Moccasin Gap Trail System
AR · Dover / Ozark National Forest
Arkansas Highway 7 north of Dover, AR (official directions place the trail on the west side of Hwy 7, about 25 miles north of Russellville)
Moccasin Gap has a very different personality from a broad national-forest entry or a resort-style state park, and that is exactly why riders love it. This destination feels purpose-built for people who want the horse side of the trip to be the center of gravity. You are not arriving at a park and then searching for the equestrian area off to the side. You are arriving at a trail system known for horse travel, with a campground, trailer-friendly day-use parking, and loops that invite you to settle in and actually ride.
Riding guide
Highlights
A horse-first forest basecamp where the riding starts almost as soon as the trailer door drops.
Riding
The trail system consists of four loop trails that converge into one another, which is ideal for shaping the day around time, energy, and the kind of ride you want. The setting is a mix of hardwoods and pine with numerous streams and small waterfalls, so the experience feels wooded, textured, and scenic rather than repetitive. The Forest Service also notes that the area was primarily developed as a horse trail, and that horse-first identity still comes through in the way the destination rides.
Trailer parking
Dedicated horse day-use parking includes trailers; the recreation area also includes a campground, pavilion, and direct trail access from camp.
Horse regulations
This is a multiple-use system, not an equestrian-exclusive one. The Forest Service states that the area is open to hikers and bikes, with portions also open to off-highway vehicles and high-clearance vehicles, so courtesy and awareness matter throughout the ride. Pay the posted day-use or camping fees, watch for active alerts, and ride with the expectation that conditions and traffic mix can shift by season and weekend demand.
Getting here
The official Forest Service page makes the logistics refreshingly clear. Moccasin Gap is open year-round, reached from Arkansas 7 north of Russellville, and includes horse day-use parking with trailer access plus a campground and pavilion. That gives the arrival a smooth, organized feel for riders hauling in. You can unload, get oriented, and move into the trail system without the awkward mismatch that happens when a site is technically horse-friendly but clearly built with another user in mind.
Planning your visit
Moccasin Gap is strongest when treated as a focused ride destination. Bring your own drinking water, check alerts before departure, and plan for a more self-sufficient camp rhythm than you would at a full-service park. For riders who want a straightforward Arkansas horse-camp weekend with real trail identity, it is one of the cleanest fits on the list.
Where to stay
Moccasin Gap is an excellent match for riders who appreciate practical comfort over polish. The official page lists 17 camping spurs and restrooms on site, giving you the essentials for a true trail-base weekend. The important caveat is that potable water is not available at the site, so this is a destination where packing intentionally makes a noticeable difference in how comfortable camp feels once you are settled in.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
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