Stacie P.
Scout
ScoutLee Creek Public Use Area
A beautiful view
A beautiful place to relax, but very sketchy, wouldn't stay after dark. I've taken many pics down here, the scenery is beautiful.
Camping near Alma, AR
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds surrounding Alma, Arkansas range from rustic Corps of Engineers sites to full-service RV parks along the Arkansas River. The area includes Clear Creek Recreation Area on Ozark Lake, offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with waterfront access. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park provides developed camping with electricity, water hookups, and cabin options within city limits. Vine Prairie Park offers camping with Arkansas River views, while multiple state parks like Lake Fort Smith and Devil's Den are within driving distance, providing more extensive camping areas with hiking trails and recreational amenities.
Access to most campgrounds near Alma remains available year-round, though seasonal considerations affect the camping experience. Several campgrounds, including Clear Creek and Aux Arc, provide boat access to the Arkansas River, making them popular for water recreation during warmer months. Many sites require reservations through Recreation.gov, particularly during peak summer periods. Elevation changes in the surrounding Ozark Mountains can create temperature variations, with higher-elevation sites like White Rock Mountain offering cooler temperatures during hot summer months. "I stay here often. Super nice place run by the City of Mulberry that lease this park from the COE. They allow dumping of gray water BUT, it is illegal to dump gray water on the ground ANYWHERE in Arkansas," notes one camper about Vine Prairie Park.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings across the region, with several developed campgrounds providing direct river or lake access. Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Springhill Park receive positive reviews for their spacious sites and proximity to water. A recent review noted that "Springhill Park in Fort Smith is yet another great U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground and recreation area. The campground is set among tall trees adjacent to the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River." Campers frequently mention the balance of natural settings with convenient amenities. Some campground areas experience seasonal insect issues, particularly in summer months, with one camper reporting that bugs were "out of control" at Clear Creek during their visit. The region's camping options typically provide good access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and mountain biking trails.
Best Campgrounds near Alma (164)
1. Devil's Den State Park Campground
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability2. Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
"Simply put, this is a great little rustic place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The sites offer 20/30/50A hookups with water and septic."
"Very close to off-road trails and river float activities .. the owners are super nice and we liked hanging out with them. We’ll be back!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
"Lake Ft. Smith State Park is a beautiful park in the Boston Mountains. We drove over from Memphis to meet my brother’s family (who lives in Tulsa)."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
from $23 - $163 / night
Check Availability4. Springhill
"Really nice campground you have two options in the A section you are right one a small river and one the B side it’s more of the wooded option but most sites have the Arkansas rive close by with mountain"
"It’s in between the Arkansas river and Massard creek. You can launch a boat or you can go kayaking in Massard creek. There’s Cat fish, Perch and, Bass."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability5. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
"It’s just far enough away from the highway so you have a quiet nights rest without hearing the traffic. The pond on the property has soothing sounds of peepers to fall asleep too."
"Was headed to Lake Fort Smith but area was booked so we stopped here and was pleased with our stay. Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere."
6. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
"Located beyond a perfectly canopied gravel road and surrounded by miles of mostly uninhabited forests White Rock Mountain has been the most delightful treasure of 2016."
"The views, as other reviewers have said, are impressive and the Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season."
from $15 - $215 / night
Check Availability7. Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
"This park is located on the Arkansas River. There’s a boat ramp, so bring your boat and enjoy the beautiful Arkansas River. Pets are allowed, there is a leash law. Bring your own firewood."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability8. pathfinder rv resort
"New park with young trees (so not much shade yet), pond for fishing and a walking trail around it."
"Newly expanded to around 50 sites. Lot of extended stays but immaculate. Small lake with catch and release fishing. Community fireplace, pool and nice playground."
9. Vine Prairie Park & Boat Launch
"They allow dumping of gray water BUT, it is illegal to dump gray water on the ground ANYWHERE in Arkansas! There is a city owned archery range next to the campsites."
"If you want to fish the Arkansas River and have a place to stay then this is the place for you.."
10. Aux Arc
"Boat launch and lovely views of the Arkansas river. Close to restaurants and shopping ."
"We used it as a base camp to visit several Arkansas state parks such as Devil’s Den and Lake Fort Smith. The camp was clean, a little crowded, but very nice and relaxed."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 12 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 37 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 41 min from Tulsa, OK
- 2 hrs 27 min from Hot Springs, AR
Recent Camping Photos near Alma, AR
170 Photos of 164 Alma Campgrounds
Kerrie C.
Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
Kat M.
Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
Kristy F.
Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
Daniel D.
Twin Creeks RV Park
Jennifer L.
COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground
Michelle W.
Springhill
Donny S.
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Cyndy & Selena R.
Shores Lake
Lauren
Dispersed Near Devils Den
Brittany P.
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
Melanie W.
Devil's Den State Park Campground
George L.
Aux Arc
Recent Reviews near Alma, AR
651 Reviews of 164 Alma Campgrounds
Jenny
RangerSnake Creek
Decent place for lake stay
Quiet camping, restrooms are clean and have showers.
Site 10 was a nice site with 50 amp.
There was some sort of dumpster situation with new rollaways beside old dumpsters. Old dumpsters looked like were attempted to be taped up but they were used and overfilled with trash. So full that trash was flying around the park at times. Not sure what the situation was.
- JennyRanger
pathfinder rv resort
New, clean RV park
New park with young trees (so not much shade yet), pond for fishing and a walking trail around it. Large clubhouse is where the bathhouses are with four individual bathrooms with showers, laundry facility, propane for sale and a nice pool.
- JennyRanger
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Beautiful and peaceful
Clean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
- J
Jon L.
GuideHog Valley RV & Treehouse Resort
Still a nice park, but...
We last stayed here five years ago when the park was new. Some of the areas and amenities that are now available were still under construction during our last trip. The bottom line… still a very nice park, but it's starting to show its age a little.
Parking for registration is located right next to the office. All the park staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate, though several roads have asphalt failures that need attention. Even though it's not too far from Interstate 49, we didn't hear any traffic noise at all- very peaceful.
We were assigned to pull-thru site number 36. Most of the sites are gravel, but the pull-thru row that we were in had concrete pads. For the most part, all sites appear fairly level.
Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located.
Two bathroom areas also have showers and laundry facilities- one at the front of the park and one in the rear. The pool area and playground are located at the front of the park.
Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: there is Wi-Fi in the park, but the park info sheet that they provide you with notes that the Wi-Fi is spotty. We were able to get AT&T 5G with 4 bars. AT&T achieved 418 Mbps down and 21 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, and if you do need clear access for satellite reception, there are plenty of sites available with no trees. There are plenty of OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable was not available.
Dog Park: They have two nice fenced-in parks that are in great condition. The one in the front of the park is divided for big and small dogs, while the one in the back is larger but not divided. They both have benches, which are all in good shape. They also provide doggie bags and a trash can. NOTE: I've included a photo of the sign posted at the entrances to the park indicating that they might be shut down. So if having a fenced dog park is mission-critical for your stay, you might want to verify that they are still open when you make your reservation
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from Fayetteville, where you can find plenty of stores and restaurants. Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay. Although the park is starting to show its age, it still deserves a high rating, and I would not hesitate to recommend it- enjoy your stay!
Headgear7GuideCookson Bend
Pretty good park
The campground is quite nice overall, but the bathrooms and showers need to be updated, as they are somewhat outdated. The tent sites are close to the bathrooms, and the pads are flat and framed with either wood or steel rails. They offer electricity but no water at the pad, although water is available at a central location. The travel trailer sites offer water and electricity, and you can park your boat on the shoreline.
- JJon L.Guide
Riverfront RV Resort
A Hidden Gem
We needed an overnight spot on our way from Oklahoma to NW Arkansas, and I'm glad that we picked this park. It's located right next to the Arkansas River with a nice concrete walking trail along the river. Parking for registration is located right next to the office. All the park staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful.
The road from the highway to the park is fairly easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate. Even though it's not too far from the main road, we didn't hear any traffic noise at all- very peaceful. However, you will hear occasional train horns from the crossing a few miles away. You'll only hear them when outside your RV, never inside.
We were assigned to pull-thru site number 44. All the sites are concrete and appear fairly level. Our site was level side to side, and 5 inches from front to rear. There are no shade trees for the majority of the park sites. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located. There is also a picnic table located at each site.
Bathrooms, Showers, and the pool are all located near the registration office building and are in great shape. There are no trash cans by the sites- just a dumpster area near the dog park and playground. However, they do come by your site each morning to pick up any trash that you've set out.
Wi-Fi, Satellite, OTA: there is decent Wi-Fi in the park with repeater towers spaced approximately every four sites, so each site has a fairly strong signal- we achieved 9.52 Mbps down and 2.02 Mbps up. We got AT&T 5G with 4 bars and achieved 512 Mbps down and 32 Mbps up. If you need clear access for satellite reception, trees will not be an issue. Also, you can pick up plenty of OTA stations with good HD quality reception.
Dog Park: They have a nice fenced-in park that is in great condition and is well lit at night. They provide doggie bags and a trash can, both in the dog park and along the walking paths.
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website.
Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay. The park is only a couple of years old and is very well maintained. Only about 15-20 percent of the spaces were occupied. Note that sites 100- 115 are along the river. There is a concrete public walking path along the river, but those sites are elevated above the path, with a grass and tree buffer zone between them. There are a couple of covered pavilions in the park with built-in gas grills and comfortable seating areas. The park map provides a very accurate rendition of the park. See my attached photos for more details.
This park deserves its high rating, and I do not hesitate to recommend it - enjoy your stay!
- JJessie H.
TravelerWolf Pen Recreation Area Campground
It Was Ok
Very flea infested when we went. Water was really low and kinda hot. But the camp ground was pretty and well maintained.
- Headgear7Guide
Cookson Bend
Great lake to be on
I enjoyed my stay, although I wish the bathrooms and showers were more modern. There is a swimming area and plenty of space to bring your boat ashore close to your campsite. They offer a few tent sites, but mostly RV sites.
Guide to Alma
Camping options near Alma, Arkansas include established campgrounds within the Ozark National Forest and along the Arkansas River. Sites range from 1,800 feet elevation at lakeside facilities to 2,309 feet at White Rock Mountain. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F while summer brings 70-90°F averages with higher humidity levels. Most areas see significant seasonal variation in rainfall, affecting water levels in the Mulberry River and other waterways.
What to do
Water recreation on Mulberry River: At Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures, campers can enjoy various water activities. "We stayed here for a few nights in the spring time. It's right on the river where there is a natural pool," notes one visitor. The site offers equipment rentals for river activities: "You can rent tubes and float the river, fish or rent a buggy to off-road," according to another camper.
Mountain biking trails: COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground offers dedicated trails for cyclists. "There are great trails on site for mountain biking or hiking. I saw deer, a snake, and what looked like a coyote on the trail," writes one reviewer. Mountain biking is particularly popular with a 10-mile "fast" trail where experienced bikers race frequently.
Fishing access: Several campsites provide river or lake fishing opportunities. At Aux Arc, you can fish directly from your campsite. "Nice boat launch. Large spaces. Plenty of room to fish," notes one reviewer. The campground provides access to Lake Dardanelle, where "Many fishermen out on Lake Dardanelle" during peak seasons.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground receives high marks for site spacing. "Sites spread far enough apart for privacy, full hook ups, cleanest bathhouses, and beautiful scenery," writes one camper. Another notes that "All sites were level for both campers and tents. Each site had a good table, fire pit and lantern pole."
Less crowded camping options: Some campers prefer the quieter alternatives to popular parks. "The mulberry river is a hidden gem that runs through the Ozarks. It's just a quiet beautiful place to camp...This campground is great! It reminds of a more exclusive campground with limited spaces so it's just a treat to camp somewhere that's not crowded," reports a Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campers note the maintenance standards. "The bathhouse was clean and fully functioning," writes a Lake Fort Smith visitor. At Springhill Campground, a reviewer mentioned "Nice area with many spots that back up to an outlet of the Arkansas River. Great bank fishing! Friendly staff."
What you should know
Road conditions for remote sites: White Rock Mountain Recreation Area requires careful driving. "It's a slow, beautiful drive. The reviews are correct that the last hour of the drive is only 20 miles. Make sure to stop for gas! It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other," warns one visitor. Another adds that "Whenever you feel comfortable going over 15 MPH there will be a heavily rutted 180° hairpin turn."
Seasonal closures and conditions: Weather impacts accessibility at several sites. One camper noted at Devil's Den: "Campground is currently (April 7) closed for maintenance and flooding. Call before you go!" Another visitor warned about summer conditions at Clear Creek: "The bugs were out of control."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly. At Devil's Den, "There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park." Conversely, Springhill Campground offers reliable connections: "Cell service was excellent with AT&T and Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Since direct lake swimming isn't always permitted, families should plan accordingly. At Devil's Den, "Aside from the extreme humidity this was a great family getaway. Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!" Aux Arc Campground doesn't permit swimming, but "bluff hole is 15 minutes away and awesome."
Playground access: Devil's Den State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "This facility has everything you need. If you are a glamper there is a place for you, but if you like to primitive camping there is also a place for you," notes one visitor. Another family mentioned "The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great."
Stock up in advance: Limited supplies are available at most sites. "Bring what you need the nearest store is about 20 minutes out and the restaurant is not that good," advises a Devil's Den camper. Most campgrounds have small stores with basics, but selection is limited.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RVers note the terrain can require adjustments. At Springhill Campground, "only about half the sites (in Loop B) were not flat enough for us to get level without having the wheels off the ground." At Fort Smith-Alma RV Park, "it was somewhat tight getting a big rig in and out. And the parking spots are pretty close to each other."
Utilities and hook-ups: Full-service sites are limited. At Fort Smith-Alma RV Park, "We pulled in at midnight. Difficult to see how to pull through some of the spaces." At Lake Fort Smith, a camper advised, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Alma, AR?
What camping is available near Alma, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Alma, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 164 campgrounds and RV parks near Alma, AR and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Alma, AR?
Which is the most popular campground near Alma, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alma, AR is Devil's Den State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 88 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alma, AR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alma, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Alma, AR.
What parks are near Alma, AR?
What parks are near Alma, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 parks near Alma, AR that allow camping, notably Ozark Lake and John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake.
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