9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bear Creek Horse Camp provides primitive camping in the Ouachita National Forest for equestrians using the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system. The camp features four sites, including two official sites with metal fire rings and two dispersed sites with rock fire rings, available on a first-come basis at no cost. Hitching posts are available for securing horses, and a small creek runs alongside the camp. The grounds accommodate tent and hammock camping with mostly shaded sites. A clean vault toilet is located at the rear of the camp where the trailhead begins. Sites are situated deep within a beautiful forest with easy access to the interconnected loop trails of the Bear Creek system.
The Bear Creek Equestrian Trail network offers multiple interconnected loops open to both riders and hikers. Located along Forest Road 772, approximately one mile north of Forest Road 11, the camp serves as the primary access point to these trails. Horse owners should note that cell service can be limited, with no T-Mobile coverage reported at the campground. The camp's shaded setting makes solar recharging challenging. Trail riders can access miles of forested pathways directly from the campground. While the camp itself is described as not aesthetically pleasing, its practical design and direct trail access make it functional for equestrians seeking backcountry riding experiences in the Ouachita National Forest. Minor erosion exists where small creeks cross Forest Road 772, though Forest Road 11 remains in good condition.
"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"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"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."
"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!"
from $12 - $105 / 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.
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.
Bear Creek Horse Camp sits among several horse campgrounds near Story, Arkansas, in the scenic Ouachita National Forest. The camp serves as the primary access point for the interconnected loop trails of the Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system. Equestrian camping options in this region range from primitive sites to more developed facilities, with most offering direct trail access.
Trail riding at Mount Magazine State Park: The park offers multiple trails suitable for various experience levels. "Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain," notes Gary F., highlighting the elevation that provides unique riding terrain.
Fishing access: Many campsites in the region offer convenient fishing opportunities. "We had a site overlooking the lake. We had plenty of room to hang our hammocks and play yard games," explains Alison C. about her experience at Lake Catherine State Park, which offers both riding trails and water recreation.
Geocaching and wildlife viewing: Several forest areas have established geocaching spots. "Had fun geocaching and deer sighting," reports Natalie S., who found these activities complemented her horse camping experience at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
Diverse trail systems: The interconnected nature of trails allows riders to create routes of varying distances and difficulties. "The trails are mostly shaded and well defined. Remember you are on a mountain so there will be elevation changes as you walk," shares Gary F. about the terrain at Mount Magazine.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms are consistently mentioned in reviews of DeGray Lake Resort State Park. "The camping areas and restrooms/showers were very clean. Very friendly and informative park rangers," notes Tina B., highlighting the importance of these amenities after a day on horseback.
Scenic viewpoints: Many trails include elevated lookout points. "Mount Magazine boasts as one of the top spots for fall foliage," says Gary F., adding that "with the many species of trees I have no doubt it would be beautiful."
Weather considerations: Mountain elevations can cause significant temperature differences from surrounding areas. At Mount Nebo State Park, "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," warns Donny S.
Road conditions: Some horse camps have access roads that can be challenging for larger trailers. "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road," notes Fred S. about access to Bear Creek Horse Camp.
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "This SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend," advises Chad K. about Lake Catherine State Park.
Trail selection for children: Choose appropriate trails for younger riders. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," suggests Alison C., whose experience at Lake Catherine indicates trails suitable for children.
Camping near water features: Sites with water access provide additional activities when not riding. "The camp features a small creek runs alongside the camp," which gives children alternative activities between trail rides.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs. At CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground, which provides access to nearby horse trails, staff are "super friendly and informative," notes Rocky F., creating learning opportunities for young campers.
Size restrictions: Some roads to horse camps have limitations for large trailers. "Grades are up to 18%," cautions Dave V. about the approach to Mount Nebo State Park, adding that "signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'."
Electrical considerations: For those requiring power, Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp provides an alternative to the primitive setup at Bear Creek. "Not uncommon for horseback riders to come through. Can be rough and muddy getting down to the water," notes Athina W., suggesting preparation for challenging conditions.
Leveling challenges: Horse camping sites often require additional leveling equipment. "Few if any of the sites in this section of the CG were anywhere close to level," reports Ray & Terri F., emphasizing the need for leveling blocks when bringing an RV to horse camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Story, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Story, 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 Story, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Story, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
