Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground in Mountainburg provides luxury glamping accommodations within 35 miles of Barling, Arkansas. The park features upscale cabin glamping options with modern amenities including comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and climate control systems. Visitors appreciate the thoughtfully designed spaces that blend outdoor experiences with indoor comforts. One guest shared, "The cabins are alright. Be careful - don't stay in the cabins if they are expecting bad weather." Despite this caution, most reviewers highlight the quality of accommodations at this Arkansas destination. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area and Mount Magazine State Park also offer cabin glamping experiences with electricity and water hookups, providing a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Byrd's Adventure Center in Ozark sits along the picturesque landscape 40 minutes from Barling, offering glamping experiences with easy access to water activities. The center provides cabin accommodations with essential amenities including electricity, showers, and toilets, along with picnic tables for outdoor dining. Trails for hiking lead directly from glamping sites into the surrounding forests. According to a camper, "Very Spacious sites with full hook-ups. Well maintained with spotless bathrooms and a great pool area. Lots of hiking opportunities as well as small boat use and paddle boards." Glamping reservations are available year-round at most locations, with peak seasons offering additional amenities like pool access and organized activities. Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, just across the Oklahoma border, provides another upscale glamping option with cabin accommodations featuring modern conveniences.
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
"The state of Arkansas has put in a real effort to make the outdoor experience a nice as possible in their state parks."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
from $23 - $163 / night
"Nice fire pit/ pit toilet/ water pump access. There is a house where the campsite host family lives. They were amazing and helped up navigate the area and plan our adventures."
"I was impressed from the moment we arrived. The drive up was slow going with a narrow rutted out road but overall not bad. The staff was great and they deliver your wood to your campsite."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $215 / night
"Has fire pit with grill, separate bbq, siting area and great hook ups. Bear proof refuge container on site as well. Half off if disabled! Site 3 wasn't completely level, but quick fix."
"Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it."
from $35 / night
"Super clean bathrooms with granite counter and tile. Pleasant hosts. Quiet, just a bit of highway noise but not much. Pool, hot tub, jump pad, pond with rental boats, lots of kids games."
"It’s far enough away to not have traffic noise. The sites are level, there is a pool, Propane, fishing pond, and camp store. Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites."
"We arrived late and in the dark, rainy ARK weather Dan provided lights so that we could hook up. Customer service is the best. We will definitely stay here again."
"We had hit a really bad storm so we were many, many hours behind schedule trying to get down into Hotsprings. It was midnight and we were exhausted."
from $35 - $38 / night
"The employees are ALWAYS friendly and helpful, campsites are well put together, a bathroom and showers are on site. This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
"There are a ton of trails to explore. They have a store and restaurant on site. The trip out there is amazing. They own 800 acres and have a ton of off-road trails for all."
from $10 - $22 / night
"Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground."
"There is swimming, boating, (stocked) fishing, hiking, and pretty drives. Absolutely beautiful lake surrounded by green that would be incredible in the fall!"
"Trails are short but have nice views. Forest trail is overgrown once you leave the state park and go into the national forest."
"Driving through this part of Arkansas you can quickly get taken aback by the winding roads the ample beauty, but until you visit the campground and park you will only have a portion of the beauty of the"
from $23 / night
"We stayed in the non-electric sites (North Shore loop). Campgrounds were incredibly peaceful and quiet."
"They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren’t people partying all night long. There are tent spots and also RV."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $40 / night
RangerVery nice park - clean and quiet. We did the kayak tour this morning which was nice. There’s also a kayak rental Kiosk down by the boat ramp through Whenever Watersports (download the app). There’s trails and also a pool. Pool closed down Aug 9, 2026 since lifeguards had to go back to school. Not having a pool was the only bummer this trip cause temps are still close to 100.
RangerClean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
GuideGreat campsite. Beautiful area. The lodge is open 24 hours and park rangers are around all the time. Limited spots, so get them while they last!
RangerThe campground is beautiful and lots of trails to walk and a vintage train ride that takes you around the park. Nice lodge at the top of the hill with a store and restaurant. WiFi is decent and bathrooms are kept clean. Recommend hiking the lovers leap trail for a good scenic view. Not matter how clean I tried to keep my campsite, Ants and Flys are around the RV spots.
GuideThe campground was really nice. The sites were spread out really well for full hookup spots. Each spot had some privacy and distance between them. Bathrooms were super clean. There’s plenty of hiking trails around but other than that it’s a pretty relaxing campsite. Weather is 10-15 degrees cooler than what you’d expect in the River Valley.
LegendWe took advantage of the 75 degree weather at the end of February to enjoy Mount Magazine. What a beautiful campground! All spaces have LOTS of room between them, it’s quiet, bathrooms are new and clean. A fantastic view of the region within a short walking distance. Lots and lots of hiking. 100% would visit again. I would probably stay in site 9, 15, or 17 if I had the choice again but none of the sites are bad. Full hookups.
GuideMount Magazine is absolutely gorgeous! Camping was great, bathrooms are kept very clean, campground had great sites that gave you lots of space and privacy.
LegendThis place genuinely is amazing. If you want to hike, there are more hiking trails and equestrian trails than you could actually accomplish even in fourteen days. The GPS points are all over the map. Essentially, come down to Cedar Lake. And there are two group campgrounds, a spot called shady lane equestrian, campground, and then the campground right on the water, they're all terrific. Most nights there wasn't anybody here. I spent four nights in the equestrian, campground and two nights in shady lane absolutely terrific.
ScoutVery disappointed in Marval Resort. The manager is very unprofessional. We have been going there since 2019 for a family reunion. This year was 59th reunion. I get a phone call on July 7, 2025 and was told we would not be welcomed back and when I asked why the manager could not tell me why. All that she said was several reasons. If it was such a big issue, she should have come to me or someone else and addressed the issue face to face instead of waiting until we left. My cousin had called multiply times to try and get this worked out and she would never speak or call back. When no response to phone calls she was emailed and finally responded to an email. The manager didn’t even have the decency for the closing signature on the email. It’s a shame that Marval Resort has someone like this running their resort. Very poor communication. Instead of coming to my camp spot talking to me about some cars parked on the grass and gravel in front of our camp spot out of the way of others she calls me in the middle of a big gathering and tells me they need to be moved because it rained that morning and the grass was wet. No, the grassy lawn area was dry in the heat of the afternoon day. There are so many staff members driving around on their golf carts and not a word was said. She was on her golf cart right by us and could not come face to face and talk about the issue. Now, that’s pretty unprofessional. We have 96 and 86 year old aunts and some others with walking issues. That’s why cars were there. Family was coming from their cabins or campers to the central area for family gathering. And as far as the pavilion parking that we paid money to rent. Again, for some elders and a few trucks hauling fish fry supplies. You booked a band that was playing on the stage right by the pavilion(that we paid for) and people could not communicate very well due to loud music. This also happened last year as well. So, you the manager don’t know who all the cars belong to. They could have been the bands or other guest not in our family. We have a large group that stayed there for 6 years in campers or cabins and spent lots of money there. There is a lot of issues the manager needs to take care of and get off her high horse. I thought this place is supposed to be family oriented. I will miss seeing Wayne(maintenance gentleman) there with his smiling face. He is such a friendly man. And one more thing, always talking about all the improvements they’re working on or going to do. It’s been the same for 6 years now.
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground sits at an elevation of 1,400 feet in the Boston Mountains, offering glamping close to Barling, Arkansas with natural forest surroundings. The campground features tent pads, RV sites with full hookups, and a 1,400-acre lake for water activities. Sites are spread apart for privacy, and most visitors note the clean facilities and well-maintained grounds.
Hiking trails: Lake Fort Smith State Park provides trails directly accessible from campsites, including the Ozark Highlands Trail. "The hiking trails were right out of our campsite. Clean sites. Great tent pads. It was totally level we didn't need any leveling done at all," reports one camper at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Lake in Oklahoma offers excellent fishing about an hour from Barling. The lake includes a fishing dock and perimeter trail. One visitor at Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp shared, "The lake was absolutely beautiful and so were the campsites. Our camp host was super nice and got us a great spot to spend the weekend. I needed an electric hookup to charge the batteries on my boat every night."
Off-road adventures: For those seeking more active pursuits, the Ozark region provides extensive trail systems. "Byrd's was awesome. 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. Good place for vehicles that need to hook up or primitive," notes one reviewer about Byrd's Adventure Center.
Mountain views: The region's elevation provides scenic vantage points. A visitor to White Rock Mountain Recreation Area observed, "The views, as other reviewers have said, are impressive and the Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season."
Clean facilities: Many glamping sites near Barling maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. "Bathrooms and showers are immaculate! Visitors appreciate the thoughtfully designed spaces that blend outdoor experiences with indoor comforts," noted one camper at Mount Magazine State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Spacious site layouts contribute to a more secluded glamping experience. "The campground is pretty well maintained and the vault toilets were clean. The general store has a nice selection of items in case you forget something," reported a visitor to White Rock Mountain Recreation Area.
Weather considerations: Mountain locations experience different weather patterns than surrounding areas. "Nice, quiet place. Great hiking! Not really a place for a quick overnight, the road in is steep and crooked," warns a Lake Fort Smith visitor.
Accessibility challenges: Some glamping locations require careful navigation. "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," explains a White Rock Mountain camper.
Seasonal operations: Facilities and amenities vary by season. "We didn't get to enjoy much of what this site offered due to rain. Pull through sites lined by trees. Staff very friendly," noted a visitor to Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA.
Swimming options: For families seeking water activities, some glamping sites offer designated swimming areas. At Cove Lake Complex, "There is swimming, boating, (stocked) fishing, hiking, and pretty drives. Absolutely beautiful lake surrounded by green that would be incredible in the fall!"
Playgrounds and recreation: Some facilities provide additional entertainment for children. A reviewer at Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA mentioned, "We chose this campground for the Tiny House rental for our Daughter and her husband & kids. We stayed in an RV site, enjoyed the pool, bounce pad & basketball."
Safety features: Look for campgrounds with level sites and well-maintained paths. "Fantastic smaller campground minutes from Mount Magazine. It seems to be overshadowed by much larger, better known places like Devils Den, so it's fairly quiet even when it's 'busy,'" noted a Cove Lake visitor.
Site leveling: Many glamping sites near Barling feature level pads. "The sites were level, and were Pull-Thru so we didn't even unhook. Full hookups, Some shade, a dump station," reported an RVer staying at Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer varying levels of services. "Very nice park! Did not expect it to be so picturesque! Very well kept. Campground AAA sites (1-20) offer full hook-ups and are spread out for privacy and offer longer pads. Site 4 is my favorite," advised an RVer at Lake Fort Smith.
Size restrictions: Some glamping locations have limitations for larger vehicles. "Each site has a large level tent pad, table, fire ring, and plenty of shade. The restrooms/showers are a 4.5 out of 5 for state park facilities," noted a Mount Magazine State Park visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Barling, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Barling, AR is William O. Darby RV Community with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Barling, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Barling, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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