Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp

For Arkansas residents who love to explore the rugged beauty of the Ozark National Forest, especially those with a passion for horseback riding, hiking, or off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures, Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp offers a strategically located and authentic outdoor experience. This isn't a typical developed campground with extensive amenities; instead, it serves as a primitive base camp, providing direct access to the vast and scenic Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trails. It’s a place where the focus is on the journey through the forest, the connection with nature, and the camaraderie of fellow trail enthusiasts.

This article is crafted to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, specifically for local Arkansas users. We will detail its unique location within the Ozark National Forest, outline the essential services it provides, highlight its key features that appeal to various outdoor activities, and offer practical contact information. Ultimately, we'll explain why Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp is an ideal destination for Arkansans seeking a more rustic and trail-focused outdoor adventure, emphasizing its suitability for those who are self-sufficient and eager to explore the expansive trail system.

Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp is located at 2000 Sorghum Hollow Rd, Subiaco, AR 72865, USA. This address places it within the Ozark National Forest, a sprawling natural area known for its mountainous terrain, lush forests, and extensive trail networks. More specifically, Sorghum Hollow is a key access point to the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail system, making it a prime location for equestrian and multi-use trail enthusiasts.

Accessibility to Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp is generally good for a primitive forest camp. From State Highway 22, visitors can turn south onto Sorghum Hollow Road (which is Forest Road 1604) and continue for approximately 2.3 miles. The camp is located on the left (north) side of the road. While Sorghum Hollow Road is a gravel forest road, it is typically manageable for most vehicles, including those towing horse trailers, though conditions can vary with weather. Subiaco, a small town nearby, offers limited services, so visitors should plan to bring most of their supplies. The camp's location also places it within a reasonable driving distance of Mount Magazine, Arkansas's highest point, offering additional recreational opportunities. This blend of remote forest immersion with relatively straightforward access makes Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp a practical and appealing destination for Arkansas locals ready for an unvarnished outdoor adventure.

As a primitive horse camp within the Ozark National Forest, Sorghum Hollow offers fundamental services geared towards supporting equestrian and other trail users. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience, meaning they should bring most of their own supplies.

Services Offered:

• Primitive Campsites: The camp provides 15 primitive sites, primarily for tent camping and small trailers (up to 40 ft max RV length for pull-thrus). These are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Vault Toilet: There is one designated vault toilet facility available for campers' use, providing a basic, yet essential, sanitation option.
• Picnic Tables: A number of picnic tables are available for communal use at the campsites, providing a surface for meals or gear organization.
• Safe Parking: Campers have reported that their vehicles have "always been safe" while parked at the camp, providing peace of mind for those venturing onto the trails. There is a nominal $3 day-use fee to park.
• Direct Trail Access: The most significant service is the direct, unimpeded access to the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trails, allowing users to ride, hike, or bike directly from their campsite.
• Water (Seasonal): Water may be available seasonally, typically from April 1 to November 1. However, it's always advisable to confirm availability and bring your own potable water or a filtration system.
• Fire Rings: While not explicitly detailed, primitive campsites typically include designated fire rings for campfires, subject to fire danger restrictions.
• No Hookups: As a primitive camp, there are no electrical, water (beyond seasonal availability), or sewer hookups at the individual sites.
• Carry In, Carry Out Policy: Like most primitive national forest campgrounds, visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and waste.

Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp boasts several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for a particular segment of Arkansas's outdoor community. Its strengths lie in its direct access to an expansive trail system and its commitment to a rustic, natural experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Gateway to Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trails: This is the paramount feature. The camp serves as a primary access point for the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail system, offering over 37 miles of multi-use trails for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and OHVs. This provides diverse and extensive recreational opportunities right from the campsite.
• Equestrian Focus: As a "horse camp," it is particularly well-suited for equestrians, providing space for horse trailers and direct access to horse-friendly trails. This fosters a community of shared interests.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who prefer a less developed, more natural camping environment, Sorghum Hollow delivers. It offers a true escape from crowded, amenity-rich campgrounds, allowing for deeper immersion in the wilderness.
• Year-Round Accessibility: The camp is open all year, providing flexibility for adventurers to visit in different seasons, though trail conditions may vary.
• Mount Magazine Proximity: The camp's location offers convenient access to Mount Magazine State Park, Arkansas's highest point, which provides additional hiking, scenic overlooks, and unique ecological zones. This expands the range of activities available to campers.
• Vast and Scenic Trails: The Huckleberry Mountain trails traverse "deep winding valleys framed by rugged mountain bluffs" and meander through "numerous creeks," offering spectacular views and varied terrain, from easy to more difficult sections.
• Safe Parking for Vehicles: The peace of mind that vehicles are "always been safe parked" is a valuable feature for those leaving their transportation behind while on extended trail rides or hikes.
• Affordable Access: The low $3 day-use parking fee, combined with the primitive camping setup, makes it a highly economical option for experiencing the Ozarks.
• Natural Beauty: The unadulterated beauty of the Ozark National Forest, with its dense woodlands and diverse wildlife, is a constant highlight for nature lovers.

As a U.S. Forest Service primitive campground, Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp typically does not have dedicated on-site staff with a direct phone line. For general inquiries regarding the Ozark National Forest, trail conditions, or specific regulations, visitors should contact the relevant Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service. The provided phone numbers are likely for the main office or a regional visitor center that can offer assistance.

Contact Information:Address: 2000 Sorghum Hollow Rd, Subiaco, AR 72865, USAPhone: (479) 964-7200 (Likely Ozark National Forest Supervisor's Office or local Ranger District)Mobile Phone: +1 479-964-7200 (Likely Ozark National Forest Supervisor's Office or local Ranger District)

Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp is an excellent choice for Arkansas locals, particularly those who seek an immersive and activity-driven outdoor experience within the Ozark National Forest. Its primary appeal lies in being a direct gateway to the extensive Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trails, offering unparalleled opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and OHV adventures. For equestrians, it’s a tailored destination, providing the necessary primitive facilities to base their multi-day excursions.

While reviews note that the trails can be "a little washed out and rocky," this often adds to the authentic, rugged experience that many outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas appreciate. It underscores the need for preparedness and suitable equipment, which is part of the appeal for seasoned adventurers. The primitive nature of the camp, including basic facilities and a small fee, makes it an economical and no-frills option, perfect for those who prioritize trail access and natural beauty over modern conveniences. For Arkansans eager to truly explore the stunning landscapes of their state on horseback, by foot, or on an ATV, Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp provides an ideal and highly recommended starting point for unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Ozarks.

Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp

2000 Sorghum Hollow Rd, Subiaco, AR 72865, USA