Things to do when your'e here
When you're not in the saddle, the Piney Creek Wildlife Management area and the Ozark National Forest offers an abundance of activities that make every day in camp feel full and rewarding. Hikers can explore miles of trails that traverse rugged bluffs, hardwood hollows, and rushing mountain streams, with routes ranging from easy creek-side strolls to demanding ridge-top treks — many of which connect directly to the same trail network accessible right from the campground. Licensed anglers will find world-class fishing along the nearby Buffalo National River and countless clear-running tributaries, where smallmouth bass, trout, and goggle-eye make for rewarding days on the water. Wildlife watchers are rewarded year-round, with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, and a rich variety of songbirds calling the forest home — all frequently spotted along the horse trails that wind through the forest. When the sun goes down, the Ozarks deliver some of the darkest skies in the mid-South, making stargazing from a camp chair a nightly highlight after a long day on the trail. From swimming holes tucked beneath mossy limestone bluffs to quiet mornings kayaking down the Buffalo River, the Ozark National Forest and Piney Creek Wildlife Management area offers the kind of unhurried, deeply satisfying experience that keeps horse campers and outdoor lovers coming back season after season.
HILLBILLY SLIMS BBQ
For those who want a break from cooking, a short distance from camp, Hillbilly Slims offers a variety of meals to fill any belly. Try some of our favorite meals including, Ribs, Pulled Pork, Mammas Cashew Chicken, and Fried Catfish. We highly recommend the Frog legs!
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HORSEBACK RIDING
Riding out of camp, you'll discover some of the coolest landmarks the Ozark National Forest has to offer. The trails wind through miles of beautiful scenery, from ancient Indian Caves to large rock formations, to homeplaces reminiscent of the many settlements that historically spanned the forest . With approximately 37 miles of marked trails covering many acres, riders will almost always stumble upon something noteworthy and picturesque while visiting us.
SWIMMING AND RELAXING
The Forest surrounding the camp is laced with creeks, hollows, and natural pools that make for some of the best swimming in the region. The area offers crystal-clear waters with a rocky bottom and gentle currents that make it ideal for swimming and wading, and there are many swim holes hidden along the creek, so it pays to take some time and explore. Deep pools, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful spots can be found tucked along the trails, many of them known only to locals and those willing to wander a little off the beaten path. Some of these spots are so secluded you can spend hours — or even a whole day — without seeing another soul, making them a perfect place to cool off, relax in the shade.
BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER
Just 40 minutes down the mountain from Cowboy Up Trails, the Buffalo National River is well worth adding to your itinerary. Kayaking the upper Buffalo offers some of the finest paddling in Arkansas, with beautiful scenery at every turn. Pack a lunch, take your time on the water, and when the paddle is done, grab a rod and work the banks — the Buffalo is known as a premier smallmouth bass fishing stream, along with a wide variety of other species. Paddle downstream to a pebbly beach for a picnic, or spend part of the afternoon swimming in the gentler stretches of the river. With a full day to float, fish, and relax along the water, the Buffalo makes for a great way to round out your time in the Witts Springs area.