Best Campgrounds near Bentonville, AR
The Ozark Mountains surrounding Bentonville, Arkansas feature a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas primarily centered around Beaver Lake. Corps of Engineers (COE) sites like Prairie Creek and Horseshoe Bend offer lakefront camping with electric hookups, while The Campground at Coler provides a unique experience adjacent to mountain bike trails minutes from downtown. Blowing Springs RV Park in Bella Vista serves as a trailhead to the 44-mile paved trail network connecting to Crystal Bridges Museum. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin options for those seeking additional comfort. The proximity to water recreation and trail systems makes this region particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts looking to balance natural settings with access to Bentonville's cultural attractions.
Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and weekends when lakeside sites fill quickly. Many COE campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though some private facilities remain open year-round. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some campgrounds offering WiFi to compensate for limited connectivity. As one camper noted, "Beautiful facilities, quiet camping in the heart of Coler Mountain Bike Park. Minutes away from downtown Bentonville, feels like it is miles away from the rest of the world." Roads to some campgrounds involve narrow, winding routes through the Ozarks, and campers should stock up on supplies before arrival as grocery options can be limited in more remote areas.
Lakefront sites consistently receive high ratings from visitors, particularly at COE campgrounds where spacing between sites tends to be generous. Campers frequently mention the clean facilities and well-maintained grounds, though site sizes vary considerably with many older campgrounds designed for smaller RVs. The region's camping options serve as excellent base camps for exploring nearby attractions including Crystal Bridges Museum, Hobbs State Park, and War Eagle Mill. As one reviewer at Prairie Creek noted, "We enjoyed the privacy and the view of the marina. Will definitely be staying in one of the smaller, level tent sites every time we go back to Bentonville/Rogers." Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer brings opportunities for swimming and water recreation on Beaver Lake's 500 miles of shoreline.
