Lake Ouachita and Caddo River define the landscape around Caddo Gap, Arkansas, creating diverse options for camping and glamping in the Ouachita Mountains. The area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with mild spring and fall seasons, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Most glamping sites in this region offer direct water access for recreation while maintaining proximity to hiking trails within the Ouachita National Forest.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Lake Catherine State Park Campground features multiple trails with waterfall access. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," notes one visitor who appreciated the family-friendly terrain.
Diamond mining: Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground offers a unique opportunity to hunt for gemstones. "The Crater of Diamonds State Park is an exciting place full of rich history and, of course, finding lots of rough diamonds," explains one experienced visitor. Best results come after rainstorms when the ground is wet, though this means preparing for muddy conditions.
Kayaking: The calm waters at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground provide excellent paddling opportunities. "We enjoyed the kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water," notes one camper who rented equipment directly from the park.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Campsites at COE Lake Ouachita Little Fir Campground offer direct lakeside positioning. "You can park your RV or pitch your tent right by the lake," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the waterfront setting. The location provides immediate water access for swimming and fishing.
Clean facilities: Daisy State Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and showers according to multiple reviews. "The bathrooms are very clean and we have observed the camp staff regularly checking and maintaining them," writes a tent camper who has visited the park multiple times. This attention to cleanliness extends to all common areas.
Spacious sites: Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita offers campsites with ample room for equipment setup. "Our site was spacious & level," reported a recent visitor who recommended selecting spots on the upper loop for better views and breeze.
What you should know
Remote locations: Some glamping accommodations require advance planning due to their isolation. "Very remote so make sure you have everything you need before you get out there because there aren't any stores even convenience stores or gas stations nearby," warns a visitor to Little Fir regarding supplies.
Seasonal considerations: Summer glamping can be challenging without proper cooling systems. "Summer camping temperatures are very hot. Make sure you have fans or some way of staying cool," advises a regular visitor to Daisy State Park who recommends spring and fall for more moderate temperatures.
Construction impacts: Bridge work near Caddo River Access RV Park has temporarily affected some sites. "The campsite is closer to the river/bridge construction than the map says, and was currently blocked by construction vehicles," reported a camper in 2022, noting increased noise levels.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Daisy State Park provides dedicated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "They have a great swimming area and beach," notes a reviewer, making this location particularly suitable for families with children who want water play options beyond boating.
Educational programs: Lake Ouachita State Park offers ranger-led activities that appeal to younger campers. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," mentions a family who stayed in the cabins and found the educational components enhanced their experience.
Playground access: DeGray Lake Resort State Park maintains play equipment for children. "They had cleaned all play areas and set up toys for young kids," observed a spring visitor, noting this amenity provided entertainment options between water activities.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "There are no water hook-ups at the sites, only electric," explains a Brady Mountain visitor, advising RVers to fill tanks before setting up. Some campgrounds require carrying water from communal spigots.
Leveling challenges: Site topography can present difficulties for larger rigs. "Few if any of the sites in this section of the CG were anywhere close to level and our site, one of the few pull-throughs, was one of the worst," reports a Class A owner at DeGray Lake, suggesting research into specific site grades before booking.
Communication limitations: Cell service is unreliable throughout the region. "AT&T coverage was basically nonexistent with 1 bar of LTE service but very little if any throughput. The CG is heavily wooded, so Starlink was unusable," notes an RVer, recommending downloading maps and information before arrival.
