Best Campgrounds near Chester, AR
Searching for the best camping near Chester, AR? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Chester. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Camping Sites Near Chester, Arkansas (181)
1. Devil's Den State Park Campground
85 ReviewsWinslow, AR8 milesWebsite+1 (479) 761-3325$20 / night
"Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. "
"The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way."
2. Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
24 ReviewsChester, AR3 milesWebsite+1 (479) 369-2469$23 - $163 / night
"Lake Ft. Smith State Park is a beautiful park in the Boston Mountains. We drove over from Memphis to meet my brother’s family (who lives in Tulsa)."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
3. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
26 ReviewsCombs, AR12 milesWebsite+1 (479) 369-4128$15 - $215 / night
"Located beyond a perfectly canopied gravel road and surrounded by miles of mostly uninhabited forests White Rock Mountain has been the most delightful treasure of 2016."
"The views, as other reviewers have said, are impressive and the Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season."
4. Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
23 ReviewsMulberry, AR12 milesWebsite+1 (479) 462-4961$15 - $35 / night
"Simply put, this is a great little rustic place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The sites offer 20/30/50A hookups with water and septic."
"Very close to off-road trails and river float activities .. the owners are super nice and we liked hanging out with them. We’ll be back!"
5. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
8 ReviewsAlma, AR11 milesWebsite+1 (479) 632-2704"It’s just far enough away from the highway so you have a quiet nights rest without hearing the traffic. The pond on the property has soothing sounds of peepers to fall asleep too."
"Was headed to Lake Fort Smith but area was booked so we stopped here and was pleased with our stay. Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere."
6. Shores Lake
5 ReviewsMulberry, AR12 milesWebsite"Campground road is paved as well as Highway 215 from I-40 accessing the campground. Sites are mostly shaded, but there is no privacy between sites."
7. Natural Dam
5 ReviewsNatural Dam, AR13 milesWebsite"We found this quiet spot with a small waterfall on Mountain Fork Creek that has a fairly large (semi-level) gravel parking lot right next to the natural waterfall which gives good noise cover for the road"
"A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out."
8. Twin Creeks RV Park
1 ReviewMountainburg, AR2 milesWebsite+1 (479) 262-1918"This campground is located in a great spot near the Ozarks."
9. whiskey springs campground
1 ReviewNatural Dam, AR10 miles"You can drive right up to your campsite, this is on private property. There are several tent spots and also 3 cabins, small medium and large."
10. Springhill
19 ReviewsBarling, AR24 milesWebsite+1 (479) 452-4598$16 - $75 / night
"Really nice campground you have two options in the A section you are right one a small river and one the B side it’s more of the wooded option but most sites have the Arkansas rive close by with mountain"
"We camp here a lot because it's close to home. Very reasonable and easy access to bank fishing. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Offers shaded spots or some that are a little more open."
Recent Camping Photos near Chester, AR
202 Photos of 181 Chester Campgrounds
Daniel D.
Twin Creeks RV Park
Steve L.
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
RA H.
Devil's Den State Park Campground
Kerrie C.
Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
rose
Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
Cyndy & Selena R.
Shores Lake
Brittany P.
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
Kat M.
Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
Chris C.
Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events
Matt
Redding Campground
Lacey T.
Riverfield Acreage- White River
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Star View
Recent Reviews near Chester, AR
764 Reviews of 181 Chester Campgrounds
- JJustin B.
Scoutwhiskey springs campground
Amazing place to stay
My wife and I camped here and road our dirt bikes out the next morning. You can drive right up to your campsite, this is on private property. There are several tent spots and also 3 cabins, small medium and large. There is a big hangout spot with a big fire place and chairs already set up, it also has 2 big overhead lights so you’re not completely in the dark. They also have a restroom available for anyone with showers! Everything was very neat inside and out! The owners of the place are absolutely great!! The Buckhorn trails run right through there property. I HIGHLY SUGGEST THIS CAMPSITE!!!
Philip W.
GuideMorgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed
Forested mountain area with trails
No toilets/showers/dumpsters/ trash cans.
Various camp sites along a dirt road, that my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains.
There are various outfitters along the way to the dirt road. So you don’t have to go too far if you forgot something. The camp I’m at has the land cleared fairly well of grasses and such.
The others further down the road are for one vehicle type camps with longer grass. There are walking trails, with Spy Rock a short distance away.- SStephen B.
TravelerAux Arc
Nice spot in the water
Aux Arc Park is a beautiful little campground with large sites on the water. Just here overnight, so no time to explore but will be back
Joshua D.ScoutHighwater Camp
Secluded and Private River Access
If you are looking for a nice place on the Illinois River to camp, float the river, set shuttle or just hang out, this is a very nice place. You will enjoy the privacy compared to other campgrounds in the area that have large crowds. Book early as it fill up fast and they do not offer more than one or two spaces per day. The campsites are large and open with lots of shade trees and could easily accommodate much larger groups if needed . Be careful when camping, as it is near the river and if the water gets high, you will need to move up to the higher bank.
- JJ V.Guide
Petit Bay - Tenkiller Ferry Lake
Big park with many amenities
We stayed in what appeared to be originally tent sties. On peninsula over looking lake and marina. No water, but electric here. Quiet, out of the way from others. Park has multiple swimming opportunities. We did not try bathhouse. Showers and dump station sparse for such a large campground
Debbie W.GuideHorsehead Lake Recreation Area
Small campground, small lake, quiet
This US Forest Service campground has 9 sites, no reservations as far as I could tell. Beautiful little lake for fishing, kayaking or taking a drip. Asphalt camping pads suitable for up to < 30' trailers. No services other than pit toilets. Nice clean, shady camp spot. Was quiet during the week days. Four spots backup to the lake.
- KKevin L.Scout
Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA
Nice place to stay
Friendly helpful staff. Decent lots. Many are shaded. Several things for kids including a pool.
Michelle T.TravelerLookout Tower Road
Perfect night out from Bentonville Arkansas
We were in Bentonville, Arkansas and decided to take a gamble on this and it was about 40 minute drive when we got there. There was plenty of space for the dog to roam without getting into high grass where ticks would be festering and it was a sweet little private getaway for a night before driving on. We highly recommend. Starlink didn't work but Verizon did for phone calls only.
- Michelle T.Traveler
Natural Dam
Worth the Drive
We spent the night in the parking lot in our Sprinter Winnebago Revel van. The view, sounds and feels of the natural dam are stunning, relaxing and cool. A bit muddy for our dog, but great view for coffee in morning. We mountain biked Devil's Racetrack earlier and relaxed here - about 20 minute drive. The sheriff drove by early Sunday morning but didn't speak with us. Some local traffic/Saturday night dates taking photos of natural dam. It stormed at night but we were on the right side of the dam in case it flash flooded. Starlink and Verizon very spotty here. Overall a really nice campsite and we were grateful we made the drive.
Guide to Chester
Camping near Chester, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: There are numerous trails to explore. At Devil's Den State Park Campground, one visitor said, "The hikes are short and just amazing!!!!!" Another camper noted, "Hiking was fantastic, with each trail being dramatically different than the one before."
- Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A reviewer mentioned, "You can’t swim or paddleboard but can kayak or fish here."
- Wildlife Watching: Campers at Redding Campground enjoyed spotting wildlife. One camper shared, "We saw deer, armadillos, and skunks," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
What campers like:
- Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, well-spaced sites at Devil's Den State Park Campground. One review highlighted, "LARGE, well spaced sites with two bath houses within 50 yards in either direction."
- Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms. A camper at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground said, "The facilities are super clean and well taken care of."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures noted, "Owners are great and helpful."
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, have poor cell reception. One camper mentioned, "They did offer ViaSat WIFI for a fee, but I love to unplug when I get the chance."
- Reservations Required: Some sites, such as Springhill, require reservations in advance. A camper noted, "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov."
- Seasonal Closures: Be aware that some campgrounds, like Lake Wedington, are temporarily closed, so check ahead before planning your trip.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Nice large pool area with a water playground/splash pad."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures enjoyed, "Camping, buggy riding, swimming, and fishing."
- Pack for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Redding Campground warned about horseflies, saying, "They attacked me as soon as I got in the water."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park mentioned, "Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere."
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures appreciated the "Full hookups, 50 amp to primitive camping right on the river."
- Be Mindful of Check-In Times: Some campgrounds have specific check-in times. A camper at Byrd's Adventure Center noted, "They called to check on our arrival and have our registration ready for us."
Camping sites Chester, AR, and the surrounding areas provide a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, there's something for every camper to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chester, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chester, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 181 campgrounds and RV parks near Chester, AR and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chester, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chester, AR is Devil's Den State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 85 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chester, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Chester, AR.
What parks are near Chester, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Chester, AR that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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