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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
