Best Tent Camping near Batesville, AR

The forested hills surrounding Batesville, Arkansas offer several tent camping options within a short drive. Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway provides 14 tent campsites with both drive-in and walk-in options, while Syllamo offers backcountry tent camping opportunities along its trail system. Mill Creek Recreation Area, located near Higden, provides established tent sites within wooded surroundings. Camp Mockingjay and Nate's Stream-Side Camping Spot offer additional primitive tent camping locations for those seeking more secluded experiences.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of maintenance. Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway provides drinking water, picnic tables, showers, and toilets, making it suitable for campers seeking more comfortable tent camping. In contrast, Syllamo's backcountry camping requires self-sufficiency, though pit toilets are available at trailheads. According to reviews, Mill Creek's facilities have experienced maintenance issues, with sites often covered in leaves and bathrooms occasionally closed. Camp Mockingjay allows fires and pets but lacks drinking water and toilet facilities, requiring tent campers to pack in all necessary supplies and practice proper waste disposal.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as basecamps for outdoor recreation. Syllamo is particularly noted for its mountain biking opportunities, with one visitor reporting that "each trail head has a coarse gravel parking area and a very nice pit toilet," though they recommend bringing "lots of drinking water." The area primarily supports backcountry tent camping rather than vehicle-based stays. Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway serves as a convenient basecamp for various activities including kayaking and hiking in the surrounding area. Campers seeking water proximity should note that Mill Creek's tent sites, despite the name, are not located near the water according to visitor reports. Walk-in tent sites throughout the region generally offer more seclusion and natural settings than drive-in options.

Best Tent Sites Near Batesville, Arkansas (9)

Show More
Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Batesville, AR

239 Reviews of 9 Batesville Campgrounds


  • Renee H.
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Dam - Quarry

    Clean campground, nice location

    Average space between sites. Level paved sites with gravel picnic area including picnic table, fire ring, lantern hanger. Some sites had covered picnic area. Limited shade, most sites don’t have trees. Good access to sites. Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. Garbage cans were outside of bathrooms, as well as dumpsters near the registration building. Friendly staff upon check in. Campground was patrolled regularly. No laundry or recycling. Nearby road with little road noise. Verizon cell signal was excellent. There is a dump station and potable fill station. No store or food for purchase on site. No hiking in campground, but multiple trails nearby. Boat ramp at campground and lots of wading fly fishing in river. Fish hatchery across from campground.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2021

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Basic but very quiet and peaceful

    General: We were apprehensive about planning to stay at this campground as the nearby one in Blanchard Springs was closed, we could not make reservations, five of the 27 sites were closed due to potential flooding from Hurricane Laura, and access is via a three-mile winding dirt road (not recommended for large RVs but it was navigable for our campervan), so we made alternate backup plans. There was no need to worry, however, as there were plenty of open sites, including some overlooking North Sylamore Creek when we arrived on a Sunday afternoon in mid-October for a hike.Ā 

    Sites/Facilities: Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, tent pad, and lantern pole. There is a central water source.

    Activities/Amenities: This is a no-frills campground – no electric or water hookups, dumpster, playground, or flush toilets – just vault toilets. What struck me most was how quiet it was. There is access to the Sylamore hiking trail; you can hike five miles to the Blanchard Springs picnic area.

  • Tom K.
    Jun. 24, 2018

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Wonderful overnight

    We hiked in to this campground from Blanchard and were pleasantly surprised. It is primitive in some aspects but not overtly so. They have vault toilets that were manageable and spickets for water. We grabbed a site that had a bi-level for the tent and picnic table. There was a fire ring as well. Overall, it has some stuff to do being by the river and a longish trail to explore. We may have been to tired to care about some of the finer details so we were pretty happy with this site!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Remote Inexpensive Camping Along Water

    For Full Video Review. CLICK HERE

    While traveling through this portion of Arkansas I stumbled upon a small roadside for Gunner Pool Recreation Area just a short distance past Blanchard Springs. Ā  Ā 3 miles down a gravel, but well maintained roadway, the campground sat nestled between to sections of the water way. Ā  Ā  On one side, slow moving water is met by the dam forming the blue toned pool and on the other a gentle flowing stream flanks the massive mountain side. Ā Ā 

    Along the camping loop, spaces are well separated and have plenty of room to spread out. Ā  Each site is equipped with standard camping amenities such as picnic tables, lantern hooks and fire rings. Ā  Ā  Ā Vault toilets are centrally located in several areas of camp both on the upper and lower loops. Ā  In addition locking style garbage cans are placed near restrooms.Ā 

    When I visited the Forest Service was on property trimming trees and clearing debris from recent rain. Ā  Their office is located just a short distance from the entry of the roadway, so they are often here to work on the property.

    A little gem in the midst of the campground is located just across from the pay kiosk, the story of the property and the CCC camp which actually created not only this property but also worked on neighboring sites at Blanchard. Ā  Definitely check out the story!!

    Tips:

    • Bring your own envelop for the pay kiosk, when I visited the paper envelops were soggy and unable to be used. Ā  Ā You can easily pull one but putting money in them they simply fell apart.
    • Bring everything. Ā  There are no stores in the camp in addition to no fire wood available at the campsite so make sure you come prepared. Ā  Ā The closest store for major things is located over 15 miles away.
  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Hill Creek - Greers Ferry Lake

    Country Time

    • Open All Year
    • 91 Sites Water/electric
    • 50 amp available
    • 55 Non Electric
    • Reservation accepted (877-444-6777)
    • 3850 Highway 330E, Clinton, ARĀ  72031

    Boat Ramp, drinking water, dump station, marina, day use picnic area, playground, fire ring/grill, fish cleaning station, picnic table, restrooms with flush toilets, and showers

    Choctaw is located several miles outside the town of Clinton Arkansas.Ā  I would advise stocking up before leaving home or in Clinton.Ā  Located in the gently rolling hills of the Ozarks.Ā  The roads are in good shape but like most roads in Arkansas they could be considered, not narrow, but not exactly wide.Ā  The campground is located right off the road so watch for your turn.Ā  Choctaw is one of the few parks in the Greers Ferry complex that is right off the main road.

    The site numbers are well marked on the entrance of each site.Ā  Some sites are more level than others and some are shorter than others.Ā  Longer rigs will have to pay close attention to the size of the sites.Ā  Area is well wooded giving a large amount of shade and a lot of needles and leaves.Ā  If you don't carry a good broom you might want one to sweep your pad.Ā  Trees are mainly pine so shade will continue through winter.Ā  While we were there it was time for mowing but generally COE parks are well maintained

    Little Red River and the Greers Ferry Lake produce an amazing outdoor experience.Ā  Sitting all along the banks of Greers Ferry Lake you are able to have your pick of any number of COE campgrounds and private campgrounds.Ā  Choctaw is a good example.Ā Ā 

    Arkansas is called "The Natural State" and it does live up to its name.Ā  Greers Ferry is located in Cleburne County Arkansas with several small towns dotted around the lake.Ā  There are between 30,000 to 40,000 acres of crystal clear water depending on the season and the rains.Ā  You may fish, scuba dive, water ski, SUP, kayak, canoe, swim or just relax at your campsite.Ā  Your choice but is geared toward the outdoor life.

    Fishing is the sport of the day here.Ā  You will find some of "The Best" fishing in the south with some bragging "In The World".Ā  The lake holds the record for bass at 27 lbs 50 oz.Ā  Tournaments begin in April and go through October.Ā  Whether you are a local or a visitor fishing is done year round.Ā  Every game fish native to Arkansas is stocked and maintained by the Arkansas Game and Fish.Ā  Depending on the time of the year you are able to look forward to trophy size striped bass, walleye, and trout.Ā  That is not to say you shouldn't hook your share of channel catfish, bigmouth and white bass and crappie.

    Have fun.Ā  Stay safe.

    LNT

    Better than when you found it.

    Happy Trails

  • Lacee G.
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Shiloh - Greers Ferry Lake

    Great views of Greer’s

    Most of the sites here are great. The G loop is right by the water. Some of the sites were underwater while we were there, but G2 was perfect.

    The site had everything we wanted. Trees for our hammock, large level site, near the water for our kayak, and great views of the lake. There is no electricity at these sites. You will need to bring water. The bathrooms are a short distance away.

    You can’t beat this location on Greer’s Ferry.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2021

    Green Acres RV Park

    Small home town

    Step back in time for childhood memories. This campground is along side a busy city street which can be loud but will quieter down after the work day ends. At Green Acres you will not find a swimming pool or a fancy playground. What you will find is laid back friendly owners and pricing from the 70’s or 80’s. Offer full hook ups weekly monthly rates. Stay six nights get seventh free. Laundry area, mature trees. Shopping and dining with in walking distanceĀ  Mountain View is a great little town for all kinds of fun. Really, you just have to check it out. For a small town Mountain View has so much to offer it’s guest. It brings our minds to days gone by. Weekends will find pickers on the square or concerts at the Ozark Folk Center. Few campgrounds have a pool but you can always head to a creek to dip your toes. Stand up paddle board, canoe, kayak, Loco Ropes, mountain bikes, hiking, antiquing, movies, trail rides, fishing. I think that gives you a taste. Mountain View has a movie theatre and one of the few drive in theaters left in the USA. First run movies will be found at both. Have fun. Stay safe. Leave No Trace Better Than You Found It.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests

    Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest

    Check in Check out 2 pm

    Maximum stay– check to see from Memorial Day through Labor Day

    $15 per day no hook ups 1 site with electric $20

    Open all yearĀ 

    No reservationsĀ  Ā  Ā FCFSĀ 

    Tent camping or small RV/trailers

    Dump station Picnic table toilets hot showers drinking water grills lantern poles

    High water can lead to campground shut down. There are two group camp sites that are by reservations only for a minimum of 8 and maximum of 50. Call 877-444-6777 for reservations or info.Ā 

    You will find a trailhead connecting the campground to the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail. There is also access to the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail. If the cavern is open, right now it is closed due to COVID, it is an excellent cavern to visit as it is a ā€œliveā€ cavern. It is still growing and evolving. A must visit is to see Mirror Lake which was created by a dam built by the CCC. Along the same path you will discover the remains of an old mill. Mills once dotted the Arkansas hills but few remain. A hike to theā€œBlanchard Springsā€. The water that is coming out of the rocks is actually coming from inside the cavern.Ā 

    The road to Blanchard Springs is steep going in but the road is in very good shape. To get to the campground you will have to cross a ā€œlow water bridgeā€ that is made of concrete and the creek flows over the concrete. Adds a bit of excitement for the kids if they have never been across one.

    Carry in all the supplies you will need so you will not have to leave the area until you are ready. The creek is amazing, clear and cool.

    LNTĀ 

    Better than when you found it

    Stay safe Happy travels

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Sugar Loaf

    Country Time

    May - Sep with 93 sites and 57 of those have electricty

    $16.00 non electric $18.00 electric

    Reservation 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Boat ramp, drinking, water, dump station, marina, day use area, picnic area, playground, flush toilets, showers, lantern pole, fish cleaning table

    Nicelyspaced sites with some water sites.Ā  Wooded and a lot of nice shade, a large bath house with toilets.Ā  The swimming beach has sand and an amazing view of Sugarloaf Mountain.Ā  There is a loaning life preserver station with a great number life preservers on offer.Ā  The site numbers are well placed and easy to read and see.

    LNT

    BTWYFI

    Travel safe


Guide to Batesville

Tent camping near Batesville, Arkansas provides access to the Ozark foothills and White River watershed. The region receives approximately 48 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest environments for campers seeking woodland seclusion. Most tent sites in the area sit at elevations between 500-1,200 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-95°F during peak camping months.

What to do

Mountain biking opportunities: The Syllamo trail system offers multiple access points for cyclists and hikers. According to visitor Arkansas F., "This is a series of trails with multiple trail heads. Each trail head has a course gravel parking area and a very nice pit toilet. Bring lots of drinking water."

Water recreation: Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway serves as a basecamp for various water activities. Jake C. notes the campground is ideal "Whether you're into hang gliding, kayaking or just relaxing at camp, the hillbilly hideaway is here to provide a great basecamp for your Arkansas adventures."

Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide access to local fishing spots, though water proximity varies significantly between sites. Campers should verify water access before booking, as one visitor to Mill Creek observed, "None of the sites were near the water."

What campers like

Primitive camping options: Many tent campers appreciate the backcountry options at Camp Mockingjay, which allows alcohol, pets, and campfires but requires campers to bring all supplies including water. The walk-in and hike-in access creates additional privacy compared to drive-up sites.

Basic amenities at trailheads: Facilities at Syllamo trailheads received positive mentions with Arkansas F. reporting they have "a very nice pit toilet." Most primitive camping areas require visitors to pack in drinking water as this resource is limited throughout the region.

Wooded surroundings: Tent sites throughout the Batesville region typically feature tree cover, providing natural shade during summer months. Mill Creek offers "wooded sites," though Lacee G. noted maintenance issues, reporting "sites were filled with leaves" during their visit.

What you should know

Seasonal maintenance issues: Facility upkeep varies significantly between campgrounds and seasons. One camper at Mill Creek observed, "This campground was not kept up while we visited. The sites were filled with leaves. The bathrooms were closed, but that could have been due to COVID 19."

Water access discrepancies: Despite names suggesting water proximity, actual access may be limited. Lacee G. specifically noted at Mill Creek, "None of the sites were near the water. This campground has potential."

Campground closures: Before planning trips, verify current operating status. The COE Norfork Lake Tecumseh Park received this update from visitor N I.: "No review since due to build of new bridge campground is gone."

Backcountry preparation: For primitive tent camping near Batesville, pack all essentials including water. Arkansas F. advises Syllamo visitors to "Bring lots of drinking water" as facilities are limited to trailhead areas.

Tips for camping with families

Shower facilities: When camping with children, Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway offers 14 tent sites with shower access, making multi-day stays more comfortable for families with young children.

Site accessibility factors: Consider the distance between parking and tent sites when camping with small children or bringing substantial gear. Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway offers both drive-in and walk-in options, allowing families to choose their preferred setup.

Bathroom availability: Restroom access varies significantly between campgrounds. When planning family tent camping near Batesville, prioritize locations with maintained facilities. Some locations like Nate's Stream-Side Camping Spot lack toilet facilities entirely, requiring proper waste disposal knowledge.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV accommodations: Most tent camping areas near Batesville offer minimal or no RV amenities. While Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway is marked as big-rig friendly, it lacks hookups, making it suitable only for self-contained RV camping.

Electric access options: For tent campers requiring electricity for medical devices or other needs, Mill Creek offers electric hookups paired with tent camping accommodations, one of the few locations in the region providing this combination.

Seasonal availability: RV and tent camping options near Mountain Home operate seasonally. The COE Norfork Lake facilities typically run "May 1 to September 30," making advance planning essential for off-season visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Batesville, AR is Syllamo with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Batesville, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.