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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
