Bear Creek Horse Camp is part of a wider network of equestrian camping near Pencil Bluff, Arkansas. The Ouachita National Forest region offers multiple options for riders seeking trail access in the mountainous terrain. Campgrounds range from primitive sites with basic amenities to more developed facilities with hookups. Most equestrian campsites maintain dedicated areas for securing horses and direct access to trail systems.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Lake Catherine State Park offers trail options with water features. "We absolutely love it here. Wonderful trails, fishing, cabins and camp sites and tons of photo opportunities. The waterfall was flowing a little on the low side. That's not unusual since it is the end of summer," notes Tina B. about Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Mountain climbing: Mount Magazine provides accessible summit trails. "Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain," explains Gary F. about Mount Magazine State Park Campground. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids."
Disc golf: DeGray Lake Resort offers activities beyond standard camping. "We enjoyed paddle boating, horse back riding and disc golf. Each trail had a information board where you can scan a QR code to know more about the trail, what made it unique and what to look out for while you are out there," reports camper P at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many equestrian campsites provide privacy despite communal facilities. "Each site is large and the camping area is spread out quite a bit. It's a great place to achieve some seclusion," writes Donny S. about Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
Water access: Multiple camping areas offer direct lake or creek frontage. "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," states Alison C. about Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The Ouachita Forest region supports diverse animal populations. "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. 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!" reports Susan E. about Erwin Estate High Point.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Communication can be restricted in mountainous areas. "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," advises Ray & Terri F. about DeGray Lake State Park.
Road conditions: Access to horse camps often involves forest roads of varying quality. "Not uncommon for horseback riders to come through. Can be rough and muddy getting down to the water," notes Athina W. about Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp.
Weather patterns: Mountain sites experience significant temperature variations and fog. "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening," warns Donny S. about Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate trails: Select suitable hiking options for children. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail. We will definitely camp here again," suggests Alison C. about Lake Catherine State Park.
Wildlife education: Prepare children for potential animal encounters. "Take my nieces on a weekend trip in our camper to Lake Catherine State Park. Deer roam the pastures," notes Alison C.
Safety precautions: Be aware of natural hazards. "I would add as a last note of advice is this: 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. So unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket," advises Donny S. about Mount Nebo State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research campground layouts before arrival. "CG roads are paved, but narrow, winding, and fairly bumpy in spots. 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," cautions Ray & Terri F. about DeGray Lake State Park.
Elevation considerations: Mountain roads present challenges for larger rigs. "Always go to the CMA rally's but have stayed offsite usually, we rented a bunk cabin for the USCA rally and I loved it price was right accommodations perfect BUT IF YOU HAVE CEDAR OR PINE ALLERGIES be warned," notes Rick P. about CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground.
Access timing: Plan travel carefully based on visibility. "Each of these sites had separate electric, water spigot, fire pit, standing grill, picnic table and lantern post. Metal bear cabinets and resistant trash receptacles were clustered conveniently among the campsites," describes Dave V. about Mount Nebo State Park Campground.
