Camping near Hector, AR

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    The Ozark National Forest surrounds Hector, Arkansas, providing a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads and waterways. Bayou Bluff Recreation Area, located directly in Hector, features unique CCC-built rock shelters overlooking the Illinois Bayou with primitive tent camping and vault toilets. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Long Pool Recreation Area near Dover and several dispersed sites along Middle Fork Road and Adams Mountain Road. The landscape transitions between densely wooded hills, creek valleys, and mountain overlooks, creating diverse camping environments from riverside flats to elevated forest clearings.

    Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring travel on gravel or dirt forest roads. As one camper noted, "Middle Fork Road itself can easily accommodate 2WD passenger vehicles. Other dispersed sites further down the road along the creek." Cell service is inconsistent across the area, with most carriers providing coverage in Hector proper but signal dropping in valleys and remote areas. According to visitor reports, "There is no cell service on AT&T - it showed only 'SOS' but the town of Hector is nearby if you need to check your phone in a pinch." Weather considerations include potential flash flooding along creeks during spring rains and poison ivy in summer months, particularly in dispersed sites.

    Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with the Illinois Bayou providing scenic backdrops at several sites. The historic rock shelters at Bayou Bluff are particularly notable, with one visitor commenting, "The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces." For off-road enthusiasts, the area offers extensive trail networks, with several dispersed sites positioned near ATV trailheads. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly deer and various bird species. Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings and can accommodate 2-3 vehicles, though larger RVs are better suited to developed campgrounds farther from Hector, such as those at Mount Nebo State Park or Lake Dardanelle State Park, both within an hour's drive.

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    Best Campgrounds near Hector (212)

      1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

      4.7(108)23mi from HectorRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."

      "Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      2. Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

      4.5(10)5mi from HectorTents

      "This recreation area is as close to off-grid as you can get with so many great options right off the pavement."

      "The walk to the river is very easy.  There are no hookups (water or electricity) so it is primitive camping.  "

      3. Long Pool Recreation Area

      4.3(15)12mi from Hector4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "You can drive up to the less attractive and less conveniently located RV loop to use the showers, if you need them."

      "Access to the creek is nice and plenty of space even on busy days. No cell service which was nice to get disconnected."

      4. Russellville Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park

      4.4(16)17mi from HectorRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The State Park systems in the US are some of our favorite places to find beautiful camping spots, but Lake Dardanelle State Park in Arkansas tops most of them all."

      "Pretty campground on the lake. You can see Mount Nebo in the distance. Not much in the way of hiking trails. They have a short loop trail near the visitor center that is good for small children."

      5. Mount Nebo State Park Campground

      4.6(28)23mi from HectorGlamping

      "Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by."

      "A great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top."

      6. Haw Creek Falls Camping

      4.5(24)22mi from HectorTents

      "campers in the area but during the day LOTS of people coming to swim ( and leaving trash 🤮 ) The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas"

      "Lovely area but you can hear the vehicles that drive by on the highway plenty of hiking nearby"

      7. Piney Bay

      4.3(13)20mi from Hector91 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "General: Two things you can count on in a Corps of Engineers campground: very reasonable rates and near water. This is a fairly large Corps of Engineers campground on Piney Bay."

      "A great little Corp park right off the Arkansas River. Sites are mostly level with water and electricity. Dump station in park. Nice clean bath houses."

      from $16 - $75 / night

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      8. Macks Pines

      4.5(2)9mi from HectorRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There are some trails nearby, but the area and trails are really designed for ATVs."

      "short drives from the campgrounds to beautiful scenery with a little bit of research, or ask greg.  alot are even accessible by car.   take the 30 min drive to hillbillys lims bbq as well."

      from $20 / night

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      9. Ivy's Cove RV Retreat

      5.0(4)14mi from HectorRVs

      "Close to town but feels like the country."

      10. Richland Creek Recreation Area

      4.8(18)23mi from Hector4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Be prepared for limited or no cell service and miles of gravel roads - download or print your driving and hiking maps (including how to find the falls) ahead of time."

      "I had found information online that Arkansas campgrounds were reopened, so it was a surprise to see it closed."

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    Recent Reviews near Hector, AR

    934 Reviews of 212 Hector Campgrounds


    • Julie H.
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Camp Conway RV Park

      Horrible

      This is a long review but please read it. It is a public service announcement. Camp Conway greenbrier. Landlord Burt Zinser. Where to begin.. Let start with Ameneties. The website states Each site has full hook ups including 20/30/50 amp electric, clean city water, city sewer and fiber-optic high-speed WiFi. Guests at Camp Conway have the option of porches, sheds and gazebos with management approval. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. 1. Clean city water- it taste like plastic and chlorine. Must have a water filter if you actually want to drink it or give it to your pets. 2. Fiber optic high speed wifi. That's a joke. Shoddy at best. TCW repeatedly has to come out to fix it and it's still garbage. If you are okay with internet dropping in and out every 5 to 10 min, then it's great. Save yourself the headache and get your own, but don't expect Burt Zinser to reduce your rent for services he offers but you can't use. Here at camp conway you can expect to pay for services unrendered.(Not the only one that has this problem in the park) 3. Porches, sheds or gazebos. 100%, as long as you are one of his favorites, like the people in the pictures he uses on his website. The beautiful two story rv with full front porch, likes to watch what everyone else is doing and then go complain to Burt if she doesn't like how your lot looks or what your doing. Burt will be sure to tell you it's too much, or beauty is sometimes only in the eye of the beholder. 4. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. The"Bath House" is one shower, without a bathroom vent, a toilet and sink, in the laundry room and is always disgusting. Hair on the floors, wall, drain, soap scum, ect. The toilet has pubic hair and feces on and around it. No one cleans it, nor cleans up after themselves. Not sure who replaces the toilet paper but half the time it's empty. The laundry is two household washers and dryers. Costing 2.50, which isn't bad. Just don't run the washers at the same time or they flood the room(you will be blamed for over loading it) and expect to dry your clothes for an hour or so, or they will be damp. The state of the laundry room is horrible. Trash overflowing, dog hair, and random debris all over the floors. Again no one cleans them.( you think well I'll just get compact washer, expect to be charged extra for water and don't you dare hang clothes outside to dry, that includes beachwear and towels). It's not visually appealing. 5. Spacious lots. The outer lots are 600 and the other lots 565(it was 550 back in Feb, this is important to note). Price subject to change without a notice. Do Not expect Burt Zinsers crappy memory to remember not to over charge you(text wont help you either). Honestly, don't bother to ask Burt about it, or he will get annoyed and either kick you out or threaten to. I'll get to that later. The lots flood when it rains, grass is almost non existent, scorching heat from lack of trees and of course you have to love the red clay that gets over everything. Lots are suppose to mowed by him, but he hasn't mowed in the 5 months we've been here. He sends his child out, who does a half ass job weed whacking around the pedestals and mows part of the big field. If it wasn't for one of the permanent resident here mowing for people that ask him, it would be horrible. 6. Someone pointed out they have a huge open field with plans to extend the park, but currently it's a great dog area to let your dogs off leash to play. WRONG. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE OFF LEASH. Expect to be harassed about picking up your dog poop. Even when you do, other people do not, while letting their dog roam free and you will be blamed. He has plans to extend the park, true, but until then expect for Burt to constantly remind you that until the park fills up, it all comes out of his pocket, so he's loosing money. You can rent one of his tiny homes if you want to pay near 1,000 for a studio apartment, open floor plan, with a 500 dollar, per pet, fee. You will be secure too as one of his security cameras point directly in the front windows of the current one and only tiny home he has on the premises. 7. Rules. It all depends which of his rules and who you are. If he tells you no AC units in the windows of RVs. There are currently 5 RVs that have units in the windows, so he doesn't really give a crap about that rule. I personally don't care but it was one of the things he stated when we called. No agressive dogs. His example, like pitbulls. Hey as long as you tell him it's another breed he doesn't know the difference and isn't bothered to check. I see nothing wrong with pitties, he's just the type that believes in bad dogs, not bad owners. Oh and on that note you will be sure to hear or be told, that you don't need another mouth to feed, or straight up told you can't keep another pet if you get one. 8. Privacy. Don't expect it. Burt Zinser likes to meddle in people's business. He gives unsolicited relationship advice, opinions on how you should decorate, how your vehicle looks, if your working or not(regardless if you pay rent on time, he doesn't like it if you are a stay at home person). Our experience here has been crap. We moved into the park on Feb 3rd. The lot was one giant mud pit. We asked if he would buy grass seed and we'd care for the lawn until it fully grown. We were told yes at first then the next day we received a text staying no because then he'd have to do that for everyone. We bought grass seed, tilled the land by hand and grew grass. We called about the internet 3 different times. The first time he handed us a wifi extender, that didnt work and TCW said it was pointless since it wasnt hooked into landline nor had bluetooth capabilities. He then had TCW come out two more times to"fix" it, before we said screw it and got starlink. When asked if he would remove the fee for the interent we can't use. He said no. When we asked why are we paying for something we can't use, he stated it was our problem, not his. For the month of Feb rent was 550. March 550. April we TEXT him after hours and asked him to gIve us a call so we could pay rent. HE CALLED US, did the transaction and got off the phone. We checked and noticed he overcharged us, 565. We TEXT him again and pointed out he over charged us. HE CALLED US BACK. He asked when we had moved in, we told him Feb, he apologized and refunded the 15 dollars. When asked when he was going to raise the rent if he would be notifying us. We asked if we would still be paying 550 until then. He called us nieve to think rent wouldn't change. When we explained that we didn't think it would stay 550 forever, but that we would be notified and not just him taking whatever amount he decides he wants. He got irritated said we were busting his balls and he hadn't eaten dinner yet but instead dealing with this crap, and that we were temporary visitors(i didnt know 5 months of renting was temporary). He belittled a person that has autism and learning disabilities when he was the one to CALL US BACK and interupt his own supper. We called during business hours and informed him of the condition of the shower being filthy and smelling of cat urine, because everyone closes the door behind them after a shower and there is no vent( burt decided it wasn't needed, told to us by someone else). We were told people are supposed to be cleaning up after themselves. We asked if he would get a deck brush, hose and cleaning supplies for us and we would clean it for free, once a week. He said sure. A week later we saw him on the property asked about it again. He got annoyed, we dropped it and bought an external on demand hot water heater to be able to shower and feel clean. Once again it was time for rent to be paid. I noticed he had been over charging us again for may and June, not even a week after he told me that August 1st was when the rent would be raised. I saw him on the property and walked over to bring it to his attention. He got irritated and told me that it was becoming a bit much. When asked what he was talking about he stated that no one else bothers him as much as we do, and it's overwhelming. I stated to him that we haven't been unreasonable in holding him accountable for his property. I had explained previously about my husband being autistic with learning disabilities that sometimes effect how he understands things. I brought up that he stated he thinks he's autistic and his wife has told him thay his facial expressions and attitude towards people can be offputting and misinterpreted. I would think he would be more understanding. I told him he obviously has an issue with my husband and that from now on he will be dealing with me since my husband irritates him so much. He tried telling me no that wasn't the issue. I cut him off and said that was exactly the problem or it was holding him accountable, or both. He asked if we be out by then end of the month and I said no, as we have done nothing wrong. Rent is never late. Always paid. Our site is clean, we follow the rules. The next day we received a text from him telling us to be out by the end of the month and he was sorry it didn't work out. Retaliation for a woman speaking to him. Burt Zinser is a horrible business man, landlord and human being. He has issues with speaking too and dealing with woman if they try to be an equal. I truly believe he's sexist and I'm not the only woman in this park that thinks that. If you and your husband are speaking to him, you ask him a question he will disrespect you by looking at your husband and answering. Ask around, talk to people in the park, and not his favorites. I'm hoping I can attach the photos I've taken around the park and facilities but if I can't, feel free to reach out. I have no problem sharing them, in hopes you won't support this man and his park. I will be posting this in every RV group I'm a member of, local community pages and restaurants. Let's hold this man accountable for his disrespect, horrible ethics, and business. Greenbrier is a better community then this man deserves and he shouldn't be allowed to continue this way.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 11, 2026

      Toad Suck

      Nice campground

      Staff at gate was very k8nd and helpful. Grounds well kept and manicured. Camp sites under trees for,shade with water, electricity, picnic tables and fire pits. Needed to use levelers to get trailer leveled. Campground on Arkansas river at the dam and locks. Bathhouse was clean, looked like painted for this season. Only issues was heater running in shower, it was 80+ degrees didn't need more heat. I'd stay here again.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 7, 2026

      Waveland Park

      Nice and Quiet

      I grew up around this area so Waveland is always a safe choice for some casual casual camping. We chose site 06 because it’s a bit separated from the other areas and since there was hardly anyone there, it was almost dead quiet. Very private and peaceful. My only complaint is that there was no one working the station where you’re supposed to check in— we tried three separate times thinking maybe they were on break or at lunch, but no luck. We also tried calling several times but no one picked up. It rained quite heavily and stormed in the area, and a part of me wonders if it got bad enough, would anyone have come notified us to leave? The lake is currently closed to swimming and most everything except fishing/boating and in a certain area— but it’s in an effort to improve wildlife and fish populations, which was already quite noticeable!

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 6, 2026

      Spadra Park Campground

      Nice park with view of Arkansas River

      Most sites are levelish side to side with down hill slope. There appears to be no supervision in this park. We have stopped here on our way out west then on our way back. No one has checked us in or made sure we were supposed to be there. Traffic moves from the boat ramp until late at night. Still a good stopover when traveling Verizon worked well.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 3, 2026

      Cane Creek Recreation Area

      Nice spot but poorly maintained, generator noise

      Nice spot, especially if you get one of the old campsites. However those were taken by long term folks who either just left their trailer there with no one in it, or they ran generators through the night. The remaining campsites were inaccessible by car, so we ended up staying in the bathroom parking area. Bathrooms boarded up, no trash cans, a fair bit of trash lying around.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 31, 2026

      Toad Suck

      Nice spot

      Well kept camsites. Clean and right on the beautiful Arkansas river. Would definitely come back.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 25, 2026

      Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

      Rainy but nice place

      Very nice park and clean bathrooms. The cedar falls are wonderful when it has been raining a lot. RV sites are spacious and a lot of locals like to stay there for short vacations.

    • Lance R.
      May. 19, 2026

      Kings River Falls Campground

      Beautiful!

      It was awesome, the campsites were nice and so many beautiful sights to see and so much exploring to do. If you have a sedan or a smaller car it is very difficult and risky getting to the campsite, so I would recommend bringing a very capable offroad vehicle. Going around May the weather is perfect!

    • Tyler D.
      May. 18, 2026

      Mount Magazine State Park Campground

      Great Sites and Facilities

      The campground was really nice. The sites were spread out really well for full hookup spots. Each spot had some privacy and distance between them. Bathrooms were super clean. There’s plenty of hiking trails around but other than that it’s a pretty relaxing campsite. Weather is 10-15 degrees cooler than what you’d expect in the River Valley.


    Guide to Hector

    The Ozark National Forest near Hector, Arkansas sits at elevations between 900-2,200 feet, creating a varied landscape of pine-oak forests and rocky outcroppings. Temperatures typically range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, with spring and fall bringing mild days and cool nights. Camping options in this area include both federal and state-managed sites with different reservation requirements and amenity levels.

    What to do

    Waterfall exploration: 25-mile radius from Hector contains multiple falls accessible via hiking trails. At Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, a visitor noted: "If you travel the north road from the campground for about 3.5 miles you will get decent service from AT&T but I don't know about the other carriers." The area features "several trails and waterfalls close by" with both "drive-up spot, fire-ring, picnic bench, hook, pit toilet."

    Day swimming: Hot-weather relief is available at several swimming holes. Long Pool Recreation Area features "the charming swimming area with its imposing trio of rocks that swimmers love to jump off of." One visitor noted their sites are "shady and well spaced. No cell service, but I enjoy that once in a while!" Swimming areas are generally busiest from late morning to early evening during summer months.

    ATV trails: Connected network of routes provides motorized recreation for off-road enthusiasts. Near Macks Pines, "this campground is geared more to the atv/utv/jeep/offroad vehicle crowd." The area has "trails nearby, but the area and trails are really designed for ATVs." Many trails connect to camping areas with "short drives from the campgrounds to beautiful scenery with a little bit of research."

    What campers like

    Rock shelters: Historic CCC structures provide unique camping spaces at Bayou Bluff Point of Interest. A camper described them as "beautiful stone structures which I haven't encountered before at a campsite" that "have a large rock fire area." Another visitor highlighted how "the stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces."

    Accessible fishing: Multiple creek spots allow for bank fishing without requiring boats. At Long Pool, the campground "flanked Piney Creek which is good for floating, canoeing and kayaking as well as fishing." Sites with "trails directly to the river" provide easy access for anglers of all skill levels. Many creek access points have flat areas for setting up chairs and gear.

    Off-grid atmosphere: Limited connectivity creates a different camping experience. At Richland Creek Recreation Area, campers appreciate "no phone service (a blessing) and no showers, but fairly clean toilets." Another camper highlighted how this creates "peace and quiet" with "trails all around and the scenery is amazing!" Many campsites in the Hector area have minimal to no cell service, particularly in creek valleys and distant forest sites.

    What you should know

    Road conditions: Variable quality especially after rainfall. Access to Richland Creek Recreation Area includes "a short section of the south road in from highway 16 was quite narrow because of a landslide but had been partially repaired and was passable." Forest roads may require higher clearance vehicles, and many campers recommend "download or print your driving and hiking maps (including how to find the falls) ahead of time."

    Drinking water: Limited availability at most primitive sites. One camper at Long Pool noted "There are a number of other waterfalls and trails nearby, and in summer the creek would be a lot of fun. The tradeoff for going in March and the falls running well is cold water and cooler weather though." At Richland Creek, "there is some type of well near the entrance to the campsites but don't count on there being water."

    Weather considerations: Flash flooding can occur with little warning. Multiple campgrounds report temporary closures: "the area is closed during times of intense rain, due to frequent flooding." Early spring and late fall provide the most comfortable camping temperatures, typically ranging from 50-75°F during the day with cooler evenings.

    Tips for camping with families

    Accessible sites: Choose locations with bathroom facilities for younger campers. Lake Dardanelle State Park offers "a beautiful park with lots to do, especially for kids" including a "swim beach and playground in addition to nature experiences." Shower facilities receive high marks: "Not only was it clean but it had six doors. Behind each door was a shower room complete with a toilet and lavatory."

    Kid-friendly water areas: Graduated depth swimming holes are safest for mixed ages. Several campers note that Long Pool has "a big Piney Creek" that's "good for floating, canoeing and kayaking." Water activities are most accessible from late spring through early fall, with water levels typically lower and safer by mid-summer.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning offers the best viewing times. At Petit Jean State Park, the forest areas provide good wildlife habitat: "The campsite itself was dated but clean. The site was large and had trees around it offering a little bit of privacy." Morning and evening hours (6-8am and 7-9pm) typically provide the best wildlife sightings.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: Research carefully before committing to more remote locations. At Piney Bay, "most of the sites in Loops B and E are waterfront sites and are spectacular," but larger rigs face challenges in more primitive areas. Some campers warn: "Roads are narrow as are spots. The spots also say they're 'big/long enough' for a 42' rig but in reality it's super tight."

    Hookup access: Full service options concentrated at established campgrounds. Ivy's Cove RV Retreat offers "nice level pull-through lots" with "hot showers, laundry, small play area." Many RVers appreciate how it's "close to town but feels like the country." Reservation windows vary by campground, with most federal sites available 6 months ahead and state parks often bookable 12 months in advance.

    Navigation challenges: Plan routes carefully given steep mountain roads. Access to Mount Nebo State Park includes warnings: "At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%." Most campgrounds near Hector are accessible with standard vehicles, but secondary forest roads may require higher clearance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Hector, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Hector, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 212 campgrounds and RV parks near Hector, AR and 49 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Hector, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hector, AR is Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 108 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hector, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 49 free dispersed camping spots near Hector, AR.

    What parks are near Hector, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Hector, AR that allow camping, notably Ozark-St. Francis National Forests and Lake Dardanelle.