Camping options near Benton, Arkansas span across both the Ouachita and Ozark Mountain regions, with elevations ranging from 260 to 500 feet above sea level. Most sites experience humid subtropical climate conditions with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and September. Winter camping remains viable with average lows rarely dropping below 30°F, though seasonal operation schedules vary significantly among campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Willow Beach offers waterfront access along the Arkansas River. "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," notes Justin M. The water hyacinths bloom seasonally, creating additional visual interest for campers.
Crystal mining: Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine provides immediate access to crystal digging. "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don't think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems," according to Justin M. Some campers even find crystals within their campsites.
Urban exploration: Downtown Riverside RV Park connects directly to Little Rock via a pedestrian bridge. "Great location, walkable to downtown. Good WiFi, great reception. Overall, we both thought this was a great and unique campground with full hook ups and a great price. It was nice to be parked in a place that didn't require driving to explore," reports Michelle H.
What campers like
Peaceful river settings: Tar Camp provides direct river views. "So happy to find a site right on the river. We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by. Not many campers here right now so it's quiet," writes Angela G. Sites position directly along the Arkansas River's edge.
Spacious layouts: Willow Beach receives consistent praise for its site spacing. "Campground located on the river with beautiful scenic views. Covered picnic table and tall fire ring. Spacious camps. Flat pad," according to Shiloh M. The campground features well-maintained grounds with level parking areas.
Natural water sounds: J and J RV Park offers creek-side camping with ambient water features. "The creek is nice and you can hear the water flowing over the rocks at night, the proverbial babbling brook," notes Greg D. Wildlife includes nearby turkeys and bullfrogs that can be heard after dark.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Tar Camp operates on a limited schedule. "Great place nice sites good fishing they have been repairing since it flooded they told me it would open up in March 2021," reports Steve S. The park typically remains open from March 1 through October 31.
Wildlife considerations: Willow Beach has notable wildlife presence. "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 because you can't really see snakes if they are hiding under the grass," warns Jennifer C.
Security systems: Willow Beach implements nightly gate closures. "They lock a gate every night at the entrance to the campground, however they do give you the code to the padlock," notes Jennifer C. This provides additional security while allowing camper access.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Willow Beach features recreational facilities for children. "Nice playground but it was taped off during our stay due to covid," reports Jennifer C. Under normal operations, the playground provides on-site activities for younger campers.
Urban alternatives: Downtown Riverside RV Park offers family-friendly city access. "Great parking with easy access to Little Rock by walking across the bridge. Good pavilion space for hosting events," according to Kevin A. The riverfront location provides additional outdoor space beyond individual sites.
Crystal hunting activities: Treasure Isle R.V. Park serves as a convenient base for family crystal hunting expeditions. "This is a great RV park... It's convenient to Hot Springs National Park," writes Cheri H. The location provides access to regional attractions while maintaining camping amenities.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Cloud Nine RV Park requires careful navigation on approach. "Be careful on the road in. It's a little bumpy but it evident they do try to maintain it. It also has two turns that you want to take wide," advises Sarah J. The park offers level sites with aggregate surfaces once inside.
Site leveling: Crystal Ridge RV Park varies in pad condition. "The paved areas (including the RV pads) are a bit rough, but ok. Leveling pads were needed for our site," notes Wayne J. Bringing leveling equipment improves setup experience.
Urban parking alternatives: Downtown Riverside RV Park provides concrete stabilization. "Good Sam Campground, Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP), Concrete, level pads, Overlooks the Arkansas River," lists Beth R. The park does not include individual fire pits or picnic tables at sites.
