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Best Equestrian Camping near Ouachita National Forest

99 Reviews

Bear Creek Horse Camp provides accessible camping for equestrians in the Ouachita region. The campground accommodates both tent and RV campers with primitive facilities that focus on the needs of trail riders. Toilets are available, but campers should note there are no electric hookups, showers, or drinking water facilities. Pets are permitted alongside horses, making it suitable for riders who travel with dogs. The camp maintains a simple, no-frills atmosphere with fires allowed at designated spots. Bathrooms and camp areas are kept spotless, with staff described as extremely helpful and kind to visitors arriving with horses and equipment.

Located directly off main access roads, the camp connects to extensive trail systems popular with equestrians exploring the Ouachita terrain. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the facilities, the camp is designed specifically for horse owners and provides appropriate space for securing animals. Trail access is straightforward from the camping areas, allowing riders to begin their journeys without trailering to separate locations. The camp operates as a dispersed camping area, offering a more natural experience than highly developed campgrounds. Horse owners particularly value the peaceful setting and proximity to riding routes that showcase the mountain landscape. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes, though very large rigs might find some limitations in the more primitive setting.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Ouachita National Forest (7)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Ouachita National Forest

4 Photos of 7 Ouachita National Forest Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ouachita National Forest

99 Reviews of 7 Ouachita National Forest Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Bear Creek Horse Camp

    Small, Secluded Primitive Equestrian Campground

    Coordinates: 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.

  • J
    May. 30, 2021

    Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    Hike in sites are great!

    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. We opted for the hike in site and it was perfect for us. Off-road and hiking were great! Views are breathtaking!!

  • Cheri H.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    No need to go anywhere else

    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. They also have a lodge if camping isn’t your thing or if you don’t have equipment. YURTs look very nice and have lots of amenities. There’s a full service marina with pontoon and regular boat, kayak, canoe, paddle board and pedal boat rentals. A restaurant and spa at the lodge and many hiking trails. Two gift shops. Bicycle rentals. Disk golf and 18-hole golf courses and horseback riding stables. It’s a really great place. We love it!

  • P
    Apr. 8, 2021

    DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    Our first resort park 😍

    From 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.

  • Chris V.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    We had a blast!

    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!!

  • Dave V.
    Dec. 27, 2018

    Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    Long, unobstructed views and refreshing breezes

    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.

  • Natalie S.
    Jul. 5, 2021

    DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    Beautiful state park!

    Loved almost everything about de roche ridge! We stayed in 102 and 106 and had pretty views of the clear lake. Were able to park boat next to campsite and get kayaks and floats in and out of water easily. Boat ramp super close by. Fishing ok but hot so they were probably deep. Super nice workers at Marina, lodge and visitor center. Cute merchandise at lodge and visitor center. Had fun geocaching and deer sighting. Great to have sewer hookups so didn’t use the park bathrooms. Wish road was wider and wish check out time was your earlier than check in so ppl wouldn’t be in your spot when you get there at check in.

  • LaRee S.
    May. 3, 2022

    Epona Place Ranch

    Unicorn Magic!

    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.

  • 2SHOE S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    Sunrise to sunset, Nebo has a good view

    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. 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.

Guide to Ouachita National Forest

Horse camping near Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.

Tips for equestrian camping near Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma

  • The Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp Ozark NF provides a drive-in access point, making it convenient for horse campers to set up and explore the surrounding trails.
  • Ensure you bring your own water, as many sites, including Buck Knob, do not offer drinking water facilities.
  • Be prepared for varying terrain; some areas may be rough and muddy, especially near water access points.

Equestrian campgrounds include

  • CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground features electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, catering well to both horse campers and RV travelers.
  • Mount Magazine State Park Campground offers reservable sites and is known for its beautiful views and nature trails, perfect for horseback riding.
  • DeGray Lake Resort State Park has a range of accommodations, including yurts and cabins, along with ample space for horse camping.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the extensive trail systems at Mount Nebo State Park Campground, which is popular for hiking and mountain biking, providing a great way to explore the area on horseback.
  • The Ozark National Forest offers numerous trails that are suitable for horseback riding, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
  • DeGray Lake Resort State Park features water sports and fishing opportunities, making it a versatile destination for equestrian campers looking for additional activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ouachita National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ouachita National Forest is Mount Magazine State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ouachita National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Ouachita National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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