Mount Magazine State Park offers dog-friendly camping options within 43 miles of Boles, Arkansas. The park sits at an elevation of 2,753 feet, making it the highest point in Arkansas with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Camping options near Boles range from developed state park campgrounds with full amenities to dispersed sites in Ouachita National Forest with minimal facilities.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Mount Magazine State Park trails welcome pets and provide scenic mountain views. As Jeremy C. notes, "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids."
Creek exploration: At Shady Lake Campground, families can wade and explore the natural waterways. "There is a picturesque babbling creek that runs by most of the campsites, and we could have spent at least a couple days just exploring up and down the creek," reports Brian.
ATV adventures: Wolfpen ATV Campground serves as headquarters for trail riding. A camper concisely states, "If you coming to Wolf Pen Gap to ride this is your spot."
Climbing activities: Mount Magazine offers rock climbing opportunities with its surrounding bluffs. As one visitor explains, "Magazine is one of the few parks that offers climbers great opportunities to work their skills. The park essentially sits on top of a bluff that is nearly surrounded on all sides by straight rock face."
What campers like
Mountain-top temperatures: During summer months, Mount Magazine State Park Campground provides relief from valley heat. One camper notes, "the temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below."
Disconnected camping: Several campgrounds offer a break from connectivity. At Shady Lake, one camper appreciates that there's "no cell service. You can decide whether that is a good thing or not (I loved it). If you're really desperate, you can drive 5 mins down the road and get a signal."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good bathroom facilities for humans and pets alike. At CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground, a visitor reported, "Bathrooms and showers are spotless. The staff is extremely kind and helpful."
Spacious sites: Shady Lake campers appreciate the room between sites. As one reviewer commented, "The sites are huge," and another mentioned, "Campsites are pretty well spaced for the most part."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Fog and temperature changes can affect mountain driving conditions. A Mount Magazine camper warns, "due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening."
Limited availability: Queen Wilhelmina has restricted tent camping options. As Tom K. observes in his review, "There is a small area to camp with one restroom in the center. It is incredibly crowded to stay in a tent and really should just be considered for a drop in if you have an RV."
Access challenges: Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest has rough access roads. A camper with commercial driving experience advises, "I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain."
Seasonal operations: Campground facilities and activities may vary by time of year. At Queen Wilhelmina, a camper noted, "There is a mini golf course, ice cream shop and train ride - but they said it's only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day."
Tips for camping with families
Creek-side entertainment: Shady Lake offers natural water play areas. "We have 4 boys under 12... There is a picturesque babbling creek that runs by most of the campsites, and we could have spent at least a couple days just exploring up and down the creek."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds have swimming areas for cooling off. At Shady Lake, "Lake swimming is super simple but we enjoyed it. There's a dock a little way out from the shore to swim to and jump off of."
Trail difficulty considerations: When hiking with children, choose appropriate trails. At Mount Magazine, "The various trails are well marked and offer several levels of technical expertise."
Pet precautions: Prepare for wildlife interactions when bringing pets. While not mentioned in existing descriptions, several campgrounds have warnings about ticks and other pests affecting dogs during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Site placement quirks: Campground layouts can vary considerably between locations. At Queen Wilhelmina, a camper observed, "Level asphalt lots but spaced kinda wonky," suggesting RVers should check site details before booking.
Size restrictions: Different campgrounds accommodate various RV sizes. At Blue Knob Road, an RVer advises, "I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site."
Hookup variations: Research utility options before arrival. Brenda A. at Queen Wilhelmina wished "it had sewer," noting the campground has water and electric but lacks full hookups.
Mountain driving awareness: RVers should consider road grades and conditions. The drive to Mount Magazine "begins with the climb: the road winds up and around the bends and crooks of the mountain," requiring careful navigation with larger vehicles.
