Lonesome D Horse Camp

For us Arkansans who cherish the unique bond with our horses and the thrill of exploring our state's rugged beauty from the saddle, horse camps hold a special place. Nestled in the scenic landscape near New Blaine, Lonesome D Horse Camp has historically been a known spot for equestrians seeking direct access to the vast trail networks of the Ozark National Forest. This camp represents a more traditional, rustic approach to horse camping, appealing to those who prioritize trail access and a back-to-nature experience over extensive amenities.

It's important for prospective visitors to understand that Lonesome D Horse Camp appears to offer a truly unrefined, direct-access camping experience. Recent feedback suggests that the camp might be undergoing a period of transition or reduced upkeep, indicating that guests should arrive with an expectation for self-sufficiency and a focus on the riding experience itself. For experienced equestrians who are prepared for a rugged outing and are primarily interested in immediate access to trails, this could still be a viable option, particularly if seeking solitude.

While some past visitors have noted challenges regarding maintenance and communication, the inherent value of a horse camp lies in its connection to the equestrian trails. Lonesome D Horse Camp, by its very nature, provides a gateway to exploring the beautiful and challenging terrain that the Ozark National Forest offers. For local riders who are self-sufficient and value the wildness of Arkansas trails above all else, this camp could serve as a base for their equestrian adventures. It’s a reminder that some of our state’s outdoor experiences lean into the more primitive and authentic side of nature.

Lonesome D Horse Camp is located at 776 Cravens Ln, New Blaine, AR 72851, USA. This address places it within the picturesque and rugged landscape of western Arkansas, specifically near the town of New Blaine. New Blaine is a small community in Logan County, known for its proximity to the vast recreational opportunities of the Ozark National Forest and the Arkansas River Valley.

Access to the camp via Cravens Lane suggests a rural setting, which is typical for horse camps designed to be close to extensive trail systems. While main highways in Arkansas are generally well-maintained, reaching a location on a specific "Lane" in a rural area may involve traveling on unpaved or less-maintained roads. Equestrian travelers, especially those hauling trailers, should always be prepared for varying road conditions as they approach the camp.

The primary draw of this location for equestrians is its direct or very close proximity to the trail networks of the Ozark National Forest. This forest offers hundreds of miles of multi-use trails, many of which are suitable for horseback riding, winding through diverse terrain, including dense woodlands, rolling hills, and scenic overlooks. While New Blaine itself offers limited amenities, nearby larger towns might provide more extensive services such as gas stations, grocery stores, and veterinary services. Therefore, visitors should plan to be relatively self-sufficient, bringing most of their supplies with them. The true accessibility of Lonesome D Horse Camp lies in its direct gateway to extensive riding opportunities within one of Arkansas's most beloved natural treasures.

• Campsites (Rustic): The camp provides areas for setting up tents or parking horse trailers with living quarters. Based on reviews, these are primitive or rustic, implying minimal developed amenities.

• Direct Trail Access (Implied): As a "horse camp," its primary service is providing direct access to nearby equestrian trails, likely within the Ozark National Forest.

Based on recent customer reviews, it is important to note the following regarding services:

• Bathrooms: Are reported as "not functional." Visitors should plan to be entirely self-sufficient regarding restroom facilities.

• Maintenance: The overall camp area is described as "littered with trash," indicating a lack of regular upkeep.

• Trail Conditions: Trails are reported to be "getting grown up," suggesting they may be less maintained and potentially challenging to navigate.

• On-site Assistance: Customers have reported difficulty getting return calls and finding "not a soul in sight" on arrival, indicating limited on-site management or assistance.

Prospective visitors should manage expectations accordingly and be prepared for a highly self-sufficient and primitive camping experience, with current services being significantly limited or non-existent.

• Direct Access to Equestrian Trails: The most significant highlight of Lonesome D Horse Camp, by its very nature, is its presumed direct access to extensive horse riding trails, likely within the Ozark National Forest. This is the primary draw for equestrians.

• Rustic and Primitive Setting: For riders who truly seek a raw, unrefined outdoor experience, the camp offers a very rustic environment, allowing for a deep immersion in nature.

• Potential for Solitude: Given the reported lack of upkeep and on-site presence, the camp may offer a more solitary camping experience for those seeking isolation on the trails.

However, it is crucial to present current challenges as features or highlights that define the experience, based on recent customer reviews:

• Non-Functional Bathrooms: A critical point is that the bathrooms are reported as "not functional," requiring campers to be fully self-contained or prepared for primitive restroom facilities.

• General Disarray and Litter: The camp area is described as "littered with trash" and "not very well kept," indicating a significant lack of maintenance and cleanliness.

• Overgrown Trails: Trails are noted as "getting grown up," which could imply challenging navigation and a need for riders to be experienced in backcountry conditions.

• Unresponsive Communication/No On-site Presence: Difficulty getting a return call and finding "not a soul in sight" upon arrival suggests minimal or no on-site management or assistance, requiring campers to be completely self-reliant.

• Uncontrolled Dogs: A serious concern raised was that "one of our riders & mules was chased by the ground takers' dogs," indicating potential safety issues with loose animals.

These points are significant and define the current operational state of the camp.

Based on the provided information, there are no specific promotions or special offers listed for Lonesome D Horse Camp. Given the nature of the recent reviews, which indicate a significant decline in maintenance and services, it is highly unlikely that any promotional activities are currently underway.

For primitive or less-maintained camping areas, pricing (if any) is often very basic, possibly a small per-night fee, or in some cases, the area might be considered free to access if it's an unofficial or minimally managed site within a larger public land system.

However, due to reported issues with communication ("Cant get a return call and have tried for two weeks") and a lack of on-site presence ("not a soul in sight"), obtaining current pricing information or confirming any potential fees would be extremely challenging. Prospective visitors should assume a self-pay or self-service model if any fees are expected, and be prepared for a lack of official guidance on this matter.

Based on the provided information, here are the contact details for Lonesome D Horse Camp:

• Address: 776 Cravens Ln, New Blaine, AR 72851, USA

• Phone: (479) 938-2899

• Mobile Phone: +1 479-938-2899

However, it is crucial to note that recent customer reviews indicate significant difficulty in reaching the camp by phone, with reports of "Cant get a return call and have tried for two weeks." Prospective visitors should be aware that direct phone contact may not be reliable. Due to this, it is highly recommended to consider this camp only if you are prepared for a completely self-sufficient and primitive experience, without the expectation of on-site assistance or confirmed reservations via phone.

For us Arkansans, Lonesome D Horse Camp near New Blaine represents a very specific type of outdoor experience, one that is suitable for a particular kind of local equestrian enthusiast. Its primary draw, even amidst current challenges, is its location and implied direct access to the extensive and rugged trail systems of the Ozark National Forest. For those of us who value direct trail access for horseback riding above all else, and who are deeply experienced in self-sufficient, primitive camping, this camp might still hold a unique appeal.

This camp is suitable for the local rider who:

• Prioritizes Trail Access: If your main goal is to simply get your horse on the trails of the Ozark National Forest quickly and easily, and you are less concerned with camp amenities, Lonesome D could serve as a raw access point.

• Is Fully Self-Sufficient: Given the reports of non-functional bathrooms, trash, and no on-site presence, this camp is only suitable for equestrians who are completely self-contained. This means bringing your own water, waste disposal solutions, and being prepared for all eventualities without external support.

• Is Experienced in Primitive/Backcountry Riding: The mention of trails "getting grown up" implies that riders should be experienced in navigating potentially overgrown or less-maintained paths. This is not a place for novice riders or those new to backcountry etiquette.

• Seeks Solitude: The lack of a visible presence or easy communication might ironically appeal to those who desire extreme solitude and an uncrowded camping experience.

• Understands the Risks: Being aware of potential issues like uncontrolled dogs (as reported by one reviewer) and preparing for them is crucial for any local considering this location.

In essence, Lonesome D Horse Camp, in its current state, is not a full-service recreational campground. It is a highly rustic, potentially unmanaged access point to trails. For the very specific niche of self-reliant, experienced Arkansas equestrians who are well-prepared for primitive conditions and prioritize direct trail access above all else, it might still offer a gateway to the wild beauty of our state's forest trails. However, all prospective visitors should be fully aware of the reported challenges and plan accordingly.