Searching for glamping near Chester? Glamping is not only a fun alternative to traditional tent camping, but also allows you to pack more or less gear as you see fit. The Dyrt's camping photos, reviews, and tips are an easy way to find the right Arkansas glamping spot for you.
$23 - $163 / night
Experience nature and adventure at historic White Rock Mountain! This National Forest Recreation Area features three unique and rustic natural stone cabins and a large natural stone lodge built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Each features a stone fireplace new, antique, and original wood furniture handcrafted by the CCC. Wind, rain and natural elements had caused the deterioration of the buildings over the years. In 1987 a volunteer group, Friends of White Rock, began a project to renovate the historic structures. With a lot of commitment and hard work, the lodge and cabins were restored to their original state in 1991. White Rock Mountain also offers nine primitive family camping sites. These easily accessible shaded campsites include tents pads, fire rings, grills, picnic tables and access to restrooms and water. Small RVs or pop-up campers can be accommodated at a few sites.
White Rock Mountain is the hub of several national forest hiking trail systems including the easy 2 mile trail around the mountain top rim, the 17 mile Shores Lake/White Rock loop trail, and the renowned 170 mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Other recreational activities include swimming, boating (non-motorized) or fishing at Shores Lake Recreation Area; swimming, floating or fishing the National Scenic Mulberry River; Mill Creek and other National Forest ATV trails; mountain biking, hunting and more.
White Rock Mountain is 2,309 feet above sea level and received its name from the appearance of the lichen on the sheer bluffs that appear white from a distance. Guests at White Rock can enjoy incredible scenic views from the lodge, cabins, campground and bluffs. The forest is home to a large variety of wildlife including deer, bear, bald eagles, turkey and more. In the fall season White Rock Mountain offers unrivaled opportunities for taking in the bright red, orange and yellow autumn foliage that sweeps across the Ozark National Forest. The forest around White Rock is also a waterfall hunter's paradise featuring several great falls located in the surrounding area.
This location is staffed. Please call (479) 369-4128 to speak with local staff.
Ozark Highlands Trail, Shores Lake Recreation Area, National Scenic Mulberry River, Mill Creek and other ATV Trails, Waterfalls, Scenic Drives, Mountain Biking, Wineries (Altus, AR) and more.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.
$15 - $215 / night
Experience the best tent and RV camping in Arkansas at Byrd’s Adventure Center. Right on the Mulberry River, Byrd’s offers a host of activities not found at any other Ozark campground.
Enjoy our comfortable RV and tent campsites as you relax in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Byrd’s Adventure Center offers spacious camping in a beautiful setting along the Mulberry River.
A variety of grassy and wooded campsites are available. Some sites have small shelters with picnic tables and campfire rings. In addition to our new Riverfront Restaurant (open weekly Friday-Sunday), we have more amenities than you’ll find in other Ozark campgrounds. These include a large heated shower house, a convenient on-site store with deli, stages, pavilions, an extensive trail network, two backcountry airstrips, rental cabins, plus floating and fishing on the pristine Mulberry River. All of this is located on our private 800-acre ORV park surrounded by the Ozark National Forest.
$10 - $22 / night
Making for great camping near Tulsa, Natural Falls State Park gets its name due to the unique water feature found inside the park’s Dripping Springs. Soaring 77 feet above the flat lands of the nearby Oklahoma/Arkansas border, one of the largest waterfalls in the region cascades down into the depths of the grassland valley below. Thanks to a railed viewing platform that overlooks the waterfall, visitors from all over come to enjoy the serene atmosphere and picturesque splendor created by this natural wonder.
Natural Falls State Park is most famously known for its cameo in the 1974 movie “Where the Red Fern Grows” which was filmed here. While you may not be interested in raising coonhounds, you might be pleased to find that dogs are allowed here so long as they’re on leash and cleaned up after. Additionally, the park offers a 44 RV sites, with 7 of them offering hookups. Furthermore, 17 tent sites are available for reservation if you aren’t one to travel via RV or Van. Nightly pricing ranges from $14 for a standard tent site, to $30 for a premium RV site with hookups.
Those looking for a more convenient camping solution will enjoy the variety of Yurts available for reservation here. Each Yurt can house between 4-6 people, and will more than appeal to even the pickiest of travelers thanks to the well-equipped furnishings found within. Each comes with a fridge, microwave, lighting, electric outlets, Vinyl covered mattresses, heating, and more. Not only that, but bathrooms and showers are just a short walk away. And don’t worry about your four-legged friends; with an additional fee they’ll be able to cozy up with your family inside. Nightly rates for Yurt reservations start at $100, with an additional $15 fee for pets. If you don’t have your own bedding available, the park will lend a complete set for $25.
When it comes to recreation, there’s tons to do! Hiking and fishing are very accessible here, with marked trails and designated fishing areas throughout. Furthermore, if you bring a pair of binoculars the park is full places perfect for checking out the local wildlife. Additionally, the park is jammed pack with local flora and fauna, such as Dogwood and Sassafrass. Moreover, onsite volleyball, disc-golf, horseshoes, a basketball court, and other recreation are found throughout the park.
People may visit here due to the fame, but they stay for the beauty within. Natural Falls State Park is a treasure of Oklahoma, and is worth checking out for anyone who needs a break away from the stress of everyday life.
Nestled between the Ozark National Forest to the north, and the Ouachita National Forest to the south, Mount Magazine State Park boasts the highest point in the state of Arkansas: Mount Magazine at 2753 feet. Located just 100 miles northwest of Little Rock, this area has been a recreation destination since the late 1800s. Recreation at Mount Magazine really started booming in the 1930s and 40s with the construction of a lodge, campgrounds and trails. Visitors came to beat the heat of the surrounding valleys, as well as to enjoy the panoramic views, abundant wildflowers, autumn color, and numerous opportunities to play outdoors. The area finally became a state park in 1998.
Whether you prefer a posh lodge or cabin, a fully-equipped RV pad, or a rustic campsite, there’s a place for you to stay and play at Mount Magazine. The park’s campground offers 18 spacious sites with full or partial hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers and a dump station. Campers are required to store food and trash properly to minimize black bear encounters. For more luxuriant accommodations, the park’s lodge offers 60 guest rooms and spa suites with a variety of comforts, as well as 13 full-equipped cabins with up to three bedrooms. Not in the mood for hot dogs over the campfire? The large dining room at the Skycrest Restaurant serves daily meals while overlooking the Petit Jean River Valley.
When you’re ready to play on Mount Magazine, you can do it by foot, wheels or wings. Hikers have access to 14 miles of trails, ranging from 1 to 3 miles, with connecting options for going farther. The 34-mile Huckleberry Mountain Trail is great for mountain biking and horseback riding. For gravity-defying activities, the park offers more than 100 climbing routes on its southern bluff, as well as a hang gliding launch point over the Petit Jean River Valley. Less strenuous activities include bird and wildlife watching, guided ranger walks, historic site tours and various interpretive programs and outdoor skills workshops. There’s also spectacular leaf-peeping in the fall when the forest takes on its vibrant autumn transformation.
$35 / night
Horseshoe Bend Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Fishing opportunities are plentiful near Horseshoe Bend Campground. Beaver Lake has more than 28,000 surface acres of water, and anglers can try their luck at catching large and small-mouth bass, crappie, bream, white bass, stripers, and channel or spoon-bill catfish. Just below the dam, the cold waters of the upper White River provide a perfect habitat for pole-bending rainbow and record-size German brown trout. Several trails snake throughout the Ozark Mountains, offering peaceful hiking, biking and wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors. Hunters will find game plentiful in northwest Arkansas. A mixture of hardwood and evergreen forest provides a good home to many different species of wildlife. While Beaver Lake is conveniently located near several population centers, within a short driving distance hunters can find remote areas filled with upland game animals such as deer, rabbits and squirrels. Many other sports and activities await campers, including boating, swimming, picnicking, scuba diving, water skiing, spelunking and sightseeing.
Towering limestone bluffs, natural caves and a variety of trees and flowering shrubs surround Horseshoe Bend Campground, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Beaver Lake and Dam, completed in 1966, was constructed in the White River Basin and boasts 449 miles of beautiful shoreline at the top of the conservation pool. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, hydroelectric power and public water supply, it has also created a popular recreational oasis.
Several marinas are located around the lake, offering groceries, fuel, boat rentals and storage, fishing guides and camping supplies. Click here for more information.
$16 - $75 / night
$30 - $100 / night
Welcome to our KOA, a green oasis only 3/4 mile off I-40, with long, level, shaded Pull-Thru RV Sites, Deluxe and Camping Cabins, a tiny house and large, grassy Tent Sites. You'll find fast, streamable, and secure free Wi-Fi and great satellite reception. Enjoy the pool, jump pad, walking trails, fishing pond, playground, gaga ball pit, box hockey, washer toss, volleyball and Kamp K9. The rec room has a kitchen, treadmill, board games, books, puzzles, and a 50-inch TV/DVD player with movies. Make this KOA your base camp while you discover all the area has to offer, including restaurants, antique stores, Native American history, casinos, farmers' markets, train rides, all while just 25 miles from Fort Smith, Arkansas. Explore the beautiful Ouachita or Boston mountains, Robert S. Kerr Reservoir or Lake Tenkiller, where hiking, biking, boating, scuba diving and fishing are plentiful. We also fill propane tanks mounted on RVs or portables from 20#-100#! Pool: May 20 - October 1. Max pull thru: 90 feet. Your hosts: the Maust family.
Prairie Creek Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Fishing opportunities are plentiful near Prairie Creek Campground. Beaver Lake has more than 28,000 surface acres of water, and anglers can try their luck at catching large and small-mouth bass, crappie, bream, white bass, stripers, and channel or spoon-bill catfish. Just below the dam, the cold waters of the upper White River provide a perfect habitat for pole-bending rainbow and record-size German brown trout. Several trails snake throughout the Ozark Mountains, offering peaceful hiking, biking and wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors. Hunters will find game plentiful in northwest Arkansas. A mixture of hardwood and evergreen forest provides a good home to many different species of wildlife. While Beaver Lake is conveniently located near several population centers, within a short driving distance hunters can find remote areas filled with upland game animals such as deer, rabbits and squirrels. Many other sports and activities await campers, including boating, swimming, picnicking, scuba diving, water skiing, spelunking and sightseeing.
Towering limestone bluffs, natural caves and a variety of trees and flowering shrubs surround Prairie Creek Campground, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Beaver Lake and Dam, completed in 1966, was constructed in the White River Basin and boasts 449 miles of beautiful shoreline at the top of the conservation pool. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, hydroelectric power and public water supply, it has also created a popular recreational oasis.
Several marinas are located around the lake, offering groceries, fuel, boat rentals and storage, fishing guides and camping supplies. Click here for more information.
$18 - $200 / night
Enjoy 9 full-service campsites! Water, sewer and up to 50 AMP electrical services included. Additional amenities handicap accessible shower house and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi and a convenient dump station also available. Gentle wooden hillside beckoning a relaxing walk in the shade.
$35 - $38 / night
Legend
Awesome Small Campground! What a gem! Not a glamping campground, but beautiful peaceful change. Only 16 sites, with only 2, 50 amp sites. We were lucky enough to get one. Site is huge and private. Has fire pit with grill, separate bbq, siting area and great hook ups. Bear proof refuge container on site as well. Half off if disabled! Site 3 wasn't completely level, but quick fix. Sights and hiking were breathtaking. No laundry, cable or wifi, but restrooms and showers were clean. Cell service was spotty. Gorgeous lodge with great overlooks and restaurant close by. A diamond in the rough.
Legend
This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith. To me, the most interesting parts of the park were destroyed in order to make the lake (and thus, the park); the Works Progress Administration (WPA) had several cabins and shelters on the property from building the dam and surrounding areas. However, they were flooded under when the lake filled. The ranger in the visitor’s center said the buildings were not able to be moved. There was a nice exhibit about the building of the park and the role of the WPA in the surrounding area. The campsites are all really RV only with water and electric, although most sites also have a tent pad. There were no other tent campers while I was there. The campground is really clean and well maintained; it seemed that the trash cans were emptied almost hourly by the nice fellow buzzing around in his golf cart. The bath house was super clean, too. There are some nice hiking trails, although none very long. However, this park marks the western end of the Ozark Highlands Trail that stretches across northern-ish Arkansas for 150+ miles. This might be a good starting or ending spot. The boat ramp seemed quiet, but that might have been the weather. If you are into group glamping, there are several lodges that are available that could house a small family to a small army.
Legend
This was our first time to visit an Oklahoma State Park! We were blown away by the beauty of this oasis! The waterfall is beautiful. The yurts are really cool! The park was busy with lots of campers and day use hikers as well as families picnicking. Great park!
TravelerFirst time here we stayed in a Yurt. Our group had 3 of the 5 Yurts and they were very well appreciated as the rain swamped some of the tents in our group.
2nd and 3rd trips here we stayed in our TT. Site #21 was awesome with electric, water and sewer hook ups as well as a lot of space all around our site. Site #18 was very cramped and only had electric and water hook ups. Our neighbor's water and electric hookup was literally closer than our picnic table. We walked around and found other sites with more space for next time.
The area is beautiful. Lots of trails, wildlife and a year round waterfall that is fed by a pump from a pond downstream. There is opportunity to fish in the pond. The waterfall is magnificent and can be viewed from an overlook that is easily accessible. The hike to the bottom and back out is moderately strenuous but there are places to take a break as needed.
LegendTook a detour on our road trip to visit this park. There are tent sites, RV sites, and yurts available. Tent sites don't have electric and approximately half dont have water. Sites are equipped with fire ring, grill, and concrete tables. The park has some fantastic trails, just get someone taller than you walk ahead to clear the spider webs. There are playgrounds, a volleyball net, horseshoe setups, and paved walking paths.
TravelerNatural falls has been our weekend getaway spot for a few years now. It's normally pretty quiet, the hiking trails down to the falls are fun and challenging. They have added yurts which are pretty cool.
Tent camping is normally what we do and it's a great setup for that. The camping areas are spacious and flat for good easy tent setup. Water is centrally located in the middle of the campgrounds.
The restroom and shower areas have never been dirty and are always in clean working order. There is disc golf, a park, and playground equipment for your kids.
Definitely worth the visit.
LegendCLICK HERE for full video
Nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, Natural Falls State Park boasts a unique beauty which is unmatched through other state parks within Oklahoma. Perhaps best known for its beautiful waterfall, there are many other things to do here that make this a great place to visit during camping season.
I visited during the summer months, it was hot and sticky outside, but slightly overcast making it a perfect day to visit and enjoy the park itself as well as some of the camping options.
Exploring this park is fun as trails wind around and meander through some of the most beautiful areas of Oklahoma. If you are a person who likes mountains more than plains, this area of Oklahoma is one for you as lush tree coverage and rocky crags abound.
The campsites themselves are pretty typical of an Oklahoma campground. 44 RV sites, also which can accommodate tent campers who are in need of power and 17 tent sites are available in addition to yurts they have on property. Yurts are pretty common in many Oklahoma State Parks in this region I have found. The sites are pretty standard with fire rings, picnic tables and some lantern hooks, just the basic ground work laid for you to set up your own unique adventures.
When visiting I noticed that the Yurt section had no visitors during the week day and the campground itself was sparse as well. During the weekends I can imagine this fills up much more as it is a great place to visit.
Visiting is fun with lots to do including the hiking trails however they also have playgrounds, volleyball and disc golf. The one downside for those visiting during the heat of summer however is, unlike many parks in Oklahoma which offer swimming beaches or pools, this park does not have any swimming resources. This was not a deal breaker for me personally but I would think for many it could be.
A few things I noted that apply at the park that could be negatives to visitors passing through. They do currently have a reservation system, this can have both pros and cons. The reservation system is pretty easy to navigate but does state that on weekends you must book for the 2 days of the weekend no exceptions. When visiting the park in person I was told you can also get a site on the day of, however there is no guarantee of sites being available. Unlike many parks which hold a certain number for arrivals they are moving toward a fully online booking system like many other states.
LegendWe frequently take 412 from Tulsa to the Arkansas Ozarks and have always wondered what lies behind the gates of Natural Falls State Park. If you have to pay $5 a car it must be magnificent and grand, I thought every time I passed the turn off sign .5 mile from the city street that leads to the entrance. Well, it is a place you can stop at if you are late in the day and need a spot to camp without much fan fair or activities. The $5 day price is not worth it if you just want to hike and see the park as it is quite small and you can complete every trail in just a few hours if you tried. The falls itself is pretty nice for the area and would provide a pleasant respite from the road. As far as the campground goes, it is just as small as the park itself. It abuts a barb wire fence designating the difference between private property and the park and has some in vogue features such as yurts but the small size and the layout make it one I will not go back to. With 2 dogs who like to bark and a desire to go on longer hikes and activities, there just isn't much here for me. As far as the sites, the layouts were nice with a table and fire ring and adequate space but overall pretty forgetful.
RangerFairly small state park but they have a lot to do. They have 17 tent sites and about 45 RV sites. There are also nice looking yurts you can tent. Our tent site had a picnic table, lantern hook, charcoal grill and a fire ring. Bathrooms were clean and had flush toilets and a shower.
There are 4.5 miles of great hiking trails at the park. You can find some great hidden spots along the river and enjoy the quiet.
Of course, the best part of the park is the 77 foot tall waterfall. The hike to the bottom is fairly steep but there is a sidewalk that takes you to an overlook at the top.
The park has probably the longest disc golf course I’ve ever seen.
Overall, I highly recommend Natural Falls State Park.
LegendGeneral: Located near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border, this is a surprisingly quiet campground given its proximity to the highway. Once you reserve a site, you receive an e-mail instructing you to register your vehicle for a parking pass, which must be done prior to arrival. (There is a $10 charge for non-campers). You will then receive several updated e-mails and/or text messages. The weird thing is that the parking pass is activated at 9 am on the day you are scheduled to arrive, however, check-in to the campsite is not until 4 pm. The pass expires 24 hours later (9 am), however, check-out from the campground is not until 2 pm. I’m not sure if the parking fee is enforced in the campground or just in the day-use parking lot.
Sites/Facilities: There is an RV loop and a tent loop. There are also five yurts. Sites 41-45 are VERY long pull-throughs that could easily fit two large RVs plus another vehicle. All other sites are back-in. All sites are paved.
Bathhouse: Restrooms/showers are located between the tent and RV sites and are easily accessible to both sections. They were clean. I did not use the shower so cannot comment on this other than it looked clean.
Activities/Amenities: The main attraction here is the short hike to see Dripping Springs. There are also other (paved) walking trails plus a volleyball net, basketball, disc golf, and catch and release fishing. There is a small store which is also where you check-in for camping. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
LegendA gem of a state park in Oklahoma, it is a very popular destination. There is a day use charge of $5, which is included in the campground cost. First, the campground: There is separate tent and RV camping, but I think the RV portion is nicer. The tent area, “Airy Tent Area”, is in a small grassy section of the park, with few sites having enough trees to hang a hammock. If that is your thing, try to get a site on the outside edge that backs up against the woods. While there were picnic tables and grills, there didn’t really seem to be specific sites for tents, and there was no privacy. The playground and shower house are directly next to the tent area, which compounds the lack of privacy. However, you could choose to get a larger RV/Camper site in the woods. If you do that, try and get on the Bluff View loop. It was a pretty quiet campground at night, but I understand that it can be loud on nights that the cars are running on the nearby speedway across the road. There are Yurts available for rent in the back of the park behind the falls if that is your thing (not sure how much they cost a night; might be fun for a night if they aren’t too expensive). The park: a beautiful park for hiking and hanging out. There are a few nice trails for hiking, though none are very long or difficulty. You can hike out and around the falls as well as along the creek at the bottom of the falls. There are some beautiful bridges over the creek/river as well. It’s understandable why this park was the location for the movie “Where The Red Fern Grows”. There is also a pretty little botanical garden and nice lawns for picnicking.
Ranger
The campground is a hidden gem. The RV and primitive camping are clean and well-maintained. The bathroom/shower requires a passcode to enter and is always clean to use. It's a great escape for off-roading and overloading. Be sure to stop by the Oark Cafe in Oark, Arkansas, which is a 25-minute drive from the campground. They serve one of the best burgers in Arkansas (Wednesday-Sunday).
RangerNear the Mulberry River and White Rock recreation area, the facility is an off road enthusiasts playground! Trails directly into the outback from the facility. Plants of space to stretch out and enjoy the deep Forrest areas of Arkansas
Traveler
This campground is located on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas. It is a Corp of engineer lake. We stayed in site 30 which is quite small but our Winnebago 24’ Trend fit in fine. There was a slight slope but we were able to position our Anderson block on one side and were level. This site is at the end of a short road and very private. There were places for all sized of RVs and tents. We were there during the 3rd week June and it was probably 3 quarters full of campers. There is a very nice day use area with picnic tables and a lot of shelters. The lake is just outside of Rogers Arkansas
Traveler
I love this campground!! It has everything. There is great campsites, as well as a little corner store, water front, restaurant, hook-ups, really everything you need. The employees are ALWAYS friendly and helpful, campsites are well put together, a bathroom and showers are on site. This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly
Guide
The views, as other reviewers have said, are impressive and the Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season.
One warning on the cabins though - in summer be prepared for some bugs. Stayed in Cabin B in August one summer with my wife, who is tougher than anything but spiders. I would have been wise to get there a couple hours earlier and let her relax while I cleaned the place thoroughly. They were pretty thick throughout.
It's not that they're dirty, it's just that they're old buildings which aren't used every day surrounded by forest. Naturally, you get spiders, rodents, etc. It didn't bother me at all, but it did her. Water pressure and hot water were not what one would hope if you want a shower as well.
We both enjoyed the setting, loved the cabin otherwise, and loved the hikes. We've done day hikes there with the kids' since, and in a prior visit I saw a bear go lumbering in front of my truck on the road to White Rock. Only time in 40+ years I've seen a bear in the wild in Arkansas, and I grew up in the country!
Still recommend White Rock, but if you're considering the cabins it's worth bringing cleaning supplies. Even with that, they're a great bargain.
LegendThe one thing you notice as you pull into this park is the updated facilities. The state of Arkansas has put in a real effort to make the outdoor experience a nice as possible in their state parks. All sites were level for both campers and tents Each site had a good table, fire pit and lantern pole. The only drawback is the limited hiking options but the lake offers opportunities to fish and boat. This park was a surprise as we were scouting the area. We will be back
Ranger
Got a nice little spot on the lake to do some hammock camping for two nights. Was able to get this spot within the week which was a surprise as busy as it was. Campground is close to Rogers, Arkansas if you need any supplies. I used it as a gateway to head in to the Ozark National Forest which is about 1.5 hours away.
RangerGreat state park. Checked out Arkansas high point of course. Hike some trails, enjoyed the views and rock formations. Tent camping area was very clean, with nice flat tent pad surface to set up tent on. Also ate a very nice meal on Easter Sunday at the lodge. Saw several deer while we were there. Definitely recommend this state park to others. Hope to go there again some day.
GuideI grew up in Arkansas but had never been here until this past winter. It's an absolutely beautiful place.
I can't wait to return here for summer activities. Awesome lodge with great food, the best view I have seen in ages. The park staff was also great and very helpful. One day we were there the visibility was nil, turns out we were in low clouds, not fog. Pretty cool.
GuideThis is a very nice state park that mostly offers hiking and beautiful views. We stayed in our camper, but there is a beautiful lodge and a good restaurant here as well. The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice. Camping spots are spaced out pretty well. We enjoyed our visit here!
RangerMount Magazine is a beautiful State Park with great hiking trails. We hiked Signal Hill (highest point in Arkansas) and the North Rim Trail. Both were beautiful. This is a great place for families to camp. There is a welcome center with a small gift shop. Our campsite was spacious with water and electric although we were tent camping. Shower and bathroom facilities were nice and clean. They also had a place to hang glide. We checked out some of the cabins for future options, and they looked amazing with beautiful views.
GuideWe stayed in a Monday night in early November and there were only two other groups in the tent loop. The TV loop seemed a little busier. The shower house is right next to the RV loop and a bit of a walk from the tents. We had a picnic table and fire ring. The campground is not far from a busy road so we had some noise. Conveniently located near a large town in Arkansas for supplies and good cell signal. We did the short hike to the falls and they were gorgeous. $16 for the night.
Legend
May - Oct
41 sites w/electric (50 amp is available)
$20 - $21 (depending on pass cost could be $10 per night)
Reservations accepted (during high season on weekends recommended)
recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777
Swimming beach, dump station, dock, water, picnic table, fire ring, paved pads, fish cleaning station, toilets, showers, water sites, trash
The drive to Rocky Branch is set in rural Arkansas in the rolling Ozark Mountains. It is a narrow, winding, rolling with a dense covering of beautiful trees giving a sense of peace and serenity. Depending on your route I suggest filling your gas tank and get your groceries before getting to far out of civilization. It is several miles back to a grocery store.
As you get ready to enter the campground there is a large marina with a great deal of traffic especially during the summer and on weekends. If traveling during the summer I would recommend reservations and if you have a particular site you would prefer I would reserve as soon as possible. ASAP Check the site sizes as most sites are small and will not accommodate larger rigs. Smaller is king here.
Fishing, boating of all kinds, SUP, hiking, biking, take your pick. Beaver Lake has nearly 500 miles of beautiful shoreline.
Beaver Lake is known for small and large mouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, stripers and white bass. If you have a boat take your chances or hire a guide.
Within a short drive you will find Hobbs State Park and the War Eagle Mill. Hobbs gives you more options for enjoying the beauty of the Arkansas Ozarks. There is a renovated shooting range and has one lane that is for wheelchair use. The range is free to the public. Check this out from 0800 hours to 1630 hours (8 am to 4:30 pm) Tuesday thru Sunday.
If you tire of water sports and kicking back to a slow pace you can always do a bit of sightseeing.,
NWA (North West Arkansas as it is know in Arkansas) is a gold mine of diverse sights and locations. Crystal Bridges is a world class American Art Museum with a setting in a natural Ozark woods with springs and a beautiful walking trail. Eureka Springs will give you the sense of being in a quaint European or Victorian town. The downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. Pea Ridge steps you back into the Civil War. Pea Ridge was the location of an important pivotal battle west of the Mississippi. You will find a 4.300 acre site with a seven mile self guided auto tour. War Eagle Mill is a working gristmill that was built in 1832. At the mill there is a beautiful stream with an old one lane wooden plank bridge. You may walk across or drive. Buy some organic grain on your visit. Great stop for the kids with wonderful shade trees. A step back in time.
A visit to this area is not complete without a visit to Bentonville to the Walmart Museum. The museum is located inside the original 5 & 10 Walmart store opened in 1950. Enjoy an Ice cream cone while you are there.
Our visit was mosquito free and very few flies. We also did not encounter ticks or chiggers so this was a major bonus.
LegendWe made a return trip in the late fall to Mt Mag and ended up in the unofficial campground on the back side of the park. The sites had a table and a fire pit along with a pit toilet. Mt Mag has some amazing trails and view to explore. The park also has a lodge if that is your thing that over looks the Arkansas valley below. The staff at the visitor center was friendly and helpful in directing us on which hikes to take in the area. I would defiantly recommend making reservations if you want to stay in establish camp.
GuideFound this gem tucked away in Northwest Arkansas. Corps of Engineers Campground. Very well-maintained. Gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites. Several bathhouses. Some with vault toilets but some with flush toilets and showers. Sites have electric but not water so fill your tank before you come.
Swimming area was very spacious. Nice playground for kids. (Closed currently due to COVID.) Dump station has easy access.
Sites are in several smaller groups so it would be great for camping with friends and family. Paved, smooth roads in and out. Quiet and good spacing between sites. Deer roaming around throughout. Fantastic price for lakeside camping.
ScoutLocated 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. When we arrived at 10:00 PM, the full moonlight guided us as we set up camp, later able able to watch the stars through our open tent (which was much needed during this hot Arkansas summer). When we awoke, shortly after dawn, we hiked the cliffs' edge where we saw miles of inviting green landscape. As our hike around the mountain progressed we saw much vegetation and wildlife! Once the hours grew hotter we decided to leave for a swim in the Mulberry, learning that a trail leads all the way down the mountain meeting the winding road in several locations. Despite having slight reservations with a toddler, I'm looking forward to our next experience at White Rock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Chester, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Chester, AR is Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 22 glamping camping locations near Chester, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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