Bear Creek Horse Camp is designed for equestrians seeking trail access in the Ouachita National Forest. The camp provides direct entry to the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system with several interconnected loops open to both riders and hikers. Seasonal water availability varies in the small creek beside the camp, which can affect both drinking water for horses and potential trail conditions. The remote location offers limited cell service and requires navigation along Forest Road 772 which experiences periodic erosion issues.
What to do
Trail riding: Access multiple trail loops directly from Bear Creek Horse Camp. The trail system accommodates various riding experiences for equestrians of all skill levels. "The trailhead is located at the rear of the camp," notes Fred S., who visited in May 2025.
Fishing opportunities: Visit Lake Catherine State Park for abundant fishing options on a scenic lake. "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," writes Alison C.
Wildlife observation: The forest setting provides opportunities for viewing native wildlife. "Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more" can be spotted according to campers at Erwin Estate High Point, which sits at one of the highest elevations in southern Arkansas.
What campers like
Secluded forest setting: The dense forest provides privacy between camping sites. "The camp itself is not aesthetically pleasing, but it is located deep in a beautiful forest with easy access to a trail system," reports Fred S. about Bear Creek Horse Camp.
Water access: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers lakefront camping with natural sounds. Rylie R. calls it a "Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."
Shaded sites: Most camping spots remain shaded throughout the day, providing relief during hot Arkansas summers. "Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge," notes a recent visitor to the horse campgrounds near Mabelvale, Arkansas.
What you should know
Primitive facilities: Woolly Hollow State Park offers more amenities than Bear Creek Horse Camp. "The bathroom facilities were clean. Although we stayed in the RV camp area, the tent camping area had some great sites, some right on the water," explains Alison C.
Road conditions: Forest roads leading to horse camping areas may have seasonal erosion issues. "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 access to Bear Creek Horse Camp.
First-come availability: No reservations are accepted at primitive horse campgrounds. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed campgrounds: Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp has basic amenities but may not be ideal for families with young children. Jason W. describes it as "Another no-frills camp on a wildlife management area. Mosquito spray is more important than food."
Consider state parks: State parks near Mabelvale provide more family-friendly amenities. "We have camped twice at Wooly Hollow and visited once as a day trip. We love Wooly Hollow. It is very clean and quiet," shares Kathy E.
Bring extra water: Limited water sources at primitive horse campgrounds mean families should pack additional water supplies. Some camps have small creeks but water quality and availability vary seasonally.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Camp Conway RV Park offers better RV access than forest horse camps. "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," reports Burt.
Length restrictions: Horse trailer parking is available at Bear Creek Horse Camp, but larger RV/trailer combinations may find maneuvering difficult on forest roads. The camp is not considered big-rig friendly.
Hookup availability: Primitive horse campgrounds near Mabelvale lack electric, water, and sewer hookups. RVers should prepare for dry camping or choose alternate locations with full hookups when not trail riding.
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