Bonnie M.
Guide
GuideWoolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Beautiful spot on the river. Vault toilets available and very clean. Road is not terrible going in, didn't have to use 4wd. Spots on the river and spots in the meadow.
Equestrian Camping near Shirley, AR
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Moccasin Gap Horse Trail Campground provides direct access to the Ozark Highlands Trail with primitive sites designed for equestrian use. Located along Highway 7 near Hector, Arkansas, this National Forest campground features drinking water and toilet facilities while maintaining a rustic atmosphere ideal for horse camping. The campground serves primarily as a staging area for riders accessing the extensive trail system, with ample space for horse trailer parking. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though hookups are not available. The campground's layout prioritizes functionality for horse owners, with easy access to trails being the main attraction despite highway noise occasionally affecting the camping experience.
Located approximately 30 miles from Shirley, Macks Pines offers more developed facilities for equestrians, including stables specifically built for horses. This campground caters to both ATV enthusiasts and horse riders, providing full hookups for RVs alongside horse accommodations. The gravel paths throughout the property allow for easy navigation with trailers, though they may present challenges for elderly visitors or those requiring ADA accessibility. Horse owners appreciate the practical setup with trails accessible directly from the campground. The surrounding area provides access to numerous scenic riding opportunities, with trails designed for various skill levels. Despite limited cell service in the area, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the beautiful Ozark terrain on horseback.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Shirley (9)
1. Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
"There are lots of trails, bike paths, water activities and BEAUTIFUL scenery. Very photogenic. Arkansas State Parks are always enjoyable. Staff was excellent and friendly."
"I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit."
2. Greers Ferry Lake - COE/Cherokee Rec Area
"went here on a fishing trip, and i pulled out so many rainbow trouts from this lake!"
3. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
"This site was large enough to accomodate multiple vehicles and horse trailers. I did not try to find a spot on the river bank, although the river bank appeared easy to access."
"Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao."
4. Tyler Bend Campground — Buffalo National River
"The pictures of the river are from a different buffalo river access point Easy access to bathroom, drinking water and river from this spot."
"Quiet and close to the river."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $50 / night
5. Camp Conway RV Park
6. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
"Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."
"The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps. The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum. The sunset was beautiful."
7. Macks Pines
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
8. Moccasin Gap Horse Trail NF Campground
9. Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs 5 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 2 hrs 9 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 47 min from Fayetteville, AR
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Shirley, AR
58 Reviews of 9 Shirley Campgrounds
- MMadison T.
TravelerWoolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Was always a few groups around but still plenty of space! Road was a little rough and some steeper hills for a bigger camper but still doable!
- WWilliam M.Guide
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Great river camp
Clean pit toilets with camps right above the crystal clear river. The spots when you first pull in have the best solar due to shading further down. Watch for snakes. We have already seen a copperhead.
- Joy J.Guide
Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
There Is No Lake
There is no lake. At the end of a rock and gravel road, that is easy to navigate you come to the end of the road where the lake used to be and there’s a dirt Sirkel drive I’m in a 16 foot transit van with a cargo carrier attached and it was very easy for me to navigate. It might be a tight turn for a large trailer in the middle of the turn is a stack of cinderblocks and what looks like somebody tried to make into a fire pit by using an old pallet. It was a free quiet place to spend the night, but I wouldn’t spend more than a night there.
- Joy J.Guide
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Clean and Quiet
So far, my favorite spot in Arkansas. There are vault toilets in the area around them is groomed as a matter fact, they were mowing when I was there. I looked at three different spots before choosing the one that I wanted, based on the fact that it was the most level. However, all the spots that I looked at were clean and had nice fire pits. I was pretty much right on the river show people that were coming to check it out for the purpose of kayaking or canoeing would drive-by but they weren’t disruptive at all. I would definitely do 10 days there and be very happy, maybe next time I’ll have the time to do that.
Julie H.
ScoutCamp Conway RV Park
Horrible
This is a long review but please read it. It is a public service announcement. Camp Conway greenbrier. Landlord Burt Zinser. Where to begin.. Let start with Ameneties. The website states Each site has full hook ups including 20/30/50 amp electric, clean city water, city sewer and fiber-optic high-speed WiFi. Guests at Camp Conway have the option of porches, sheds and gazebos with management approval. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. 1. Clean city water- it taste like plastic and chlorine. Must have a water filter if you actually want to drink it or give it to your pets. 2. Fiber optic high speed wifi. That's a joke. Shoddy at best. TCW repeatedly has to come out to fix it and it's still garbage. If you are okay with internet dropping in and out every 5 to 10 min, then it's great. Save yourself the headache and get your own, but don't expect Burt Zinser to reduce your rent for services he offers but you can't use. Here at camp conway you can expect to pay for services unrendered.(Not the only one that has this problem in the park) 3. Porches, sheds or gazebos. 100%, as long as you are one of his favorites, like the people in the pictures he uses on his website. The beautiful two story rv with full front porch, likes to watch what everyone else is doing and then go complain to Burt if she doesn't like how your lot looks or what your doing. Burt will be sure to tell you it's too much, or beauty is sometimes only in the eye of the beholder. 4. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. The"Bath House" is one shower, without a bathroom vent, a toilet and sink, in the laundry room and is always disgusting. Hair on the floors, wall, drain, soap scum, ect. The toilet has pubic hair and feces on and around it. No one cleans it, nor cleans up after themselves. Not sure who replaces the toilet paper but half the time it's empty. The laundry is two household washers and dryers. Costing 2.50, which isn't bad. Just don't run the washers at the same time or they flood the room(you will be blamed for over loading it) and expect to dry your clothes for an hour or so, or they will be damp. The state of the laundry room is horrible. Trash overflowing, dog hair, and random debris all over the floors. Again no one cleans them.( you think well I'll just get compact washer, expect to be charged extra for water and don't you dare hang clothes outside to dry, that includes beachwear and towels). It's not visually appealing. 5. Spacious lots. The outer lots are 600 and the other lots 565(it was 550 back in Feb, this is important to note). Price subject to change without a notice. Do Not expect Burt Zinsers crappy memory to remember not to over charge you(text wont help you either). Honestly, don't bother to ask Burt about it, or he will get annoyed and either kick you out or threaten to. I'll get to that later. The lots flood when it rains, grass is almost non existent, scorching heat from lack of trees and of course you have to love the red clay that gets over everything. Lots are suppose to mowed by him, but he hasn't mowed in the 5 months we've been here. He sends his child out, who does a half ass job weed whacking around the pedestals and mows part of the big field. If it wasn't for one of the permanent resident here mowing for people that ask him, it would be horrible. 6. Someone pointed out they have a huge open field with plans to extend the park, but currently it's a great dog area to let your dogs off leash to play. WRONG. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE OFF LEASH. Expect to be harassed about picking up your dog poop. Even when you do, other people do not, while letting their dog roam free and you will be blamed. He has plans to extend the park, true, but until then expect for Burt to constantly remind you that until the park fills up, it all comes out of his pocket, so he's loosing money. You can rent one of his tiny homes if you want to pay near 1,000 for a studio apartment, open floor plan, with a 500 dollar, per pet, fee. You will be secure too as one of his security cameras point directly in the front windows of the current one and only tiny home he has on the premises. 7. Rules. It all depends which of his rules and who you are. If he tells you no AC units in the windows of RVs. There are currently 5 RVs that have units in the windows, so he doesn't really give a crap about that rule. I personally don't care but it was one of the things he stated when we called. No agressive dogs. His example, like pitbulls. Hey as long as you tell him it's another breed he doesn't know the difference and isn't bothered to check. I see nothing wrong with pitties, he's just the type that believes in bad dogs, not bad owners. Oh and on that note you will be sure to hear or be told, that you don't need another mouth to feed, or straight up told you can't keep another pet if you get one. 8. Privacy. Don't expect it. Burt Zinser likes to meddle in people's business. He gives unsolicited relationship advice, opinions on how you should decorate, how your vehicle looks, if your working or not(regardless if you pay rent on time, he doesn't like it if you are a stay at home person). Our experience here has been crap. We moved into the park on Feb 3rd. The lot was one giant mud pit. We asked if he would buy grass seed and we'd care for the lawn until it fully grown. We were told yes at first then the next day we received a text staying no because then he'd have to do that for everyone. We bought grass seed, tilled the land by hand and grew grass. We called about the internet 3 different times. The first time he handed us a wifi extender, that didnt work and TCW said it was pointless since it wasnt hooked into landline nor had bluetooth capabilities. He then had TCW come out two more times to"fix" it, before we said screw it and got starlink. When asked if he would remove the fee for the interent we can't use. He said no. When we asked why are we paying for something we can't use, he stated it was our problem, not his. For the month of Feb rent was 550. March 550. April we TEXT him after hours and asked him to gIve us a call so we could pay rent. HE CALLED US, did the transaction and got off the phone. We checked and noticed he overcharged us, 565. We TEXT him again and pointed out he over charged us. HE CALLED US BACK. He asked when we had moved in, we told him Feb, he apologized and refunded the 15 dollars. When asked when he was going to raise the rent if he would be notifying us. We asked if we would still be paying 550 until then. He called us nieve to think rent wouldn't change. When we explained that we didn't think it would stay 550 forever, but that we would be notified and not just him taking whatever amount he decides he wants. He got irritated said we were busting his balls and he hadn't eaten dinner yet but instead dealing with this crap, and that we were temporary visitors(i didnt know 5 months of renting was temporary). He belittled a person that has autism and learning disabilities when he was the one to CALL US BACK and interupt his own supper. We called during business hours and informed him of the condition of the shower being filthy and smelling of cat urine, because everyone closes the door behind them after a shower and there is no vent( burt decided it wasn't needed, told to us by someone else). We were told people are supposed to be cleaning up after themselves. We asked if he would get a deck brush, hose and cleaning supplies for us and we would clean it for free, once a week. He said sure. A week later we saw him on the property asked about it again. He got annoyed, we dropped it and bought an external on demand hot water heater to be able to shower and feel clean. Once again it was time for rent to be paid. I noticed he had been over charging us again for may and June, not even a week after he told me that August 1st was when the rent would be raised. I saw him on the property and walked over to bring it to his attention. He got irritated and told me that it was becoming a bit much. When asked what he was talking about he stated that no one else bothers him as much as we do, and it's overwhelming. I stated to him that we haven't been unreasonable in holding him accountable for his property. I had explained previously about my husband being autistic with learning disabilities that sometimes effect how he understands things. I brought up that he stated he thinks he's autistic and his wife has told him thay his facial expressions and attitude towards people can be offputting and misinterpreted. I would think he would be more understanding. I told him he obviously has an issue with my husband and that from now on he will be dealing with me since my husband irritates him so much. He tried telling me no that wasn't the issue. I cut him off and said that was exactly the problem or it was holding him accountable, or both. He asked if we be out by then end of the month and I said no, as we have done nothing wrong. Rent is never late. Always paid. Our site is clean, we follow the rules. The next day we received a text from him telling us to be out by the end of the month and he was sorry it didn't work out. Retaliation for a woman speaking to him. Burt Zinser is a horrible business man, landlord and human being. He has issues with speaking too and dealing with woman if they try to be an equal. I truly believe he's sexist and I'm not the only woman in this park that thinks that. If you and your husband are speaking to him, you ask him a question he will disrespect you by looking at your husband and answering. Ask around, talk to people in the park, and not his favorites. I'm hoping I can attach the photos I've taken around the park and facilities but if I can't, feel free to reach out. I have no problem sharing them, in hopes you won't support this man and his park. I will be posting this in every RV group I'm a member of, local community pages and restaurants. Let's hold this man accountable for his disrespect, horrible ethics, and business. Greenbrier is a better community then this man deserves and he shouldn't be allowed to continue this way.
- WWilliam M.Scout
Moccasin Gap Horse Trail NF Campground
Ok one nighter when tired
Electric hook up and level spots with shade cover. Just off the highway so some traffic noise. We were tired and it was handy to get to. Not disappointed.
- ssavGuide
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Beautiful
Lots of room, lots of fire rings. Several (maybe 5?) vault toilets that are well-maintained and stocked. When we got there, there were probably 50 people at 20 different spots scattered across the field. When we left, it was just us and one other group. Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao. One of the roads into the park is closed, but the detour is signed well and easy to figure out. If I had to guess, it’s closed because one of the edges is getting pretty close to crumbling into the river. I wish I had thought to bring paddle boards and kayaks. There were lots of people who brought big rigs down to the camp site, as well as pulled boats. The gravel roads are well maintained enough that I’d be comfortable doing that, but the hill is pretty steep at times, so be wary.
Fred S.
LegendWoolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
Great hiking and MTB trails
Camped here in mid-December, 2025. This state park has Class D walk-in tent sites and Class AAA full hookup sites. Some sites are on the lake front. Although overkill for my Chevy Express campervan, I stayed at Site #26 - Class AAA site. Since I'm a senior citizen and an Arknsas resident, and since it was midweek, I received a 50% discount; otherwise, the campsite fee is $42. When I made the reservation online, I paid full price with a credit card, and received a credit on my credit card a few days later. Very clean site; large. Electric and water turned on during my stay. The paved site has a metal fire ring, grill, picnic table, and lantern poll. There was a tent pad behind the site - up the hill and in the trees. Almost no privacy between sites. The bathhouse is conveniently located across the campground road from my site. The bathhouse was very clean, heated and stocked. There were only a handful or so of other campers here during my stay; peaceful. Can hear some distant highway noise. Received sporadic AT&T and T-Mobile data service. Starlink connectivity possible from this site. This a beautiful state park. Pretty lake and fantastic trail system. The day use area is very nice.
Guide to Shirley
Equestrian camping near Shirley, Arkansas offers riders direct access to the Ozark Highlands Trail system with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,300 feet. The area receives approximately 45-50 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions ideal for trail riding between April and November. Most horse campgrounds in this region maintain primitive facilities with the primary focus on trail access rather than modern amenities.
What to do
Trail riding through Ozark National Forest: The forest surrounding Woolum Dispersed Area provides miles of riding trails with diverse terrain. "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. It's a horse camp and there are many spots with shade and some with none," notes camper Shelly J.
Swimming in natural waterways: After a day on horseback, cool off in the Buffalo River. "Buggy but Beautiful... Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen," advises Candace R. about Woolum.
Fishing for trout: Greers Ferry Lake - COE/Cherokee Rec Area offers excellent fishing opportunities near horse trails. "I pulled out so many rainbow trouts from this lake! The camp sites are close to the water, and the boat docks are easy to access," reports Jill R., making this a good option for equestrians who also enjoy fishing.
What campers like
Easy trailer access: Horse owners appreciate Macks Pines for its practical layout. "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... It has stables for horses and seems to really be built for ATVers," explains Amy & Stu B.
Quiet, natural settings: Despite highway proximity, riders value the peaceful forest surroundings. "We have camped twice at Wooly Hollow and visited once as a day trip. We love Wooly Hollow. It is very clean and quiet. There is lots of shade and several sites on the water," shares Kathy E. about Woolly Hollow State Park.
Variety of terrain: The region offers diverse riding conditions from rocky hills to forest paths. "The best features of this State Park are: 1) it is close to Conway and an easy drive from Little Rock; 2) there is a separate loop for tent camping and it's closer to the water than the hookups loop; and 3) it has a nice swim beach open in season," notes 2SHOE S. about Woolly Hollow State Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in horse camping areas. At Macks Pines, "No ATT or Verizon service there or in the general area, had to download a map that was essentially a PDF to get around," reports Amy & Stu B.
Road conditions: Some horse camps have difficult access roads. At Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp, "Dirt roads no electric nice little quiet excluded spot but it's be tough for an RV to get around there," warns Loren J.
Highway noise: Tyler Bend Campground experiences some traffic noise that may disturb horses. "The close proximity to US 65 Highway detracts from what is otherwise a beautiful campground. Truckers seem to favor Jake brakes when descending into the river Valley…especially at 4:00 am," cautions Marty.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: When bringing children along, consider campgrounds with facilities. "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 Kelci C. about Woolly Hollow State Park.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: The Ozarks experience significant day-night temperature variations. "I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit," recounts Amy W.
Plan educational activities: Horse camping offers learning opportunities for children. "As a homeschool family we are always looking for learning opportunities and we are thrilled we stumbled upon this campground. Bathhouses were clean, the snack bar was great, the camp spots were roomy," adds Kelci C.
Tips from RVers
Bring leveling equipment: Many horse campgrounds have uneven parking areas. "Some sites require a bit of leveling, lots of full hookup and good amount of 50 amp. Some sites are close, some are not," notes Roscoe's R. about Macks Pines.
Stock up on supplies: Remote horse camps have limited access to stores. "Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive," warns Amy & Stu B. about the Macks Pines area.
Consider hookup requirements: Limited electrical options affect larger rigs. "Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small. The river is gorgeous, I was sad it was too cold to swim! Only one bathhouse in the car camping area so it's gets pretty busy," explains Lucy P. about Tyler Bend Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Shirley, AR?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Shirley, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Shirley, AR is Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Shirley, AR?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Shirley, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Shirley, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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