Bear Creek Horse Camp serves as one of the equestrian campgrounds near Maumelle, Arkansas, located in the Ouachita National Forest. This primitive campground sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with access to over 40 miles of designated horse trails. The region experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and hot, humid summers that regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Trail riding: Access the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system directly from camp. "The trailhead is located at the rear of the camp," notes Fred S., who appreciated the "interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system" which are also open to hikers.
Fishing opportunities: Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp offers primitive lakefront camping with fishing access. "Another no-frills camp on a wildlife management area," according to Jason W., who warns that "mosquito spray is more important than food" when staying here.
Bird watching: Camp Conway RV Park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Burt observed, "Must have seen 12 bird varieties thriving in the park," making it a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts staying near Conway.
Photography: Capture scenic vistas at Erwin Estate High Point, which boasts "180+ degree view overlooking Benton to Malvern to Greater Hot Springs" and is "great for nature, vista, and sunset photography" according to Susan E.
What campers like
Proximity to water: Lake Catherine State Park's waterfront sites are particularly popular. "Our campsite backed up to the lake, so we had a great view," writes Alison C., who enjoyed having "trees to hang our hammocks" while appreciating the lake access.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities at Woolly Hollow State Park. "The sites are all asphalted and the bathhouse is located in the center of all of the sites so access is easy," notes Brian G., who called it "the best" of the Arkansas State Parks they'd visited.
Natural springs: Several camping areas feature natural springs. At Woolly Hollow, Amy W. notes "There is a marked Artesian Spring right at the turn to this loop before Site #1," providing a unique natural feature to enjoy.
Peace and quiet: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of these horse-friendly campgrounds. Camp Conway is described as "quiet with excellent bird-watching" and "convenient to Conway and even Little Rock" according to Burt.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most equestrian sites offer minimal amenities. Bear Creek Horse Camp has "four sites (2 official national forest sites with metal fire rings plus 2 dispersed sites with rock fire rings)" and while there's "a very clean vault toilet located at the rear of the camp," there's no running water or electricity.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense in this region. Ken H. describes his experience at Camp Robinson as "90 degrees. Summer swampy area," noting the necessity of bug spray when camping here during warmer months.
Cell reception varies: Connectivity is unpredictable throughout the region. Fred S. reports "I received no T-Mobile cell service" at Bear Creek Horse Camp, making advance planning essential for those needing to stay connected.
Access challenges: Some roads leading to campgrounds may require higher clearance vehicles. At Adam's Lake, Loren J. notes "Dirt roads no electric nice little quiet excluded spot but it's be tough for an RV to get around there," suggesting smaller vehicles may navigate the area more easily.
Tips for camping with families
Look for ranger programs: State parks often offer educational activities. Kelci C. enjoyed Woolly Hollow State Park where "the state park ranger had a weekend full of planned events from a box turtle demo to a sand castle competition," making it ideal for families with children.
Choose parks with diverse activities: Woolly Hollow offers "great trails for hiking and mountain biking" plus "a nice swimming area with a shop to order drinks/snacks" according to Alison C., providing options to keep everyone entertained.
Prepare for insects: Particularly in summer months, insect protection is essential. Jason W. emphasizes this at Adam's Lake by stating "mosquito spray is more important than food," highlighting the need for proper preparation.
Consider water activities: Lakes provide multiple recreation options. At Lake Catherine, Alison C. reports they "rented a few kayaks" and found it "a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water."
Tips from RVers
Solar limitations: Heavily forested sites may restrict solar charging options. Fred S. notes that at Bear Creek Horse Camp, "Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge," important for RVers relying on solar power.
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive camping areas can present challenges. Fred S. observed "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road" when traveling to Bear Creek Horse Camp, information helpful for those with larger rigs.
Space considerations: Many horse camps aren't designed for larger RVs. Loren J. mentions that at Adam's Lake, it would be "tough for an RV to get around there" due to the dirt roads and limited turning space.
Full hookup options: For those requiring amenities, Camp Conway RV Park offers complete services. Burt mentions the campground is "friendly to monthly guests as well as nightly," providing flexibility for longer-term RV stays.
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