Glamping accommodations near Bella Vista, Arkansas offer outdoor experiences throughout the Ozarks region with elevation changes between 800-1,500 feet. Weather conditions vary seasonally with summer temperatures averaging 80-90°F and winter drops to 20-40°F. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to fully-equipped cabins and yurts, with most locations staying open year-round despite occasional flooding in waterfront sites during spring rains.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Natural Falls State Park Campground features a challenging 18-hole disc golf course winding through the wooded terrain. A camper noted, "Loved the falls, big campsites, hiking trails and 18 hole disc golf" with many visitors bringing their own discs for all-day play.
Mountain biking trails: Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites connects directly to the Back 40 and Slaughter Pen mountain bike trail systems. "This is our go-to when we go to the area!! Blowing Springs is fantastic! Tent sites do not have electric but it's so worth it! Such easy access to the Back 40 and Slaughter Pen mountain bike trails! We get on our bikes and ride all day and then come back and enjoy the peaceful campground!" says a frequent visitor.
Paddle sports: Beaver Lake provides multiple access points for kayaking and canoeing with minimal motorboat traffic at certain campgrounds. "After camping each month through the summer, it was a pleasant change for the temperature to dip for our two night visit to Lake Leatherwood City Park. We had booked one of the sites in what is known as Shady Grove, which is down on the edge of the lake. We kayak and it was a pleasant surprise to find only three powered boats on the lake throughout the weekend."
Birding opportunities: The area's diverse ecosystem supports extensive birdwatching, particularly at locations near water sources. "Great birdwatching opportunities, nice hiking trails. Mostly tent camping, some with electric," reported one visitor about their experience at Lake Leatherwood.
What campers like
Level camping pads: Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground offers concrete pads at each site with fire rings. "Found this gem tucked away in Northwest Arkansas. Corps of Engineers Campground. Very well-maintained. Gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites. Several bathhouses. Some with vault toilets but some with flush toilets and showers," one camper shared.
Shuttle service for cyclists: Some glamping locations provide specialized services for mountain bikers. "There are numerous bike and hiking trails and a shuttle service for the downhill riders," noted a visitor to Lake Leatherwood City Park.
Secluded sites: Rocky Branch Campground features dispersed camping options with greater privacy. "Our site was a beautiful shaded spot. Campsites are very spread out and some are really secluded. Only drawback was no water hookups. There was a common spigot however so we were able to fill fresh tank before setting up," a camper reported.
Off-season tranquility: Fall and winter camping offers quieter experiences with scenic views. "Visited here in early spring and were spoiled with amazing lake views and not many neighbors. When the trees leaf out I'm guessing you still would have good privacy. No water hook ups at the site (if you need to fill your tank the water next to vault toilet by the lake is the most flat) but 30 amp hook up made it very comfortable," shared a camper at Lost Bridge North.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area require extensive leveling equipment. "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads. We are planning to return but definitely not in the same spots we had," advised a camper at Prairie Creek (AR).
Water access limitations: Not all sites offer water hookups despite being waterfront. "None of the sites have water hookups and the showers were awful. The stalls were filthy and too small so everything you bring with you gets soaked. Some of the camping pads are pretty steep so longer rigs will have trouble leveling if you're camping close to the water," warned a visitor to Horseshoe Bend.
Seasonal restrictions: Several campgrounds close facilities during winter months. "Bathrooms were locked for the season, I presume. Starlink worked well on our site (13)," mentioned a visitor to Lost Bridge North during off-season camping.
Flooding risk: Low-lying sites near water may become unusable after heavy rains. "I suspect that a lot of these sites next to the lake will flood as they are almost flush with the lake level," cautioned a camper at Lake Leatherwood City Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Leatherwood City Park offers a dedicated play area for children near the RV section. "The people who run it are great! It's a clean place, nice playground, pretty lake. Will definitely be back!" a family reported after their stay.
Swimming options: Natural Falls State Park features designated swimming areas with varied depths. "Clean, lush, and plenty to do! Love this campground so much. Great spots with really level pads set in a beautifully treed park. Surrounded by disc golf, waterfalls, and hiking. Would totally come back over and over."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas support deer and bird watching opportunities. "Many deer to watch. Not much good to ride bikes on," noted a visitor to Lost Bridge North, highlighting the wildlife viewing potential but limited biking for younger children.
Trail difficulty considerations: Hiking paths vary widely in difficulty and terrain. "We had a great time at this campground. We stayed in the "overflow" of this campground and much preferred the quiet setting that was partially empty to the packed main campground. We had to drive to the swimming beach but not a big deal. We also loved the great shade and breeze that blew through our campsite."
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection strategy: COE Beaver Lake Prairie Creek Campground offers varied site options requiring careful selection. "Last minute online reservation got me a prime spot in this wonderful campground. Came to the area to visit Crystal Bridges Museum. The campground is easy to get to and only 25 minutes to Bentonville and 10 minutes to Rogers. The sites at the campground are nicely spaced apart. I had a great spot backing to the woods."
Power considerations: Some campgrounds offer limited amperage options. "My fav go to for work in NWA. I like this campground because it's close to Rogers. I use it when I'm working in the area to shorten my commute. Some sites have water and electric. All have electric. Best sites are 96 for spaciousness and lake view, 73, 74, & 5 for levelness and easy in and out."
Big rig restrictions: Several campgrounds have tight turns and steep approaches. "Typical COE camp ground.. lacking full hookups and water at each site. The lower sites are waterfront but lack water and septic at the sites. There are a very limited number of larger RV sites... the upper area sites are all smaller and again no water at the sites and no septic."
Dump station accessibility: Plan tank management around available facilities. "Great camping area. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is there is no sewer hook ups. There is however a dump station on site. The bathrooms are also just average. There are stores close by but not at the camp grounds. Easy access to the lake is a plus."
