The campgrounds near Casa, Arkansas sit in the eastern foothills of the Ozark Mountains, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. The region's climate features hot, humid summers with average July temperatures around 92°F and mild winters with January lows typically above freezing. Lake Dardanelle and Lake Nimrod serve as the primary water features, with most camping areas accessible via Highway 60 and Highway 7.
What to do
Hiking at Mount Nebo: The 14-mile Rim Trail circles the mountain summit at 1,800 feet elevation, offering multiple difficulty levels from easy to strenuous. "Different sections of the Rim Trail range from easy to moderate to strenuous. They are marked. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail but are permitted on other trails as are horses," notes Dave V. from Mount Nebo State Park.
Fishing at Nimrod Lake: Cast for bass, crappie, and catfish at multiple fishing spots along Quarry Cove's shoreline where anglers can access the water directly from many campsites. "We had a direct view of the lake... There's a small, sandy swim beach and plenty of places to put in a boat or kayak," reports Jennifer W. from Quarry Cove.
Swimming beaches: Lake Sylvia Recreation Area maintains a designated swimming beach with lifeguards on duty during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). "There is a swim beach in season and we hiked a short trail to the dam at sunset. Beautiful!" shares Amanda C., highlighting the additional hiking opportunity.
Educational programs: Lake Ouachita State Park offers ranger-led programs including wildlife talks and guided hikes. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," explains Josh H., mentioning one of the structured activities available for visitors wanting to learn about local ecology.
What campers like
Sunset views: The westward exposure at several campgrounds creates spectacular evening views, particularly at River Road Campground. "Camping right along the river below Nimrod Dam," Rick notes from River Road, where the setting sun illuminates the water below the dam.
Wildlife encounters: Cherokee Park at Arkansas River provides opportunities to observe river wildlife including bald eagles. "We have seen quite a bit of wildlife including an up close encounter with a bald eagle, several blue herons, and a few river otter sightings," Steve S. reports from Cherokee Park.
Privacy at free sites: Harris Brake Lake offers dispersed camping with significant space between sites and direct lake access. "I really enjoyed this site. I stopped on a weekday and I was the only one there. It was nice watching the sun set over the lake," Kyle C. shares about his experience at this no-fee camping area.
Clean facilities: State park campgrounds typically maintain higher cleanliness standards than some Corps of Engineer sites. "Cleanest park I've ever see! From the loop A, great view to the lake. A lot of hiking around," comments Perrine C. about her experience at Petit Jean State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Lake Sylvia Recreation Area operates only from late April through mid-October. "If this campground were open year round, I would give it five stars - with access to good hiking here (including the Ouachita Trail), it is a shame that the campground is closed in late fall and early spring," explains 2SHOE S.
Road restrictions: The drive to Mount Nebo features steep grades up to 18% with tight switchbacks. "Grades are up to 18%. The State Park rests up its summit, constructed by the CCC, many of their stonework craftsmanship can be seen in the buildings and trail system," Dave V. warns about the challenging access road.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cellular connectivity, requiring planning for offline navigation and communication. "There is no cell service in the campground but if you go up to the dam, we had anywhere from 3 to 5 bars of service," Aaron D G. mentions about River Road Campground.
Water hookup challenges: At several Corps of Engineers campgrounds, the water connections may be shared between sites requiring extra hose length. "The water hookups in 'D' area are in strange locations at each site," Mandi R. notes about Lake Dardanelle State Park, highlighting a practical consideration for RVers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Dardanelle State Park offers modern playground equipment near the camping areas. "Lots for families with swim beach and playground in addition to nature experiences," Michael B. mentions from Lake Dardanelle State Park.
Swimming beaches with amenities: Quarry Cove provides a sandy beach area with gradual water entry suitable for younger children. "There's a small, sandy swim beach and plenty of places to put in a boat or kayak. It was pretty quiet too, since it was small," reports Jennifer W., highlighting features that make the swimming area family-friendly.
Educational opportunities: Petit Jean State Park offers family-friendly hiking trails with interesting geological features. "The Cedar Falls hike is beautiful and a quick fun adventure. I recommend going to the Petit Jean Grave. The view is vast!" Sondra M. explains, identifying specific hikes appropriate for families with children.
Campsite selection: Loop A at Petit Jean offers the most amenities for families, including full hookups and lake views. "We stayed in Loop C and I felt a little too secluded. The sites in C & D appeared to be a little smaller," advises Shana D., providing comparative information about the different camping loops.
Tips from RVers
Power options: Most campgrounds offer 30 or 50-amp service, with Petit Jean State Park providing the most consistent electrical hookups. "Thirty-five of the sites are Class AAA sites which have 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups. There are 90 Class B sites offering 30 amp electrical and water hookups," Fred S. details from Petit Jean State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Many sites throughout the region require significant leveling blocks due to terrain. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," Ryan S. warns about Petit Jean State Park, noting an important consideration for larger RVs.
Loop selection: For larger rigs, specific loops provide better access and maneuverability. "Areas A and B can accommodate large rigs and towables," Fred S. advises for Petit Jean State Park, while noting that "Areas C and D are in the woods. Most of the sites in these areas are on the small size but should easily accommodate a truck camper and smaller."
