Best Equestrian Camping near Mayflower, AR

Bear Creek Horse Camp provides primitive equestrian camping in the Ouachita National Forest, approximately 1 mile north of Forest Road 11 on Forest Road 772. The camp features four sites available on a first-come, first-served basis with metal and rock fire rings. Hitching posts are available throughout the camp for securing horses. A clean vault toilet is located at the rear of the camping area. The grounds accommodate tent and hammock camping, though the sites are not aesthetically pleasing according to visitors. A small creek runs alongside the camp, providing water access for horses.

The Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system connects directly to the campground with the trailhead located at the rear of the camp. These interconnecting loop trails are open to both equestrian riders and hikers. The camp serves as a strategic base for exploring the network of horse trails throughout the Ouachita National Forest. Forest Road access shows some minor erosion where small creeks cross FR772, though FR11 remains in good condition. The camp's location on the western edge of the Deckard Mountain Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area provides additional recreational opportunities. Camping is free, but the sites receive minimal maintenance. Solar recharging and Starlink access can be challenging due to the shaded sites.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Mayflower, Arkansas (9)

    1. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Mayflower, AR
    3 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."

    2. Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park

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

    "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 are lots of trails, bike paths, water activities and BEAUTIFUL scenery. Very photogenic. Arkansas State Parks are always enjoyable. Staff was excellent and friendly."

    3. Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp

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

    4. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Jones Mill, AR
    46 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. 

     "

    5. Camp Conway RV Park

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

    6. Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Dardanelle, AR
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 229-3655

    "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."

    7. Greers Ferry Lake - COE/Cherokee Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    Heber Springs, AR
    45 miles
    Website

    "went here on a fishing trip, and i pulled out so many rainbow trouts from this lake!"

    8. Erwin Estate High Point

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

    $80 - $100 / night

    "VOTED BEST HIPCAMP IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS! "

    9. Bear Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Jessieville, AR
    44 miles
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Mayflower, AR

1 Photos of 9 Mayflower Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mayflower, AR

144 Reviews of 9 Mayflower Campgrounds


  • 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

  • J
    May. 30, 2021

    Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    Hike in sites are great!

    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. We opted for the hike in site and it was perfect for us. Off-road and hiking were great! Views are breathtaking!!

  • 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.

  • 2SHOE S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    Sunrise to sunset, Nebo has a good view

    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. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Mayflower

Horse camping in Arkansas offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds catering to both horses and riders, adventurers can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring their equine companions are well taken care of.

Tips for equestrian camping near Mayflower, Arkansas

  • Woolly Hollow State Park provides ample space for horse camping, with easy access to trails and beautiful scenery.
  • Erwin Estate High Point features a natural spring pond for horses and offers stunning views, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.
  • Mount Nebo State Park Campground is known for its picturesque trails and is ideal for those looking to explore the area on horseback.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Camp Conway RV Park offers full-hookup sites and is conveniently located near trails suitable for horseback riding.
  • Lake Catherine State Park Campground has facilities that cater to horse camping, including access to water and trails.
  • Greers Ferry Lake - COE/Cherokee Rec Area provides a rural setting with plenty of space for horses, making it a great choice for those seeking tranquility.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like water access

  • Camp Robinson Dispersed Site allows for horse camping with nearby water sources, perfect for keeping your horse hydrated.
  • Woolly Hollow State Park features trails that are horse-friendly, ensuring a great experience for both riders and their mounts.
  • Erwin Estate High Point not only offers stunning views but also has a stocked pond for fishing and a place for horses to cool off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mayflower, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mayflower, AR is Camp Robinson Dispersed Site with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Mayflower, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.