Moccasin Gap Horse Trail Campground serves as a functional trailhead for equestrian activities in the Ozark Highlands. Located in a rural setting at 1,200 feet elevation, the campground experiences typical Ozark seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. The primitive sites accommodate both tent campers and vehicles while maintaining direct access to the extensive trail network.
What to do
Trail riding access points: At Macks Pines, riders find direct access to ATV and equestrian trails. "This campground is geared more to the atv / utv / jeep / offroad vehicle crowd. If you want outdoors, get lost in the woods and want to unplug from society then this is the spot," notes one visitor about this horse-friendly area near Hector.
Hiking opportunities: Several trails near Horseshoe Canyon Ranch connect to the broader network. "The various trails are well marked and offer several levels of technical expertise," explains a camper who found the route markings helpful for planning day excursions from base camp.
Water activities: When water levels permit, the Buffalo River provides recreation options near Woolum Dispersed Area. "Right on the river with both a rock and sand beach currently," describes a Memorial Day weekend visitor who appreciated the waterfront access despite the primitive facilities.
What campers like
Practical layout: Equestrian campers value the functional design at Moccasin Gap. One reviewer noted the "Loop of primitive sites along Hwy 7 providing access to Ozark Highlands Trail," highlighting how the campground prioritizes trail access over scenic camping.
Base camp convenience: Mount Magazine State Park Campground offers more developed facilities within driving distance. "We stayed in our camper, but there is a beautiful lodge and a good restaurant here as well," reports a visitor who used the park as a staging area for regional exploration.
River proximity: Waterfront sites remain popular among visitors to horse campgrounds near Hector. "This is a very primitive campground, but it's one of our favorites! We can almost always find a spot to camp and it's super easy to pull our trailer into every spot there," explains a regular at Woolum who appreciates the practical trailer access combined with river recreation.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Expect bare-bones amenities at most equestrian campgrounds. "No electricity/water/hookups. Depending on when you go there could be a lot of campers," warns a visitor to Erbie Campground, reflecting the limited infrastructure common at horse-oriented sites.
Access challenges: Many horse trails near Hector require navigating difficult roads. "It's quite the trip down the dirt road to get here. Probably will take you 20/30 minutes of gravel road. Don't recommend bringing any type of trailer down here," cautions an Erbie camper, highlighting access considerations for horse trailers.
Seasonal factors: Water availability and trail conditions vary significantly by season. "I took a canoe trip down the buffalo river a few springs ago and I believe this was one of my stops. It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren't open yet," notes a Woolum visitor, emphasizing the importance of seasonal timing.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Woolly Hollow State Park offers family-friendly alternatives to hardcore trail riding. "Amazing weekend right outside of the Ozark National Forest. The lake was closed for Maintenance but the state park ranger had a weekend full of planned events from a box turtle demo to a sand castle competition," shares a homeschooling parent who found educational value in the ranger programs.
Space considerations: Look for sites that accommodate both horses and family camping gear. "Sites are fairly close together with little privacy. Several rental cabins as well," notes a Mount Magazine visitor, pointing out important spatial factors when camping with families.
Safety preparations: Parents should note potential hazards at equestrian sites. "Watch for crazy drivers especially if you have kids! Far off of the road but was a nice scenic drive in and out," warns an Erbie camper who observed traffic concerns despite the remote location.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most horse campgrounds near Hector offer minimal RV amenities. "The campground was clean with lots of parking. Vault toilets only and they were not stocked regularly, but we had our own toilet paper," reports an Erbie camper who came prepared with supplies.
Site selection strategy: When available, look for designated RV areas separate from horse staging areas. "Some sites require a bit of leveling, lots of full hookup and good amount of 50 amp. Some sites are close, so are not," explains a Macks Pines visitor who found variable site quality within the same campground.
Off-grid readiness: Come prepared for self-sufficient camping. "Pack it in Pack it out, no services at all," advises an Erbie visitor, summarizing the typical experience at horse-oriented campgrounds in the area where RVers must bring everything they need.
