Mount Nebo State Park Campground

CAMPGROUND REVIEW:: Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas [https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park](https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park)

Turning off I-40 at Exit 88, Mount Nebo is viewed less than 10 miles southwest…a stand-alone mountain.

At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, “Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft”. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%.

The State Park rests up its summit.constructed by the CCC, many of their stonework craftsmanship can be seen in the buildings and trail system.

The “Rim Trail” is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views. There are two distinct areas of the “Rim Trail” that can be driven to…to capture those special photos…Sunset Point and Sunrise Circle.

Different sections of the Rim Trail range from easy to moderate to strenuous. They are marked. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail but are permitted on other trails as are horses. So know and exercise proper trail etiquette.

There are bear in this area, and precautions are taken by the park. Park staff informed us of numerous venomous reptilian, too…so be aware on the trails, or if you choose to wander off them.

A large rentable enclosed stone pavilion sits on the end of the mount, between Site 17 and the pool. Yes, a very nice pool (separate daily or annual fee). A standard picnic pavilion also sits out front of the larger stone pavilion beside public parking area.

The beautiful Visitor Center is deeper into the park to the right. You can sit on its back porch and look out over the valley. There are numerous cabins that are available for rental…and appear very inviting.

When you crest the top of the mountain, the camping area is directly to the right, as are the pavilions and pool. Cabins dot the summit, but private residences are interspersed among them. As mentioned, the Visitors Center is further up the road to the right…on the right.

Being on an 1800 ft elevation summit, surrounded by valley…its quiet and enjoys a constant breeze. Enjoying blue skies, the shade trees are appreciated in the camping area.

On a Wednesday, the 1st of August, we had our pick of beautiful and spacious sights. Very few campers on this day. So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes. It was a toss-up between 16 and 17 …even 14 is directly on the Rim. $22 + tax a night.

Each of these sites had separate electric, water spigot, fire pit, standing grill, picnic table and lantern post. Metal bear cabinets and resistant trash receptacles were clustered conveniently among the campsites. Though I was surprised they didn’t have timber outlined leveled tent areas. In fact, you need to be somewhat creative in locating a level tent spot.

Restrooms are clean and stocked. The pool showerhouse has but one shower a piece for men and women. The entire park is well-maintained and clean.

Overall, a very enjoyable and relaxing campground.

Long, unobstructed views and refreshing breezes

Tent camped on top of Mt Nebo, and survived a bad storm one night amazingly well.  Went to sunrise church service on Easter Sunday morning at the church there on top.  Saw a lot of deer while there.  Hiked a fair amount of the hiking trails.  Great views looking out over the valley below.  Road up the mountain has some switch-backs with sharp curves.  Long pull behind trailers may not make the turns.  

Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas

Probably the most beautiful state park I've visited. Words can't describe this place.

You'll fall in love with this place

A great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top. When you arrive, walk into the Visitor's Center and right through the other door on the back to take in the view and step right onto a nice hiking trail. The campground has an open feel, so you might see cars going by on the main road, or strike up a conversation with your camping neighbors. It is nonetheless a nice place, particularly the sites that overlook the bluff. If you have kids, there are two sites that back up directly to a playground. For tent campers, the real draw is the hike-in campsites, which are easy to hike to on a flat, wide trail that circles the top of the mountain (similar in width to a fire road), or the various other well maintained hiking paths that parallel or criss-cross it. Wake up and check out the view at Sunrise Point, enjoy a day of hiking and other activities, then top it off with the view at Sunset Point.

Sunrise to sunset, Nebo has a good view 

Pros:
Trails
Mount Magazine close by
Dogs allowed
Sites on the bluff
Deer
Sunset and Sunrise points
Burn what you find

Cons:
One shower stall in restroom
Sites layout is weird and close together
Pack of dogs roams at night

I would recommend calling ahead and seeing if you can get the site on the Bluff it looked beautiful. You can burn what you find around the site so that's awesome. There is a pack of dogs that came through at night. So be sure to put up your trash and food at night. Especially since bears could be around. 

Mount magazine is an hour away. They do have some less strenuous trails.  I think it is worth going to and checking out. The trails in Nebo are a little rough. The  map says easy... I think that is if you are an expert hiker. lol. There were some steep points and going down various rock trails.We had 5 dogs and 7 people and we were all struggling a tad. Also the trails do have short cuts but they will be steep. If you go down the mountain then you will have to go back up. 

On the way to mount magazine there is a store ran by Mennonites. It's worth a stop to check out. They have fresh eggs and wood for sale. They also have various mats and general grocery items. 


Nice scenery

It was such a nice campsite and the staff was super helpful. The views were amazing. The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious.

Windy way but worth it 

Fantastic camping spot, but be sure to call way ahead to find the best spots near the edge for the best view...because it’s fantastic.

Great trails

Great views. You’re above the clouds when you wake up in he morning. 
The sites are a good size and depending on you needs there are sights overlooking the mountain and others a bit further away more suitable for bringing kids. 
We brought kids ranging 1-9 years old and all enjoyed. 
Only reason I gave 4 and not 5 stars is because the campground was right next to the only road that you come up the  mountain on so it could be noisy at times. 

Hiking and Mountain Biking live through out the park. We hiked the rim trail...I recommend going counter clockwise on the trail and hitting the strenuous stretch climbing UP vs down. 
All amenities and the bath house is well maintained. Sights are pretty large—we stayed at sight 8 and was perfect for our needs (tent/ hammocks/ bikes). 
There is water/ electric/ hookups at each sight. Prices are a bit high compared to our usual primitive camping prices at $25 per night but probably within range for everything that comes with your site. 


Above the Clouds

Great great mountain bike trails. Shuttle available Friday-Sunday. Views are breathtaking! 

What a view! 

Set up for two nights and 3 days here in our RTT. We enjoyed the beautiful views from the camping area. The trails are all ranging. We hiked around 5 miles and wished we had more time. So many great ops for pictures. 
Got to see so much wildlife as well. 
Only down side is that the bathhouse only has one shower. We hope to visit again soon!

Amazing adventure!

Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by. We opted for the hike in site and it was perfect for us. Off-road and hiking were great! Views are breathtaking!!

Hike in sites are great!

Very good family camping, close playground, and AMAZING hikes for all levels! Downside is campsites are right on top of each other so very little privacy :/

Great for families

This campground was very nice, bathrooms and showers were clean.  The pool was nice and the kids had a great time going down the water slide over and over.  Although it's summer in Arkansas and the highs were in the 90s, it still felt great.  There's so much less humidity than where we live (southern AR).  We enjoyed our time here. The trails were well maintained and had great views. The campsites were a little close together. Luckily no one was occupying the sites right next to us so it wasn't a big deal. 

A nice break from humidity 

I was so excited about this trip! I’ve been trying to talk my husband into making the drive up the “2 miles of Wild” for a while now. The drive up and down the mountain lives up to the hype! It was very nerve wracking pulling up and especially going down so that we didn’t melt the brakes. Definitely use your low gears coming down!

We scored a site on the edge of the mountain for amazing views. Unfortunately, the site was extremely unlevel and we had a very difficult time getting our tiny camper set up. The next morning we woke up to being inside a cloud. Zero visibility. Couldn’t see anything from our site with a gorgeous view! This is no fault of the park. Just bad weather timing on our end. 

Also be warned that this is a dry county! If you want any adult beverages, plan ahead! 

I really love this campground. I love that only small campers and tent campers can stay here, so we aren’t trapped between giant campers. I really hope that I can talk my husband into a 2nd trip one day with better weather! 

Camping in the clouds

Steep switchbacks up to the campground.  The campground has private residences dispersed throughout.  The outlay of the park is somewhat confusing.  Be sure to study a map well.  The campground is almost immediately to the right as you get to the top, but you have to go past that quite a ways to the visitor's center to check in.  The views are amazing, but it is windy being at the top of the mountain.  There are cabins but I stayed at a campsite (#14) with a view.  The bathroom facilities near the campground are a bit of a walk from the campground.  If you have your own potty tent, you may consider bringing it.  My site was not level so I used leveling blocks.  I have my Jeep outfitted for sleeping in.  The more interior sites looked to be more level. No big rigs are allowed up the mountain, I think nothing longer than 24'.  I did not take any of the hiking trails, so I can't comment on those.  My old dog just can't do too much hiking anymore.  Staff were friendly.  The electricity worked great, but the water spigot was barely functional.  Bathroom was kept clean and had one shower with typical camp wall spigot.  The road down the mountain leads into a small, industrial type town.  Walmart, Dollar General is nearby as well as many typical restaurants.  I utilize a WeBoost, and a hotspot on my iPhone. I was able to stream shows without much buffering.  I got anywhere from 1-4 bars on ATT LTE.

On top of a mountain, great views but windy

Such a beautiful park and amazing view from our campsites! The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque! Not a big park and like how the community blended in with the park. We aren’t cyclists but it’s a great spot to bring your bikes.  
My favorite park so far in Arkansas. 

Great Park!

This is a great place to visit . Trailers under 20’ only , steep road and switchbacks up the mountain . No RV’s will make it . Also home to a Monument Trail mountain biking system that’s is world class . There is a swimming pool showers and hiking for days . Only the park store is on top of the mountain . Hike in camp sites are available , group sites and 30 amp hookups with water . Some sites are a little un level . Spend some time here , you will not regret it . Most cell carriers work well up here 

Spectacular Place 

Beautiful! So peaceful. If tent camping, sites 17,14,16 have the best views of an overlook. Cabins 11 and 14 have great views as well.

Mt Nebo State Park

One of the best places I have camped in a while. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice trails and panoramic views. 