beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas! 

    • 180+ degree view overlooking Benton to Malvern to Greater Hot Springs.

    • Cattle roam the pastures.

    • Our natural spring pond is a place to fish where it's an almost guaranteed catch as we have stocked it well! 

    • Great for nature, vista, and sunset photography. 

    • Nearby river and lake fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking 3-15 miles away. Private vendors available. 

    • Wildlife sitings: Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more. Onsite catch and release pond bass fishing(bring your own gear). 

    • Bait, gas and convenience store within 3 miles. 

    • Walmart and restaurants 10 miles. 

    • Kiting is excellent atop High Point with great winds year round. 

    • Star gazing at night with a very romantic sunset. 

    • Novaculite and Quartz geology, mineral exploration.

    • Take home a piece of this mineral rich area of the world! Free rocks to all! 

    • Drone flying is superb! 

    • Great cell phone reception. 

    • Major hospital within 13 miles in nearby Hot Springs. 

    • Bath Houses and downtown historical Hot Springs. Music Festivals. 

    • Oaklawn Racing and Gaming(horse races and casino) all within 15 min drive. 

    • GREAT FOR PROPOSALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS! 

    • To view and book through our official HIPCAMP listing, visit: https://bit.ly/2i1AQ6k 

    • NOW AVAILABLE ON AIRBNB!!! BOOK NOW WITH AIRBNB: http://bit.ly/2LXf8NT 

    Thank you!~ Susan Erwin Prowse and The Erwin Family

  • 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.

  • T
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Small free for all tent sites

    Small 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2022

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Great site by the water

    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. 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🤨

  • Patricia C.
    Aug. 3, 2019

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Clean with Great Lake Access

    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. 

     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.

  • S
    Nov. 26, 2021

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Impressed!

    I 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.

  • Amy W.
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park

    SITE #3 All the great outdoor opportunities, small enough to avoid crowds

    I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit. There is a marked Artesian Spring right at the turn to this loop before Site #1.  

    This park has so much going for it. It is clean, small, handicap accessible....great hiking with short and long options, a pour-off waterfall during the wet season when the lake is high, biking options. You can rent paddle boats and kayaks for the small but beautiful lake that is known for fishing. The visitor's center has nice restrooms, local author's books and art, and is well-stocked in emergency  supplies, treats, a water fountain, and friendly staff. I live close by and opt for this park when I need to get away from the hustle and bustle for a while. This park is small enough to avoid the typical state park crowds and still enjoy all the outdoor sights, sounds and activites you are looking for.


Guide to Little Rock

Primitive campgrounds near Little Rock, Arkansas offer varied terrain for equestrian enthusiasts across wildlife management areas and state parks. The region maintains several horse-friendly camping locations within 30-45 minutes of the city, situated among the rolling Ouachita foothills and lowland lake areas. Temperatures range from summer highs near 95°F to winter lows around 30°F, with spring and fall providing the most comfortable camping conditions.

What to do

Trail riding opportunities: Bear Creek Horse Camp provides direct access to interconnected loop trails throughout the Ouachita National Forest. "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," notes Fred S. at Bear Creek Horse Camp.

Hiking with waterfall views: Lake Catherine State Park features multiple trails with scenic rewards. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," shares Alison C. at Lake Catherine State Park Campground.

Fishing opportunities: Woolly Hollow State Park offers anglers accessible shorelines and boat rentals. "The park has a fishing tournament for the kids," mentions Lona T., adding that sites near the water fill quickly during peak seasons.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Lake Catherine's layout provides natural separation between campers. "The campsite was a great size and well spaced out from our neighbors. There were trees to hang our hammocks," notes Alison C., who particularly appreciated the lakefront views.

Bird watching: Camp Conway RV Park attracts diverse wildlife despite its proximity to urban areas. "Must have seen 12 bird varieties thriving in the park. Convenient to Conway and even Little Rock," reports Burt at Camp Conway RV Park.

Scenic viewpoints: Erwin Estate High Point offers panoramic vistas unique to the region. "180+ degree view overlooking Benton to Malvern to Greater Hot Springs. Cattle roam the pastures," describes Susan E. at Erwin Estate High Point, noting the site's popularity for nature photography.

What you should know

Bug protection essential: Insect activity varies by season but remains consistent at water-adjacent sites. "Mosquito spray is more important than food," warns Jason W. bluntly about primitive camping at Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp.

Reservation timing: State parks near Little Rock book quickly, especially during holiday periods and pleasant seasons. "They have 30 campsites with power, water, and sewer hookups," notes Jason B. about Woolly Hollow, where weekends often fill months in advance.

Road conditions: Access roads to primitive horse camps can present challenges during wet weather. "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road. FR11 is in good condition at the time of this visit," reports Fred S. about reaching Bear Creek Horse Camp.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly trails: Woolly Hollow State Park offers educational programming for young visitors. "The state park ranger had a weekend full of planned events from a box turtle demo to a sand castle competition," shares Kelci C. at Woolly Hollow State Park.

Water activities: Kayaking and calm water appeal to families with various age groups. "We enjoyed the hiking trails and rented a few kayaks. It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water," explains Alison C. about Lake Catherine.

Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing creates natural learning experiences. "As a homeschool family we are always looking for learning opportunities and we are thrilled we stumbled upon this campground," mentions Kelci C., appreciating the guided hikes with naturalists.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Camp Robinson requires advance planning for larger vehicles. "The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum," notes Julie A. at Camp Robinson Dispersed Site.

Unlevel terrain challenges: Adam's Lake presents difficulties for recreational vehicles. "Dirt roads no electric nice little quiet excluded spot but it's be tough for an RV to get around there," cautions Loren J. about the primitive camp's layout.

Solar power limitations: Bear Creek's forest canopy impacts renewable energy systems. "Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge," mentions Fred S., noting that conventional hookups remain unavailable at this horse-friendly primitive site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Little Rock, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Little Rock, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Little Rock, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.