The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Bismarck. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Bismarck is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Bismarck, AR. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$15 - $25 / night
"We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."
"Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean! Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat.
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"This weekend we camped at DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Bismarck, Arkansas. We had a blast! DeGray Lake has a lot to offer for groups large and small wanting to get away."
"Great ranger led boat tour of the lake. Lots of nice level sites. Super cool yurts for rent that have the best views! Arkansas has the best State Parks!"
$34 / night
"There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."
"With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."
"Gorgeous setting on pristine Lake Catherine close to historic Hot Springs. I was in lakefront site 123 for one night but would have liked to stay longer."
"The lake was beautiful and very natural. However if you like roughing it and being close to the water, you better have an RV of some sort or you'll miss the good spots."
$14 - $80 / night
"Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."
"This site also backs to the lake which is nice except that people would park their boats on the shore and walk through the site at which I was camped. This was a first for me."
"This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."
"Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping."
$20 / night
"First the location is close to Hot Springs National park, only about 20 minutes away."
"Easy access to this recreation area via I-30. Sites well maintained. A picnic table and fire ring are provided, as well as a lantern post. This rec area also has a boat launch. "
$20 / night
"The Iron Mountain trail system is adjacent to the campground. I love the rustic simplicity of the place. It is older but well maintained and clean. Its such a peaceful and beautiful place."
"This campground is on a tall ridge so there is no walk out to the water. You can view the water from most sites though. We prefer the wooded area."
"Laundry was a bit small especially in a world of social distancing but clean. You have to drive through the entire campground to get to the lower sites."
"The sites are close to each other, but they are stair stepped, so you feel like you have more privacy which was really nice."
$20 / night
"Beautiful location on a peninsula that overlooks the lake. Swimming/beach area away from the campground. Two campgrounds, one for tents only and one for RVs. Bathhouses with hot showers."
"No hiking trails but a nice place to walk. I got to experience a beautiful sunset every night and snow flurries my first morning here."
TravelerWe were excited to finally find a free camp area for our RV and drove into the wild for this one but when we arrived there were lots of people camping out with little space or privacy. Guess it depends on the season. But super beautiful forest and lake!!
ScoutWe’ve been to this RV park a couple of times. Both times there is NOT a working dryer in the laundry facilities. It’s frustrating when you pay for services that don’t exist but is advertised as an amenity.
Also, the sites are run down. Didn’t even bother to rake the old leaves away. We also had to run the water from another site. Our neighbors were complaining about their site not having water either.
Also, I think there should be some sort of discount for the mining if you’re paying for an RV site. It’s $25 a person for the mining of crystals. $35 if you want a mine tour and mining. .
LegendCoordinates: 34.87057,-92.89844. Camped here on April 20, 2025. Located along Brown Creek Road (Forest Road 805), appoximately 1/2 mile west of the Brown Creek Cascade dispersed site and trail head (see separate listing). Large, level site with a dirt surface. Should easily accomadate 2 or 3 rigs and tents. Recommend campervan and smaller rigs. Due to the trees on the site, a truck camper will have a difficult time pulling all the way into the site (although it can park on the access driveway). Easy access from the forest road. The site is clearly visable from the forest road; no privacy, and dust may be an issue during the dry season. Only 6 vehicles passed by during my stay (which was on a Monday evening). There is a large, nicely constructed rock fire ring on the site; other than this, there are no amenities at the site. A small creek is down the hill behind the site; the creek is dry during the dry season. A beautiful wall of trees is across the creek. The site is shaded; solar charging and Starlink connectivity may be difficult. Hammock camping is possible. No T-Mobile cell service. No access to hiking trails at the site; trailheads for Brown Creek Cascade and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail are a short drive away. Loved this site. Peaceful at night. The only sounds came from the birds, the breeze and the creek. Note that due to recent severe Spring storms, portions of Brown Creek Road have some erosion. The rocky surface is moderately rough in places, although a 2WD passenger car can make it if driven carefully through the rough spots. No issues for high clearance 4x4 vehicles.
TravelerThis was such a nice place. Could not believe how clean the bathrooms were at all times.
GuideThey had some recent flooding, not all sites were available. Spot #1 was right at the waters edge. Concrete/stone picnic table, grill, firepit. The trees were perfect size and spacing for a hammock. Right next to the boat ramp. Lots of people fishing. Great for kayaking. Fairly level. No garbage/dumpster on site. Some sketchy pit toilets.
TravelerEasy access- Quiet. Would do again
LegendNice little campground along a stream. Best sites are those along the stream towards the back by the amphitheater (just check the map). Only downside (other than sites are close together) to this campground is there is one men’s shower and one women’s shower and you have to have a code to get in to those areas. However, we were told there wasn’t a shower at all, so we actually found that to be a bonus that they even had one. Just be aware that if you want to use them, you probably need to do so in the afternoon as there’s a wait at any other time. I would definitely recommend this campground if you’re coming to see or visit Hot Springs Arkansas. Hiking trails nearby and you can actually hike into town from the campground if you like.
ScoutThe area is very nice I came here tent camping and I love that there are designated tent spots rather than only trailer spots. There is a large enough area for multiple tents to be placed without issues. One thing to note is when the lake floods the water does come up to some of the tables that are near the edge.
Also there seems to be a bear that likes to roam around. He stayed clear of my tent but was getting into every trash can around camp and created quite a ruckus a few times. I just remote started my truck when he got near the trash cans near my tent and it spooked him a bit to run off.
ScoutA paradise for everyone! The property is so peaceful and quiet. We came with little kids and they explored their hearts out. Along the river there’s a trail and fun places for the kids to play and play. They made a “treehouse” and it was hours worth of fun! Next time I will choose site 286-288 to have the perfect access and view of this play spot. The services and amenities were all extremely nice here!
Camping near Bismarck, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping around Bismarck, AR, is a great way to enjoy nature and spend time with family and friends. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Bismarck, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Bismarck, AR and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bismarck, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Bismarck, AR.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Bismarck, AR that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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