182 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Clinton, Arkansas sits amidst several established campgrounds and recreation areas surrounding Greers Ferry Lake. Camping options include Choctaw Campground, which features RV and tent sites with water and electric hookups, and Sugar Loaf, providing lakefront camping with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The COE Greers Ferry Lake Choctaw Recreation Area offers both powered and non-powered sites with picnic tables and access to toilet facilities. These areas primarily accommodate tent and RV camping, with a few sites supporting cabin stays.
Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with some like Sugar Loaf open only from mid-May through mid-September. "We had a peaceful stay at this beautiful campground. Tall trees, a lake, and nicely spaced out sites," noted one camper about Choctaw Campground. Road conditions vary throughout the area, with several visitors mentioning steep entrance roads at certain campgrounds. Weather patterns affect camping conditions, particularly around Greers Ferry Lake where water levels can fluctuate. Most developed sites require reservations through recreation.gov or by phone, especially during summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly.
The waterfront camping experience represents a significant draw for visitors to the Clinton area. Campsites along Greers Ferry Lake offer swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities with several locations providing boat ramps and marinas. Shaded sites with tall pines and hardwoods characterize many of the campgrounds, providing natural cooling during hot Arkansas summers. As one visitor described Sugar Loaf: "You have a view of Sugar Loaf mountain in the background. The sites aren't right on top of each other so you should have a decent amount of privacy." Wildlife sightings commonly include white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Bathroom facilities vary widely across different camping areas, from well-maintained shower houses at larger campgrounds to basic vault toilets at smaller recreation areas.
"As most campsites are, there are no real defined borders and all Greers Ferry and Heber Springs are surrounded by residential areas."
"There are sites near the water. The closest to the water was D7. You have a view of Sugar Loaf mountain in the background. It’s a medium sited lot but plenty of room for a tent and a canopy."
from $18 - $75 / night
Check Availability"This Campground is quiet, secluded jewel in Clinton, Arkansas. Tall trees everywhere you look. Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers."
"Tall trees, a lake, and nicely spaced out sites. Loved it."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"There are lots of trails, bike paths, water activities and BEAUTIFUL scenery. Very photogenic. Arkansas State Parks are always enjoyable. Staff was excellent and friendly."
"I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit."
"General: This is one of (I believe) four Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Greers Ferry Lake and the closest one to Highway 65."
"Beautiful lake and I thought the bathrooms were clean and spacious. Water and electric hookups were easy to use. I would highly recommend this place, wasn't crowded and good fishing spots from shore."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"The Fairfield Bay/Greers Ferry lake area in general is my heaven on earth, and this marina/campground is smack dab in the middle of it."
"_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."
"Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Very nice little campground just off Arkansas Hwy 25 by Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs, Arkansas. Actually, many of the campsites are along the beginning of the Little Red River."
"Without a lot fan fair since you have no clue, from the highway, that there is a campground at this location. Not far off the road but you do not hear the traffic. "
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability
ScoutTotal impressed with everything about this RV Park. The cabins are incredible. Probably one of the cleanest we’ve seen, and we’ve been East to West. Thanks for the stay, we’ll be back.
TravelerWe stopped to camp here on a Sunday night because it was convenient to where we were headed. It is off the beaten path so it was nice and quiet. There were only a few campers but although there is a beach that had families playing and swimming, it cleared out by 7PM. Our campsite was nice but the ground was hard and full of rocks, which made tent stakes useless, but our tent will function without them. The facilities were old and dated but they were clean and neat and the family who owns the campground were really nice and friendly. All in all, a good experience and a restful nights sleep for $30 a night.
GuideGreat little camp ground tucked up against the Little Red River. Had direct access from camp site to the river to fish and enjoy the sunshine.
Site was clean and entire camp ground was quite despite it being full.
TravelerWas following OnX looking for dispersed camping in the National Forest. This was a parking lot for mountain biking but was also a quiet place to camp in my van, and it was flat which was hard to find in the dispersed camp zones. If you keep going there are also numerous places along the forest service road to camp.
ScoutThis spot can be fairly active at times but still a good hideaway to car or van camp for a night or two. There are no amenities so bring it or don't be needing it.
TravelerWe stayed a week at Petit Jean in one of their gorgeous cabins. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The check-in and check-out was easy. Finding the cabin was easy with the directions and map we were given. They were clearly marked, with parking for two vehicles, as they were setup like a duplex. The cabin was beautiful and clean, inside and out. There was a large, heavy, all wood porch swing on each side. Relaxing in it was a peaceful experience, listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the tall pines. Inside it was all beautifully stained wood and roomy enough for two people, much like a hotel room, except for the cathedral ceiling. In fact, the setup was better than most hotel rooms we have stayed in. There was a mini-fridge with a small freezer, microwave, coffee pot(with coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, etc,) a Keurig, blow-dryer, iron, ironing board, and broom. It had all the toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissue, cups. The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower. There were two full size beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of pillows and warm bedding, with a nightstand between. There were plugs to charge your phone and a landline. There was also a fireplace, however it was locked closed. The air unit in the room had cooling/heating that was easy to operate and sufficiently cool. We were near the highway, close to the lodge, but did not hear traffic while in the cabin. Parking at Mather Lodge is just like any other, with a short, easy walk to the entrance. Once inside, you pass the check-in desk, a small, well-stocked gift shop,(with something for every age,) an open meeting area and bar before reaching the restaurant. It is beautifully constructed from large logs stained and polished to a gleaming shine. From floor to ceiling, it is the epitome of rugged elegance. We ate breakfast and dinner exclusively at the lodge. The food was exemplary, every meal, cooked to perfection and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and we were never rushed or made to feel as if we overstayed our welcome. The service was fast, even when every table was occupied. The servers were friendly and attentive. We had only one server, one time that was"less than," maybe she was new, not sure, but we did not see her again. Tommy, Thomas, Jessie, Brad, Rebekah, and Lindsay were all so pleasant, always greeting us, even when they weren't our servers, remembering us and making us feel like family. The view of the gorge with it's tall trees and towering rock formations was incredible! There was a common area behind the lodge, just outside the restaurant with tables, chairs and benches for observing the gorge, taking photos, relaxing and socializing. You could walk right down to the edge of the huge flat rocks for photos with a stunning background. We spent every evening there, watching the exquisite sunsets. This place is a nature lovers paradise. There is a pool surrounded by loungers behind and to the side of the lodge. It was clean and well-kept with a small waterfall at one end. Thick thirsty towels are provided for your convenience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We never saw or heard a mower but the grass was cut to perfection and there wasn't a single piece of litter in the entire park. At check-in we were given a map, brochure and weekly schedule of events/tours at the park. The map was very necessary for navigating around this extensive park of which the lodge area was only a small part. The brochure described the hikes and other available activities(such as climbing and repelling) with descriptions of what could be observed, length and difficulty levels. Trust the brochure! If it says strenuous, it is. Plan accordingly. There were four ranger guided tours the week we were there. We took two of them. They were genuinely interesting and pleasurable. Baron, our ranger, was exceedingly knowledgeable about the geology, animal and plant life and history of the area. Exceptionally so, for someone who was seemingly so young. He was attentive to the needs of those attending the tours, stopping to rest if necessary and moving a bit slower for us older folks. He was so affable and easy to talk with, it seemed as if we were old friends. Willing to spend extra time after the tours, talking with us, was an indication of how much he enjoyed his job. We were very appreciative of someone of his character and enjoyed spending time with him. He is the perfect model of what one would think a park ranger is and should be! Any hike can be taken unguided and there are plenty of them. In fact, we had plans to go outside the park on other hikes, but never made it off the property for those. We actually did not have enough time to do all we wanted to do within the park. If you are looking for a phenomenal vacation, this is the trip you should take!
GuideWell maintained state park especially for its age. All sites have a picnic table, ground grill, and tent pad. Roads and campsites are paved. Nicely spaced sites. Clean bathhouse.
TravelerWe stayed here for 14 days. I would recommend trying for a site right on the bank of the water. We could see most of the Dam of Norfolk Lake from our site. Bathhouse are air conditioned. Nice clean campground. Hosts were very nice. Park rangers and sheriff dept patrolled at least once a day. Sites are paved with water and electric and a dump station. Definitely will go back.
TravelerWe were there for 14 nights. We were in a very shady site. So shady, Starlink was sketchy service. We had no cell service at our site without going off Starlink. No sewer in area D. Im not sure about the other areas. We had water and electric. Campground was clean and quiet. Will definitely go again.
Camping options near Clinton, Arkansas include several lakeside sites around Greers Ferry Lake, a 40,000-acre reservoir with 340 miles of shoreline. The area sits at approximately 450 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 90°F and winter lows near 30°F. During spring and fall, campers experience mild temperatures ideal for hiking the surrounding Ozark foothills.
Hiking Sugar Loaf Mountain: Access this iconic hike from Sugar Loaf campground where you can "Bring your kayak and paddle to Sugar Loaf then hike to the top!" The trail offers panoramic lake views and moderate terrain suitable for most skill levels.
Fishing from shore: Catch catfish directly from multiple swim beaches around the lake. At Devils Fork, "You will find the location of the Tournament Fish Life Support Facility where official tournament weight-ins occur" with aerated holding tanks for fish returned to the lake after competitions.
Family swimming: Most campgrounds maintain designated swim areas with varying amenities. Sugar Loaf features "a swim area and marina, kids can feed the fish, able to rent boats or kayaks/canoes also. Family friendly and relaxing."
Nature watching: The wooded areas around Woolly Hollow State Park support diverse wildlife. One camper notes watching "the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit."
Well-spaced campsites: Many campgrounds near Clinton offer good site separation. At Sugar Loaf, "The sites aren't right on top of each other so you should have a decent amount of privacy." This gives campers room to set up without feeling crowded.
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds maintain peaceful environments through regular patrols. One camper at Sugar Loaf noted, "Park rangers patrol the park throughout the day and night, giving all campers piece of mind."
Accessible amenities: Most camping areas provide basic facilities within walking distance. At Choctaw campground, "Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers."
Variety of camping loops: Larger campgrounds like Petit Jean State Park offer multiple camping areas with different advantages. "B loop pros: plenty of shade in hot months with the pine grove, easy access to the paved CCC trail, 30/50 amp service, water, picnic table, fire ring and trash hook."
Seasonal operation: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Sugar Loaf allows "Overnight camping only mid-May through mid-September but is otherwise available for day use year around."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and proximity of restrooms differ between campgrounds and loops. At Devil's Fork Campground, "The bathhouse isn't close for the people without a bathroom in their RV or tent campers."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during summer. For Sugar Loaf, make "Reservation 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov" with rates ranging from "$16.00 non electric $18.00 electric."
Site levelness challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment due to terrain. At Fairfield Bay RV Campground, one camper noted, "You better have extra chuck blocks, because your tow vehicle sits at a heck of an angle, at my site."
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and swim beaches. A camper at Woolly Hollow State Park mentioned "a large playground for the children" near the camping area.
Consider educational opportunities: Some parks offer organized activities. At Petit Jean State Park, one family noted, "The state park ranger had a weekend full of planned events from a box turtle demo to a sand castle competition."
Check for ranger programs: Nature programs enhance family trips. One homeschooling family at Petit Jean appreciated that "the guided hike with Master Naturalist group of AR... put our daughter right up front and identified every plant and tree we passed as well as answered every question she had."
Choose campgrounds with amenities: For families needing facilities, Woolly Hollow State Park has "great hiking with short and long options" making it versatile for different age groups and abilities.
Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking. At Petit Jean State Park, "some sites in B & C were uneven from roots pushing the asphalt up. Beware!"
Check hookup locations: Utility placement varies at each site. One RVer at Petit Jean noted "some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper... pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos."
Consider weather protection: Shade availability differs between camping areas. At Petit Jean, "A loop cons: very little shade would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc."
Entrance road challenges: Some campgrounds have steep approach roads. At Fairfield Bay RV Campground, "Once my trailer was on level site, my truck was at an angle, I could not get my weight distribution bars off. Too much force. I had to pull out, remove bars and back back in."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clinton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clinton, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Clinton, AR and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clinton, AR is Sugar Loaf with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clinton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Clinton, AR.
What parks are near Clinton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Clinton, AR that allow camping, notably Greers Ferry Lake and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
Keep Exploring
