The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds in Arkansas

3,313 Reviews

Chock-full of scenic natural beauty and breathtaking geological diversity, camping in Arkansas is an experience hard to forget. Campgrounds can be found on top of magnificent mountain ranges, sparkling lakeshores, and nearly anywhere in between. Known as “The Natural State,” Arkansas boasts two mountain ranges, three national forests, 600,000 acres of lakes, and 9,000 miles of streams and rivers. In addition to numerous camping and backpacking opportunities, Arkansas is long famous for its hunting and fishing scene. So lace up your boots and get ready for an unparalleled getaway camping in Arkansas!

Take an extraordinary escape to the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas in Eureka Springs. The entire city is on the National Register of Historic Places with its carefully preserved Victorian Buildings and unique architecture built around the city’s natural springs. Numerous campgrounds near Eureka Springs offer campers an opportunity to get up close with nature while staying within reach of the city’s curvy hills and winding streets free of traffic lights.

Just south of Eureka Springs lies the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, dedicating 459 acres to exotic cats. The sanctuary is home to tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars. Animal lovers can enjoy guided habitat tours and open discovery areas daily.

Just over an hour from Little Rock, AR, sits the largest lake in Arkansas. Renowned for its scenic beauty and clear waters, Lake Ouachita is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita provides campers with ample water sports opportunities, including swimming, scuba diving, and angling. The Lake Ouachita State Park also offers scenic trails, two swimming areas, and a marina with boat rentals and fishing supplies.

Embark on a gorgeous trip through The Natural State. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Arkansas along the way.

Map showing campgrounds in ArkansasExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites in Arkansas (740)

    1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    105 Reviews
    Adona, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 727-5441

    $25 - $40 / night

    "._ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."

    "Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."

    2. Devil's Den State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Winslow, AR
    Website
    +1 (479) 761-3325

    $20 / night

    "Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas.  The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen.  The facilities and amenities have been great. "

    "The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way."

    3. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Jones Mill, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 844-4176

    $15 - $25 / night

    "We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."

    "Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean!  Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. 

     "

    4. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

    75 Reviews
    Hot Springs National Park, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 620-6715

    $34 / night

    "There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."

    "With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."

    5. Tom Sawyer's RV Park

    60 Reviews
    West Memphis, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 735-9770

    "This campsite is in West Memphis, Arkansas right across the river from Memphis Tennessee. The sites are right on the river bank, beautiful. Sunrise over the river was perfect."

    "This place is a 6 star park next to Ms river close to Memphis,TN quite, great spots, clean and a lake oand ponds on the sites."

    6. Maumelle Park

    50 Reviews
    Maumelle, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 868-9477

    $28 - $75 / night

    "Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."

    "Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"

    7. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    Website
    +1 (888) 287-2757

    "This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."

    "Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping."

    8. Village Creek State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Colt, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 238-9406

    $25 / night

    "There are nearly 100 sites here at Village Creek State Park. They are Spacious, paved and well maintained."

    "This park was stunning the drive though a little narrow at times was scenic from the drive to the RV site. Pull Through with own area not to close to other sites."

    9. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    45 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 991-3390

    $14 - $80 / night

    "Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."

    "Great hiking the lake is always fun.  It is near enough to Hot Springs.  Also near plenty of quartz mines.  My favorite place in Arkansas."

    10. Roaring River State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

    "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 740 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Arkansas Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos in Arkansas

820 Photos of 740 Arkansas Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Arkansas

3313 Reviews of 740 Arkansas Campgrounds

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Must visit !

    Beautiful campground! Sites are spacious. Area is clean and lots of things to do. Near Hot Springs so we did a lot of exploring there.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Roaring River State Park Campground

    Beautiful !

    Campground 1 is very shady, lots of trees and spacious sites. Trout fishing is awesome. Lots of trails and fish hatcheries.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

    Lovely spot

    Clean, tree covered spots with larger gravel. I love that you don’t get that fine grit in your rig. People are kind and fun. I will return. Great for visiting Gettysburg

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Gilbert RV Park

    Owner treated us like family !!!

    When we pulled into the campground we were met with friendly smiles ! Jim and his wife are super nice and very helpful!! We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally. Probably just a little over a quarter mile walk to the river or drive down to gravel bed where you can park. Take all your stuff and play in the river all day. There is a float service in Gilbert. Restrooms are separate from the showers. Men's and women's. They also have chickens so you might hear that Rooster every morning !! We had a super nice time here !!! Very simple place to stay. Just respect the camp rules and don't get too loud !! Please don't show up super late ! Jim and his wife are elderly !!! ( Just my opinion )

  • Taylor E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Sam's Throne Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    Stayed here Monday afternoon to Wednesday morning. Everyone cleared out by Tuesday and I had Tuesday- Wednesday to myself. There are quite a few established sites. Not a good spot for solar or star link due to dense forest. No water or trash. Pit toilets. The sites are spread out. Not much firewood to collect, I bought wood from the nearby Red Oak store. Prices were very reasonable. Hiking is awesome here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Village Creek State Park Campground

    Quiet and Relaxing

    This place is very beautiful and DEEP into to woods. The sites are very spread out with privacy though and we loved that!

    We arrived after hours and our site had a pamphlet with our name and some basic information for our stay.

    In the morning, the spot was very beautiful and tucked away in the woods with visibility to the lake down the hill.

    It rained briefly and our spot was down a slight hill so there was a bit of concern with puddling, but there was proper drainage and the site didn’t puddle as much as we would’ve thought! The site was very leveled!

    We lost service about 5/10 minutes out from the park with Verizon so if there are things you need to search before do that!

    When we left we stopped by the visitor center that had a pretty wide range of things to do with a gift store. The staff and rangers were very nice!

    We would visit again!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Delta Ridge RV Park

    Perfect for a single overnight

    Small, tight campground that has no amenities at all, but is priced accordingly. This campground has full hookups at every site, the sites are tight enough together that opposing slides wouldn’t fit, there are no bathrooms, laundry facilities, etc. It is conveniently located very close to I40 and is minutes from shopping and restaurants.

    Added bonus……the WiFi is rock solid. I didn’t bother using my Starlink as I was able to stream from the campgrounds wifi.

  • Kenneth F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Hot Springs Arkansas Finish Line RV Park

    Nice little park

    This is a nice little gated park. Close to the national park in Hot Springs Arkansas. And right next door to the flat track/casino. It’s pretty new, but not really any extra amenities. 20/30/50 amp full hookups. Concrete pads, and paved streets. Laundry and bath house. Inexpensive. We’d definitely stay here again!

Guide to Arkansas

Camping in Arkansas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at places like Mount Nebo State Park. One reviewer said, “The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque!”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Ouachita State Park, you can fish right from your campsite. A visitor mentioned, “The water is crystal clear and we could swim right from our campsites!”
  • Cavern Tours: Don’t miss the chance to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns. A camper shared, “The cavern tour is a must-see; it’s one of the best around.”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One person said about Petit Jean State Park, “I found everything to be absolutely amazing! Beautiful, stunning, and can’t wait to visit again!”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground noted, “Cleanest shower house I've ever seen.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the room to spread out. One visitor at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Petit Jean State Park noted, “Just no signal. Also a little expensive for me but others may not think so!”
  • Seasonal Crowds: Some parks can get busy during peak seasons. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park warned, “This place is really popular in summer time, so expect to book a year in advance.”
  • Amenities Vary: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “Clean restrooms, no showers.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Catherine's Landing said, “Plenty of room for the kids to ride bicycles and a direct, private access at the campground to Lake Catherine for a little family kayaking.”
  • Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing, hiking, and swimming. A camper at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at dusk. One camper at Willow Beach warned, “Locals warned us to beware of mosquitoes at sunset.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review for Lake Ouachita State Park noted, “The sites are all sitting on a serene lake. The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A visitor at John F Kennedy Campground mentioned, “73 sites with electric, 13 sites with water and electric.”
  • Be Ready for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have showers or sewer hookups. A camper at Gulpha Gorge Campground said, “No showers, but clean restrooms.”

Camping in Arkansas is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for you in this beautiful state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available in Arkansas state parks?

Arkansas state parks offer diverse camping options with well-maintained facilities. Lake Poinsett State Park Campground features quality campsites, excellent bathhouses, a playground, and a walking trail accessible from the campground. The lake has recently been repaired and restocked with fish. Lake Chicot State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside sites with stunning sunset views over cypress-lined shores. Other notable state park options include Petit Jean State Park with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly areas; Lake Catherine near Hot Springs; and Lake Ouachita State Park offering boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. Arkansas state parks generally provide clean facilities, recreational opportunities, and affordable rates with most sites being reservable online.

Where can I find RV camping sites in Arkansas?

Arkansas has numerous RV-friendly campgrounds catering to various preferences. Prairie Creek, a Corps of Engineers site on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas, accommodates RVs including smaller units like 24' Winnebagos, though some sites have slight slopes. Maumelle Park, another COE campground along the Arkansas River, offers quiet sites with good privacy (like site E7) and convenient access to walking trails while remaining close to urban amenities. For adventure seekers, Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events provides clean, well-maintained RV sites with access to off-roading trails. Additional options include Tom Sawyer's RV Park near West Memphis and Crystal Springs Campground at Lake Ouachita, both offering full hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces.

What are the best campgrounds in Arkansas for tent camping?

Arkansas offers excellent tent camping experiences, particularly in its natural areas. Richland Creek Recreation Area provides peaceful primitive sites ideal for tent campers who enjoy hiking, with nearby waterfalls and trails worth exploring. Download maps in advance as cell service is limited. For those seeking breathtaking views, Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers tent sites with spectacular vistas, though reservable spots can be close together. The park features hiking trails, a playground, and a swimming pool. Other great tent camping options include Petit Jean State Park and the dispersed sites at Base of North Fork Pinnacle in the Ouachita National Forest, where you can truly immerse yourself in Arkansas's natural beauty.

Are there good fishing opportunities at Arkansas campgrounds?

Arkansas campgrounds offer exceptional fishing opportunities across the state. Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground in Northwest Arkansas provides access to a gorgeous lake with many lakefront sites, perfect for fishing directly from your campsite. The Corps of Engineers maintains this campground well, with electric hookups and bathhouses. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park offers creek fishing opportunities while being conveniently located near town amenities. Lake Ouachita, known for its clear waters, provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Many Arkansas state parks including Lake Chicot and Lake Poinsett have recently restocked lakes. For the best fishing experience, consider camping during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and fish are most active.

Keep Exploring