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Best Campgrounds near Caddo Gap, AR

905 Reviews

The Ouachita National Forest surrounding Caddo Gap, Arkansas offers diverse camping opportunities within a scenic mountain landscape. Crystal Campground provides free primitive sites along a spring-fed creek, suitable for tent camping and small RVs. Several established campgrounds dot the nearby area, including Caddo River Access RV Park with water and electric hookups for larger vehicles. Lake Ouachita State Park, approximately 30 miles northeast, offers a more developed camping experience with cabins and yurts alongside traditional tent sites. The region features a mix of federally managed forest service lands and state parks with varied amenities.

Most primitive forest service campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while state parks typically require reservations. Forest roads accessing remote sites can become challenging during wet weather, particularly in spring and after heavy rainfall. Several campgrounds, including Crystal, remain open year-round, though facilities may be limited in winter months. The Caddo River provides popular water access for fishing and paddling, with several camping areas positioned along its banks. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited to no service in remote forest areas. A visitor noted, "Crystal campground is easy to find and is very remote with almost no cars going by once it was dark. Creek is nice and is loud by the waterfall if you want to sleep with a great sound."

Campers consistently rate sites near water among their favorites in the region. Crystal Campground receives particularly high marks for its creek access, clean facilities, and peaceful setting. One camper described it as having "9 or 10 off grid sites and a pit toilet with a beautiful spring fed creek running the length of the campground." Forest service campgrounds generally provide vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with no hookups or running water. For those seeking more amenities, RV parks and state campgrounds offer shower facilities, electric hookups, and sometimes sewer connections. Visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including potential bear activity, particularly in more remote camping areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Caddo Gap, Arkansas (203)

    1. Daisy State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    14 miles
    Website

    "Daisy SP is a fantastic SP located in the southwest corner of Arkansas.  The Camper and RV sites are level and big for any size vehicle.  The walk in tent sites are some of the best in the Midwest. "

    "We are parcel to sites 95 and 96 due to their close proximity to the bathroom. The bathrooms are very clean and we have observed the camp staff regularly checking and maintaining them."

    2. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    44 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 991-3390

    $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."

    3. Denby Point

    18 Reviews
    Mount Ida, AR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4475

    $14 - $65 / night

    "I took off one star because this site, while located right on the water, is very unlevel."

    "We booked late but were able to find a great spot with lots of trees surrounding us, spread out, and a lake view."

    4. Crystal Campground

    10 Reviews
    Norman, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "Located in Ouachita National Forest, this campground is easy to get to. Ideal for tent, vans, even tear drop campers. No hook ups. Some sites had really good solar potential, most were well shaded."

    "It is located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. 3 miles down the road is collier spring where 1 can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water 1 wants."

    5. Charlton Campground

    13 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-2101

    $15 - $40 / night

    "We stayed in Loop C at the very back past the group campsite, which is tent camping only and a short walk from the bathroom."

    "Despite being close to the main road, it was very quiet."

    6. Caddo River Access RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Caddo Gap, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 356-5336

    $12 - $40 / night

    "It is located a little south of central Arkansas so it’s easily accessible to the whole state. It’s also very affordable and has great amenities."

    "They are very close to the outfitter drop spot. Right on the river. Bathroom facilities are very nice and well kept. Outfitter has very nice quality boats for rent as well."

    7. Tompkins Bend

    10 Reviews
    Story, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4476

    $14 - $50 / night

    "We arrived on Friday evening and found our site was even closer to the lake than expected. We were nearly surrounded by water and it made for a pretty view--especially at sunrise."

    "The campground is nicely situated near the end of the LOViT cross country MTB/hiking trail. There are sites ranging from primitive to water and electric."

    8. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    16 miles
    Website

    "Hidden off road to the top for scenic view. If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping."

    "Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below. Only issue was some broken glass around the picnic area. Please pack out all of your trash!"

    9. Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Murfreesboro, AR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-3113

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This camp is ideally located in the Crater of Diamonds State Park with easy access to the Visitors Center by foot or car."

    "The campground has 47 nicely shaded RV sites with water/electric/sewer hookup(many of which have tent pads and five walk-in tent sites."

    10. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 287-2757

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Caddo Gap, AR

240 Photos of 203 Caddo Gap Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Caddo Gap, AR

905 Reviews of 203 Caddo Gap Campgrounds

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Nice ACOE campground

    Nice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.

  • Makayla C.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Buckville - Lake Ouachita

    Island Camping!!!

    We decided to island camp here and boy was it an experience. Day one was perfect, despite some storms, we really enjoyed ourselves. Day two we had to pack up early, flies got so horrible and wouldn’t stop biting us!

  • Charity S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Irons Fork

    Peaceful

    We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower. I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom.

  • Darren J.
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita

    Great memory making trip

    Saw the most beautiful sunset. Caught a deliscious catfish. Spent a day in a hamock with a fantastic lake view.

  • Lauren M.
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Pioneer Campgrounds

    Peaceful, healing, and perfect in every season

    We found Pioneer Campgrounds three years ago and have come back every chance we get. It’s more than just a campground—it’s a true escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.

    This place has something special every time we visit. There’s a peaceful creek, a two-mile trail for walking or biking, volleyball and basketball courts, ping pong, and a fire pit for those perfect evening hangouts. The kids have room to run and explore, and our dogs are always welcome.

    The cabins are spacious, super clean, and have great A/C—perfect for relaxing after a day outside. There are spots for tent camping too if that’s your style. Each visit brings something new: upgrades, little surprises, and thoughtful touches that make it feel even more like home.

    They also offer extras like a washer and dryer, coffee, cold drinks, and shirts—all for a small charge. Plus, the WiFi is great thanks to Starlink, which is a bonus when you need to stay a little connected.

    Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, this place is beautiful year-round. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for our family!

    Big thank-you to Matt—the owner—he’s kind, down-to-earth, and truly an awesome dude. We’re so glad we found this gem. Thanks from The Mays Family. 💚

  • Wayne J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    5star campground 4star site

    I’ve reviewed the campground before, for other sites. Most are level and plenty of room/parking length. This site 30 is cramped and has a passenger side tilt to it. I have a 26’ (tip to tail) TT and a crew cab pickup… they will not fit in the campsite end to end, much less with some room to get in to the tailgate. Once unhooked, I had to angle the truck in to overlap the tongue of the TT. Ended up with a 3 inch riser to level the trailer side to side, which puts the first step about 17 inches up. To add to it, there is no level surface much further than the step before the site slopes off steeply with pine needles. The site just seems like the Park wanted to jam another spot in to make 45$ extra a night on busy times. I would not recommend site 30, to anyone. Tent campers would be even worse off, as the tent pad area is back closer to the road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Hot Springs National Park KOA

    NICE PLACE

    The campground was a little hard to find, about 22 miles from I-30 but we found it. Check-in was easy, directions to our site clear. Plenty of room to back into the site. Gravel site, nice and level. We only stayed 1 night. The campground was nice and clean and quiet. Good place to rest up before continuing on with our journey.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Gladstone Forest Rd (FR11) Large Dispersed

    Large, level dispersed for multiple rigs

    Coordinates: 34.75797,-93.24530. Large, open dispersed site along Gladstone Forest Rd (FR11) in the Ouachita National Forest. Should accomodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Easy access from the forest road onto a mostly level dirt surface. There is no privacy from the forest road. Tent camping is possible. Situated on an old, unused track that goes off into a dense forest behind the site. I believe this site can be used by a group of hunters. Very little shade; solar recharging and Starlink connectivity possible. There is a rock fire ring on the site. No T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing remarkable about this site. Should be good for an overnight stay while exploring the Forest Road 11 area of the Ouachitas.

Guide to Caddo Gap

Camping near Caddo Gap, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails. Campers at Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, "Our kids loved playing in the creek. We want to go back when it's a little cooler and check out the trails."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The lake is beautiful and all tent sites have access to the water."
  • Swimming: Take a dip in the lake at Daisy State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The lake was clean to swim in. If you have a boat, jet ski, kayaks it’s a great spot."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are wonderfully clean (and heated)."
  • Scenic Views: Many enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A review for Denby Point mentioned, "The lake view is stunning, and this site had access to get down to the lake for fishing."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Hot Springs National Park KOA shared, "The staff ensure each space is clean and everything is working properly."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gulpha Gorge Campground, lack showers. A visitor noted, "Clean restrooms, no showers."
  • Road Noise: Certain sites may be close to busy roads. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, "A little close to a busy road, but if you have a creek spot you can hear the water flowing!"
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Daisy State Park Campground said, "The park offers a lot of shade and was very well kept. We saw lots of deer and other wildlife."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds. A visitor at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a playground in the sites for kids to play on also."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. One camper at Catherine's Landing shared, "Plenty of room for the kids to play behind our water site."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A reviewer at Treasure Isle R.V. Park said, "The Office has been kind and helpful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Denby Point noted, "Some sites are hard to get to."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, "Gorgeous lake front sites!"
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Treasure Isle R.V. Park said, "There’s a lot of long-term residents type of people who are staying here."

Camping near Caddo Gap, Arkansas, has something for everyone. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, you'll find plenty of activities and beautiful spots to relax.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season for camping in Caddo Gap?

The best season for camping in Caddo Gap is typically late spring through early fall (April to October), with late spring and early fall offering the most pleasant temperatures. Lake Catherine State Park Campground is particularly enjoyable during these moderate seasons when you can take advantage of the park's natural features without extreme heat. Summer camping at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground is popular, though prepare for Arkansas heat and humidity. The park's well-maintained sites and proximity to diamond hunting activities make it worth braving warmer temperatures. Winter camping is possible but less common due to colder temperatures, though the Ouachita Mountains can provide scenic winter landscapes for hardy campers prepared for cooler conditions.

What amenities are available at Caddo Gap camping sites?

Camping sites around Caddo Gap offer varying levels of amenities. Daisy State Park Campground features level sites for campers and RVs, plus excellent walk-in tent sites located right on the lake. The park provides framed-out, level areas suitable for larger tents. Caddo Drive - De Gray Lake offers clean facilities maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, including bathhouses with hot showers. The site has separate areas for tents and RVs, a swimming/beach area, and beautiful lake views from its peninsula location. Other campgrounds in the region typically offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water, while more developed sites provide electric hookups, dump stations, and visitor centers with additional facilities.

Where are the best camping spots in Caddo Gap, Arkansas?

The Caddo Gap region offers several excellent camping options. Caddo River Access RV Park is highly rated for its affordable sites with good shade and proximity to water, making it perfect for water activities. For those seeking a unique experience, Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest provides free primitive camping with access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail nearby. Other notable options include Hickory Nut Mountain near Mount Ida with free camping and toilet facilities, and Denby Point which offers reservable sites with water and toilets. The surrounding area also features Crystal Campground near Norman and Charlton Campground near Royal for campers willing to travel a short distance from Caddo Gap.

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