Dennard camping sites feature varied terrain with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet in the Ozark Mountains. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Water access is a defining characteristic of camping spots near Dennard, Arkansas, with multiple creeks and Greers Ferry Lake providing recreation opportunities throughout the camping season.
What to do
Hiking the Sylamore Trail: Access this trail from Gunner Pool Recreation Area, which connects to a 50+ mile trail network. "We hiked in to this campground from Blanchard and were pleasantly surprised. It is primitive in some aspects but not overtly so. They have vault toilets that were manageable and spickets for water," notes Tom K.
Cave exploration: The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers unique underground adventures with guided tours. According to Lynn G., "the standard cave tour is great, plus there is a more extreme tour where you can crawl and squeeze through trails in the caves! Also lots of folk music festivals so check the calendar."
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes and creeks provide fishing access for all skill levels. "I got to fish," reports Bryson B. who stayed at Buffalo Point, while Steve M. notes that Blanchard Springs is "certainly a family campground with more tents than RV's," making it ideal for introducing children to fishing.
What campers like
Swimming holes: Many campers prize the clear waters for swimming. "Great place to chill out and cool off," says Heather L. about Buffalo Point. At Richland Creek Recreation Area, Lindsey P. shares, "We played in the creek and jump off the big rocks. We eventually drove down and found falling water falls, and six finger falls!"
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing between sites. At Choctaw, Natalie E. appreciates how the campground is a "quiet, secluded jewel in Clinton, Arkansas. Tall trees everywhere you look. Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers."
Digital disconnection: Many camping areas have limited or no cell service. Heath L. at Buffalo Point values this aspect: "No service in the camp site at all. Very nice spot." Similarly, Nikki M. appreciates the remoteness of Richland Creek, stating it has "Lots of hiking in the area plenty of waterfalls nearby usually very peaceful."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on gravel roads. For Petit Jean State Park, Ryan S. advises, "some sites are angled differently and there is no clear indication how you have to enter the loop to be able to access your site. It can create some frustration when trying to get set up."
Water level changes: Flooding can occur rapidly after rainfall. Susan R. reports at Buffalo Point: "By 8 pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT. We saw a park ranger on Sunday and asked about the water level and she said it had gone up 12 feet by Saturday night."
Site selection importance: Research specific sites before booking. Larry from Richland Creek advises, "Check the details closely when making reservations. Some sites are more level than others." Matt B. adds, "The spots on the outside of the loop have more privacy so I'd recommend one of those."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and facilities: Choose campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. At Sugar Loaf, Angela M. notes it's "A nice busy but not wild family camping area. Has a swim area and marina, kids can feed the fish, able to rent boats or kayaks/canoes also. Family friendly and relaxing."
Safety considerations: Park rangers provide security at many sites. Chris M. shares about Sugar Loaf: "Park rangers patrol the park throughout the day and night, giving all campers piece of mind."
Trail difficulty assessment: Some trails are more suitable for children than others. Matt B. recounts about Richland Creek: "We spent two nights and did make the hike to Twin Falls. Had to carry the 3 year old some just to keep a decent pace, but it was worth it. Two of the teenagers wanted to quit after about 2 miles, which was still a beautiful hike."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling equipment. Ryan S. cautions about Petit Jean: "many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level."
Hookup positioning: Check site layouts before booking. Ryan S. also notes: "some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. It's purely inconvenient and I'm not sure why this is this way. Pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos."
Shade considerations: Some loops offer more tree coverage than others. About Petit Jean, Ryan S. advises, "A loop cons: very little shade. would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc." For better shade options, "B loop pros: plenty of shade in hot months with the pine grove."
