Best Tent Camping near Arkadelphia, AR

Tent campgrounds near Arkadelphia, Arkansas offer a range of experiences from lakeside sites to forested mountain locations. Ozan Point at DeGray Lake provides secluded tent campsites with picnic tables and grill pits for $10 per night during the main season (March through October). Hickory Nut Mountain, located further north, offers free tent camping with basic amenities and views overlooking Lake Ouachita.

Most tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Ozan Point features flush toilets, while primitive areas like Hickory Nut Mountain provide only basic vault toilets. Road conditions can be challenging, especially at higher elevations. According to one visitor, "Hickory Nut Mountain is a 4-mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads." Sites at Ozan Point are fully shaded, making solar charging difficult but providing relief from summer heat. Water access varies by location, with some campgrounds offering drinking water and others requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

Walk-in tent sites provide more seclusion than standard drive-in camping areas. DeGray Lake camping areas feature spread-out spots with natural shade and lake access, making them popular for summer tent camping. A review mentioned that "Ozan Point is a quiet campsite more tailored to primitive/tent camping with spread out spots including picnic tables and grill pits." Tent campers should note that seasonal changes affect the camping experience, with summer bringing higher lake activity and more visitors to waterfront sites. For those seeking solitude, weekday camping or non-peak season visits are recommended. While most tent campgrounds are relatively basic, they provide direct access to swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities that make the Ouachita Mountain region an appealing destination for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Arkadelphia, Arkansas (26)

    1. Ozan Point - De Gray Lake

    4 Reviews
    Kaweah Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 246-5501

    "This quiet campsite is more tailored to primitive/tent camping with spread out spots including picnic tables and grill pits."

    "Clean, more primitive and not developed. Does have flush toilets. Great place to go tent camping."

    2. Point Cedar

    1 Review
    Kaweah Lake, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 246-5501

    "Park Rangers were nice and helpful, the other campers were great! The area could use some weeding and mowing. The bathhouses could use some cleaning."

    3. Ozan Point

    Be the first to review!
    Kaweah Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 246-5501

    4. Oak Bower Group Use Area — Degray Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Bismarck, AR
    13 miles
    +1 (870) 246-5501

    $500 / night

    5. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    36 miles
    Website

    "Great campsite with parking, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a restroom. Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below. Only issue was some broken glass around the picnic area."

    "This campground was located down a 3 mile gravel road (my Hyundai hatchback handled it ok), on the top of a ridge overlooking Lake Ouachita."

    6. Erwin Estate High Point

    1 Review
    Jones Mill, AR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (323) 919-2436

    $80 - $100 / night

    "VOTED BEST HIPCAMP IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS! "

    7. Cedar Glades Park

    1 Review
    Hot Springs, AR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 623-2854

    8. COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground

    1 Review
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2108

    9. Albert Pike Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Langley, AR
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 356-4186

    "Although the campground is closed due to the flood (at least last time I checked), it's definitely worthwhile to camp a little up the trail and in the backcountry."

    "This area is superb for primitive camping along the mountain road side pulloffs. Or if you're up for more of a challenge like us, you can take on the 28-30 mile Eagle Rock Loop trail."

    10. Irons Fork Primitive Camping

    3 Reviews
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2101

    "Spot #1 was right at the waters edge. Concrete/stone picnic table, grill, firepit. The trees were perfect size and spacing for a hammock. Right next to the boat ramp. Lots of people fishing."

    "Handful of sites with picnic tables and fire pits. Pit toilets on site. Heavily shaded. Ideal for tents, vans and tear drop campers. Great views of the water. Stayed one night."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Arkadelphia, AR

733 Reviews of 26 Arkadelphia Campgrounds


  • T
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Small free for all tent sites

    Small open Campground with no specific sites (Tent Only Area). There is a small lot nearby to park then you must walk everything in. This can be anything from right next to your car to a few hundred feet away depending on where you want to set up. Picnic tables, fire rings and campground grills located throughout but again nothing is marketed as far as site numbers. The area allows for up to six camp permits per night. Could be good for smaller groups. It’s up away from the lake unlike the rest of the campgrounds in the park. There are restrooms nearby with flushing toilets and sinks. Also a playground is located close to the campsite. Overall it was clean but felt cramped among other campers and parking away from the tent made for multiple trips back and forth.

  • Richard
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    One of the best in Arkansas

    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. There’s a nice hiking trail to explore. Also, the bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen at a state park. All the tent sites have a gravel pad, grill, picnic table and fire ring. There are also walk in tent sites on the peninsula which are nice and quiet. If you get one at the end I’d say it’s probably 200 meters to the parking lot and bathrooms. I peeked into one of the cabins and they look really nice. They also have camper cabins that have heat/air but no bathroom. In all there are 93 RV/tent sites, 8 cabins and 4 camper cabins. The park is also near Hot Springs so there is lots to do.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2020

    Big Fir Primitive Camping

    Free and beautiful

    Pit toilets, no water. Only about 6 sites. Fire rings, picnic tables, lantern poles, and standing BBQS. Not many flat sights for tents, but doable. Road in is part gravel and some paved. Only 4 stars because people leave trash on the ground even though there are bins. Trees are plentiful and shady. Many paths down to the river/lake. Boat motor noise, but not too bad.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2019

    Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop

    Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop + Fish!

    The Long Creek Primitive Campsite is located in the Ouachita National Forest along the Little Missouri Trail on the eastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop. The only way to access this site is by entering at a trailhead and hiking in to the site. The nearest trailhead is at Albert Pike Recreation Area. This is a primitive dispersed campsite, but the ground has been cleared. The site is located alongside a creek.

    On your hike into this site you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak. You'll also see a variety of plants and forest creatures. The campsite is along Long Creek so you will have access to water. Perhaps 100 feet up river from our campsite I found a nice fishing hole and caught and released 7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour. 

    There is adequate clear space to set up a tent or numerous trees to string up a hammock. There are no facilities nearby. You can collect and filter water from the river and dig a hole to poop in the woods. Please practice Leave No Trace in this area. 

    Trekking poles are recommended to aid in tackling the various inclines and declines of the trail.

    If you need any supplies before entering the Ouachita National Forest stop off in the town of De Queen where there are various grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations. 

    During the spring and summer the insects can be intense. I advise treating clothing and gear with permethrin to prevent ticks and pacaridin for other insects.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Fabulous Water-Edge Campsite

    PROS 

    Senior discount 

    Reserved on-line 365 days prior to arriving 

    Site #68 allowed parking RV 12 feet from water edge which was fabulous 

    Totally level site 

    Asphalt campsite pad 

    Pea gravel and grass around asphalt 

    Good night sky viewing 

    Squirrels ate from our hand 

    Saw ranger patrolling campground frequently 

    Waste containers every other campsite 

    Metal picnic table on concrete slab 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    Clean restroom/shower and adequate TP and hand soap. Women had 2 showers, 2 sinks, 3 toilets 

    Weekend campground nearly filled to capacity 

    4 bars Verizon LTE 

    Hike to waterfall a bit tricky, but worth the effort 

    Hot Springs National Park 15 miles from campground; nice to watch the crowds from Superior Bathouse Brewery 

    Free water from the springs next to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center- must have your own containers to fill 

    Enjoyed Red Oak Fillin’ Station so much we dined there twice 

    Diamond Head 19th Hole Restaurant, open to the public and very close to park entrance 

    CONS 

    Damn Canadian geese crap everywhere 

    Fire pit was filled with oversized logs and once removed there was unburned charcoal and lots of ash 

    Unable to move picnic table 

    Site#68 no shade what so ever 

    No privacy from other sites 

    Lots of speed boat and jet ski noise, even after sunset 

    Morning train noise 

    Power plant lights and humming noise 

    No security gate closure overnight 

    No WIFI

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2021

    COE Lake Greeson Star of the West

    Camping

    DATES: MAR 1 TO OCT 31 

    FEE:$8.00 PER NIGHT 

    LIMITS: 14 DAYS 

    ALERT: WATER SUBJECT TO SUDDEN RISE 

    Potable water, pit toilets, trash, picnic table, lantern pole, pedestal grill, fire ring, Campground is right off the highway and the sites right next to the road will be noisy. Drive further in and you will find nice flat sites and they are quieter. Good for tent or small trailer as sites are small. Beautiful shade with mature trees. 

    LNT 

    AIS 

    BTYFI 

    Travel safe

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2021

    Daisy State Park Campground

    Great Lake Activites

    When visiting Arkansas you quickly can get a sense of just what makes the Natural State so spectacular.    But with over 50 state parks each one is very distinct.   Daisy State Park is one which has a large focus on the lake activities.     

    But while the lake might be a large part the camping offered here in the wooded forest areas along with the hiking and biking trails can really set it apart from other camping areas nearby.

    I opted to check out the various camping looking and noticed a few common occrances.   Each is equipped with a picnic table, lantern hook, grill and fire ring.   However there is a vast difference for those who choose to stay in the improved camping loops and the primitive loops.   Improved camping is elevated and includes both electricity and water at the site.  

     Many of these sites still have water access although some of them are a bit more steep.  The primitive sites all are equipped with tent pads which are very large 12x12 elevated gravel pads but they share water spigots with other sites.   These sites are all walk-in and have nice parking only a short distance from the sites.  IN addition they do have Yurts available in one camping area.   These were available for 2 day rentals only at the time of my visit.

    The restrooms at camp are in very good shape and include flush toilets, a full sink and vanity area and well taken care of showers.   Additionally there are water stations at the restrooms which have drinking fountains and bottle fill areas.

    The campground has rental equipment for those looking to enjoy the lake ranging in price from a single hour to a full day of usage, but they also have boat ramps near the campsites with some trailer parking, this could get a bit crowded during summer however.

  • Cheri H.
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Lenox Marcus Recreation Area & Campground

    Beautiful quiet evening

    Beautiful and for the most part a quiet campground. I was here on a Sunday night and it was fully occupied by 6:00 p.m. This is an Army Corps of Engineers Class D campground. No services, no electric hookups, and no fees charged. I stayed one night but would happily stay longer the next time I am here. My neighbor went paddle boarding in the cove and it’s a great place to go swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding. I could not get a cell signal in the campground but I walked up the hill going back towards the main road and was able to call out. I have AT&T cell phone service.

    There’s tent sites on both the open lake side and on the cove side before you get to the boat launch area. I was on the cove side. Road is nice and paved, well lit near the bathrooms which have flush toilets and screen doors. They are rustic and shows signs of age (built in the 70s), being vandalized with spray paint and not regularly maintained but are working. The campground sites have a concrete tent pad, brown site markers, picnic tables and some a grill and round food prep table.

    Outside the designated campground there are several more remote sites. I was able to get back there in my small SUV easily since it was very dry and packed but there’s only a couple that I would attempt if I had been in my Class C RV. None of them would I attempt if it’s rained recently as that would be a recipe for disaster and a great reason to have to call a tow truck which is made more difficult by the limited cell phone coverage in the area. All of the roads in to those sites are dirt and deeply rutted. And since you can’t see if they’re occupied or not until you get back there I would walk in and check out before driving my RV in there because if someone is set up there it’s difficult to turn around since these are essentially what appear to be logging roads.

    Also if you are in a RV I noticed two sites beside the road where you could essentially parallel park overnight if it is dry conditions and the campground is full.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2021

    Charlton Campground

    Summer Cool Off Haven

    I have seen a lot of properties through my travels which are available to all those who choose to explore.   While many sites have a pro and a con, I couldn't find a single con with this site from the size of the campsites to the popular cool off destination for summer in the swimming hole, this campsite was a perfect COE site.

    Price point was reasonable for day use or for overnight with day use coming in at only $5 and overnight under $20.  (I did notice that the sign had been changed a few times from what looked like $11 to $16, not sure what this was about)    The section for day use and nightly stay was slightly separated to avoid overflowing traffic in campsites and also to limit some of the noise made by those coming to swim for the day at the main pool.    This created a almost retreat like setting for escaping the heat into the tree covered canopy above but also provided some great views of the waters below.

    Running water and flush toilets were available and something which distinguished this site from others was that it actually had services available at some campsites.    This is a HUGE change from other similar sites in the area which have nothing and only vault toilets.  And perhaps one of the biggest surprises when arriving here was that they have showers!!   They are push button to conserve water but the pressure is good and the water felt nice.

    Camping area as well as recreation day use area is well designed with picnic tables, fire rings and paved parking and roadways and the little bridge between each side is clearly marked to allow you to cross when waters are not to high to do so.    

    All in all this site is a new personal favorite and I will return!


Guide to Arkadelphia

Tent camping near Arkadelphia, Arkansas offers several secluded sites within the Ouachita Mountain region, with elevations ranging from 250 to over 800 feet above sea level. Campers often encounter mild spring and fall temperatures between 60-80°F, though summer heat frequently reaches 90°F with high humidity. Most primitive campsites in this region remain open year-round with reduced services during winter months.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Irons Fork Primitive Camping, the boat ramp provides direct lake access. "Lots of people fishing. Great for kayaking," notes Stephanie P., who found the waterfront location perfect for water activities.

Swimming access: Point Cedar campsites offer water access during warmer months. A visitor observed that "as it rained it got closer to camp and nearly took out the fire pit of the site next door," indicating how water levels can change the camping experience.

Rock collecting: Geological exploration ranks high for regional activities. As noted at Erwin Estate High Point, "Novaculite and Quartz geology, mineral exploration. Take home a piece of this mineral rich area of the world! Free rocks to all!"

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide the best opportunity for spotting wildlife. "Wildlife sitings: Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more," reports a camper at Erwin Estate High Point, making this activity accessible without special equipment.

What campers like

Peaceful environment: Many tent campers value the quiet atmosphere. At Ozan Point - De Gray Lake, a visitor noted it's a "Great place alone or with kids. I keep coming back," highlighting the repeat appeal for those seeking peace.

Water proximity: Campers appreciate sites with direct water access. "I found a site right on the water and went for a swim which was great given how hot it was," mentions Erik C. about his stay at Ozan Point, underscoring the value of lake access during hot weather.

Cost value: Free and low-cost camping options attract budget-conscious tent campers. "For $10 a night (March 1 - October 31), this was a nice rest stop to cool off for a swim and hang out away from city noise and light," reports one camper about Ozan Point.

Isolation options: For those seeking solitude, several camping areas offer more remote experiences. "Nobody else on my peninsula of the campground either which was great," noted a visitor to Ozan Point, suggesting that even in established campgrounds, private spots can be found.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to many tent sites requires careful driving. At Hickory Nut Mountain, Nicole G. warns: "It's a 4 mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads. But it's free to stay."

Bathroom facilities: Toilet quality varies significantly between locations. "The restroom is basically a portapotty so be prepared for that," notes Nicole G. about Hickory Nut Mountain, while at COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground, a visitor found "LOCKED bathrooms."

Cell service: Connection varies by location and carrier. Mark F. at Hickory Nut Mountain mentioned "T-Mobile Cellphone reception," which helps campers plan communications needs accordingly.

Trash management: Many primitive sites lack trash facilities. "There is glass and trash all over from disrespectful campers who do not care to clean up after themselves however there are also no trash cans here so it's unsurprising," observed Reese R. at Hickory Nut Mountain.

Tips for camping with families

Flat camping spots: When camping with children, look for level terrain. At Hickory Nut Mountain, one camper noted that "The spot we picked was mostly rocky and downhill, so not great for tent camping," suggesting families should scout for flatter alternatives.

Playground availability: Families should note that most primitive sites lack play structures. "I do wish there was a play ground area for the kids," mentioned a visitor to Point Cedar - De Gray Lake.

Site spacing: Choose campgrounds with adequate space between sites when camping with children. At Ozan Point, a reviewer appreciated that it offered "spread out spots" which gives families more room to set up.

Natural entertainment: Stream access provides built-in entertainment for children. At Hickory Nut Mountain, Candace R. discovered: "Creek bed camping! Cool spring to cool off on this warm fall day."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many tent-focused areas can't accommodate larger rigs. At Albert Pike Recreation Area, while now day-use only, the surrounding primitive camping areas are described as "superb for primitive camping along the mountain road side pulloffs," but these lack space for large vehicles.

Alternative spots: When established campgrounds are full, consider boondocking locations. "If you have an rv or trailer great," notes a reviewer about Irons Fork, though adding it's "not as primitive as I would like."

Shade considerations: RVers should note shade affects both comfort and power generation. At Irons Fork Primitive Camping, a visitor noted sites were "Heavily shaded. Ideal for tents, vans and tear drop campers," indicating larger RVs might struggle with both space and solar charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arkadelphia, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Arkadelphia, AR is Ozan Point - De Gray Lake with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Arkadelphia, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Arkadelphia, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.