7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bear Creek Horse Camp is a small primitive equestrian campground in the Ouachita National Forest, located along Forest Road 772 about one mile north of Forest Road 11. The camp features four sites—two official with metal fire rings and two dispersed with rock fire rings—available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hitching posts are provided for securing horses. The grounds include a clean vault toilet at the rear of the camp. The campground accommodates both tent and hammock camping, though the shaded sites make solar recharging challenging. Sites were clean during recent visits despite the grounds appearing minimally maintained. A small creek runs alongside the camp, providing water access. The camp itself is not aesthetically pleasing but is situated deep in a beautiful forest.
The Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system is accessible directly from the trailhead located at the rear of the camp. These interconnecting loop trails are open to both horseback riders and hikers, offering extensive riding opportunities through the national forest. The camp serves riders exploring this network of trails and is positioned on the western edge of the Deckard Mountain Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area. Forest Road access has some minor erosion where small creeks cross FR772, though FR11 is in good condition. Cell service is limited, with no T-Mobile reception reported. The Ouachita National Forest website no longer lists this site as an official campground, though it remains accessible for equestrian use. The primitive nature of the facilities makes this best suited for experienced horse campers comfortable with basic accommodations, including those seeking direct access to dedicated equestrian campsites without developed hookups or services.
"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. "
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"This weekend we camped at DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Bismarck, Arkansas. We had a blast! DeGray Lake has a lot to offer for groups large and small wanting to get away."
"Nice campsites, lakeside, lake view and in the woods, YURT rentals have the best location, DeRoche Ridge second best if you want to be right next to the lake."
"The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."
"There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $80 - $100 / night
Check Availability
TravelerReservable 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!!
LegendCoordinates: 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.
GuideThis weekend we camped at DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Bismarck, Arkansas. We had a blast! DeGray Lake has a lot to offer for groups large and small wanting to get away. It has several camping spaces with water and electric hook ups (about $22/night), yurts (about $55/night), a lodge (about $100/night), a marina to rent boats or buy bait, several daily activities for children or adults of all ages (some free and some about $5-15/person), horse riding stables (no experience required, about $30/ride 1 hour trail), a full golf course, playgrounds, pavilions, overall clean facilities, and a restaurant. Although our bank fishing experience wasn’t so great, I’m sure with a boat it would have been better. And for those that want to make the camping trip into the ultimate family vacation, this park is about a 30 minute drive from Hot Springs, AR where there is tons to do like restaurants, mini golf, shopping, and we even decided to get ice cream at Scoops (24 homemade flavors and delicious)! We will definitely be back for a visit!!
TravelerSmall 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.
GuideWe stayed at an RV site at Cameron Campground, #2. Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it.
This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot. But the neighbors were all very quiet.
The bathhouse had two showers, several toilets.
Several signs up say beware of bears, but we didn't see any.
We saw LOTS of deer.
Be prepared for a long winding road up the mountain. It's not overly steep, but it takes a while to get ANYWHERE in this part of Arkansas.
Went to Cove Lake (11 miles away, about a 20 minute drive) to fish, but didn't stay long, and didn't catch anything. Cove lake has camping but no hookups.
GuideWe 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🤨
RangerA 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.
TravelerLake 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.
ScoutI 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.
Bear Creek Horse Camp is a small equestrian-focused campground in the Ouachita National Forest. Located about one mile north of Forest Road 11, it provides direct access to the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system. The camp includes four primitive sites with either metal or rock fire rings. Hitching posts accommodate horses, and a vault toilet serves the grounds. While primarily designed for equestrian use, hikers can also access the interconnecting loop trails from the trailhead at the rear of the camp.
Hiking at Mount Magazine: Mount Magazine State Park offers several trail options for visitors. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," notes Jeremy C. The park sits at 2,753 feet, making it the highest point in the state with unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Catherine State Park provides excellent fishing access. "We absolutely love it here. Wonderful trails, fishing, cabins and camp sites and tons of photo opportunities," shares Tina B. The park's lake setting creates diverse angling opportunities for visitors of various skill levels.
Horseback riding: The Bear Creek Horse Camp trail system offers extensive riding through the national forest. The interconnecting loop trails accommodate both riders and hikers, with the trailhead directly accessible from the camp area. This makes it one of the primary horse campgrounds near Mountain Pine, Arkansas for riders exploring the Ouachita National Forest.
Photography at DeGray Lake: "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," reports Tina B. about DeGray Lake Resort State Park. The lake's position relative to the mountains creates unique lighting conditions throughout the day.
Scenic lakefront sites: "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," shares Alison C. about her experience at Lake Catherine State Park. The lakefront positioning allows direct water views from selected campsites.
Water recreation options: DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers multiple water-based activities. "Close enough to Arkadelphia if you need supplies. State Park Marina and Caddo Point have very nice boat ramps with a lot of parking which is good because this place gets crowded," notes Jason W. The park accommodates various watercraft with substantial parking facilities.
Mountain views: The elevated positions of several equestrian campgrounds near Mountain Pine provide exceptional vistas. "The experience begins with the climb: the road winds up and around the bends and crooks of the mountain," describes Charles H. about Mount Magazine State Park. The approach itself becomes part of the camping experience.
Wildlife encounters: "I remember coming to Lake Degray as a teenager to swim but was even more impressed coming back as a camper with kiddos," says Stacy M. "The water was just beautiful. We fished and skipped stones and if it had been a touch bit warmer, we would've even taken a dip in the water too."
Campsite reservations: Popular parks fill quickly during peak seasons. "This SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend," advises Chad K. about Lake Catherine. Planning ahead ensures site availability during busy periods.
Road conditions to horse camps: Some forest roads have erosion issues. "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road. FR11 is in good condition," notes Fred S. about Bear Creek Horse Camp. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary during wet conditions on certain access roads.
Elevation considerations: Mount Nebo State Park has significant elevation changes affecting access. "It was such a nice campsite and the staff was super helpful. The views were amazing. The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious," advises Rebecca P. The access road has steep grades that may challenge certain vehicles.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region's campgrounds. "AT&T coverage was basically nonexistent with 1 bar of LTE service but very little if any throughput. The CG is heavily wooded, so Starlink was unusable," reports Ray & Terri F. about their experience at DeGray Lake. Service tends to be better at higher elevations and worse in valleys.
Kid-friendly trails: Lake Catherine offers accessible hiking options. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," suggests Alison C. This trail features terrain manageable for elementary-age children with points of interest that maintain their engagement.
Safety considerations: Mount Magazine requires extra attention with children. "For anyone with kids, I would say at the outset that this isn't a very kid-friendly park. No playgrounds, very, very mountainous, and generally just not a park for kids," cautions Donny S. The park's elevation and terrain present specific challenges for younger visitors.
Water activities: Erwin Estate High Point offers fishing opportunities suitable for families. "Our natural spring pond is a place to fish where it's an almost guaranteed catch as we have stocked it well!" notes Susan E. The stocked pond provides reliable fishing experiences even for novice anglers.
Weather preparation: "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens," warns Donny S. about Mount Magazine State Park. Families should pack layers and appropriate sleeping gear, even during warmer seasons.
Size restrictions: Mount Nebo has strict vehicle limitations. "Turning off I-40 at Exit 88, Mount Nebo is viewed less than 10 miles southwest…a stand-alone mountain. At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'," reports Dave V. These restrictions are strictly enforced due to the steep, winding access road.
Campsite leveling: Many mountain sites require leveling equipment. "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," explains Ray & Terri F. Bringing additional leveling blocks is advisable for most mountain campgrounds in the region.
Full hookup availability: "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 12 for 1 night in mid September. The CG is clean and well maintained but showing its age. The CG roads are paved, but narrow, winding, and fairly bumpy in spots," notes Ray & Terri F. Larger rigs should research specific site dimensions before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mountain Pine, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mountain Pine, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 85 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mountain Pine, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Mountain Pine, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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