Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Royal? Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find Arkansas equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
This peaceful park makes great camping near Little Rock and is located on Lake Catherine, one of five lakes in the beautiful Ouachita Mountain region. The only full-service marina on the lake is here at the park and open in the summertime for bait, snacks/drinks, and fuel. Boat rentals are available year-round. The park also includes a launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites, playgrounds, and a well-marked trail that leads to a waterfall.
The park has 20 fully equipped cabins, including one two-bedroom cabin with a patio overlooking the water and private access to the lake from its own fishing pier. There are also many native stone and wood buildings on-site. The history of these structures dates back to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The park offers 70 campsites (47 Class AAA and 23 Class B), six primitive tent sites, one Rent-A-Camp, and one Rent-A-Yurt. Many of these sites are on the lakeshore. Park interpreters offer hikes, lake tours, and programs year-round. Guided horseback rides are offered seasonally.
$15 - $25 / night
This recreation area is part of Degray Lake
$80 - $100 / night
Guide
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. It has several camping spaces with water and electric hook ups (about $22/night), yurts (about $55/night), a lodge (about $100/night), a marina to rent boats or buy bait, several daily activities for children or adults of all ages (some free and some about $5-15/person), horse riding stables (no experience required, about $30/ride 1 hour trail), a full golf course, playgrounds, pavilions, overall clean facilities, and a restaurant. Although our bank fishing experience wasn’t so great, I’m sure with a boat it would have been better. And for those that want to make the camping trip into the ultimate family vacation, this park is about a 30 minute drive from Hot Springs, AR where there is tons to do like restaurants, mini golf, shopping, and we even decided to get ice cream at Scoops (24 homemade flavors and delicious)! We will definitely be back for a visit!!
Traveler
VOTED BEST HIPCAMP IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS!
My mom and dad, Debra and Mike Erwin, have been enjoying welcoming campers to our little slice of heaven in Magnet Cove, Arkansas for a couple of years now. 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. We boast the highest point in Southern Arkansas- Our“High Point”. You can camp on the tower or around it and enjoy one of the best views in the state of Arkansas. Debra and Mike Erwin truly care about their guests and make sure that they are taken care of with true Southern hospitality and safety in mind.
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! HipCamp is like the camping version of Air BnB. Pitch your tent in our Erwin Estates High Point and have access to the lookout tower with a swing.
Just 15 minutes from beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas!
180+ degree view overlooking Benton to Malvern to Greater Hot Springs.
Cattle roam the pastures.
Our natural spring pond is a place to fish where it's an almost guaranteed catch as we have stocked it well!
Great for nature, vista, and sunset photography.
Nearby river and lake fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking 3-15 miles away. Private vendors available.
Wildlife sitings: Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more. Onsite catch and release pond bass fishing(bring your own gear).
Bait, gas and convenience store within 3 miles.
Walmart and restaurants 10 miles.
Kiting is excellent atop High Point with great winds year round.
Star gazing at night with a very romantic sunset.
Novaculite and Quartz geology, mineral exploration.
Take home a piece of this mineral rich area of the world! Free rocks to all!
Drone flying is superb!
Great cell phone reception.
Major hospital within 13 miles in nearby Hot Springs.
Bath Houses and downtown historical Hot Springs. Music Festivals.
Oaklawn Racing and Gaming(horse races and casino) all within 15 min drive.
GREAT FOR PROPOSALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS!
To view and book through our official HIPCAMP listing, visit: https://bit.ly/2i1AQ6k
NOW AVAILABLE ON AIRBNB!!! BOOK NOW WITH AIRBNB: http://bit.ly/2LXf8NT
Thank you!~ Susan Erwin Prowse and The Erwin Family
GuideFrom our stay in Mar 15 2021. Lots of activities here, we stayed at the De Roche Ridge campsite area, love the view of the lake no matter which site you stay and enjoyed beautiful sunsets from ours. Full hookups, level pads, clean and well maintained picnic benches, fire pits and grills.
Enjoyed brunch at the Lodge's restaurant, beautiful view of the lake here. They had cleaned all play areas and set up toys for young kids.
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. This was new to us and kept us curious.
Some trails were soggy but it had been raining for a few days making it difficult to get past. Some signs indicating this could have helped us stay off the trails.
Legend
CAMPGROUND REVIEW:: Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park
Turning off I-40 at Exit 88, Mount Nebo is viewed less than 10 miles southwest…a stand-alone mountain.
At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, “Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft”. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%.
The State Park rests up its summit.constructed by the CCC, many of their stonework craftsmanship can be seen in the buildings and trail system.
The “Rim Trail” is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views. There are two distinct areas of the “Rim Trail” that can be driven to…to capture those special photos…Sunset Point and Sunrise Circle.
Different sections of the Rim Trail range from easy to moderate to strenuous. They are marked. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail but are permitted on other trails as are horses. So know and exercise proper trail etiquette.
There are bear in this area, and precautions are taken by the park. Park staff informed us of numerous venomous reptilian, too…so be aware on the trails, or if you choose to wander off them.
A large rentable enclosed stone pavilion sits on the end of the mount, between Site 17 and the pool. Yes, a very nice pool (separate daily or annual fee). A standard picnic pavilion also sits out front of the larger stone pavilion beside public parking area.
The beautiful Visitor Center is deeper into the park to the right. You can sit on its back porch and look out over the valley. There are numerous cabins that are available for rental…and appear very inviting.
When you crest the top of the mountain, the camping area is directly to the right, as are the pavilions and pool. Cabins dot the summit, but private residences are interspersed among them. As mentioned, the Visitors Center is further up the road to the right…on the right.
Being on an 1800 ft elevation summit, surrounded by valley…its quiet and enjoys a constant breeze. Enjoying blue skies, the shade trees are appreciated in the camping area.
On a Wednesday, the 1st of August, we had our pick of beautiful and spacious sights. Very few campers on this day. So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes. It was a toss-up between 16 and 17 …even 14 is directly on the Rim. $22 + tax a night.
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. Though I was surprised they didn’t have timber outlined leveled tent areas. In fact, you need to be somewhat creative in locating a level tent spot.
Restrooms are clean and stocked. The pool showerhouse has but one shower a piece for men and women. The entire park is well-maintained and clean.
Overall, a very enjoyable and relaxing campground.
Ranger
Wow!!! What a magical experience! We arrived at EponaPlace and Rene was incredibly welcoming and introduced us to the farm dogs that keep guests and horses safe and sound! There are several parking options, and we opted to park up by the house so we could enjoy the tent glampers'"secret trail" every chance we got.
Enjoy packing light when visiting Epona- the bed is comfortable, the pillows are snuggable, and there is plenty of space to spread out. There is a bug net around the bed as well for an extra layer of security and luxury. There are fairy lights inside the tent that you can turn on at night so you can forgo the indoor headlamp too. There is definitely wildlife outside the tent at night, and it was very nice feeling safe and secure in the tent.
The commons area is very cute and well stocked. Possibly the most luxurious bath house I've ever encountered- it's air conditioned, has plumbing, and running hot water! There is also a mini fridge, a coffee maker, and tea to share. Outside, there is a grill, comfortable cushions, and crystals plucked from the land everywhere. If you enjoy porch-sittin', this is the perfect porch. After all, this is the south.
Just beyond the commons, through Hummingbird Way(yes, we saw hummingbirds!!), Rene has an extensive collection of ball gowns in a small cottage. You could spend hours picking out and trying gowns and flower crowns before a sunset encounter with a unicorn! There are also knight and dragon costumes, if sparkly dresses aren't your thing:) While this isn't a place suited for young children, the unicorn experience is so completely magical. My ten year old daughter gasped when Rene led out a real-life unicorn at sunset. Rene was incredibly patient and warm, and led both princess and unicorn through the process of meeting each other and posing for photos. It's worth every penny! I'll definitely be back sans kid to get the princess/unicorn experience myself!
You can spend the day crystal hunting on property(no digging!), or ask Rene for directions to the nearest free crystal mine! We picked up a few chunks of quartz to bring home with us- a lovely keepsake of our stay at EponaPlace. There is lots of room to explore on property, and the farm dogs are sure to accompany you on your adventure. Don't worry, they are as sweet as pie and are such good company.
LegendI love waterfront camping! There are some amazing sunset views here! Also, the wildlife is abundant. Great ranger led boat tour of the lake. Lots of nice level sites. Super cool yurts for rent that have the best views! Arkansas has the best State Parks!
TravelerState park with swimming pool in summer. Playground and swings for young ones. Several hammock friendly sites. Hang gliders frequently use the bluffs to launch. Beautiful views of Arkansas River/Lake Dardanelle.
Campsites are close together with little privacy. Several rental cabins as well.
LegendMt. Nebo reminded my a lot of Mt Mag. Both overlook the Arkansas river valley. The camp ground is a little dated and when we were there, full. Reservations are recommend. The sites looked level and the facilities were clean. The hikes are worth a trip to Mt Nebo.
Scout
I 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.
GuideSuch a beautiful park and amazing view from our campsites! The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque! Not a big park and like how the community blended in with the park. We aren’t cyclists but it’s a great spot to bring your bikes.
My favorite park so far in Arkansas.
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.
GuideLake Catherine is a beautiful park in Arkansas. I only stopped by for a hike as I was passing through, but this place looked like so much fun for day water adventures. There is a large swimming area on the lake where you can also boat, kayak, canoe and do any other water sport. The facilities were nice and there is a cute store and area to view animals. The campground was large with a lot of tent and RV campsites. The hike I went on took me by the lake and to a small falls where you could swim. The views were very nice.
ScoutHow do you start describing Mt. Nebo State Park? The view from 1800 ft. above the Arkansas River basin? The wonderful campground with a well maintained swimming pool? The hiking trails that are not difficult? The hang gliders taking off from Sunrise Point? The cozy cabins for those friends or family that are not true "campers". Deer everywhere to be viewed and enjoyed. When describing Mt. Nebo State Park, the questions are the answers. Robin Doyle
TravelerWe came on Saturday and are leaving on Friday. We stayed in Area A, all the sites are full hookups. The bathhouse is very clean and warm (useful since it was in the 40s). The campsites are spread apart with lots of trees for hammocking. The spots by the water had docks every couple of sites. There aren't a lot of trails but several of varying distance and difficulties (1 is ADA compliant). The waterfall is very pretty and looks like a great swimming hole in summer. There is a marina for renting boats. Cabins and yurts are also available. The only draw back is that Arkansas seems to be completely void of fish.;)
GuideThis campground was very nice, bathrooms and showers were clean. The pool was nice and the kids had a great time going down the water slide over and over. Although it's summer in Arkansas and the highs were in the 90s, it still felt great. There's so much less humidity than where we live (southern AR). We enjoyed our time here. The trails were well maintained and had great views. The campsites were a little close together. Luckily no one was occupying the sites right next to us so it wasn't a big deal.
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.
LegendLet me just start this out by saying, selecting a spot in Arkansas you are overwhelmed with options. State parks flourish and individual campgrounds seem to be countless. When traveling to the Hot Springs area It was a toss up as to which location would bear suit my journey, not only as a campground but as a part of the adventure. I elected to try Lake Catherine State Park, located just 10 miles outside of Hot Springs.
What sold me on this site were the numerous hiking trails, but what surprised me when I arrived were the lakeside water rentals located on premise as well as the actual beach recreation area.
I arrived later in the day and quickly made my camp in the primitive tent area. These sites have no water or electric hook ups however a very nice restroom facilities within 100 yards. They also boast a playground for the kids, not the only of the site. I was greeted by other campers and the sense of community was high at this facility.
My campsite included a table and grill and was nearby a fire ring. The area was much flatter than many camp areas and made for a quick site selection. In the distance deer grazed as the sun was setting.
The next morning I ventured toward the marina and was excited to find they have numerous boats for any level of experience available. Larger units available for full or half day use and smaller units for full or half day along with by the hour.
Hiking trails were my next stop after learning of the various skill levels including ADA accessible, moderate and difficult.
In addition to primitive camping the park offers RV and non-primitive tent camping. Also available are Yurt and Cabin rentals.
Office contains limited food and beverage options as well as supplies for lake visitors and a full picnic area overlooking the beach. Bathrooms and washrooms are scattered throughout the park and are kept impeccably clean with high water pressure.
Cell signal was good even on the remote trails during my stay.
This is by far one of the nicest parks I have camped not only on this journey but on any. Staff was knowledgeable about the park and others of the state and very helpful.
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Easy 5 of 5 Bunnies. I will return!
GuideDepending on where you are in the park you can see the Ouachita mountains in the horizon. Great place for photo enthusiast with Beautiful sunsets and an abundance of wildlife. I do not golf however they have a pretty nice golf course . The camping areas and restrooms / showers we're very clean . Very friendly and informative park rangers . This is also a great fishing lake.
ScoutDeGray Lake is very pretty, and calm. The sunrise and sunsets are serene. This is a very laid back area to camp. The trails are far from challenging, and the Park Rangers are very helpful
ScoutWalking trail, Waterview walking,The Degray Lodge close to campground is perfection. Marina is great as well!
Travelerno sewer. some camping on the lake but a lot of the sites cannot see the lake. great bathrooms.
GuideAnything you can think of you can find here. Downside is you have to drive to access the lake.
GuideThis place has it all! Horseback riding, golf, frolf, kayaking, fishing, a restaurant, a playground, you name it. We paid around $20 a night for a water/electric RV site, which were huge, spacious and spread out. Filled up on the weekend but pretty quiet during the week. I believe they had full hookb-up sites available but there is a dump station as well. Incrediblly well kept place overall with SO much to do at such an affordable price - it's like a KOA but a third of the cost. Can't wait to go back!
ScoutThe fishing at Degrey is superb, I have been coming to DeGrey since I was a little girl and I am 48 yrs old now.
DeGrey is magical and a great family and pet friendly State Park.
RangerThe grounds and campsites are fairly spaced and well cared for. Yurts are also available and have more privacy than the ones I’ve seen at other parks like Lake Catherine. For activities, there are plenty to choose from, like swimming or boating in the lake, horseback riding, golf, etc. There is a restaurant and playground nearby at the lodge.
GuideWe went with our Cub Scout pack. DeGray loves scouts and scouting. They were able to accommodate almost 60 of us camping in the park and we hardly saw any other campers. The views are amazing and the Park Rangers are really knowledgeable and really love their park, which makes for a great experience for everyone.
The area is very clean and well maintained. There are good hiking trails that also give you good vistas along the way.
GuideWe were looking for something waterside. We found a nice little pad big enough for two tents. Had a grill and a table. Had bathrooms and electrical outlets. We had to climb down some rock stairs to get to the beach which was dirty. But the water was nice and cool. The raccoons were fully active getting into our snacks, so lock up your valuables or FOOD!
Horse camping in Arkansas offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Royal, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Royal, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Royal, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Royal, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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