Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites sits in a narrow valley within the Ozark Mountains at approximately 1,260 feet elevation. The camping areas connect to extensive trail networks including the Back 40 and Slaughter Pen mountain biking systems. Fall temperatures typically range from 40-70°F while summer months often exceed 90°F with high humidity, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Mountain biking access: The campground connects directly to Back 40 and Slaughter Pen trail systems, offering miles of purpose-built mountain biking routes. According to one camper at Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites, "This is your basic parking lot campground. Your site is all cement with full hook ups and a picnic table. No green areas to call your own, BUT you have incredible instant access to the trailhead of many singletrack bike and hiking trails."
Bird watching: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal bird watching conditions in the wooded areas around campsites. "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," notes a visitor. "There are great hiking trails in wooded hills on either side of the campground."
Creek exploration: A clear creek runs through the property with small waterfall areas. At Prairie Creek Campground, "Campsites come with various services so check yours to ensure you have what you need. Some have no services, some with electric only, all the way up to full services. Those near the water seem to have short pads and electric only."
What campers like
Tent site layout: Tent-only areas typically offer more privacy and space than RV sections. One camper at Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground shares, "Found this gem tucked away in Northwest Arkansas. Corps of Engineers Campground. Very well-maintained. Gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites. Several bathhouses. Some with vault toilets but some with flush toilets and showers."
Year-round facilities: Most sites remain open throughout the year with heated bathroom facilities. At Lost Bridge North, "The campsites are clean and level. Camped with a few disabled campers, and the sites were very accessible. You can camp right on the water and the views are beautiful."
Proximity to town: The convenience of being near Bentonville while feeling remote appeals to many campers. "This campground is easy to get to and only 25 minutes to Bentonville and 10 minutes to Rogers. Plenty of Walmarts here since this is where they started. The sites at the campground are nicely spaced apart."
What you should know
Limited water access at certain sites: Not all sites have individual water connections. At Rocky Branch Campground, "There are no full hookups maybe shared water but no sewer hookups. The lower camp sites are on the water so you have easy access to the water. Most sites are big enough for 30+ foot RVs."
Site leveling challenges: Pack additional leveling blocks for RV sites. "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads. We are planning to return but definitely not in the same spots we had."
Reservation timing: Peak season weekends often fill months in advance, particularly for waterfront sites. "Reserved spots here solely because of availability for Memorial Day weekend. Basically every spot has water hookup EXCEPT the spots in the loop we were in."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Multiple lake access points offer swimming opportunities from May through September. At Natural Falls State Park Campground, "We came up with our 2 and 3 year old and had a fantastic time! We stayed 2 nights in the tent area and loved it, it was very clean, and easy to set up at, people were friendly as well!"
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds include playground equipment for children. "We brought our grandkids out for a weekend and stayed in one of the larger spaces with a deck and gas grill. They have had a blast. From swimming in the pool to shooting hoops and climbing in the playgrounds they have had plenty to do."
Halloween camping event: The last Saturday in October features campsite decoration and trick-or-treating. "Last Saturday weekend in October people decorate their sites and kids trick or treat the campers."
Tips from RVers
Power management: Some sites experience low voltage issues during peak summer usage. "Power at our site had low voltage so the AC wouldn't run correctly. Probably a better destination when it is cooler and definitely if you wanted water access."
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking. "The best sites are 96 for spaciousness and lake view, 73, 74, & 5 for levelness and easy in and out."
Dump station locations: Note that while many sites lack sewer hookups, most provide centralized dump stations. "Sites have electric but not water so fill your tank before you come. Dump station has easy access."
