Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp in the Ozark National Forest accommodates horse campers with tent and RV options alongside equestrian-specific amenities. The small primitive campground features sites suitable for horse trailers, though they lack hookups or drinking water. The grounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with specific areas designated for horses. The camp serves as an access point to the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system, providing direct access to riding opportunities. The small creek running alongside the camp offers water access for horses after trail rides.
Bear Creek Horse Camp provides a secluded equestrian camping experience with four primitive sites, including two official national forest sites with metal fire rings. Located in the Ouachita National Forest approximately one mile north of Forest Road 11 on Forest Road 772, this free campground includes horse hitching posts and access to the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system. The trails are also open to hikers but primarily serve equestrians exploring the surrounding forest. Minor erosion exists where small creeks cross Forest Road 772, but FR11 remains in good condition. A clean vault toilet at the rear of the camp stays well-supplied, though camping areas receive minimal maintenance. The camp's forest location offers beautiful surroundings despite limited amenities.
$15 - $25 / night
"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. "
$35 / night
"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."
"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."
"Nice campsites, lakeside, lake view and in the woods, YURT rentals have the best location, DeRoche Ridge second best if you want to be right next to the lake."
"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."
$12 - $105 / night
"This campground is located right off of Hwy 71 for easy access. Plenty of room for big rigs. Just a short ride to the Wolf Pen Gap trail system."
"I drive truck, always have a hard time getting in/out of places with a semi and usually end up not getting to camp. The main pavilion in the center of the grounds is HUGE!"
$80 - $100 / night
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.
GuideThis 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!!
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.
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.
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 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.
The Ouachita National Forest in southwestern Arkansas offers multiple equestrian camping options near Sims. Located in the mountainous terrain where elevations range from 600 to 2,600 feet, this region experiences mild winters and humid summers with average rainfall of 55 inches annually. Small primitive campgrounds cater to horse riders throughout the area, with limited amenities but direct access to extensive trail systems.
Trail riding access: At CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground, horseback riders can easily reach nearby trail systems. "Just a short ride to the Wolf Pen Gap trail system. Located in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, 7 miles south of Mena," notes John.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Sims offer fishing access to rivers, lakes and ponds. At Erwin Estate High Point, visitors can enjoy "our natural spring pond is a place to fish where it's an almost guaranteed catch as we have stocked it well!"
Hiking trail exploration: Equestrian trails typically allow hiking too. The Buck Knob dispersed camping area offers free access to surrounding forest trails without the crowds of more established campgrounds.
Secluded forest settings: Many equestrian campers appreciate the remote locations. At Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, "Not uncommon for horseback riders to come through. Can be rough and muddy getting down to the water," shares Athina W.
Varied terrain: The Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers different landscapes for exploration. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," recommends Alison C.
Wildlife viewing: Horse camps often provide good wildlife spotting. Erwin Estate mentions that visitors can enjoy "Wildlife sitings: Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian camps have basic facilities. At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, "There are 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," explains Gary F.
Weather considerations: Mountain elevations affect camping conditions. "Remember you are on a mountain so there will be elevation changes as you walk," notes Gary F. about Mount Magazine.
Road access challenges: Some horse camps have difficult approach roads. CMA Iron Mountain offers "plenty of room for big rigs," according to John, making it more accessible than some forest service camps.
Choose camps with diverse activities: Look for campgrounds offering more than just riding. Lake Catherine provides options where "The camp sites are spaced for privacy and are level for both campers and tents. The facilities are updated and well maintained. The park has a couple hiking options along with the lake activities," notes Chad K.
Water access: Camps with water features give children alternatives to riding. "We took my nieces on a weekend trip in our camper to Lake Catherine State Park. 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," shares Alison C.
Safety considerations: Some equestrian areas have environmental hazards. At Mount Nebo State Park Campground, "The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious," warns Rebecca P.
Size restrictions: Many equestrian camps limit vehicle size. At Mount Magazine, "Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain. It has 18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer."
Leveling challenges: Horse camps often have uneven terrain. "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," reports Ray & Terri F. about DeGray Lake State Park.
Satellite and cell coverage: Forest settings affect connectivity. At Buck Knob, "Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sims, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sims, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 84 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sims, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Sims, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
