9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Four horse-friendly campgrounds provide equestrian access near Plainview, Arkansas. Bear Creek Horse Camp offers primitive camping with tent and RV sites that accommodate horse trailers. Fires are permitted at this dispersed camping area with toilets and pet-friendly policies. Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp in Ozark National Forest provides established campsites with drive-in access for tents, RVs, and glamping options. Both campgrounds allow alcohol but lack dedicated horse corrals, requiring riders to bring portable containment. Moccasin Gap Horse Trail campground in Hector features drinking water and toilet facilities for riders using the National Forest trail system. The campground layout allows easy access to trailheads with sufficient space for horse trailers.
Trail riders can access extensive bridle paths directly from these horse-friendly camping areas. The trail systems offer varied terrain suitable for riders of different experience levels, with routes connecting to larger forest trail networks. Bear Creek and Sorghum Hollow provide the most direct access to horse trails, with wide pathways that accommodate multiple riders. The absence of electric hookups and shower facilities reflects the primitive nature of these equestrian camping options. Horse owners should pack in water for their animals at most locations, as drinking water is limited primarily to Moccasin Gap. Guests note the importance of bringing temporary containment systems as none of the campgrounds feature permanent horse corrals or stalls. Most sites can accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking for vehicles and equipment.
"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."
"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"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"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
Check Availabilityfrom $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.
LegendWe stayed here for some backwoods hiking in the Ozarks and it was about 40 minutes from the various hikes we had planned. There are some trails nearby, but the area and trails are really designed for ATVs.
It doesn’t offer a lot in terms of comfort—there are full hookups but no real fire rings, no trees or shade and it’s HOT in early June. It’s an all gravel path so not great for any elderly walkers or those in need of ADA. The showers are ROUGH, but they exist. They have hot water, but there’s a literal nail to operate the handles. Toilets are okay. No laundry. It has stables for horses and seems to really be built for ATVers.
No ATT or Verizon service there or in the general area, had to download a map that was essentially a PDF to get around.
Nicest people in the world own it and work there. They have a shop and cafe on site that is open only on the weekends. The cafe is okay. It does have WiFi, but that does not extend to the camp/ RV sites. The real draw is the folks who work there, can’t state enough how wonderful and helpful they are.
Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive.
Very beautiful sites close by: falling water falls, big creek cave falls, glory hole falls, pedestal rocks and kings bluff trails, alum natural bridge—and so much more.
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.
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.
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🤨
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.
Equestrian campgrounds near Plainview, Arkansas offer access to extensive trail systems across the Ouachita National Forest region. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,700 feet, creating cooler summer camping conditions than surrounding lowlands. Forest roads accessing these horse camps often require high-clearance vehicles, especially after heavy rainfall when creek crossings may become challenging.
Trail riding excursions: Trails at Moccasin Gap Horse Trail NF Campground connect to the Ozark Highlands Trail for extended riding options. "Loop of primitive sites along Hwy 7 providing access to Ozark Highlands Trail" with "drinking water and toilet facilities," notes reviewer Stan G.
Mountain photography: The elevation changes provide excellent landscape photography opportunities at Mount Magazine State Park Campground. "The experience begins with the climb: the road winds up and around the bends and crooks of the mountain," shares Charles H., adding "the views ARE the reason to experience this park! They are simply delicious!"
Waterfall hikes: Several horse camps offer access to waterfall trails within a 30-minute ride. At Lake Catherine State Park Campground, Amy H. recommends "Pleasant hike. Pleasant environment. Pleasant waterfall. I remember this place being rather peaceful!"
Cooler mountain temperatures: Horse camps at higher elevations provide relief from summer heat. At Mount Magazine, Jeremy C. notes this is "a very nice state park that mostly offers hiking and beautiful views. The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids."
Private camping layouts: Bear Creek Horse Camp receives praise for its seclusion. Fred S. describes it as having "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."
Lake access: Several equestrian campgrounds offer swimming opportunities. At Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, Athina W. mentions it's "not uncommon for horseback riders to come through. Can be rough and muddy getting down to the water" but calls it a "beautiful quiet spot, with enough rain swimming."
Limited cell service: Most horse camps have spotty connectivity. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, Fred S. reports "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."
Seasonal water availability: Creek levels near equestrian campgrounds fluctuate significantly. Lake Catherine State Park experiences this seasonally, as tiffany H. mentions: "The only reason I didn't give a 5 is the partying kids across from us... This is a wonderful park I grew up camping at. You can rent a boat and fish all day. Play in the waterfall or walk the great trails!"
Road conditions: Forest roads to horse camps often deteriorate in wet weather. Fred S. notes Bear Creek Horse Camp access requires caution: "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."
Bring portable containment: Since permanent horse corrals are limited at Plainview area equestrian campgrounds, portable fencing is essential. At Macks Pines, Amy & Stu B. note facilities are "rough around the edges but does the job" and "it's an all gravel path so not great for any elderly walkers or those in need of ADA."
Pack extra water containers: Water access varies by campground and season. At Macks Pines, campers should know "Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive," according to Amy & Stu B.
Plan for weather changes: Mountain elevations near Plainview experience rapid temperature shifts. Mount Magazine camper Donny S. advises: "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."
Site leveling requirements: Horse-friendly campgrounds often have uneven terrain. At Mount Magazine, Rob W. notes: "Pretty good tow up the mountain. Limited number of sites. Full hookup. A lot of trees."
Parking configurations: RV sites at horse campgrounds accommodate trailers differently. Jennifer H. at Mount Magazine shares: "Beautiful camping experience! There were a very limited number of RV sites, but they were all very private feeling and nicely maintained."
Road access limitations: Some horse-friendly camping areas have restrictions. Gary F. observes Mount Magazine has "18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer. Two have 50 amp service with the rest having 30. All of the campsites have a large level tent pad, table, fire ring, and plenty of shade."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Plainview, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Plainview, AR is Mount Nebo State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Plainview, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Plainview, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
