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Best Campgrounds in Arkansas

3,561 Reviews

Arkansas features a robust network of established campgrounds across its diverse landscapes, from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi River valley. Petit Jean State Park and Devil's Den State Park represent some of the highest-rated camping destinations, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Lake Ouachita State Park and Lake Catherine State Park provide water-oriented camping experiences with boat-in access options. Many campgrounds maintain year-round operations, with several locations supporting both primitive camping and full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. While many established sites provide amenities like showers, toilets, and electric hookups, primitive and dispersed camping areas typically offer more basic facilities. Roads leading to remote camping areas can present challenges, especially after rainfall. One visitor noted of Mt. Hersey campground: "The ride in is a long one with steep grades and rugged terrain. Definitely don't bring a camper down here. This road isn't made for smaller vehicles so bring an SUV or pickup."

Waterfront camping locations consistently rank among the most sought-after sites in Arkansas, with several state parks featuring lakeside or riverside camping options. Visitors frequently mention the peaceful setting of waterside campsites, with one camper describing their experience at Woolly Hollow State Park: "I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing." Hot Springs National Park's Gulpha Gorge Campground provides convenient access to both natural features and urban amenities. For those seeking more remote experiences, the Buffalo National River area offers primitive camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility. Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails, while maintaining reasonable site spacing for privacy.

Campground Showdown in Arkansas

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State ParkPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State ParkPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State ParkPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State ParkPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State ParkPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State ParkPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State ParkPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
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Ozark RV Park and CabinsOzark RV Park and CabinsOzark RV Park and CabinsOzark RV Park and CabinsOzark RV Park and CabinsOzark RV Park and CabinsOzark RV Park and CabinsOzark RV Park and Cabins
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Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in Arkansas (793)

    1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    109 Reviews
    Adona, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 727-5441

    $25 - $40 / night

    "_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."

    "Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."

    2. Devil's Den State Park Campground

    88 Reviews
    Winslow, AR
    Website
    +1 (479) 761-3325

    $20 / night

    "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."

    3. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Jones Mill, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 844-4176

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean!  Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. "

    "We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."

    4. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

    81 Reviews
    Hot Springs National Park, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 620-6715

    $34 / night

    "There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."

    "With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."

    5. Tom Sawyer's RV Park

    61 Reviews
    West Memphis, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 735-9770

    "This campsite is in West Memphis, Arkansas right across the river from Memphis Tennessee. The sites are right on the river bank, beautiful. Sunrise over the river was perfect."

    "This place is a 6 star park next to Ms river close to Memphis,TN quite, great spots, clean and a lake oand ponds on the sites."

    6. Maumelle Park

    52 Reviews
    Maumelle, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 868-9477

    $28 - $75 / night

    "Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."

    "Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"

    7. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    Website
    +1 (888) 287-2757

    "This was our second stay here, and it confirmed what we’re starting to realize: Arkansas state campgrounds are next level."

    "This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."

    8. Village Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Colt, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 238-9406

    $25 / night

    "There are nearly 100 sites here at Village Creek State Park. They are Spacious, paved and well maintained."

    "This park was stunning the drive though a little narrow at times was scenic from the drive to the RV site. Pull Through with own area not to close to other sites."

    9. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    47 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    Website
    +1 (501) 991-3390

    $16 - $100 / night

    "Site 40 water faucet is broken Showers are hot and free Arkansas is very pretty but the trash on the road sides and road kill is too much. Clean up after yourself people!!!"

    "Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."

    10. Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Murfreesboro, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-3113

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This camp is ideally located in the Crater of Diamonds State Park with easy access to the Visitors Center by foot or car."

    "The campground has 47 nicely shaded RV sites with water/electric/sewer hookup(many of which have tent pads and five walk-in tent sites."

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Showing results 1-10 of 793 campgrounds

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822 Photos of 793 Arkansas Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

Recent Reviews in Arkansas

3561 Reviews of 793 Arkansas Campgrounds

  • Justin W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 26, 2026

    Lake Hamilton Escape

    Great Lakeside Camping Experience!

    We spent the weekend at Lake Hamilton Escape and absolutely loved it! We stayed at campsite 512, and I have to say, sites 510, 511, and 512 are fantastic! They’re right on the water, no more than about 20 feet from the lake. One of our favorite things was being able to set up our chairs and table right on the dock, do a little fishing, and still have all the comforts of our camper just a few steps away. It really doesn’t get much better than that! The restrooms and shower house were very clean and just a short walk from our campsite, which was a big plus. If you enjoy camping with kayaks or have a boat, I’d definitely recommend checking out the campsites in the 500s, especially the waterfront sites. Being able to dock your boat, walk right up to your camper, and enjoy all the amenities makes this a great setup. We also enjoyed the hiking trails. Since it wasn’t quite warm enough for swimming, the trails gave us a chance to get out, explore, and burn off a little energy. We didn’t get to experience the clubhouse or pool because of the time of year, but that just gives us something to look forward to next time! Personally, I’d recommend visiting in early spring or early to late fall. The weather is comfortable, there’s less traffic, and you can really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We had a wonderful weekend, made some great memories, and will definitely be back. If you’re looking for a relaxing lakeside camping experience with beautiful views and great amenities, Lake Hamilton Escape is worth checking out!

  • kThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 25, 2026

    Hot Springs National Park KOA

    Really nice cabin w/ lots of amenities. koa was flexible in letting us rent the cabin for our daughter and grandkids while we slept in the Rv out front.

  • JThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 24, 2026

    Riverfront RV Resort

    I’m rating 5 stars as it fits the bill for RV Park Vs campground. Very spacious sites and very clean as it is only 3 years old. Easy to reserve, easy access, nice staff. Facilities are all clean and connections are layed-out properly. There are trees in the park which are still small but will eventually grow taller. Pull through Sites have concrete pad and fire ring. Fires were allowed and wood is available for $10 per bundle. There is a beautiful river walk trail that is wide and paved and will actually lead into downtown Fort Smith about 1 mile away. Massive shade tress along the river walk trail. Wildlife spotted along the river and occasional barge traffic on the river. Fort Smith has some unique history like the hanging judge Parker. Plenty of stores and restaurants in and around the town. Easy access to I-40. Had no problem driving travel trailer through city streets to get around. I plan to visit again and will make sure it’s in a cool season. We were here in October and it was quite warm.

  • Samantha L.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 23, 2026

    Ouachita Campground at Edendell

    Sites are closer together than what appears online—overall clean and well maintained. A hike to the bathhouse but there is one!

  • Evelyn M.
    Oct. 23, 2026

    Tom Sawyer's RV Park

    Like others, we found the area outside the park to be industrial and a little dodgy, but once in the park itself, it is a real gem! The barge channel is right off the park's riverbank, so you get an up close look as they pass by

  • MThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 23, 2026

    Harris Brake Lake

    The one semi level spot appears to be a homeless camp. Garbage everywhere, random wheel chair. Grass not mowed like it stated in other reviews. Still tons of constant dog barking. Beautiful view of the lake but definitely wouldn’t recommend staying for more than a night.

  • Bonnie M.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 22, 2026

    Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

    Beautiful, secluded spot. The vantage point faces the wrong way for the sunset, but if you enjoy watching the sunrise, this is the spot to do it. Sat in my chair and enjoyed my coffee and the show. Not much level ground, but plenty of rocks to level your vehicle if you're sleeping in or on it. Probably room for 3 rigs comfortably. A little bit of traffic on the dirt road, so expect a little dust as this site is right off the road. I think we saw about 4 vehicles, some slowed to reduce dust, some didn't. Some reviews said the road in was impassable, but I didn't even have to use 4wd, so they must have fixed it.

Guide to Arkansas

Camping in Arkansas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at places like Mount Nebo State Park. One reviewer said, “The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque!”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Ouachita State Park, you can fish right from your campsite. A visitor mentioned, “The water is crystal clear and we could swim right from our campsites!”
  • Cavern Tours: Don’t miss the chance to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns. A camper shared, “The cavern tour is a must-see; it’s one of the best around.”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One person said about Petit Jean State Park, “I found everything to be absolutely amazing! Beautiful, stunning, and can’t wait to visit again!”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground noted, “Cleanest shower house I've ever seen.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the room to spread out. One visitor at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Petit Jean State Park noted, “Just no signal. Also a little expensive for me but others may not think so!”
  • Seasonal Crowds: Some parks can get busy during peak seasons. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park warned, “This place is really popular in summer time, so expect to book a year in advance.”
  • Amenities Vary: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “Clean restrooms, no showers.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Catherine's Landing said, “Plenty of room for the kids to ride bicycles and a direct, private access at the campground to Lake Catherine for a little family kayaking.”
  • Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing, hiking, and swimming. A camper at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at dusk. One camper at Willow Beach warned, “Locals warned us to beware of mosquitoes at sunset.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review for Lake Ouachita State Park noted, “The sites are all sitting on a serene lake. The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A visitor at John F Kennedy Campground mentioned, “73 sites with electric, 13 sites with water and electric.”
  • Be Ready for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have showers or sewer hookups. A camper at Gulpha Gorge Campground said, “No showers, but clean restrooms.”

Camping in Arkansas is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for you in this beautiful state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available in Arkansas state parks?

Arkansas state parks offer diverse camping options with well-maintained facilities. Lake Poinsett State Park Campground features quality campsites, excellent bathhouses, a playground, and a walking trail accessible from the campground. The lake has recently been repaired and restocked with fish. Lake Chicot State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside sites with stunning sunset views over cypress-lined shores. Other notable state park options include Petit Jean State Park with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly areas; Lake Catherine near Hot Springs; and Lake Ouachita State Park offering boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. Arkansas state parks generally provide clean facilities, recreational opportunities, and affordable rates with most sites being reservable online.

Where can I find RV camping sites in Arkansas?

Arkansas has numerous RV-friendly campgrounds catering to various preferences. Prairie Creek, a Corps of Engineers site on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas, accommodates RVs including smaller units like 24' Winnebagos, though some sites have slight slopes. Maumelle Park, another COE campground along the Arkansas River, offers quiet sites with good privacy (like site E7) and convenient access to walking trails while remaining close to urban amenities. For adventure seekers, Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events provides clean, well-maintained RV sites with access to off-roading trails. Additional options include Tom Sawyer's RV Park near West Memphis and Crystal Springs Campground at Lake Ouachita, both offering full hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces.

What are the best campgrounds in Arkansas for tent camping?

Arkansas offers excellent tent camping experiences, particularly in its natural areas. Richland Creek Recreation Area provides peaceful primitive sites ideal for tent campers who enjoy hiking, with nearby waterfalls and trails worth exploring. Download maps in advance as cell service is limited. For those seeking breathtaking views, Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers tent sites with spectacular vistas, though reservable spots can be close together. The park features hiking trails, a playground, and a swimming pool. Other great tent camping options include Petit Jean State Park and the dispersed sites at Base of North Fork Pinnacle in the Ouachita National Forest, where you can truly immerse yourself in Arkansas's natural beauty.

Are there good fishing opportunities at Arkansas campgrounds?

Arkansas campgrounds offer exceptional fishing opportunities across the state. Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground in Northwest Arkansas provides access to a gorgeous lake with many lakefront sites, perfect for fishing directly from your campsite. The Corps of Engineers maintains this campground well, with electric hookups and bathhouses. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park offers creek fishing opportunities while being conveniently located near town amenities. Lake Ouachita, known for its clear waters, provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Many Arkansas state parks including Lake Chicot and Lake Poinsett have recently restocked lakes. For the best fishing experience, consider camping during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and fish are most active.

Keep Exploring

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