Top Tent Camping near Bismarck, AR
Looking for tent camping near Bismarck? Find the best tent camping sites near Bismarck. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Arkansas camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Bismarck, AR (35)
1. Hickory Nut Mountain
11 Reviews•46 Photos•269 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
4 Reviews•18 Photos•10 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
3. Point Cedar
1 Review•3 Photos•4 Saves- Tents
- Toilets
4. Erwin Estate High Point
1 Review•3 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$80 - $100 / night
5. Bear Creek
3 Reviews•27 Photos•13 Saves$8 from March 1 - October 31st, $0 from November 1 - February 28
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
7. Irons Fork Primitive Camping
2 Reviews•6 Photos•19 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
8. Albert Pike Recreation Area
6 Reviews•33 Photos•69 SavesCAMPGROUND CLOSED INDEFINITELY Nestled in the forested splendor of the rugged Ouachita Mountains, this recreation area is located in the southern portion of the national forest. Visitors are invited to hike the nature trail or experience the excitement of a canoe trip on the Little Missouri River.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
9. Iron Springs
2 Reviews•10 Photos•17 SavesWooded roadside setting on stream near historic springs.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Cedar Glades Park
1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Bismarck
665 Reviews of 35 Bismarck Campgrounds
- C
Chris A.
Guide
Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
Great State Park
Lots of Space, Shade, and access to mountain bike trails and downtown hot springs
Twyana S.Guide
Bear Creek
Primitive beauty
This park is a wooded area beside a lake. Campsites have a picnic table & grill. No electricity or water. No concrete parking pads. However almost all sites have a view of the lake. Beautiful views. Two pit toilets were clean & smelled ok.
Alice S.
Legend
COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground
Wooded With View of Lake
This site was difficult to find. It is listed on the highway with a sign but on GPS it wasn't listed. The proper address is 4101 US-70, Kirby, AR 71950.
You book through recreation.gov but it is actually listed under Self Creek campgrounds. When booking just lok for sites listed on LOOP JW.
This is a good site for tents, campervans, and smaller rvs. There are sites for larger rvs but not many. It may be difficult to find a level spot if you're in a larger vehicle. There is only one site directly on the water. The remainder are on the wooded hill but still have a beautiful view of the lake.
The bathhouse has flush toilets and showers but is very old. They maintain it well and it is cleaned regularly. The toilets are perfectly fine but the showers are just old and a bit icky. I would suggest for showers going to the Daisy State Park. They have newer and nicer showers.
- Twyana S.Guide
COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground
Unable to Locate
The GPS coordinates are wrong for this one but I couldn't locate the correct site. Tookus down a gravel road that wasn't bad until it turned to mud.
- Twyana S.Guide
Self Creek
Lots of Choices
Large campground with lots of different areas to camp. They have sites in the woods, next to the water, and out in the open.
The bathrooms were clean and well maintained.
- Twyana S.Guide
COE Lake Greeson Star of the West
Arkansas Beauty
Amazingly beautiful and cheap. Bathrooms are vault toilets. They smell bad but the room is clean.
- Alice S.Legend
Daisy State Park Campground
Very Nice but Busy
They have a lot of campgrounds but most are very close. Not a bad thing for those social butterflies but a little tighter than I like. Their bathrooms and showers are really nice. Clean and spacious.
It's definitely worth a visit but make sure to book well in advance. They sell out quick.
- Alice S.Legend
COE Lake Greeson Star of the West
Good Location But Better Options Available
The price here is now $10 per day but if you have America the Beautiful Pass it's half price.
Couple downsides are that the bathrooms are pit style bathrooms and kind of nasty and unless you snag one of the sites far back in the woods you are pretty close to the highway so some noise.
It is my understanding that they are scheduled to update the bathrooms in the next year or two but until then I'd definitely suggest going to Arrowhead Point. It's right down the road, same price, quieter, and nicer bathrooms.
- Alice S.Legend
Arrowhead Point — Lake Greeson
Affordable and Comfortable
This location is right on the lake with quite a few camp sites available. The only down side is they have only one site available with electric and hookups. Everything else had no electric or hookups.
The electric site is $22 and all the rest are $10. If you have a senior pass they are half off though. It's first come first serve.
A nice boat ramp is on site as well as a swimming beach. The beach isn't really big and I visited in October so not sure how nice it is or deep but still a good option to have.
The bathroom has flush toilets and are decently clean. No showers but the state park right down the road has showers you can use for free.
Overall, I really like this place. It's quiet and peaceful. And most important, doesn't hurt my pocketbook too bad.
- Alice S.Legend
FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed
Super Simple But Has Signal
WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.
The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.
Susan L.LegendDaisy State Park Campground
Definitely worth a stay!
I never start a review like this, but this park had the cleanest bath house/restrooms I've ever experienced! 2 stalls in the shower in this loop and they each had a clean shower curtain, a bench, hooks to hang stuff. Immaculate. Better than some hotels!
Stayed in site 104 in the loop by the boat ramp. Nice shade and long parking pad. Sense of privacy. The sites that back to the cove had terraced areas, so if stairs aren't good for you then skip, but the arrangement made for a large area to spread out relax. This site had an additional parking pad next to it that was right next to the tent pad. Handy for ent campers to unload or boaters for boat, plus there were extra parking spots in the cul-de-sac leading down to the boat ramp.
The lake is sometimes smooth as glass. Kayaks for rent and this is a must do. Visitor center was being remodeled at the time of visit. 2 short hiking trails. Great state park!
- Susan L.Legend
Tompkins Bend
COE Lake Ouachita camping
I tend to like COE campgrounds. However, this one was a different experience for me. It's laid out in a way that it seemed like there was no space between sites and no berms or green cover to give the feeling of some privacy. The site next to me parked their truck about 10 feet from my site on the dirt between us. Boats on trailers are parked in between sites on diagonal or however to make them fit.
Narrow, windy road into park is nicely paved. Nicely shaded, almost level gravel/asphalt site (not very wide with a tree on one side that would obstruct a rig with slide, awning side is tight too) with picnic bench, fire ring, lantern pole and BBQ.
Also, the lake is very low right now. I was told that the state is drawing down the lake for hydro power and because there hasn't been any rain in awhile it's starting to show. It was fun to walk the lake bed and look for rocks and minerals that are usually covered by water. Not much else to do if here if you don't have a boat. Otherwise, a nice place to sleep while visiting the area.
Lindsey M.
Traveler
Hot Springs Offroad Park
Cheap, Convenient, & Fun!
Car camped at tent site to visit HSNP and trail ride. Staff were plentiful and friendly. My only issues were noise from a fast road near my site, walking distance from sites to restrooms, and most sites seemed quite tight for SUVs/trucks to park within. Even so, I highly recommend checking out this place. I really enjoyed my nights here and hours in the woods!
.! E !.Guide
Hot Springs National Park KOA
Perfect!
The tent site was perfect! With fire pit, power, and water. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean.
- WWendy M.Traveler
Edgewood
Sites 21-24 are very close together
We stayed in tent site 22 for a weekend camping trip. You can’t tell by looking at the Recreation.gov reservation site but tent pad 22 is one of 4 in a grouping of tent sites. 21-24 are so close together. If you are with friends or a large family group then it would be ideal but if don’t want people right on top of you then pick another site. Thankfully, we had some cool neighbors but it was a very noisy and bright spot to camp. Also, your neighbors have to walk through your campsite to get to either of the two water spickets that serve all 4 campsites. There is no where to park your boat unless you rent an RV spot and there is no boat ramp in the camp ground. All of the spots were very shady and cool. We had a good time but we wanted to warn others so you know what you are getting into.
- Arthur S.Traveler
Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
Nice weekend
Didn’t have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person. Bring a chair if you want a comfortable seat, also hard to find decent wood to burn, had to walk a bit to find. Not many cars drive down the road, saw some people hiking, also Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp. All in all though it is good to be with nature and I’d go back to this spot or find another one on the road. I didn’t go very far down the road have more to explore!
Jennifer H.Legend
Catherine's Landing
Great amenities & nice sites
We had an overnight here after visiting the hot springs national park. The euro delights food truck was a tasty treat. Loved that the pool was open until 10pm just wish the store was open past 5. Great sites. Full hook ups. Paved roads perfect for scootering.
Wayne J.Traveler
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Great full hookup campground
I keep coming back here to dig for diamonds. There are cheaper campgrounds in the area, but the State Park grounds are top notch. Very level camper pads, stable power and water and everything is well maintained. There are multiple bath “houses” — single shower room style privacy, not a large room with curtains. A playground in the sites for kids to play on also.
The only downsides that come to mind are the iffy WiFi (the reservation system is pretty accurate on which sites have “good” WiFi and which do not) that is decent for casual web browsing but not likely to be streaming possible. And then a mixed pro/com is that satellite connections (direct or Starlink) is going to be rough due to the wooded aspect of the sites — although the trees do help keep the camper cooler. 🤷🏻♂️
- BBob L.
ScoutCatherine's Landing
No WiFi
Beautiful RV Camp . Checks all the boxes . Serious Problem is Very Poor WiFi .
Fred S.Legend
FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
Convenient Dispersed Camping 2 Miles from Lake Sylvia
Large dispersed campsite located 2 miles west of Lake Sylvia State Park, where Forest Road 152 meets Forest Road 132. Clean site with one rock fire ring. Can fit a couple of vehicles. Because of the position of the trees on the site, maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger. Tent camping is possible. This is a level dirt site with some embedded rocks jutting up. Nice wooded area around site to stroll through. Seasonal track FR132C is adjacent to the site; this track is hikeable. Since the site is at the intersection of popular forest roads, there will be vehicles driving by. The site is set back enough that dust may not be a concern. No T-Mobile cell service. This is convenient, pretty campsite.
- Wayne J.Traveler
Crystal Ridge RV Park
Quiet grounds and perfect for a trip for crystal digging
The campground is on the small side, but with a nice shower area and coin laundry. The paved areas (including the Rv pads) are a bit rough, but ok. Leveling pads were needed for our site . Lots of crystals just laying around also. Something out of the control of the campground, but the Oakworms were crazy. That’s not rain you hear falling from the trees! lol Stay under the awning.
- Fred S.Legend
FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
Overnight Dispersed Site
Coordinates: 34.85431, -92.88115. Small dispersed campsite in the woods just off of Forest Road 132. Close to the forest road; easy access. There is a clean rock fire ring. Good campsite for a quick overnight stay. The surface of the site is dirt with a little bit of pea gravel. This site is only big enough for one rig, truck camper and smaller size. Pitching a tent is possible in a small clearing to the left of the rock fire ring. Slight downward slope but not bad. Shaded in summer. Nice wooded area. No T-Mobile cell service. There are no hiking trails nearby or remarkable natural features here, but the forest at this site is pretty. This is a nice site in the autumn.
- Wayne J.Traveler
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Great little state park campground
This is a quiet campground with plenty of shaded and nearly perfectly level pull ins. Power is consistent. Water pressure fluctuates from good to high — regulator necessary. Wifi is spotty, but the reservation center is pretty accurate on strength of WiFi at various sites. The site we are in right now, WiFi is sketchy.
In cool weather, a walk to the diamond field would be fine. In hot weather, no way.
- Fred S.Legend
FR132 Wilderness Boundary Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
Easy Access to Ouachita Trail
Coordinates: 34.84128, -92.96055. This is basically a pull-in parking space along Forest Road 132. The forest road is in good condition. The dispersed site is small and close to road; the forest road may be busy at times, possibly kicking up dust. Easy pull-in from the forest road. The site is right on the Flatside Wilderness Area boundary. An old track at the back of the site leads you into the wilderness area and to the Ouachita Trail. It is a level site with a rock fire ring. The parking spot is large enough for a truck camper; plenty of room for my camper van. Spotty T-Mobile cell service. This is not an attractive dispersed site, but it offers easy access into the beautiful wilderness area and to the Ouachita Trail.
- Fred S.Legend
FR132-Grindstone Rd Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
Nice semi-private dispersed campsite near Ouachita Trail
Coordinates: 34.84175, -92.97123. Good dispersed site set back from Forest Road 132. The site is located at the corner of FR132 and Grindstone Rd (Y47A). Grindstone Rd is closed to all vehicles at this time, but it is hikeable. The Flatside Wilderness Area is accross FR132 from this dispersed site; easy access to the Ouachita Trail. The site has room for one rig. Access into the site from the forest road is a little eroded; non-high clearence vehicles may scrape. Access into the site beside the rock fire ring is tight. Best for rigs smaller than truck camper. The site is not quite level; some leveling may be required. Clean site with a clean rock fire ring. The area surrounding the site is wooded; plenty of shade in summer. Surrounded by beautiful forest; easy to explore. Tent camping is possible; the surface is not too rocky. I had sporadic T-Mobile cell service. I am looking forward to retrurning here, especially in the fall, early spring and winter.
- Fred S.Legend
Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
Fantastic View
Near Oak Mtn Vista overlook. Great spot; fantastic unobstructed view of the hills to the south. Some shade in the summer. Fantastic view during the winter season. Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs - truck camper & smaller. Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping. Close to road, which can get busy at times. Nice rock fire ring. Clean site. T-Mobile cell service.
- Fred S.Legend
Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest
Good Overnight Dispersed Campsite
Small drive up site in a nice, wooded area. Very close to Forest Road 124, which is not busy. A few sections of this forest road coming from Trail 86 has minor erosion, but a 2WD passenger vehicle can carefully make it. The campsite slopes down slightly; some leveling may be required. Rock fire ring. Although close to the forest road, this is a pretty site. Good for an overnight stay while exlporing the forest. No T-Mobile cell service.
Guide to Bismarck
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.
What to do:
- Fishing and Swimming: Many campers enjoy fishing right off the docks at Lake Catherine State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off."
- Hiking: Explore the trails at Gulpha Gorge Campground. A reviewer noted, "If you enjoy hiking, this is an excellent location."
- Water Sports: At Lake Ouachita State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks and enjoy the clear waters. One camper shared, "The marina has kayak rentals and also canoes, boat rides, pedal boats, etc."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Gulpha Gorge Campground said, "Cleanest shower house I've ever seen."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, private sites. A reviewer at Denby Point mentioned, "The site is HUGE!! You can’t hardly even see your neighbors."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One guest at Catherine's Landing said, "The staff was friendly and helpful, making our stay even better."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gulpha Gorge Campground, do not have showers. A visitor noted, "Clean restrooms, no showers."
- Wildlife: Expect to see various wildlife, but be cautious. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, "The crows are relentless and even took a bag of sealed tortilla chips."
- Booking Ahead: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at DeGray Lake Resort State Park advised, "This place is really popular in summer time, so expect to book a year in advance."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One family at Daisy State Park Campground enjoyed, "The park offers a lot of shade and was very well kept. We saw lots of deer and other wildlife."
- Plan for Meals: Bring snacks and plan meals ahead of time. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store had decent wood for sale."
- Safety First: Keep an eye on younger kids near water. A camper at Catherine's Landing noted, "Plenty of room for the kids to play behind our water site."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Accessibility: Some sites can be tricky to navigate. A reviewer at Denby Point said, "Only problem is some sites are hard to get to."
- Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground appreciated, "Very level camper pads, stable power and water."
- WiFi Availability: If you need internet access, check reviews for WiFi quality. A camper at Catherine's Landing mentioned, "Serious Problem is Very Poor WiFi."
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bismarck, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bismarck, AR is Hickory Nut Mountain with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bismarck, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Bismarck, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.