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."
