Lake Ouachita State Park offers premium glamping close to Casa, Arkansas on a peninsula jutting into Arkansas' largest lake. The park sits at 400 feet elevation with clear waters that reach depths over 200 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F while summer months average 75-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Petit Jean State Park, trails range from easy to difficult with varied terrain. "The real selling point to this park is the hiking. Great hammock trees!" notes Sondra M., who recommends exploring despite rain. "The Cedar Falls hike is beautiful and a quick fun adventure. I recommend going to the Petit Jean Grave. The view is vast!"
Crystal digging: Located 45 miles from Casa, Crystal Ridge RV Park provides direct access to crystal mining. "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. We came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems," reports Justin M. The park offers both guided tours ($35) and self-guided mining ($25), with the unique benefit of finding "crystals in our campsite around the fire pit."
Kayaking clear waters: Lake Ouachita offers exceptionally clear water ideal for paddling. "It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water," shares Alison C. about Lake Catherine State Park. Rentals are available at most waterfront parks. "Kayak rental was cheap (and didn't charge extra for staying out longer!)" notes Amanda H.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: For glamping accommodations near Casa, Mount Nebo offers exceptional night sky views from its 1,800-foot elevation. "Beautiful mountain top park with panoramic views. Nice trails and panoramic views," says Amanda F. The elevated position reduces light pollution and provides unobstructed horizons.
Lake access campsites: Catherine's Landing features premium glamping tents with direct water access. "I was in lakefront site 123... The water front sites near the boat dock were my favorite and easy to back into. All sites appear to be spacious with grass and fire pits," explains Taylor D. The property includes "a mile bordering Lake Catherine and about eight or nine miles from downtown Hot Springs."
Wildlife encounters: Multiple state parks feature abundant deer and bird populations that frequently visit campsites. "The deer will walk up to you and you can pet them," says Steve S. about Mount Nebo State Park. Spring and fall months offer the best wildlife viewing, with early mornings and dusk providing peak activity times.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Spring visitors should prepare for sudden temperature shifts. "Go Spring or Fall for the View," advises Andrew S. about Petit Jean State Park. "If you go in the fall, Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain. It has 18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer," adds Gary F.
Campsite privacy varies: Site layout and spacing differ significantly across parks. "Campsites are close together with little privacy. Several rental cabins as well," notes Stan G. about Mount Nebo State Park. For more seclusion, request specific sites when booking. "The sites in C & D areas are on the small size but should easily accommodate a truck camper and smaller. Not all sites are level," warns Fred S.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location and carrier. At Stephens Park Campground, "We got a handful of OTA channels and 2 bars on Verizon, which was manageable for internet and phone calls," reports MickandKarla W. Most glamping sites offer WiFi, though service slows during peak weekend hours.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly hiking trails: Petit Jean State Park offers several trails suitable for children. "We took my nieces on a weekend trip in our camper to Lake Catherine State Park. We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," shares Alison C. The trail is approximately 2 miles long with moderate elevation changes.
Playgrounds and facilities: Catherine's Landing provides extensive family amenities. "Kid friendly. Great upkeep and sites that are easily accessible. Playground, splash pad, and pool," notes Bridget C. Their recreation area includes a modern playground, pool complex, and outdoor activity space designed for various age groups.
Water activities for children: Several lakes offer designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "Lake Catherine offers many different outdoor options close to Hot Springs. The camp sites are spaced for privacy and are level for both campers and tents," explains Chad K. Most state parks maintain swimming beaches with lifeguards during summer months, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita, carefully research site locations. "We really liked this place, even though we picked the 'wrong' campsite. Our site was spacious & level, I just wish I selected one on the upper loop- the views are nicer as well as the breeze," advises Bob M. Request sites away from water treatment facilities (avoid sites 50-56).
Hookup availability: Full hookup options vary significantly between parks. "We stayed in A35 which is a triple A site with level site with all the trimmings! Wooded campsite with adequate shade, picnic table, fire pit and raised grilling station," reports Don L. about Lake Ouachita State Park. Many glamping sites near Casa offer electrical outlets inside tents, though amperage may be limited.
Seasonal considerations: Popular glamping sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "This SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommended," notes Chad K. regarding Lake Catherine State Park. For Mount Nebo, plan around visibility issues: "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening."
