Dog-Friendly Camping near Alma, AR

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Fort Smith-Alma RV Park welcomes pets at its sites with designated dog walking areas throughout the property. Most campgrounds near Alma permit dogs on leash, with sites ranging from full-hookup RV spots to primitive tent camping areas. Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground and Devil's Den State Park both offer pet-friendly cabin options alongside their traditional campsites, though pets must remain on leash throughout park grounds. Each park maintains specific pet policies, typically requiring current vaccinations and proper waste disposal. Visitors often note the clean facilities at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park, with its convenient location north of I-40 providing a quiet environment without highway noise, making it comfortable for pets sensitive to loud sounds. Clear Creek Recreation Area also accommodates pets with spacious waterfront sites where dogs can cool off safely during hot Arkansas summers.

    Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures provides direct river access ideal for pets that enjoy water, with shallow areas perfect for dogs to wade safely. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements of six feet or less, and campers must supervise pets at all times while outdoors. The surrounding Ozark National Forest trails offer excellent options for hiking with dogs, though wildlife encounters require careful pet management. During summer months, shaded camping spots become essential for pet comfort, as daytime temperatures often exceed 90°F. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area features cooler elevations beneficial for dogs in hot weather. Several reviews mention that the Mulberry River's shallow depth, rarely exceeding knee height, creates safe water play opportunities for dogs while camping. Nearby veterinary services can be found in Fort Smith, approximately 20 minutes from most campgrounds.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Alma (124)

      1. Devil's Den State Park Campground

      4.7(88)20mi from AlmaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Very pet friendly. And close to so many attractions in Northwest Arkansas!"

      "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. "

      from $20 / night

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      2. Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures

      4.4(23)10mi from Alma2 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "He greeted us with his precious dogs and hung out with us until we were settled in, telling us all about the property, trails, and nearby waterfalls."

      from $15 - $35 / night

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      3. Springhill

      4.1(21)11mi from Alma48 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "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"

      from $16 - $75 / night

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      4. Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground

      4.5(24)14mi from AlmaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      5. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park

      4.0(8)2mi from AlmaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      "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."

      6. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area

      4.5(26)20mi from Alma13 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      7. Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)

      3.5(6)4mi from Alma38 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      8. Aux Arc

      4.7(20)22mi from Alma88 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      9. COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground

      4.8(4)11mi from AlmaTents

      "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."

      "Nice area with many spots that back up to an outlet of the Arkansas River. Great bank fishing! Friendly staff. Highly recommend."

      10. Riverfront RV Resort

      4.6(5)13mi from AlmaRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "Beautifully maintained, sits right on the Arkansas river. Pool is cold but clean and well maintained. The park was not even 1/4 full while we were there. I hope business picks up because it’s nice."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Alma, AR

    647 Reviews of 124 Alma Campgrounds


    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 1, 2026

      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!

    • Lori V.
      Mar. 16, 2021

      Rivers Edge RV and Stables

      Awesome Dog park!

      Great views, wonderful neighbors and a really nice dog park! Owners and management are very nice and helpful. Plenty of drive thru lots for big rigs. Higher end RV park, spacious lots, all utilities included. Beautiful new bathhouse kept very clean. Highly recommended!!!

    • Bill  T.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jan. 2, 2026

      Devil's Den State Park Campground

      NW Arkansas Camping

      Devil’s Den SP had a great campground with full hookups available. The natural beauty of this area is breathtaking! Plenty of hiking opportunities and tons of activities. Very pet friendly. And close to so many attractions in Northwest Arkansas!

    • Shelia H.
      Jul. 14, 2018

      Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)

      River Living

      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. Campsites are both Electric and primitive. Flush toilets and Warm Showers are available. Good cell service. Very clean and peaceful.

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Apr. 25, 2026

      Hog Valley RV & Treehouse Resort

      Nice spot - Lots of amenities

      Hog Valley RV Park is a solid place to stay, especially for families. The amenities are nice, particularly if you have children, with parks, basketball courts, and pickleball courts available. The two pools were closed for the season during our stay, so keep that in mind depending on when you visit.

      The front staff was very welcoming and even escorted us to our spot, which was a nice touch. The park was quiet at night, and the sites were level with full hookups, which made setup easy. There are also plenty of spots available throughout the park.

      A few downsides kept it from being a 5-star stay. The grass was extremely damp, and our dogs got soaked just from laying down. There is also only one trash area, located near the front entrance, which is pretty far from many of the sites. The dog parks were just average, possibly a little below average.

      Overall, it was a good stay with great family-friendly amenities and friendly staff. I’d recommend it, especially for families, but there are a few areas that could be improved.

    • Joel R.The Dyrt Pro User
      May. 30, 2019

      Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA

      Convenient to I-40

      This is KOA, not my favorite place to stop, but they have good, basic facilities, sort of like Motel 6. They are just off I-40, so it was convenient for a one night stop. The sites were level, and were Pull-Thru so we didn’t even unhook. Full hookups, Some shade, a dump station. The shower/bathroom was clean. There is a small store. They also have cabins and tent sites; Free Wi-Fi, cable tv, a pool and playground, and a pond for fishing. There is a small Kamp K9 (dog park). When we were there everything was wet, and the smell of wet creosote from the log yard next door was terrible.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 2, 2026

      Hog 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!

    • J
      May. 19, 2021

      Grape Country RV Park

      Great Country Setting

      Simple, but nice.  No frills.  Quiet.  If you are looking for a peaceful, quiet place, away from the city, this is a great place. I love it. Have stayed several times in several different sites.  Will stay again.  About 13 campsites, all gravel.  Has a wooded trails for walking and a big open are for walking and playing with pets.  Water, sewer and 30/50amp electric are easy access and to hook up.   James the owner is great and has a U-Pick orchard as well.

    • Michael W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jan. 3, 2025

      Vine Prairie Park & Boat Launch

      Extremely nice place!

      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! There is a city owned archery range next to the campsites. You can bike the road which is along the Arkansas River all the way to Alma to the west. The hosts are exceptional people who go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant visit. I had a medical emergency during one stay and the hostess stayed with me until the ambulance arrived. 

      Senior discount of 50% on the camping rate.


    Guide to Alma

    The pet-friendly camping options near Alma, Arkansas offer a mix of experiences within the Ozark Mountain region, where elevations range from 400 to 2,200 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests and reliable water levels for recreation. Most campsites in this region maintain moderate temperatures from April through October, with summer highs typically in the mid-90s.

    What to do

    Hiking the Ozark Highland Trail: Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground offers direct access to this major trail system. "We drove over from Memphis to meet my brother's family (who lives in Tulsa). We stayed in campsite 9 which was a pull through site and had stunning views of the lake. Ozark Highland Trail is directly behind the campsites on the lake side," notes Ryan S., who visited with family.

    Kayaking Mulberry River: Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures provides equipment rentals and river access for paddlers of all skill levels. "We stayed here for a few nights in the spring time. It's right on the river where there is a natural pool. Very close to off-road trails and river float activities," explains John F., highlighting the variety of water recreation options.

    Cave exploration: Devil's Den State Park offers unique geological features for exploration. "4 days of camping with the guys, exploring caves and trails, and overall having a blast!" shares Brian E., who visited for a bachelor weekend in August. The park features multiple cave systems that remain cool even during hot summer days.

    What campers like

    Spacious waterfront sites: Clear Creek Recreation Area campsites provide direct lake access. "Each slot has an RV electric hookup, fire pit, and picnic table. There are spots right next to the lake itself which look lovely at sunset," mentions Madeline S., who appreciated the lakeside setting despite noting that sites were somewhat close together.

    Natural swimming holes: White Rock Mountain Recreation Area offers higher elevation sites with cooler temperatures. According to Erin-Frannie R., "January 31-Feb 3 2025. White Rock is a great little campground. With only 8 tent camp sites it is very quaint. Sites 5-8 are smaller with smaller tent pads and the view from these sites is AMAZING!" The mountain setting provides natural cooling during hot months.

    Privacy between sites: Devil's Den State Park provides well-spaced camping areas. "My favorite camping spot yet. 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!" says Melissa M., who found plenty for her family to do despite the humidity.

    What you should know

    Access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. At White Rock Mountain, "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 Erin-Frannie.

    Seasonal facility closures: Lake access and amenities may be limited during certain periods. "Campground is currently (April 7) closed for maintenance and flooding. Call before you go!" reports Jo about Devil's Den State Park Campground.

    Limited cell coverage: Several campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park," notes Gonzo A. about Devil's Den, emphasizing the need to prepare for limited communication options.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Aux Arc Campground provides recreational facilities alongside the Arkansas River. "Big Camping Spots. Great little spot here. Shady and rest rooms and showers available," mentions Cary C., highlighting the family-friendly amenities.

    Kid-friendly water activities: At Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures, shallow water makes for safe play. "The kids loved floating and playing in it. Sights have great views. Had a great time, hope to go back again soon," shares Rose, who visited with her family after a previous trip with just her husband.

    Bringing supplies: Stock up before arrival as stores are limited. "Bring what you need the nearest store is about 20 minutes out and the restaurant is not that good," advises Tiffany H. about Devil's Den State Park, reminding visitors to come prepared with essentials.

    Tips from RVers

    Campsite selection: At Lake Fort Smith State Park, "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., who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.

    Navigating steep roads: Some campgrounds require careful driving. "Not really a place for a quick overnight, the road in is steep and crooked," cautions kcki M. about Lake Fort Smith, suggesting it may not be ideal for large rigs making a brief stop.

    Site spacing considerations: At Fort Smith-Alma RV Park, "This is good for an overnight rest. 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," reports Julie F., who found the proximity to neighbors a trade-off for the convenient location.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Alma, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Alma, AR is Devil's Den State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 88 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Alma, AR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 124 dog-friendly camping locations near Alma, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.