Beaver Lake forms the centerpiece of camping options around Bentonville, Arkansas with elevations ranging from 1,120 to 1,300 feet throughout the camping areas. Most campgrounds in this area operate on a reservation system through recreation.gov, with prices typically ranging from $16-28 per night depending on hookups and location. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and August, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons.
What to do
Disc golf at Natural Falls: The 18-hole disc golf course at Natural Falls State Park Campground offers a challenging layout through wooded terrain just across the Oklahoma border. "The park has probably the longest disc golf course I've ever seen," notes Richard, who also mentions the 4.5 miles of hiking trails available.
Mountain biking from camp: Cyclists can access trails directly from The Campground at Coler, which connects to Bentonville's renowned mountain bike network. "Stayed in one of the van spots with my GCF camper and it worked out really well... Easy to access fresh water, dish cleaning area, bike wash, Ebike chargers...they really put alot of thought into this place," reports Ted A., who appreciates the thoughtful amenities for riders.
Jumping bluff at War Eagle: For water recreation beyond swimming, War Eagle Campground offers a natural feature popular with locals. "Great views, peaceful, epic jumping bluff into the water, fantastic people, awesome marina!!" writes Nick P., highlighting this less crowded alternative to other Beaver Lake locations.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: At Coler Campground, the bathroom amenities consistently receive high praise. "The bathrooms are extremely well kept and air conditioned so you don't have to worry about staying sweaty after you shower," notes Drea R., adding that the $15/night rate feels like an exceptional value given the quality of facilities.
Privacy between tent sites: Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites offers a segregated camping arrangement that appeals to tent campers. "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 Annie C., who recommends securing a site on the creek side for the best experience.
Spacious Corps of Engineers sites: Prairie Creek (AR) offers larger campsites typical of Corps of Engineers properties. "Spacious sites surrounded by tall oaks & plenty of wildlife. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire pit, stove table & lantern hook," reports Kristi A., highlighting the variety of sites including multi-family options.
What you should know
No water hookups at many sites: Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground typifies a common limitation in the area. "Sites have electric but not water so fill your tank before you come," advises Mary D., who recommends bringing extra hose length if you need to reach distant water sources.
Unlevel campsites: Many Beaver Lake campgrounds feature sloped sites that require preparation. "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads," warns Mandi R. at COE Beaver Lake Prairie Creek Campground.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the area. At Hickory Creek, Chris M. notes "Good service with Verizon" but service with other carriers may be spotty, particularly in more remote campgrounds with significant tree cover or in deeper valleys.
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: The fish hatchery at Roaring River State Park Campground provides a learning experience for children. "You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river," explains Wendy M., noting the park also features "a cave you can walk in where you'll find a pool of water that goes for miles underground."
Halloween camping event: Corps of Engineers campgrounds host seasonal activities for children. At Horseshoe Bend, Susan C. shares that "Last Saturday weekend in October people decorate there sites and kids trick or treat the campers," making it a popular weekend for families.
Accessibility options: For families with mobility concerns, Natural Falls offers good options. "You can take your wheelchair on some of the trails and look at the Falls. The road is paved and each site has cement pad. So if you have a special needs person with you they can get around with no prob," notes Cheryl T.
Tips from RVers
Campground location considerations: When selecting a campsite near Bentonville, Arkansas, consider proximity to town. "Close to Rogers, Arkansas if you need any supplies. I used it as a gateway to head in to the Ozark National Forest which is about 1.5 hours away," advises Jim H. about War Eagle Campground.
Electric post placement: Electric hookup locations can present challenges. At War Eagle Campground, Heidi S. shares: "the electric at our site was way in front of the campter, about the distance of the front, right bumper of our truck. We had to go by a $50 extension cord to even hook up to the electric," suggesting RVers should bring extension cords.
RV age restrictions: For those with older rigs, The Creeks Golf & RV Resort has specific policies. "They have a 10-year rule for RV's that can be waived if your rig is in good condition," explains TJ W., who recommends this option for both full-timers and shorter stays.
