Calico Rock is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Calico Rock. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is located in the scenic Ozark National Forest. The Ozark Mountains are known for beautiful "rolling" hills, hidden caverns, waterfalls and clear flowing streams. Examples of early Ozark culture and music can be found throughout the region. Blanchard recreation area is a great starting point for an Ozark adventure.
Trout fishing is available on nearby Mirror Lake. Other popular activities in the Blanchard area include mountain biking, hiking and swimming.
Trout fishing is available on nearby Mirror Lake. Other popular activities in the Blanchard area include mountain biking, hiking and swimming.
The facilities are near picturesque rock bluffs and crystal clear streams. Sites are well shaded by stately yellow pine trees.
Blanchard Springs Caverns offers tours, exhibits and family activities. North Sylamore hiking trail follows the scenic Sylamore creek for 25 miles and connects to the Ozark Highland trail. Mountain biking is available on 50 miles of the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail.
$15 / night
Buffalo Point is a convenient, fun-filled destination for families and adventurists of all types. It's perched along the Buffalo National River, providing exciting river sports and hiking opportunities. In peak season, a restaurant is open at the facility, serving up meals for those who want a break from preparing them.
The wild river is a gathering place for water activities. Many campers spend their days fishing, hiking, canoeing or kayaking. Evenings are ideal for gathering next to the fire to revamp for another great day out on the river.
The campground is set along Buffalo National River, one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the contiguous United States. The river runs 135 miles without dams and cuts through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. The region is surrounded by droves of lush hardwood trees and grassy open meadows.
Two popular attractions within the Buffalo Point Area are the Indian Rockhouse Trail and the Rush Historic District. Rush was a zinc mining community until the zinc market collapsed and the settlement was deserted. Tours about the town's history are available. Buffalo Point is the former Buffalo River State Park developed in the 1930's as project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Blanchard Springs Caverns, an extraordinary living cave, is a one-hour drive from Buffalo Point.
Please see the Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies.
$50 / night
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
This recreation area is part of Bull Shoals Lake
Dam Quarry Campground is an angler's paradise. Located in northern Arkansas, just downstream of the Norfork Dam, the campground is renowned for its world-class trout fishing. The Norfork Lake region was one of the state's first water recreation areas with opportunities like water skiing, canoeing, scuba diving, and of course, fishing.
While fishing is the top-rated activity in the lower river area, kayaking, birding and hiking are also very popular. The public land around Norfork keeps hunters busy with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit and quail.
The campground sits at the banks of the North Fork River and Dry Run Creek. The river feeds the popular 22,000-acre Norfork Lake, which is just upstream from Dam Quarry. The site has beautiful views of the forested hills and hollows of the Ozarks.
A short drive south takes visitors to the Ozark National Forest for sightseeing and wildlife spotting. The campground is also just three miles northeast of the small town of Norfork.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Located right on the banks of Sylamore Creek with the tall bluffs of the Ozark National Forest on the other side. Just 5 miles north of Mountain View, & 7 miles from Blanchard Springs Cavern, Sylamore Creek Camp offers swimming and fishing along with a friendly place to park your RV.
$5 - $30 / night
Blue Heron Campground provides the pleasure of a natural Ozark setting without leaving the beaten path. Forget about traveling miles of back roads to reach that special camping spot. Our RV park is just off the highway and right on the banks of the White River, a premier trout fishing destination. This is RV camping at its finest. You can fish, bird watch, or simply enjoy the Ozark Mountains scenery.
Robinson Point is one of the most popular parks in the central portion of Norfork Lake. The 102 campsites are sprawled across two peninsulas, so waterfront campsites are plentiful. The hilly lake region is a playground for visitors young and old, with water and land activities galore.
Swimming, hiking and all types of boating are favorite pastimes for lake-goers. Coves are ideal for water skiers while the breezy, open areas provide excellent conditions for sailing. In-season hunting is also popular here.
Norfork Lake, a 22,000-acre recreation lake, stems from the North Fork River in northern Arkansas. The lake is about 25 miles east of Bull Shoals Lake, and cuts through the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks Range, in geological terms, is a heavily eroded plateau. It was shaped and carved by hundreds of streams over several thousand years, creating beautiful rugged terrain.
Head south to the Ozark National Forest to explore 1.2 million acres of protected Ozark terrain. There, visitors can tour the Blanchard Springs Caverns, a living cave still in the process of formation.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$26 / night
Gamaliel Campground is conveniently located on the Bennetts Bayou area of Norfork Lake. Most sites are shaded beneath tall trees, while others come equipped with canopies to shade the picnic tables. Norfork Lake boasts plenty of secluded coves for water sports and breezy, open stretches for sailing. There are 19 well-maintained Army Corps of Engineers parks along the lake for bountiful water sport opportunities.
Explore the mile-long nature trail that loops from the campground. Sailing the open waters makes for an exciting water activity. Scuba diving in the lake is common, attracting divers from neighboring U.S. states. For visitors interested in fishing, Norfork Lake is stocked annually, and it's not unheard of to catch striped bass over 40 pounds.
Norfork Lake stems from the North Fork River in northern Arkansas. It's about 25 miles east of Bull Shoals lake, and cuts through the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks are made from a heavily eroded plateau, shaped and carved by hundreds of streams over thousands of years. The region attracts a wide array of plants and animals.
Head south to see the Ozark National Forest and head west to see Bull Shoals Lake, a similar man-made lake that's larger in size and equally entertaining as Norfork.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is located in the scenic Ozark National Forest. The Ozark Mountains are known for beautiful "rolling" hills, hidden caverns, waterfalls and clear flowing streams. Examples of early Ozark culture and music can be found throughout the region. Blanchard recreation area is a great starting point for an Ozark adventure.
Trout fishing is available on nearby Mirror Lake. Other popular activities in the Blanchard area include mountain biking, hiking and swimming.
Trout fishing is available on nearby Mirror Lake. Other popular activities in the Blanchard area include mountain biking, hiking and swimming.
The facilities are near picturesque rock bluffs and crystal clear streams. Sites are well shaded by stately yellow pine trees.
Blanchard Springs Caverns offers tours, exhibits and family activities. North Sylamore hiking trail follows the scenic Sylamore creek for 25 miles and connects to the Ozark Highland trail. Mountain biking is available on 50 miles of the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail.
$15 / night
Buffalo Point is a convenient, fun-filled destination for families and adventurists of all types. It's perched along the Buffalo National River, providing exciting river sports and hiking opportunities. In peak season, a restaurant is open at the facility, serving up meals for those who want a break from preparing them.
The wild river is a gathering place for water activities. Many campers spend their days fishing, hiking, canoeing or kayaking. Evenings are ideal for gathering next to the fire to revamp for another great day out on the river.
The campground is set along Buffalo National River, one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the contiguous United States. The river runs 135 miles without dams and cuts through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. The region is surrounded by droves of lush hardwood trees and grassy open meadows.
Two popular attractions within the Buffalo Point Area are the Indian Rockhouse Trail and the Rush Historic District. Rush was a zinc mining community until the zinc market collapsed and the settlement was deserted. Tours about the town's history are available. Buffalo Point is the former Buffalo River State Park developed in the 1930's as project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Blanchard Springs Caverns, an extraordinary living cave, is a one-hour drive from Buffalo Point.
Please see the Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies.
$50 / night
Dam Quarry Campground is an angler's paradise. Located in northern Arkansas, just downstream of the Norfork Dam, the campground is renowned for its world-class trout fishing. The Norfork Lake region was one of the state's first water recreation areas with opportunities like water skiing, canoeing, scuba diving, and of course, fishing.
While fishing is the top-rated activity in the lower river area, kayaking, birding and hiking are also very popular. The public land around Norfork keeps hunters busy with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit and quail.
The campground sits at the banks of the North Fork River and Dry Run Creek. The river feeds the popular 22,000-acre Norfork Lake, which is just upstream from Dam Quarry. The site has beautiful views of the forested hills and hollows of the Ozarks.
A short drive south takes visitors to the Ozark National Forest for sightseeing and wildlife spotting. The campground is also just three miles northeast of the small town of Norfork.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Located right on the banks of Sylamore Creek with the tall bluffs of the Ozark National Forest on the other side. Just 5 miles north of Mountain View, & 7 miles from Blanchard Springs Cavern, Sylamore Creek Camp offers swimming and fishing along with a friendly place to park your RV.
$5 - $30 / night
Blue Heron Campground provides the pleasure of a natural Ozark setting without leaving the beaten path. Forget about traveling miles of back roads to reach that special camping spot. Our RV park is just off the highway and right on the banks of the White River, a premier trout fishing destination. This is RV camping at its finest. You can fish, bird watch, or simply enjoy the Ozark Mountains scenery.
Scout
While it was pretty last year (the reason it was my first pick this year) the owner uses Marissa, Jamie and Serena as his own personal shield to avoid taking responsibility for his business, and all of them are rude as all get out. Marissa promised multiple times that the owner would call me, and kept changing when exactly that would be. Two days later, I have NEVER heard from him, despite him being fully aware he needed to contact me. I ended up having the credit card company cancel the charge.
And omg, the shower house. Bring a space heater. It's an open air shed with exposed pvc and no drain. I can't imagine how it operates in the winter.
If you come in October, expect loud screaming, gun shots and chainsaws for THREE HOURS at night from one of their events your probably won't be told about til you arrive. Greg deserves to have this place fail.
Traveler
Despite that, I’ll just say that I love the town of Heber Springs which is located on the Lake. Area Code It may be because I have so many memories in Heber from my time in college so I should drop that disclaimer.
Traveler
The location is great. This park is in between Walmart and the river. Area Code The downtown is only a few minutes away and they are always having singing at the park in the beautiful outdoor areas.
Traveler
This is such a beautiful campground with great fishing and floating nearby. Area Code The campground sits on the tail waters of Beaver Lake and is gorgeous
Traveler
This last time we were able to camp right on the water and park our boat at the site. Area Code Busy on the weekends so make sure and reserve. Weekdays are pretty peaceful.
Traveler
Good place to stay if you just need somewhere to park your camper and then spend your time on the Area Code Little Red River trout fishing. Dock on site.
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Scout
This campground had the potential to be amazing- it's beautiful, is right next to the river with amazing views of the stars, and has several hikes close by. But the camp hosts and rangers don't enforce any sort of quiet time or people capacity rules. So unfortunately my partner and I had a group of probably 20 people camping next to us. They brought in a DJ car(open the trunk and it had huge speakers and running lights) to bump techno music during the day, and at night they set up a movie projector and large screen and watched horror movies late into the night. It's not serene when there are 8 tents, a crowd of people, and horror movie screaming right beside you all day and night. I even went and talked to the camp hosts but nothing was done. So, I don't recommend this place. Usually I camp to unwind and chill, but I left the weekend more frazzled and exhausted than I came.
ScoutYou will love this campground. It's a beautiful rv resort next to the water. Step out of your rv and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the United States. Michael is the director of the campground and he is so very helpful and congenial. We travel to many states but this campground is our very favorite and if you like or love to fish, this is your place! Go see for yourselves and we will probably see you there!!
Wanda and Pete Shurow
LegendWe loved our stay at Blue Heron. We had a riverfront spot and really just came to chill not fish but it’s a fishing location. White river is trout paradise so if you’re an angler this is where it’s at. Campground was SUPER clean. Best level pads and hookups we’ve ever seen. Firewood and ice for sale. Everything was absolutely perfect except the road noise….which in all fairness we knew about. LOTS of noise. It died down after 8pm and before 8am and we couldn’t hear it in our camper so it’s was ok.
Legend
Decent campground with excellent trout fishing! The campground layout was kinda weird and the dump station was in an odd spot. However, we had a nice river front site that we really enjoyed. Lots of nice people in the campground and on the river. Be sure to visit the hatchery across the street. . Limited AT&T service. Individual Private suite style bathrooms. Playground. No store, no firewood for sale. Level sites. Several sites have covers over the picnic tables. .
Guide
Easy in and out. Convenient to activities. Friendly folks
ScoutThis is our 5-6 year to stay here. Over the years, we have seen so many b improvements to this area.. it’s always a great time. Michael, the host, is just an all around great guy. We are looking forward to our next stay
Legend
Very small park. Restaurant and store are Nextdoor. Spots are large. We were the only campers in the park.
Scout
Most peaceful place to stay. You are surrounded by mountains, wildlife, birds, eagles, deer, geese and the confluence of the White & Norfork River is at the end of driveway. Norfork Lake is just a few miles away. Love the Pavilion, fire pit and corn hole!
Traveler
Beautiful Park with multiple clean swim beaches. Many like view sites.
Scout
Was extremely dissatisfied with the whole experience. Bad service with staff and dirty accommodations. Noisey at night. Never going back. Also overpriced.
TravelerThis is our go to get away! If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here. Like hiking… plenty of trails. Want to just site by one of the cleanest rivers around and enjoy the Ozarks… this is it. We’ve tent camped and trailered here for more than 15 years.
The camp grounds are well maintained by the NPS. The showers and restrooms are a bit, um, rustic. Sites can be hit and miss depending on the time of the year. Be sure and view the campsite online and consider the direction of the site. Some get full sun in the morning but most are shaded in the evening due to the mountain. Also, sites on the river side are frequented by raccoons at night and mosquitos depending on the weather.
I would still pick Buffalo Point as a definite place to stay.
Legend
Beautiful spacious spots. Can't beat the trout fishing. Hatchery on site.
ScoutWe stay at Blue Heron 3-4 times a year and love it! Excellent concrete pads with easy back-in markings for RVs. Great cement patio so there is no mud in case of rain. Each site has its own fire pit and 2 chairs. All the sites are great, but the river sites provide a nice cool breeze off the water!
Scout
Even though their website says they have tent camping they DO NOT
Scout
We stay here every year during May! Will be back. Clean, family owned campground that is very loved and cared for.
The bathhouse is clean and new. Homey little campsite.
ScoutThis is an older private campground that is very well maintained right on the river. Peaceful tranquil setting with owners/operators on site that are very friendly. Bath houses are private and immaculate. RV sites are full hook up 50 amp. RV sites are spacious and nightly rate is a great value. Highly recommend
LegendLoved being able to camp so close to the creek! The campsites weren’t anything special, but it is perfect for a weekend getaway. The lower campground does not have a bathroom, have to walk to the hill. The bathrooms were clean, but the shower house is basically like taking an outdoor shower. They do sell wood, ice and have a small selection of items inside the office. The location is great and the river is gorgeous making this a place would would definitely return to.
TravelerWe have stayed here 2 times, once in a RV a couple years ago and had a nice experience. The second just this week. Since we stayed here last the prices have increased per night and it has come under new ownership. We stayed in the “wren” cabin. Which is over looking campsites below and sylamore creek. Not horrible, but honestly if I’m paying for water views I want to see the water not campers. Overall fairly clean, other than the debris pictured in the shower. No problem, sometimes mistakes happen. Could have even fell from the ceiling when the door closed or something after it was cleaned. My biggest issue, we were here for 3 nights. Typically I like to shower a couple times a day as does my wife when it is hot out. We had a total of 2 bath towels and 2 wash cloths upon arrival. Rather than new ones being brought daily, you are required to take the used ones to the camp store and exchange them yourself. I’m on vacation, I don’t personally feel it should be my responsibility to secure my own towels on MY time. I mean, I’m here for 3 days, give me 6 towels and wash cloths and count them when I leave if your that worried about towel theft. I’ve travelled half way around the world and never had this issue before. But if I’m paying $140 a night for a room worth about $90 (at best) I’d at least like enough towels to get me through my stay or maybe send someone by with new ones. One more thing, note the front door pic needs painted at a minimum, I mean, it’s not just one thing, it’s attention to detail and upkeep. The bathroom door also rubbed the floor and the floor was uneven overall. I get around pretty good, but I can see this being a trip hazard for someone elderly. Point being, I did not get a good value for the stay I purchased. I did confront the towel issue and the response was “we’ve always done it that way”. Doesn’t sound like it will change soon, which means I won’t be back and wouldn’t encourage anyone else to stay here either. On a positive, it’s not a bad location. I will also mention the bed, it wasn’t bad, but could have lived without the sandpaper sheets.
Ranger
Pretty basic campground, kind of just a bunch of spots in a field. About half are first come first serve, was there during the week and it was pretty empty. Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small.
The river is gorgeous, I was sad it was too cold to swim! Only one bathhouse in the car camping area so it’s gets pretty busy. Excellent cell service.
We had a nice time but weren’t particularly wowed, our only issues were lack of hookups, bad weather, and some people who decided to crowd us and run a loud generator despite the campground being mostly empty.
Camping near Calico Rock, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, there are several campgrounds to explore.
Camping around Calico Rock, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Calico Rock, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Calico Rock, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near Calico Rock, AR and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Calico Rock, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Calico Rock, AR is Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Calico Rock, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Calico Rock, AR.
What parks are near Calico Rock, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Calico Rock, AR that allow camping, notably Norfork Lake and Buffalo National River.
