208 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Ozark Mountain region surrounding Bella Vista, Arkansas features a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas primarily centered around Beaver Lake. Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites in Bella Vista provides year-round camping with full hookups for RVs, while also accommodating tent campers and offering cabin rentals. Within a 30-minute drive, Prairie Creek and Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area, both managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provide lakefront camping with electric hookups. The Campground at Coler offers a more rustic experience with both drive-in and hike-in access. Most campgrounds in this area maintain moderate to high user ratings, reflecting their well-maintained facilities and scenic locations.
Reservations are strongly recommended for lakefront sites, particularly during summer months when occupancy rates frequently reach 75% or higher. Many Corps of Engineers campgrounds have seasonal operating schedules, with Prairie Creek open year-round but others like Horseshoe Bend operating from April through October. According to one camper at Prairie Creek, "There were places for all sized RVs and tents. There is a very nice day use area with picnic tables and a lot of shelters." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds reporting limited or no coverage. Roads to campgrounds often involve narrow, winding routes through the Ozarks, prompting visitors to stock up on supplies before arrival as grocery stores can be several miles from camping areas.
Lakefront camping receives particular praise from visitors to the area. At Horseshoe Bend, campers note the "gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites" and "paved, smooth roads in and out." The region's campgrounds typically include standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and bathhouses, though quality and accessibility vary. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, waterfowl, and various bird species. Fishing is popular, with Beaver Lake known for bass, crappie, and catfish. During peak summer weekends, boat traffic increases substantially on the lakes, affecting the tranquility of some waterfront sites. Several campgrounds serve as convenient basecamps for exploring nearby attractions including Hobbs State Park, War Eagle Mill, and the mountain biking trails of Northwest Arkansas.
"This camp ground is close to a mecca of both biking and mountain biking trails. Nice bath area, only if it is hot outside it is hot in there. Back in sights for RV and rent areas."
"* Many Trail Heads right at the RV park! No need to drive anywhere but close to local restaurants and attractions if you want. Friendly and helpful Staff!"
"This campground is located on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas. It is a Corp of engineer lake. We stayed in site 30 which is quite small but our Winnebago 24’ Trend fit in fine."
"Our little loop was nice and secluded while being close to the shower house and park."
from $20 - $200 / night
Check Availability"I loved the proximity to town and easy access to the Coler mountain bike trails, walking trails, and super cool cafe in the middle of the woods. "
"The trees offer nice seclusion between you and the close-by campsites. Carts available to carry equipment from your car to campsite easily."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Found this gem tucked away in Northwest Arkansas. Corps of Engineers Campground. Very well-maintained. Gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites. Several bathhouses."
"Got a nice little spot on the lake to do some hammock camping for two nights. Was able to get this spot within the week which was a surprise as busy as it was."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."
"Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."
from $16 - $53 / night
Check Availability"Right off highway K! Coordinates looks like it drops you off at the middle of the road but there is a gravel drive. Brings you to a grass lot with a trail off of it."
"Quiet, remote location. It’s a smaller site but accommodated us and two others rigs comfortably."
"There are stores close by but not at the camp grounds. Easy access to the lake is a plus."
"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."
"If you’re in the area for mountain biking and want more privacy and space than the other nearby campgrounds this place is an excellent option."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in space 33 without looking first and we had to back our 30 foot fifth wheel down about 100 foot hill around the corner to get into the space. Campsite did have electric and a picnic table."
"We didn't have a lake site, but it looked like there were a few sites directly on the lake which would be amazing."
from $24 - $75 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThe campsites are well maintained. There are limited primitive sites that book fairly quickly. We stayed at an electric site due to no primitive sites being available. Keep an eye on the weather as several of the campgrounds are at risk of flooding.
RangerWe stopped for the night while passing through MO. Tons of spots open on a Monday in August. Cindy at the park office was so friendly and helpful. She suggested spot 100 in campground 2 since it backs onto the river. Lovely sounds! Lots of trout in the river - at that spot, it’s only about 1 foot deep so it was fun to wade in the water and let the pup run around.
Good park store, dump station, trash and lots of hikes to do. Too bad we simply stayed the night
ScoutI would not recommend Camp Mi Casa based on my experience. When I originally chose this park, the website clearly advertised the monthly rate as $500 plus electric. After I arrived, however, I was told the price was $700 per month. There was no written lease or rental agreement explaining the difference. I paid the $700 for the first month. The following month I was charged another $700. Then I received a bill for $738 with no itemization explaining the additional $38. When I questioned the difference between the advertised $500 rate and the $700 I was being charged, management refused to correct the website price. I was also told that what I was paying was a “subscription” rather than rent, which I found very strange. For comparison, I eventually moved to another RV park. They charge $450 per month plus electric, exactly as advertised, and I received a clear receipt showing what I paid and what the deposit was for. My issue isn't simply that Camp Mi Casa charges $700. A business can charge whatever it wants. My problem is advertising one price and then charging a different price after the customer arrives, without a written agreement or clear itemized billing. I would strongly recommend getting the exact monthly price, all fees, and the terms in writing before committing to a stay at Camp Mi Casa. My experience was enough that I chose to take my business elsewhere.
ScoutThis is a cute campground with lots of trees for shade. This is my first camping experience and I’m impressed. Most of the campers seem to be long term residents who don’t make a lot of noise. I chose this one because the camp sites were wooded not parking lot fashion. Sewage hook up right at your site. Air conditioned laundry. Nice owners very accommodating. The pool is clean and a great way to cool off. Shower house a little dated but clean. It’s right on 62 and you can catch a trolly for 6$ a day for a full day of rides in eureka. The highway next to it kind of dangerous for an ebike but I just bought a month pass for 26$ My site seemed almost double in size. I started at 17 which seemed tight to get into.
RangerGot a great spot.
GuideRegistration is totally online- you register, pay, and check in online. You will receive a text message the morning of your arrival day asking you to provide an ETA. You will be assigned a concierge who will meet you when you arrive and escort you to your site.
All the park and on-site restaurant staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The entrance to the resort is directly off the main road and is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate.
We were assigned to pull-thru site number S-6. All sites had concrete pads, and they all appear to be fairly level. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located. Bathrooms, showers, and a laundry area aren't available, although both restaurants on the property do have bathrooms for their customers.
Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: there is no Wi-Fi in the park. We were able to get AT&T 5G with 4 bars. AT&T achieved 399 Mbps down and 10.6 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, as you can move your dish around to an open area on your site. There are plenty of OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable was not available.
Dog Park: They have a nice fenced-in park that is in great condition. The park has a covered bench, and they also provide doggie bags and a trash can.
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from area stores and restaurants. Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay, even if they don't have the normal RV park amenities like showers, bathrooms, or a laundry area
GuideWe last stayed here five years ago when the park was new. Some of the areas and amenities that are now available were still under construction during our last trip. The bottom line… still a very nice park, but it's starting to show its age a little.
Parking for registration is located right next to the office. All the park staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate, though several roads have asphalt failures that need attention. Even though it's not too far from Interstate 49, we didn't hear any traffic noise at all- very peaceful.
We were assigned to pull-thru site number 36. Most of the sites are gravel, but the pull-thru row that we were in had concrete pads. For the most part, all sites appear fairly level.
Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located.
Two bathroom areas also have showers and laundry facilities- one at the front of the park and one in the rear. The pool area and playground are located at the front of the park.
Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: there is Wi-Fi in the park, but the park info sheet that they provide you with notes that the Wi-Fi is spotty. We were able to get AT&T 5G with 4 bars. AT&T achieved 418 Mbps down and 21 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, and if you do need clear access for satellite reception, there are plenty of sites available with no trees. There are plenty of OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable was not available.
Dog Park: They have two nice fenced-in parks that are in great condition. The one in the front of the park is divided for big and small dogs, while the one in the back is larger but not divided. They both have benches, which are all in good shape. They also provide doggie bags and a trash can. NOTE: I've included a photo of the sign posted at the entrances to the park indicating that they might be shut down. So if having a fenced dog park is mission-critical for your stay, you might want to verify that they are still open when you make your reservation
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from Fayetteville, where you can find plenty of stores and restaurants. Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay. Although the park is starting to show its age, it still deserves a high rating, and I would not hesitate to recommend it- enjoy your stay!
TravelerThe park has nicely arranged sites with good space between them. Paved pads with concrete pads for metal picnic tables and fire rings with grill, the rest of the site is natural. All sites at least have a nice view of the lake if they are not directly on the lake. Very nice views! They have a great well maintained beach area as well as a playground and shelter area with tables. Highly recommend!
TravelerSites have water and electric, and a dumping station. Really nice showers and bathrooms. Don't have to gamble, and fairly cheap to stay with access to the hotel pool.
Camping opportunities in northwest Arkansas cluster around water features, with Beaver Lake providing the primary recreation area near Bella Vista. Established campgrounds range from tent-only to full-service RV parks, with elevations typically between 1,100 and 1,300 feet. Weather patterns create distinct camping seasons, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter overnight temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
Mountain biking access: The Campground at Coler connects directly to mountain biking trails, offering immediate trail access. According to a visitor, "There is a very nice day use area with picnic tables and a lot of shelters," while another notes it's "nestled in a valley of beautiful trees" with "close to hiking and biking trails."
Trout fishing excursions: Roaring River State Park Campground offers managed trout fishing with a working hatchery. "You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river," explains one camper, who also mentions "there is a cave you can walk in where you'll find a pool of water that goes for miles underground."
Beach volleyball and lake activities: Prairie Creek offers recreational amenities beyond standard camping. "There are nice recreational areas with play equipment, pavilions and beach volleyball. There is an area for swimming as well," notes one visitor who spent time at this Corps of Engineers facility.
Heated bathrooms: Tent campers particularly appreciate The Campground at Coler's clean facilities. "Heated bathrooms, showers with HOT water... and campfire wood abundant and at the ready less than 10 yards from the fire pit," writes one camper, adding it's "by far the best choice for my family."
Segregated camping areas: Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites offers separation between camping styles. "What I like about this campground is that the tent sites are separate from the RV area, and RV's don't have to go through the tents to get to their area," explains a reviewer who appreciated the layout design.
Waterfront views: Hickory Creek offers coveted lakeside sites. "Loved to see that the campground had so many sites on the water," mentions one camper, while another confirms they "were pleased with our large, shaded site" even though they "didn't have a lake site."
Site leveling challenges: Prairie Creek presents difficulties for level setup. According to a camper, "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads." Another visitor confirms "a lot of the sites slope making it hard to find level ground."
Variable cell service: Coverage depends on location and carrier throughout the region. Roaring River State Park has "Verizon cell is ok, ATT non-existent" according to one camper, while other campgrounds report similarly patchy service.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Horseshoe Bend operates primarily April through October, though some visitors note winter camping options. "Stay during off-season. The park was very clean and quiet. Park rangers routinely patrolled and it felt very safe," reports one winter camper.
Best swimming areas: Look for designated swimming zones with gradual entry. At Prairie Creek, "There are nice recreational areas with play equipment, pavilions and beach volleyball. There is an area for swimming as well," though another visitor cautions that "not really a swimming beach area" exists at some locations.
Educational opportunities: The hatchery at Roaring River provides learning experiences. "You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river," plus explore caves and hiking trails, making it "great for families" according to multiple reviewers.
Halloween camping events: Special seasonal activities occur at some campgrounds. "Last Saturday weekend in October people decorate there sites and kids trick or treat the campers," notes a Horseshoe Bend visitor, creating a family-friendly environment during the fall camping season.
Electric-only sites: Many lakeside locations lack full hookups. At Horseshoe Bend, "None of the sites have water hookups and the showers were awful," reports one RVer, while another mentions "sites have electric but not water so fill your tank before you come."
Site selection guidance: Research specific sites before booking. At Hickory Creek, "Avoid spaces 33-43... I would recommend only if you have a small bumper pull that is maybe less than 21 feet long or a class A or class C that's probably less than 25 feet long," warns an RVer who struggled with a 30-foot fifth wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an RV in Bella Vista, Arkansas for camping?
Yes, you can rent an RV near Bella Vista for camping adventures. While there aren't dedicated rental facilities directly in Bella Vista, nearby Rogers and Bentonville offer RV rental services. Once you have your rental, Dam Site River - Beaver Lake is an excellent destination for RVs, offering sites close to water and hiking trails. Devil's Den State Park Campground also accommodates RVs with spacious sites and hookups. Many campers report having positive experiences with rentals from the surrounding areas for weekend getaways or longer trips exploring northwest Arkansas.
Where are the best camping spots in Bella Vista, Arkansas?
Bella Vista offers excellent camping options in northwest Arkansas. Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites provides convenient access with water hookups and is accommodating for RVs. For those who prefer lakeside camping, Prairie Creek on Beaver Lake is highly recommended with spacious sites and beautiful water views. Other nearby options include Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area and Dam Site River, both offering well-maintained facilities and scenic landscapes. The Campground at Coler provides a more rustic experience with both drive-in and hike-in options for those seeking adventure in the natural surroundings of the Ozarks.
How far is Bella Vista, Arkansas from Branson, Missouri for a camping trip?
Bella Vista, Arkansas is approximately 70-75 miles from Branson, Missouri, making it about a 1.5-hour drive depending on your route and traffic conditions. This proximity makes it perfect for a weekend camping trip between the two destinations. Along this route, you'll find excellent camping options like Roaring River State Park Campground near Cassville. For a unique experience closer to the Branson area, Natural Falls State Park Campground sits near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border and offers peaceful camping with hiking trails and impressive waterfalls. Both locations make great stopping points on a Bella Vista-to-Branson camping adventure.
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