Top Tent Camping near Benton, AR

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Benton? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Benton campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Benton, AR (22)

    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park

    1. Petit Jean State Park

    102 Reviews
    609 Photos
    624 Saves

    The campgrounds feature a total of 125 campsites (including 26 pull-through sites). Thirty-five of the sites—the Class AAA sites—have 30 and 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The 90 Class B sites offer 30 amp electrical and water hookups. All sites are reservable. Campsites are divided into four campground areas. Each includes a modern bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Area "A" is near Lake Bailey and include sites along the lakeshore. Areas "B," "C," and "D" are located on the south side of Ark. 154 in wooded settings. Other campsite choices in the main camping area include a 44-unit Rally-style Area with 20 amp electrical service available for camping clubs. A trailer dump station is centrally located near the Rally-style camping area. Petit Jean is Arkansas's only state park with its own airport.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $25 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point

    2. Erwin Estate High Point

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    23 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $80 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    3. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    74 Saves

    If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it. Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains. Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/?cid=fseprd727994

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    4. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    28 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    5. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    3 Reviews
    12 Photos
    62 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs

    6. Iron Springs

    2 Reviews
    10 Photos
    17 Saves

    Wooded roadside setting on stream near historic springs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain

    7. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    46 Photos
    269 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche

    8. South Fourche

    2 Reviews
    20 Photos
    29 Saves

    Convenient roadside picnic area and campground located on Scenic Highway 7 Byway. This campground also provides floating access to the South Fourche River

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake

    9. Ozan Point - De Gray Lake

    4 Reviews
    18 Photos
    10 Saves
    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Tent Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Shirewood
    Camper-submitted photo from Shirewood
    Camper-submitted photo from Shirewood
    Camper-submitted photo from Shirewood
    Camper-submitted photo from Shirewood
    Camper-submitted photo from Shirewood

    10. Shirewood

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    2 Saves

    🌟 Welcome to the Ultimate Solar Eclipse Camping Experience! 🌒

    Get ready for an astronomical adventure at our exclusive hillside campsite with 100 spacious tent spots, offering the perfect front-row seat to the breathtaking April solar eclipse! 🏕️

    Imagine waking up to the sun dipping behind the moon, casting a mesmerizing glow over our hillside retreat. Your eclipse-viewing spot is secured, but that's just the beginning! Enjoy the convenience of porta-potties, unwind in our cozy hammocks, and connect with fellow campers in our vibrant communal areas.

    Bring your furry friends along because pets are more than welcome to join in the celestial celebration! And what's camping without a crackling campfire? Roast marshmallows, create the perfect s'mores, and revel in the magic of the cosmic display above.

    Seize this opportunity to make memories under the stars and witness the solar eclipse like never before. Book your spot now for an out-of-this-world camping experience! 🌌✨

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $125 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Benton

708 Reviews of 22 Benton Campgrounds


  • Jeff P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park

    Our new favorite camping grounds

    This state park is one of the hardest to book a camping site for a last-minute camping trip. After we finally secure our spot, it’s easy to see why it’s so hard to secure at a moment's notice.

    Please be sure to visit the Petite Jean Coffeehouse which is located before the entrance to the park.

  • Brian G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park

    Wonderful place!!

    We had a great weekend at Petit Jean. The hiking was great and the campsite is beyond beautiful. There is also a nice coffee shop that is conveniently close to the campsites.

  • Rick T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow Beach
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Willow Beach

    Nice

    The site we had was level with a view to the river. The bathrooms and grounds were"military" clean and maintained. Area Code My only issue was the lack of staff. The place runs itself, apparently. There was no staff on site, not even the camp hosts.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed
    Oct. 14, 2024

    FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed

    Super Simple But Has Signal

    WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.

    The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tar Camp
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Tar Camp

    Great find, newly renovated

    We came in very late and found someone fishing in our campsite!🤣 Love these properties for arrival convenience and ease of booking. A mostly clean bathrooms and shower house.

  • Lindsey M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Offroad Park
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Hot Springs Offroad Park

    Cheap, Convenient, & Fun!

    Car camped at tent site to visit HSNP and trail ride. Staff were plentiful and friendly. My only issues were noise from a fast road near my site, walking distance from sites to restrooms, and most sites seemed quite tight for SUVs/trucks to park within. Even so, I highly recommend checking out this place. I really enjoyed my nights here and hours in the woods!

  • Nick N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park

    The trail was okay, but they need to do better.

    The trail was okay, but showing signs that it wasn't being maintained properly anymore. From litter found all along the trail to parts of the trail not being maintained. Even some of the stones placed to make walkways are coming out of place. 

    But inside was worse...

    The old white lady working the giftshop was absolutely horrible. While we were still shopping, this woman embarrassed us asking loudly çare yall planning to pay for that, while we were looking at the stuffed animals, and making us look like shoplifters. I absolutely recommend against spending a single dollar at that store, and I've previously spent decent amount of money there, but no more. I recommend avoiding the main building entirely, and that will me my recommendation until they fix this problem

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Edgewood
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Edgewood

    Sites 21-24 are very close together

    We stayed in tent site 22 for a weekend camping trip. You can’t tell by looking at the Recreation.gov reservation site but tent pad 22 is one of 4 in a grouping of tent sites. 21-24 are so close together. If you are with friends or a large family group then it would be ideal but if don’t want people right on top of you then pick another site. Thankfully, we had some cool neighbors but it was a very noisy and bright spot to camp. Also, your neighbors have to walk through your campsite to get to either of the two water spickets that serve all 4 campsites. There is no where to park your boat unless you rent an RV spot and there is no boat ramp in the camp ground. All of the spots were very shady and cool. We had a good time but we wanted to warn others so you know what you are getting into.

  • Arthur S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    Nice weekend

    Didn’t have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person. Bring a chair if you want a comfortable seat, also hard to find decent wood to burn, had to walk a bit to find. Not many cars drive down the road, saw some people hiking, also Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp. All in all though it is good to be with nature and I’d go back to this spot or find another one on the road. I didn’t go very far down the road have more to explore!

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Catherine's Landing

    Great amenities & nice sites

    We had an overnight here after visiting the hot springs national park. The euro delights food truck was a tasty treat. Loved that the pool was open until 10pm just wish the store was open past 5. Great sites. Full hook ups. Paved roads perfect for scootering.

  • Карина К.
    Camper-submitted photo from Toad Suck
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Toad Suck

    good

    Excellent job on this post! Your analysis is thorough and very helpful blob opera. I appreciate the effort you put into sharing this valuable information. Thanks for contributing!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Jun. 23, 2024

    FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Convenient Dispersed Camping 2 Miles from Lake Sylvia

    Large dispersed campsite located 2 miles west of Lake Sylvia State Park, where Forest Road 152 meets Forest Road 132. Clean site with one rock fire ring. Can fit a couple of vehicles. Because of the position of the trees on the site, maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger. Tent camping is possible. This is a level dirt site with some embedded rocks jutting up. Nice wooded area around site to stroll through. Seasonal track FR132C is adjacent to the site; this track is hikeable. Since the site is at the intersection of popular forest roads, there will be vehicles driving by. The site is set back enough that dust may not be a concern. No T-Mobile cell service. This is convenient, pretty campsite.

  • Wayne J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Ridge RV Park
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Crystal Ridge RV Park

    Quiet grounds and perfect for a trip for crystal digging

    The campground is on the small side, but with a nice shower area and coin laundry. The paved areas (including the Rv pads) are a bit rough, but ok. Leveling pads were needed for our site . Lots of crystals just laying around also. Something out of the control of the campground, but the Oakworms were crazy. That’s not rain you hear falling from the trees! lol Stay under the awning.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Jun. 22, 2024

    FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Overnight Dispersed Site

    Coordinates: 34.85431, -92.88115. Small dispersed campsite in the woods just off of Forest Road 132. Close to the forest road; easy access. There is a clean rock fire ring. Good campsite for a quick overnight stay. The surface of the site is dirt with a little bit of pea gravel. This site is only big enough for one rig, truck camper and smaller size. Pitching a tent is possible in a small clearing to the left of the rock fire ring. Slight downward slope but not bad. Shaded in summer. Nice wooded area. No T-Mobile cell service. There are no hiking trails nearby or remarkable natural features here, but the forest at this site is pretty. This is a nice site in the autumn.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Wilderness Boundary Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Jun. 20, 2024

    FR132 Wilderness Boundary Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Easy Access to Ouachita Trail

    Coordinates: 34.84128, -92.96055. This is basically a pull-in parking space along Forest Road 132. The forest road is in good condition. The dispersed site is small and close to road; the forest road may be busy at times, possibly kicking up dust. Easy pull-in from the forest road. The site is right on the Flatside Wilderness Area boundary. An old track at the back of the site leads you into the wilderness area and to the Ouachita Trail. It is a level site with a rock fire ring. The parking spot is large enough for a truck camper; plenty of room for my camper van. Spotty T-Mobile cell service. This is not an attractive dispersed site, but it offers easy access into the beautiful wilderness area and to the Ouachita Trail.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132-Grindstone Rd Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Jun. 19, 2024

    FR132-Grindstone Rd Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Nice semi-private dispersed campsite near Ouachita Trail

    Coordinates: 34.84175, -92.97123.  Good dispersed site set back from Forest Road 132. The site is located at the corner of FR132 and Grindstone Rd (Y47A). Grindstone Rd is closed to all vehicles at this time, but it is hikeable. The Flatside Wilderness Area is accross FR132 from this dispersed site; easy access to the Ouachita Trail. The site has room for one rig. Access into the site from the forest road is a little eroded; non-high clearence vehicles may scrape. Access into the site beside the rock fire ring is tight. Best for rigs smaller than truck camper. The site is not quite level; some leveling may be required. Clean site with a clean rock fire ring. The area surrounding the site is wooded; plenty of shade in summer. Surrounded by beautiful forest; easy to explore. Tent camping is possible; the surface is not too rocky. I had sporadic T-Mobile cell service. I am looking forward to retrurning here, especially in the fall, early spring and winter.

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    Free camp in the trees by drained part of lake

    Thank goodness there is a slight breeze. 90 degrees. Summer swampy area. Picked up a med bag of trash; cans, bottles, and paper. Looks better now. I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning. Doing a cross country from San Francisco to Pennsylvania.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest

    Fantastic View

    Near Oak Mtn Vista overlook. Great spot; fantastic unobstructed view of the hills to the south. Some shade in the summer. Fantastic view during the winter season. Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs - truck camper & smaller. Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping. Close to road, which can get busy at times. Nice rock fire ring. Clean site. T-Mobile cell service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest

    Good Overnight Dispersed Campsite

    Small drive up site in a nice, wooded area. Very close to Forest Road 124, which is not busy. A few sections of this forest road coming from Trail 86 has minor erosion, but a 2WD passenger vehicle can carefully make it. The campsite slopes down slightly; some leveling may be required. Rock fire ring. Although close to the forest road, this is a pretty site. Good for an overnight stay while exlporing the forest. No T-Mobile cell service.



Guide to Benton

Camping near Benton, Arkansas, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. At Petit Jean State Park, one visitor shared, “Beautiful campground. Site was not level front to back but plenty of space.”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Catherine State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper noted, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Gulpha Gorge Campground have enjoyed the natural surroundings. One camper mentioned, “National Park campground, sites along the creek are really nice.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms were very good.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Maumelle Park mentioned, “The campsites are pretty spacious for tents with their own fire rings too.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Catherine's Landing said, “The staff were nice, friendly and helpful.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Gulpha Gorge Campground, one camper noted, “Clean restrooms, no showers.”
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground pointed out, “The only downside was the power plant across the lake was weird but also quirky.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “If tent camping, sites 17, 14, 16 have the best views of an overlook.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Catherine's Landing, a reviewer said, “Plenty of room for the kids to ride bicycles and a direct, private access at the campground to Lake Catherine.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Lake Catherine State Park Campground noted, “Bugs were not bad at all.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at DeGray Lake Resort State Park suggested, “There are plenty of trails and just a lot to do.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “Sites 2-7 are adjacent to the road, not desirable.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Catherine's Landing said, “Serious Problem is Very Poor WiFi.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned the nearby highway noise.

Camping around Benton, AR, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Benton, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Benton, AR is Petit Jean State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 102 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Benton, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.