Bear Creek Equestrian Camp

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees required. Limited to 14-day stays.

About

Nestled in the rugged Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Bear Creek Equestrian Camp serves as a primitive base camp for equestrian enthusiasts exploring the Bear Creek Trail system. This small, no-frills facility is located adjacent to the Deckard Mountain Walk-In Turkey Hunting Area and offers direct access to approximately 4 interconnecting loop trails that wind through diverse terrain. The campground provides basic amenities including trailer spurs for horse trailers, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and vault toilets. Visitors must bring their own drinking water as none is available on-site. The site is suitable for small trailers only due to access road conditions. Despite its primitive nature, the camp offers remarkable access to one of the forest's premier equestrian trail systems, featuring forested creek crossings, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping mountain vistas. One highlight is the view of Lake Ouachita from the historic Powell Mountain fire tower site. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system and no camping fees. Maximum stay is limited to 14 days, with up to 6 persons per site. The remote location and primitive facilities make this an ideal destination for self-sufficient riders seeking solitude and authentic backcountry experiences in the Ouachita National Forest.

Directions

From Hot Springs, take Highway 7 north to Forest Service Road 11, then to Gladstone Forest Road to Forest Service Road 772.

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