Mount Magazine State Park Campground offers glamping near Alix, Arkansas at the highest point in the state, with an elevation of 2,753 feet. Campsites at this mountain destination are situated 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, creating a unique microclimate even during summer months. The park features 18 RV campsites varying in length, with both 30 and 50 amp electrical service available depending on site selection.
What to do
Hiking with elevation changes: At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, trails offer multiple difficulty levels. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," notes Jeremy C. Trails have significant elevation shifts requiring proper footwear.
Rock climbing and rappelling: The park offers opportunities for climbers with rock faces surrounding the mountain. "Magazine is one of the few parks that offers climbers great opportunities to work their skills. The park essentially sits on top of a bluff that is nearly surrounded on all sides by straight rock face," explains one visitor.
Swimming in mountain lake: Cove Lake Complex provides water activities minutes from Magazine Mountain. "Great place to camp, been coming here my entire life and it has changed very little in that time. Boating, fishing, swimming, cabins available, lots of trails to hike," says James N.
Off-road trail exploration: For adventure seekers, Byrd's Adventure Center maintains extensive trail networks. "They not only have their own trails on private land, but off-roaders can hit trails in National Forest territory not too far down the road," shares Eric L.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacious layout at many glamping locations. "Sites are extremely spacious and well spaced from each other, and would feel even more private later in the season when the trees are full," describes a visitor at Cove Lake Complex.
Immaculate facilities: Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean amenities. "Absolutely the cleanest and most beautiful campground we've been in - in this part of the county yet. Sites spread far enough apart for privacy, full hook ups, cleanest bathhouses, and beautiful scenery!" reports Jennifer O.
Temperature variations: The mountain elevation creates naturally cooler sleeping conditions. "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens. So unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket," advises a camper.
Sunrise photography: White Rock Mountain Recreation Area offers unmatched dawn views. "We had a very quick trip to White Rock Mountain, but we can't wait to go back in the fall! It's a beautiful place," says Chris & Rosanne C. Morning fog often creates dramatic lighting conditions.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. "TMobile 3 bars at site 17, Verizon lower..." reports Heather K. at Mount Magazine. Another camper notes: "No cell service whatsoever with Verizon" at Cove Lake Complex.
Road conditions to mountaintops: Access roads can be challenging. At White Rock Mountain, "the twisty, steep, narrow dirt road makes for quite an adventure. It has many large rocks in the road and the decently sized potholes. I scraped the bottom of my little car quite a bit on the way up," warns Clarissa F.
Weather preparedness: Fog and temperature shifts require planning. "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening," cautions a visitor describing visibility as limited to "1 foot in front of my truck."
Reservation timing: Glamping yurts and upscale sites book quickly. "A Loop stays booked 93% of the year," according to information from a park office at Petit Jean State Park, requiring reservations up to a year in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Select level sites: For families with small children, avoid sites with steep drops. "Many of the campsites are on a grade. They all have multiple levels with stairs and have no railings. We had 5 children <6 years of age and the sites were somewhat perilous," advises Ryan S. about Petit Jean State Park.
Consider site locations: At Petit Jean, "If you are a parent with small kids, sites 17-20 and sites 2-3 are better. The other sites are excellent, but not necessarily best for small kids."
Look for accessible activities: Some parks offer child-friendly attractions. At Mount Magazine, "This is a very nice state park that mostly offers hiking and beautiful views. The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," says Jeremy C.
Check pool availability: Several glamping areas provide swimming facilities. "Lake Ft. Smith State Park is a beautiful park in the Boston Mountains... We'd like to give it a try in the spring/summer when the pool and splash pad are open!" mentions a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Road restrictions: Mount Nebo State Park Campground has strict vehicle limitations. "Turning off I-40 at Exit 88, Mount Nebo is viewed less than 10 miles southwest... 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%," reports Dave V.
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain sites require equipment for leveling. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," notes Ryan S. about Petit Jean State Park's B loop.
Site selection for RVs: Research site orientation before booking. "Some sites are angled differently and there is no clear indication how you have to enter the loop to be able to access your site. It can create some frustration when trying to get set up," advises a camper.
Hookup variations: Services differ significantly between camping areas. "If you need sewer service, I would recommend site #11 as the most level pull-through site, although there's not a bad site in the park," suggests Donna H. at Lake Fort Smith State Park.
