Tent Camping near Chidester, AR

Tent campsites near Chidester, Arkansas are situated within the pine forests and rolling hills of southern Arkansas where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September. The region features several primitive camping locations within an hour's drive of Chidester, with most concentrated around DeGray Lake to the north. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.

What to do

Fishing access points: Allens Ferry at Little River provides boat-in camping options with close proximity to quality fishing spots. One camper warned about signage, noting "when I arrived and constructed camp went for a quick jog and noticed at the bottom of sign says no camping."

Swimming during hot months: DeGray Lake offers numerous swimming opportunities to combat summer heat. Erik from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake reports, "I found a site right on the water and went for a swim which was great given how hot it was. Nobody else on my peninsula of the campground either."

Educational nature activities: Families can visit the nature center at Logoly State Park Campground which contains educational exhibits. According to Brad C., "There is a nature house nearby that is open to the public for free during operating hours. It houses various small animals such as a crocodile, snakes, spiders, and lizards."

What campers like

Peaceful atmosphere: Tent campers consistently mention the quiet environment as a major draw. As one visitor to Ozan Point stated, "Great place alone or with kids. I keep coming back."

Well-spaced campsites: Many campgrounds offer significant distance between sites. At Point Cedar, campers enjoy privacy even during busier periods, though one camper noted some sites have challenges: "Site 34 backed up to a 'swampier area of the lake' as it rained it got closer to camp."

Natural shade coverage: Most tent sites feature full tree coverage which provides relief during hot Arkansas summers. One camper at Ozan Point noted being "fully shaded so don't expect Solar charging or satellite if you work from a vehicle."

What you should know

Facility maintenance varies: Bathroom cleanliness and grounds upkeep can fluctuate by season and staffing. A Point Cedar visitor observed, "The area could use some weeding and mowing. The bathhouses could use some cleaning."

Seasonal closures and fees: Most DeGray Lake campgrounds operate with seasonal fee structures. Ozan Point Recreation Area Campground charges "$10 a night (March 1 - October 31)" according to a recent visitor.

Limited amenities: Many sites offer only basic facilities. While Logoly State Park appears well-maintained, one visitor noted confusion about facilities, stating "There is no campground here," suggesting possible limitations or closures.

Weather considerations: Low-lying sites near water can flood during heavy rains. An Abby G. from Point Cedar reported that after rainfall, water "got closer to camp and nearly took out the fire pit of the site next door."

Tips for camping with families

Introductory nature experiences: Hervey Access Camping provides accessible tent camping for beginners. Logoly State Park is "good for kids who need a tame introduction to nature. With trails, it's a good place to take a day trip."

Missing playground facilities: Parents should bring recreational equipment as most sites lack dedicated play areas. A camper at Point Cedar mentioned, "I do wish there was a play ground area for the kids."

Water safety planning: Lakeside campsites require vigilance with children. Sites directly on DeGray Lake offer swimming but lack designated swimming areas with lifeguards.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Most tent campsites near Chidester offer few amenities for RVs. Oak Bower Group Use Area is an exception, providing both electric hookups and water connections for camping vehicles.

Access challenges: Several camping areas have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. Ozan Point features a "quiet campsite more tailored to primitive/tent camping with spread out spots" rather than developed RV facilities.

Dumping stations: Most primitive sites lack sanitary dump facilities, requiring advance planning for longer stays. Campers should locate dump stations in nearby towns before arrival.