Equestrian Camping near Nimrod Lake, AR

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    Bear Creek Horse Camp offers four primitive equestrian campsites along Forest Road 772 in the Ouachita National Forest, approximately one mile north of Forest Road 11. The camp serves as a trailhead for the interconnecting loop trails of the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system, accessible to both riders and hikers. Hitching posts are available throughout the camp for securing horses. Sites include both official national forest sites with metal fire rings and dispersed sites with rock fire rings, available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. A clean vault toilet is maintained at the rear of the camp. The grounds appear minimally maintained but sites remain clean. A small creek runs alongside the camp providing water access.

    The Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system connects directly from the camping area, allowing immediate trail access without having to trailer horses to a separate trailhead. These trails wind through the dense forest of the Deckard Mountain area, providing varied terrain for riders of different skill levels. Forest Road 11 remains in good condition for horse trailer access, though Forest Road 772 has minor erosion where small creeks cross the road. Horse owners should note there are no designated corrals or stalls, requiring use of the provided hitching posts or bringing portable containment systems. The heavily wooded sites provide ample shade but challenge solar charging capabilities. No cell service is available through T-Mobile carriers, making this a truly primitive equestrian camping experience away from connectivity.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Nimrod Lake (13)

      1. Mount Nebo State Park Campground

      4.7(29)18mi from Nimrod LakeGlamping

      "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."

      2. Mount Magazine State Park Campground

      4.7(35)29mi from Nimrod LakeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      3. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

      4.6(86)40mi from Nimrod LakeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      4. Bear Creek Horse Camp

      3.0(1)13mi from Nimrod LakeTents

      5. DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

      4.6(31)49mi from Nimrod LakeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      6. Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp Ozark NF

      3.0(1)26mi from Nimrod Lake4 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      7. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

      3.4(5)46mi from Nimrod LakeTents

      "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."

      8. Macks Pines

      4.5(2)41mi from Nimrod LakeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There are some trails nearby, but the area and trails are really designed for ATVs."

      "short drives from the campgrounds to beautiful scenery with a little bit of research, or ask greg.  alot are even accessible by car.   take the 30 min drive to hillbillys lims bbq as well."

      from $20 / night

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      9. Moccasin Gap Horse Trail NF Campground

      3.0(2)43mi from Nimrod Lake4 sitesRVs, Tents

      10. Camp Conway RV Park

      3.0(2)47mi from Nimrod LakeRVs

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Nimrod Lake

    4 Photos of 13 Nimrod Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Nimrod Lake

    197 Reviews of 13 Nimrod Lake Campgrounds

    • Joy J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 3, 2026

      Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

      There Is No Lake

      There is no lake. At the end of a rock and gravel road, that is easy to navigate you come to the end of the road where the lake used to be and there’s a dirt Sirkel drive I’m in a 16 foot transit van with a cargo carrier attached and it was very easy for me to navigate. It might be a tight turn for a large trailer in the middle of the turn is a stack of cinderblocks and what looks like somebody tried to make into a fire pit by using an old pallet. It was a free quiet place to spend the night, but I wouldn’t spend more than a night there.

    • Kimberly P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Lake Catherine State Park Campground

      Cute and busy

      We liked Lake Catherine State Park. My husband tried fishing, to no avail. I chose swimming and was also a little let down. The water by camp is extremely shallow. Even 50 ft from bank youre only in 2 ft of water.. so I opted for floating and it was perfect. My husband had my float tied around his waist while he waded around trying to fish. It was honestly magical. The bathrooms, which contain a couple of stalled showers, are some of the cleanest we've seen in all our travels. A lot of the sites are directly on the water and it looks like each group of sites has its own dock, so thats really cool. The waterfall had no falls bc it hasnt rained here in some time. There was a really nice shop that had ice, wood, souvenirs, a few groceries, and practical items like sunscreen and bug spray as well as rv stuff, like pipes and hoses. There is watercraft rental here but we didnt check that out. 2 nights cost us $52 for 30 amp, water hookup, right by the bathhouse and a site on the water. It was honestly worth it. Probably would have stayed longer if it had been a little cheaper though.

    • Bryce N.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 16, 2026

      Mount Nebo State Park Campground

      Campground with the view!

      Campground made for the smaller rigs. Access road has a 24 foot camper length limit. Fun drive with steep switchbacks. Some campsites are on the cliffs edge so the views are fantastic. Staff was helpful and the sites clean. Some good leveling will be required at a few RV sites but it's more then worth it!

    • Amanda F.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 13, 2026

      Lake Catherine State Park Campground

      Nice park with so many amenities.

      Such a great place. The staff here are amazing and so friendly. You cannot go wrong here.

    • Julie H.
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Camp Conway RV Park

      Horrible

      This is a long review but please read it. It is a public service announcement. Camp Conway greenbrier. Landlord Burt Zinser. Where to begin.. Let start with Ameneties. The website states Each site has full hook ups including 20/30/50 amp electric, clean city water, city sewer and fiber-optic high-speed WiFi. Guests at Camp Conway have the option of porches, sheds and gazebos with management approval. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. 1. Clean city water- it taste like plastic and chlorine. Must have a water filter if you actually want to drink it or give it to your pets. 2. Fiber optic high speed wifi. That's a joke. Shoddy at best. TCW repeatedly has to come out to fix it and it's still garbage. If you are okay with internet dropping in and out every 5 to 10 min, then it's great. Save yourself the headache and get your own, but don't expect Burt Zinser to reduce your rent for services he offers but you can't use. Here at camp conway you can expect to pay for services unrendered.(Not the only one that has this problem in the park) 3. Porches, sheds or gazebos. 100%, as long as you are one of his favorites, like the people in the pictures he uses on his website. The beautiful two story rv with full front porch, likes to watch what everyone else is doing and then go complain to Burt if she doesn't like how your lot looks or what your doing. Burt will be sure to tell you it's too much, or beauty is sometimes only in the eye of the beholder. 4. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. The"Bath House" is one shower, without a bathroom vent, a toilet and sink, in the laundry room and is always disgusting. Hair on the floors, wall, drain, soap scum, ect. The toilet has pubic hair and feces on and around it. No one cleans it, nor cleans up after themselves. Not sure who replaces the toilet paper but half the time it's empty. The laundry is two household washers and dryers. Costing 2.50, which isn't bad. Just don't run the washers at the same time or they flood the room(you will be blamed for over loading it) and expect to dry your clothes for an hour or so, or they will be damp. The state of the laundry room is horrible. Trash overflowing, dog hair, and random debris all over the floors. Again no one cleans them.( you think well I'll just get compact washer, expect to be charged extra for water and don't you dare hang clothes outside to dry, that includes beachwear and towels). It's not visually appealing. 5. Spacious lots. The outer lots are 600 and the other lots 565(it was 550 back in Feb, this is important to note). Price subject to change without a notice. Do Not expect Burt Zinsers crappy memory to remember not to over charge you(text wont help you either). Honestly, don't bother to ask Burt about it, or he will get annoyed and either kick you out or threaten to. I'll get to that later. The lots flood when it rains, grass is almost non existent, scorching heat from lack of trees and of course you have to love the red clay that gets over everything. Lots are suppose to mowed by him, but he hasn't mowed in the 5 months we've been here. He sends his child out, who does a half ass job weed whacking around the pedestals and mows part of the big field. If it wasn't for one of the permanent resident here mowing for people that ask him, it would be horrible. 6. Someone pointed out they have a huge open field with plans to extend the park, but currently it's a great dog area to let your dogs off leash to play. WRONG. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE OFF LEASH. Expect to be harassed about picking up your dog poop. Even when you do, other people do not, while letting their dog roam free and you will be blamed. He has plans to extend the park, true, but until then expect for Burt to constantly remind you that until the park fills up, it all comes out of his pocket, so he's loosing money. You can rent one of his tiny homes if you want to pay near 1,000 for a studio apartment, open floor plan, with a 500 dollar, per pet, fee. You will be secure too as one of his security cameras point directly in the front windows of the current one and only tiny home he has on the premises. 7. Rules. It all depends which of his rules and who you are. If he tells you no AC units in the windows of RVs. There are currently 5 RVs that have units in the windows, so he doesn't really give a crap about that rule. I personally don't care but it was one of the things he stated when we called. No agressive dogs. His example, like pitbulls. Hey as long as you tell him it's another breed he doesn't know the difference and isn't bothered to check. I see nothing wrong with pitties, he's just the type that believes in bad dogs, not bad owners. Oh and on that note you will be sure to hear or be told, that you don't need another mouth to feed, or straight up told you can't keep another pet if you get one. 8. Privacy. Don't expect it. Burt Zinser likes to meddle in people's business. He gives unsolicited relationship advice, opinions on how you should decorate, how your vehicle looks, if your working or not(regardless if you pay rent on time, he doesn't like it if you are a stay at home person). Our experience here has been crap. We moved into the park on Feb 3rd. The lot was one giant mud pit. We asked if he would buy grass seed and we'd care for the lawn until it fully grown. We were told yes at first then the next day we received a text staying no because then he'd have to do that for everyone. We bought grass seed, tilled the land by hand and grew grass. We called about the internet 3 different times. The first time he handed us a wifi extender, that didnt work and TCW said it was pointless since it wasnt hooked into landline nor had bluetooth capabilities. He then had TCW come out two more times to"fix" it, before we said screw it and got starlink. When asked if he would remove the fee for the interent we can't use. He said no. When we asked why are we paying for something we can't use, he stated it was our problem, not his. For the month of Feb rent was 550. March 550. April we TEXT him after hours and asked him to gIve us a call so we could pay rent. HE CALLED US, did the transaction and got off the phone. We checked and noticed he overcharged us, 565. We TEXT him again and pointed out he over charged us. HE CALLED US BACK. He asked when we had moved in, we told him Feb, he apologized and refunded the 15 dollars. When asked when he was going to raise the rent if he would be notifying us. We asked if we would still be paying 550 until then. He called us nieve to think rent wouldn't change. When we explained that we didn't think it would stay 550 forever, but that we would be notified and not just him taking whatever amount he decides he wants. He got irritated said we were busting his balls and he hadn't eaten dinner yet but instead dealing with this crap, and that we were temporary visitors(i didnt know 5 months of renting was temporary). He belittled a person that has autism and learning disabilities when he was the one to CALL US BACK and interupt his own supper. We called during business hours and informed him of the condition of the shower being filthy and smelling of cat urine, because everyone closes the door behind them after a shower and there is no vent( burt decided it wasn't needed, told to us by someone else). We were told people are supposed to be cleaning up after themselves. We asked if he would get a deck brush, hose and cleaning supplies for us and we would clean it for free, once a week. He said sure. A week later we saw him on the property asked about it again. He got annoyed, we dropped it and bought an external on demand hot water heater to be able to shower and feel clean. Once again it was time for rent to be paid. I noticed he had been over charging us again for may and June, not even a week after he told me that August 1st was when the rent would be raised. I saw him on the property and walked over to bring it to his attention. He got irritated and told me that it was becoming a bit much. When asked what he was talking about he stated that no one else bothers him as much as we do, and it's overwhelming. I stated to him that we haven't been unreasonable in holding him accountable for his property. I had explained previously about my husband being autistic with learning disabilities that sometimes effect how he understands things. I brought up that he stated he thinks he's autistic and his wife has told him thay his facial expressions and attitude towards people can be offputting and misinterpreted. I would think he would be more understanding. I told him he obviously has an issue with my husband and that from now on he will be dealing with me since my husband irritates him so much. He tried telling me no that wasn't the issue. I cut him off and said that was exactly the problem or it was holding him accountable, or both. He asked if we be out by then end of the month and I said no, as we have done nothing wrong. Rent is never late. Always paid. Our site is clean, we follow the rules. The next day we received a text from him telling us to be out by the end of the month and he was sorry it didn't work out. Retaliation for a woman speaking to him. Burt Zinser is a horrible business man, landlord and human being. He has issues with speaking too and dealing with woman if they try to be an equal. I truly believe he's sexist and I'm not the only woman in this park that thinks that. If you and your husband are speaking to him, you ask him a question he will disrespect you by looking at your husband and answering. Ask around, talk to people in the park, and not his favorites. I'm hoping I can attach the photos I've taken around the park and facilities but if I can't, feel free to reach out. I have no problem sharing them, in hopes you won't support this man and his park. I will be posting this in every RV group I'm a member of, local community pages and restaurants. Let's hold this man accountable for his disrespect, horrible ethics, and business. Greenbrier is a better community then this man deserves and he shouldn't be allowed to continue this way.

    • Tyler D.
      May. 18, 2026

      Mount Magazine State Park Campground

      Great Sites and Facilities

      The campground was really nice. The sites were spread out really well for full hookup spots. Each spot had some privacy and distance between them. Bathrooms were super clean. There’s plenty of hiking trails around but other than that it’s a pretty relaxing campsite. Weather is 10-15 degrees cooler than what you’d expect in the River Valley.

    • WThe Dyrt Pro User
      May. 15, 2026

      Moccasin Gap Horse Trail NF Campground

      Ok one nighter when tired

      Electric hook up and level spots with shade cover. Just off the highway so some traffic noise. We were tired and it was handy to get to. Not disappointed.

    • Jennifer O.The Dyrt Pro User
      Feb. 28, 2026

      Mount Magazine State Park Campground

      Beautifully private spaces!

      We took advantage of the 75 degree weather at the end of February to enjoy Mount Magazine. What a beautiful campground! All spaces have LOTS of room between them, it’s quiet, bathrooms are new and clean. A fantastic view of the region within a short walking distance. Lots and lots of hiking. 100% would visit again. I would probably stay in site 9, 15, or 17 if I had the choice again but none of the sites are bad. Full hookups.

    • K
      Feb. 20, 2026

      Mount Magazine State Park Campground

      Beautiful park

      Mount Magazine is absolutely gorgeous! Camping was great, bathrooms are kept very clean, campground had great sites that gave you lots of space and privacy.

    Guide to Nimrod Lake

    Bear Creek Horse Camp offers primitive equestrian campsites along the network of interconnecting loop trails in the Ouachita National Forest. The camp sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation within the densely forested Deckard Mountain area where temperatures can vary significantly between seasons. Trail riders seeking equestrian camping near Nimrod Lake can access several nearby options with varying levels of amenities and trail access.

    What to do

    Trail riding at Bear Creek: The Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system provides immediate access from the camping area with varied terrain options. According to one visitor, "The Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system connects directly from the camping area, allowing immediate trail access without having to trailer horses to a separate trailhead."

    Hiking at Mount Magazine: The highest point in Arkansas offers excellent trails with elevation changes. As Chad K. notes about Mount Magazine State Park Campground: "Mt Mag is a wonderful place to visit. It is one of the highest places in Arkanas...The trails are challenging but very beautiful."

    Waterfall exploration: Take a short drive to Lake Catherine to experience waterfall trails. Alison C. reports from Lake Catherine State Park Campground: "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail."

    What campers like

    Mountaintop views: The elevated campsites at Mount Nebo provide unmatched panoramas of the Arkansas River Valley. Dave V. shares, "On a Wednesday, the 1st of August, we had our pick of beautiful and spacious sights...So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes."

    Lake access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for paddling and fishing. A visitor at Lake Catherine notes: "We had a site overlooking the lake. We had plenty of room to hang our hammocks and play yard games...We enjoyed the hiking trails and rented a few kayaks. It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm."

    Seclusion and wildlife: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers a quieter alternative for tent camping with nature viewing opportunities. Julie A. reports: "Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening."

    What you should know

    Trail conditions: Horse trails near Nimrod Lake can experience erosion, particularly where small creeks cross access roads. One visitor at Bear Creek Horse Camp noted "minor erosion where small creeks cross the road" making access slightly challenging during wet periods.

    Limited facilities: Many equestrian campsites have minimal amenities. At Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp Ozark NF, Athina W. reports: "Not uncommon for horseback riders to come through. Can be rough and muddy getting down to the water."

    Connectivity challenges: Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly in forest areas. Fred S. observed at Bear Creek Horse Camp: "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."

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly water activities: Lake Catherine offers calm waters ideal for first-time paddlers. A camper explained: "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."

    Easy wildlife viewing: DeGray Lake Resort State Park provides frequent wildlife sightings for children. Tina B. writes: "Great place for photo enthusiast with Beautiful sunsets and an abundance of wildlife."

    Trail difficulty awareness: Check trail ratings carefully before heading out with children. At Mount Nebo, some visitors report trail difficulty inconsistencies: "The trails in Nebo are a little rough. The map says easy... I think that is if you are an expert hiker. lol. There were some steep points and going down various rock trails."

    Tips from RVers

    Road access constraints: Many horse camps have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. Steve S. from Mount Nebo State Park Campground reports: "beautiful mountain top park my camper was to long for the road up so we stayed at a hike in site."

    Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven campsites in national forest areas. Ray & Terri F. experienced this at DeGray Lake: "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."

    Solar power limitations: Dense forest coverage limits solar charging capabilities at equestrian sites near Nimrod Lake. Sites at Bear Creek Horse Camp are "mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nimrod Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nimrod Lake is Mount Nebo State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nimrod Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Nimrod Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.