The Ozark Plateau near Bentonville offers diverse camping terrain at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the region experience a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. The area's characteristic limestone geology creates unique camping environments with natural springs and clear creeks running through several sites.
What to do
Fishing at beaver lake: Lost Bridge North campground provides direct access to some of Beaver Lake's best fishing spots. "Quiet and clean! Right on Beaver Lake. Great hiking trail near by and facilities were clean," reports Bianca at Lost Bridge North.
Disc golf courses: Natural Falls State Park offers an extensive disc golf course. "The park has probably the longest disc golf course I've ever seen," notes Richard in his review of Natural Falls State Park Campground, making it perfect for campers looking to combine outdoor recreation with camping.
Explore historical sites: War Eagle Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby historical areas. "Historic area in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. Spots have shade, fire rings, and a river close by to play in. We used this spot as a base camp to hike in Hobbs State Park," writes Tom K. about camping at War Eagle.
What campers like
Accessibility to crystal bridges museum: Prairie Creek campground provides convenient access to cultural attractions. "Came to the area to visit Crystal Bridges Museum. The campground is easy to get to and only 25 minutes to Bentonville and 10 minutes to Rogers," shares Stacey in her review of COE Beaver Lake Prairie Creek Campground.
Secluded tent camping: Horseshoe Bend offers tent sites away from RV areas. "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," reports Mary D. at Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground.
Privacy between sites: War Eagle Campground provides more separation between campsites than other local options. "There only 26 sites in this whole campground. All of them had ample shade but site #2. Sites #1 - #5 are at the top of the hill and pretty level, all other sites are at various locations on the hill," explains Heidi S.
What you should know
Water hookup limitations: Not all sites provide water connections. "No water hookups at the site (if you need to fill your tank the water next to vault toilet by the lake is the most flat) but 30 amp hook up made it very comfortable," advises Megan B. about Lost Bridge North.
Seasonal facility closures: Some facilities close during off-peak months. "Bathrooms were locked for the season, I presume. Starlink worked well on our site (13)," reports Jody D. about wintertime camping at Lost Bridge North.
Variable site leveling: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites. "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. about Prairie Creek (AR).
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Horseshoe Bend offers designated swimming beaches for families. "Swimming area was very spacious. Nice playground for kids. (Closed currently due to COVID.) Dump station has easy access," notes Mary D.
Waterfall exploration: Natural Falls has accessible viewing areas for children. "Of course, the best part of the park is the 77 foot tall waterfall. The hike to the bottom is fairly steep but there is a sidewalk that takes you to an overlook at the top," explains Richard.
Halloween festivities: Some campgrounds host special seasonal events for children. "Last Saturday weekend in October people decorate there sites and kids trick or treat the campers," shares Susan C. about Horseshoe Bend Rec Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: The Creeks Golf & RV Resort accommodates only larger vehicles. "The sites are all paved and have full hookups, no tent camping or motorhomes under 25'. Not much shade, but if you want to golf the course looks good," advises Paul F. about The Creeks Golf & RV Resort.
Winter camping considerations: Prepare for cold weather if camping during winter months. "We were not prepared for below-freezing conditions so we had to gear up to keep the water lines from freezing," shares Brian C. about winter camping at The Creeks Golf & RV Resort.
RV site guidance: Select appropriate sites based on RV size and access needs. "Spaces 33 through 43 I would recommend only if you have a small bumper pull that is maybe less than 21 feet long or a class A or class C that's probably less than 25 feet long," advises Lisa M. at Hickory Creek, adding "We had to back our 30 foot fifth wheel down about 100 foot hill around the corner to get into the space."
