J
Joshua C.
Scout
ScoutMaumelle COE campground
Shower and bath houses are terrible
Big campground with a lot of lake views. Not as quiet as I usually like. Just a lot of traffic from day use areas I guess.
Camping near Benton, AR
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Camping near Benton, Arkansas spans tent sites and full-hookup RV parks to cabins and glamping, with options within an hour's drive of the city. Lake Catherine State Park, located about 25 miles southwest of Benton, provides camping options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping opportunities. Other nearby camping areas like Maumelle Park and Gulpha Gorge Campground at Hot Springs National Park offer riverfront camping with various accommodation types. The region features both public and private camping facilities with many offering water views along the Arkansas River or nearby lakes.
Access to most campgrounds near Benton requires reservations, particularly for weekend stays and during summer months. Many sites provide electric hookups, water access, and modern amenities like showers and flush toilets, though availability varies by location. The camping season extends year-round at most facilities, with temperatures generally mild in spring and fall, hot and humid in summer, and occasionally freezing in winter. Sites with water views tend to fill quickly, especially at Maumelle Park. As one camper noted, "Maumelle has many good sites from tent to 50amp and some nice fishing opportunities."
Several visitors highlight the natural settings and proximity to outdoor recreation as standout features. At Maumelle Park, campers mention the spacious, shaded sites and river views as primary draws. One camper shared that it's a "beautiful campground located on the Arkansas River with river access and lots of campsites." Many campgrounds in the area serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions like Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Tent campers should note that some facilities primarily cater to RVs, with limited tent-specific amenities. Reviews consistently mention clean facilities but varying levels of privacy between sites. Riverside and lakefront camping areas receive the highest ratings, with campers appreciating the combination of natural settings and convenient access to urban amenities in Little Rock and Hot Springs.
Best Campgrounds near Benton (173)
1. Lake Catherine State Park Campground
"Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean! Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. "
"We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability2. Maumelle Park
"Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."
"Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"
from $28 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
"There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."
"With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."
from $34 / night
Check Availability4. Downtown Riverside RV Park
"The location is truly excellent with easy access to the Arkansas River Trail, the Clinton library, restaurants and other attractions."
"Not a resort but right next to the foot bridge that accesses parks on the other side of the Arkansas River. Traffic noise is minimal."
5. Little Rock North KOA
"We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in. Neighbors are close but nice as was the staff."
"Location good. Site: one tent camp site. Which was Off to self. Had covered picnic table (all of which was positive to us) Power and water. Bathrooms; great."
6. Willow Beach
"Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront. Showers and bathrooms were clean and in good condition. Sites were close but in good repair."
"This is a great RV campground right on the Arkansas river. The sites are large and mostly level."
from $26 - $75 / night
Check Availability7. Hot Springs National Park KOA
"Laundry was a bit small especially in a world of social distancing but clean. You have to drive through the entire campground to get to the lower sites."
"The sites are close to each other, but they are stair stepped, so you feel like you have more privacy which was really nice."
8. Catherine's Landing
"Gorgeous setting on pristine Lake Catherine close to historic Hot Springs. I was in lakefront site 123 for one night but would have liked to stay longer."
"The lake was beautiful and very natural. However if you like roughing it and being close to the water, you better have an RV of some sort or you'll miss the good spots."
9. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
"_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."
"Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability10. Maumelle COE campground
"Great C/G on the Arkansas River with a boat ramp and dock. Water and electric sites with a dump station."
"My husband stepped in it as we were unhooking. It's quiet and other than the dog poop situation it seems clean."
from $28 - $32 / night
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Drive Time
- 17 min from Little Rock, AR
- 32 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 39 min from Texarkana, TX
- 2 hrs 17 min from Fort Smith, AR
Recent Camping Photos near Benton, AR
241 Photos of 173 Benton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Oakhill CampgroundC
Goose Pond Road Camp
Maumelle Park
Maumelle COE campgroundE
Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
Lake Catherine State Park CampgroundT
Lake Sylvia Recreation Area
Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed, Forest Road 132
Sunsets on the Arkansas River Site
Hot Springs National Park KOA
J and J RV Park
Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
Recent Reviews near Benton, AR
994 Reviews of 173 Benton Campgrounds
katie D.ScoutHot Springs National Park KOA
Hot Springs
The camp ground is hilly, but all the site are flat and level, the basic site comes with a picnic table, electric, water, and a fire ring. The staff are very friendly and helpful, as we were a last minute check in. The bathroom facilities are very clean, air conditioned, and individual room that include a nice size shower. They have a very nice pool and offer shuttle service into Hot Springs!!
Valerio M.ScoutLake Hamilton Escape
Honest place
Very good place! River access! Quiet and peaceful! Good laundry and a wonderful staff!
- JJordan B.Scout
Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed, Forest Road 132
Nice cool lake nearby
There is a bit of an incline getting to this spot, most cars will make it if you want to tow a trailer up here better make sure your vehicle is well equipped. there is the space for it, but the ground is not level. It is early September, Little Rock got up to 98 degrees, it was nice to come back to lake Sylvia that is nearby. Nice and warm on the surface and colder down below.
Joseph K.ScoutPalarm Boat Launch
Palarm Boat Launch (Public)
This spot can be fairly active at times but still a good hideaway to car or van camp for a night or two. There are no amenities so bring it or don't be needing it.
Lucy B.
GuideCharlton Campground
Peaceful Camp & Swimming Area
Stayed 3 nights. Tent camped, family of 6. Nearly vacant campground. Friendly camp hosts. Clean hot showers and bathrooms. Drinkable spring water. Campsite was alongside the creek, shaded under the trees. Short drive to swimming recreation and picnic area with plenty of shade, grass picnic tables and bathrooms. Beautiful spot. Kids were kept busy for hours searching for crystals and swimming.
- SStephanie C.
TravelerMaumelle COE campground
Its a nice area of town
It's been a bit strange. No placard for our car, only room to park one vehicle. Dog poop at our site. My husband stepped in it as we were unhooking. It's quiet and other than the dog poop situation it seems clean.
- Melinda E.Traveler
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Phenomenal Vacation!
We stayed a week at Petit Jean in one of their gorgeous cabins. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The check-in and check-out was easy. Finding the cabin was easy with the directions and map we were given. They were clearly marked, with parking for two vehicles, as they were setup like a duplex. The cabin was beautiful and clean, inside and out. There was a large, heavy, all wood porch swing on each side. Relaxing in it was a peaceful experience, listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the tall pines. Inside it was all beautifully stained wood and roomy enough for two people, much like a hotel room, except for the cathedral ceiling. In fact, the setup was better than most hotel rooms we have stayed in. There was a mini-fridge with a small freezer, microwave, coffee pot(with coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, etc,) a Keurig, blow-dryer, iron, ironing board, and broom. It had all the toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissue, cups. The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower. There were two full size beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of pillows and warm bedding, with a nightstand between. There were plugs to charge your phone and a landline. There was also a fireplace, however it was locked closed. The air unit in the room had cooling/heating that was easy to operate and sufficiently cool. We were near the highway, close to the lodge, but did not hear traffic while in the cabin. Parking at Mather Lodge is just like any other, with a short, easy walk to the entrance. Once inside, you pass the check-in desk, a small, well-stocked gift shop,(with something for every age,) an open meeting area and bar before reaching the restaurant. It is beautifully constructed from large logs stained and polished to a gleaming shine. From floor to ceiling, it is the epitome of rugged elegance. We ate breakfast and dinner exclusively at the lodge. The food was exemplary, every meal, cooked to perfection and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and we were never rushed or made to feel as if we overstayed our welcome. The service was fast, even when every table was occupied. The servers were friendly and attentive. We had only one server, one time that was"less than," maybe she was new, not sure, but we did not see her again. Tommy, Thomas, Jessie, Brad, Rebekah, and Lindsay were all so pleasant, always greeting us, even when they weren't our servers, remembering us and making us feel like family. The view of the gorge with it's tall trees and towering rock formations was incredible! There was a common area behind the lodge, just outside the restaurant with tables, chairs and benches for observing the gorge, taking photos, relaxing and socializing. You could walk right down to the edge of the huge flat rocks for photos with a stunning background. We spent every evening there, watching the exquisite sunsets. This place is a nature lovers paradise. There is a pool surrounded by loungers behind and to the side of the lodge. It was clean and well-kept with a small waterfall at one end. Thick thirsty towels are provided for your convenience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We never saw or heard a mower but the grass was cut to perfection and there wasn't a single piece of litter in the entire park. At check-in we were given a map, brochure and weekly schedule of events/tours at the park. The map was very necessary for navigating around this extensive park of which the lodge area was only a small part. The brochure described the hikes and other available activities(such as climbing and repelling) with descriptions of what could be observed, length and difficulty levels. Trust the brochure! If it says strenuous, it is. Plan accordingly. There were four ranger guided tours the week we were there. We took two of them. They were genuinely interesting and pleasurable. Baron, our ranger, was exceedingly knowledgeable about the geology, animal and plant life and history of the area. Exceptionally so, for someone who was seemingly so young. He was attentive to the needs of those attending the tours, stopping to rest if necessary and moving a bit slower for us older folks. He was so affable and easy to talk with, it seemed as if we were old friends. Willing to spend extra time after the tours, talking with us, was an indication of how much he enjoyed his job. We were very appreciative of someone of his character and enjoyed spending time with him. He is the perfect model of what one would think a park ranger is and should be! Any hike can be taken unguided and there are plenty of them. In fact, we had plans to go outside the park on other hikes, but never made it off the property for those. We actually did not have enough time to do all we wanted to do within the park. If you are looking for a phenomenal vacation, this is the trip you should take!
- SSherri B.Guide
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Arkansas's first state park
Well maintained state park especially for its age. All sites have a picnic table, ground grill, and tent pad. Roads and campsites are paved. Nicely spaced sites. Clean bathhouse.
Guide to Benton
Camping spots near Benton, Arkansas range from waterfront locations along Lake Catherine to urban sites with direct river access. The Benton region sits in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains with elevations between 300-600 feet, creating varied terrain for camping. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing, affecting water availability at some campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Lake Catherine State Park offers multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels, including the Falls Branch Trail. "The park has a couple hiking options along with the lake activities. This SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend," notes one visitor at Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Kayaking on calm waters: Paddlers find Lake Catherine ideal for beginners due to limited boat traffic. "It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water," reports a camper who visited Lake Catherine State Park twice.
Disc golf course: Catherine's Landing offers an on-site disc golf course surrounded by natural hiking trails. "The property is so peaceful and quiet. We came with little kids and they explored their hearts out," shares a visitor at Catherine's Landing.
Presidential Library visit: Downtown camping provides easy access to cultural attractions. "We usually do not like camping in cities this big but wanted to come here to visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. And what a great location this park is to downtown Little Rock and the library," explains a camper.
What campers like
Waterfront sites with privacy: Maumelle Park features spacious camping areas along the Arkansas River. "We got lucky with our spot, only 1 direct neighbor. Beautiful view of the Arkansas River. Busy park," mentions a visitor at Maumelle Park.
Pedestrian bridges to urban areas: Downtown camping options connect directly to city attractions. "You can take a walking bridge across the river directly into downtown Little Rock," notes a camper at Downtown Riverside RV Park.
Well-maintained shower facilities: While not all campgrounds offer showers, some provide exceptional bathroom amenities. "The shower rooms are large and stone tiled," reports a visitor to Catherine's Landing, though they noted some ceiling maintenance was needed during their stay.
Dog parks for pet owners: Several campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated areas. "Loved the dog park! We are just starting to travel with our 2 boxers and was so nice to have an area for them to run a bit," says a visitor to Hot Springs National Park KOA.
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: Many popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "The park was opening back up slowly with COVID-19 closing many of the facilities, but it was almost back to 'normal'...A loop stays booked 93% of the year - Park Office. It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop," advises a camper at Petit Jean State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require equipment for leveling RVs and trailers. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," warns another Petit Jean State Park visitor.
Wildlife considerations: Snake encounters occur at some locations near water. "We encountered lots of snakes. I shooed a few off the road and they disappeared as soon as they slithered into the grass, so to me it's pretty risky walking around or letting kids play in the grass," cautions a visitor to Willow Beach.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across camping areas. "The cell service was minimal (1 bar) but a cell booster gave us full service," reports a visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Ropes courses and zip lines: Adventure activities appeal to older children. "The climbing and ropes course is enormous and will make any kid's jaw drop in disbelief. There's an affiliated zip line just outside of the park," explains a visitor to Catherine's Landing.
Fishing opportunities for kids: Several locations offer accessible fishing for beginners. "D26 Back-in full hook-ups, fire ring & picnic table...Sits on the bank of the Arkansas River so fishing and water sports are available from the bank or boat," notes a visitor at Hot Springs National Park KOA.
Wildlife spotting: Waterfowl and other animals attract younger campers. "Sites are very well spaced and you can take your chairs to the river or use the picnic benches scattered along the river full of waterfowl and occasional boaters and huge barges," shares a visitor to Maumelle Park.
Playground quality: Facility amenities vary significantly between locations. "Nice playground but it was taped off during our stay due to covid," reports a Willow Beach visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current status.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers recommend specific areas for maximum comfort. "If we return, I'd choose a river site but this was nice too except our 34 ft class A FDDS opened right onto a silty patch that forced us to navigate our entry into our motorhome," advises a visitor to Maumelle Park.
Hookup configurations: Be prepared for unusual utility layouts at some campgrounds. "Some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. It's purely inconvenient and I'm not sure why this is this way. Pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos," warns a Petit Jean State Park visitor.
Pull-through availability: Larger rigs benefit from specific site types at Willow Beach. "Large sites, not piled in on each other like RV parks. It's a clean campground outside the city, can't beat it for the price. Waterfront. Covered picnic benches. 50amp + water," shares one RVer.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "NO SEWER (EXCEPT FOR SITES 47 & 48)," notes a Petit Jean visitor, highlighting the importance of planning for waste management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV parks in Benton, Arkansas offer full hookups?
What RV parks in Benton, Arkansas offer full hookups?
Sweet Escape RV Resort in nearby Austin provides full hookups along with amenities including a large dog park and fishing opportunities. It's conveniently located near Highway 167 with easy access to Benton. Downtown Riverside RV Park offers full hookups with an excellent location along the Arkansas River Trail, providing easy access to Little Rock attractions like the Clinton Presidential Library and downtown restaurants. For those willing to drive a bit further, Little Rock North KOA and Hot Springs National Park KOA also offer full hookup sites with additional resort-style amenities.
What are the best campgrounds near Benton, Arkansas?
What are the best campgrounds near Benton, Arkansas?
The Benton area offers several excellent camping options. Caddo Drive - De Gray Lake is a clean Army Corps of Engineers site on a beautiful peninsula overlooking the lake with separate areas for tents and RVs, hot showers, and a swimming beach. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park provides a unique opportunity to camp near the historic downtown area with easy access to the park's attractions. Other notable options include Petit Jean State Park for its scenic viewpoints and Lake Catherine State Park for a more intimate camping experience.
What camping is available near Benton, AR?
What camping is available near Benton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Benton, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 173 campgrounds and RV parks near Benton, AR and 31 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Benton, AR?
Which is the most popular campground near Benton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Benton, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Benton, AR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Benton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Benton, AR.
What parks are near Benton, AR?
What parks are near Benton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Benton, AR that allow camping, notably Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam and Arkansas River - Pool 5.
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