Best Campgrounds near De Queen, AR

The southwestern corner of Arkansas surrounding De Queen features diverse camping options within the Ouachita National Forest and along several waterways. Campgrounds like Bellah Mine, Oak Grove, and Pine Ridge provide year-round access to De Queen Lake with full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can also access Cossatot River State Park Natural Area, offering more primitive experiences along its namesake river. Beavers Bend State Park, just across the Oklahoma border near Broken Bow, provides additional options with highly-rated campgrounds including Acorn and Dogwood areas situated along Mountain Fork River. The region's camping landscape ranges from developed sites with electric hookups and shower facilities to remote backcountry locations requiring more self-sufficiency.

Gravel forest roads leading to many campgrounds can become challenging after heavy rainfall, particularly at locations like Cossatot Reefs near Gillham Lake. As one camper noted, "The campground is tricky to locate, I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the directions especially if you are arriving after dark. There are several miles of driving on a gravel forest road between the main highway and the campgrounds." Cell service throughout the region is spotty, with AT&T coverage particularly limited in more remote areas. Spring and summer bring intense insect activity, with multiple reviewers recommending permethrin treatment for clothing to prevent ticks and additional repellents for mosquitoes. The town of De Queen serves as the primary supply point for groceries, fuel, and camping essentials before venturing into less developed areas.

Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings across the region's campgrounds, though they tend to fill quickly during peak seasons. At Cossatot River State Park, campers appreciate the proximity to water recreation: "The camping area is just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water." Fishing opportunities abound in the area's rivers and lakes, with trout and sunfish commonly caught. Wildlife sightings are frequent, with reviewers mentioning deer, various birds, and warnings about snakes. Several campgrounds feature walk-in tent sites that offer more privacy than RV areas. Primitive backcountry sites along Eagle Rock Loop trail system provide solitude but require proper preparation. According to one hiker, "During the spring and summer the insects can be intense. I advise treating clothing and gear beforehand with permethrin to prevent ticks and use picaridin on the spot for other insects."

Best Camping Sites Near De Queen, Arkansas (136)

    1. Beavers Bend State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Eagletown, OK
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 494-6538

    $20 - $40 / night

    "We had initially planned to go camping at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas; however, unfortunately we were unable to go due to the COVID crisis and Arkansas only allowing in-state residents to begin camping again"

    "Watched a lot of people walk there in the dark without lights with their kids."

    2. Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake

    9 Reviews
    Gillham, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 386-7261

    $23 - $40 / night

    "There's a canoe launch, volleyball, basketball, playground, horseshoes... showers and toilets are clean and there is easy access to hiking trails."

    "Near Gillham Lake but on the river below the spillway."

    3. Bellah Mine

    2 Reviews
    Gillham, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 386-7511

    $23 - $45 / night

    "Every site had an unobstructed view of the lake due to the unique terraced landscapes. Paved, mostly level sites with good power 30 and 50A service and shade."

    "Spot is clean, has several unique sites which are enhanced lake wall decks. There are several RV sites lake view. Clean shower house, playground with pea gravel surface, boat ramp, and lake acces."

    4. Oak Grove

    1 Review
    De Queen, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 584-4161

    $23 - $40 / night

    5. Pine Ridge

    1 Review
    De Queen, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 642-6111

    $14 - $25 / night

    6. Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    12 Reviews
    Wickes, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 385-2201

    "Awesome location right near and easy access to the falls. No water and there is a “out house” type of restroom."

    "We take our border collies and they are able to follow with minimal assistance."

    7. Little Coon Creek

    2 Reviews
    Gillham, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 385-7126

    $23 - $30 / night

    8. Jefferson Ridge - Dierks Lake

    2 Reviews
    Dierks, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 286-3214

    $10 - $45 / night

    "I jumped on it, it was the last campground with availability in the Path of Totality for the Solar Eclipse."

    9. Acorn Campground — Beavers Bend State Park

    10 Reviews
    Broken Bow, OK
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 494-6538

    "This was a spur-of-the-moment trip from NW Arkansas to Port Arthur for a couple of nights...this campground was at about the halfway point."

    "This site is a back in site with the river directly behind the site. Site consists of 1 fire pit, 1 picnic table and barbecue pit. The hookups consist of water and 30/50 amp electric."

    10. Mountain Fork Park

    1 Review
    Eagletown, OK
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 306-3482

    $20 - $40 / night

    "No showers. 1 very short hiking trail... Like maybe 5 or 10 minutes to walk down it, but worth it. It has very beautiful views of the river & a good place to play in it."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 136 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near De Queen, AR

414 Reviews of 136 De Queen Campgrounds



Guide to De Queen

Camping near De Queen, Arkansas, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. At Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp, one camper said, “Gorgeous 3 mile hike around the lake.”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, Cossatot Falls Campsites is a great spot. A visitor shared, “The water is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by.”
  • Swimming and Relaxing: Campers at Shady Lake Campground enjoy swimming in the lake. One reviewer mentioned, “Swim in the Lake or hike up a stream.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Atlanta State Park Campground said, “The staff was great. Bryan and Rebecca were very helpful and friendly!”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Daisy State Park Campground mentioned, “The campsite is great! There is running water near the campsites.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp noted, “Beautiful and lush and QUIET. I love it.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Cossatot Falls Campsites, one camper noted, “No running water or electricity but it was a great place to have a picnic and explore!”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Cossatot Falls Campsites offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “There are six large, improved sites which are first come first serve cash pay only.”
  • Road Access: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. A reviewer at Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp warned, “The access road is very narrow caution if you're pulling a large TT or Class A-C.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Daisy State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “You will love your experience here.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Shady Lake Campground noted, “Found a sneaky snake and some ticks.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Atlanta State Park Campground suggested, “The sites can be a bit tight for a big rig.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Denby Point mentioned, “Some sites are hard to get to.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground said, “The reservation system is pretty accurate on which sites have ‘good’ WiFi.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Queen Wilhelmina State Park mentioned, “The sites are crowded, like living in a big city.”

Camping around De Queen, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near De Queen, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, De Queen, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near De Queen, AR and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near De Queen, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near De Queen, AR is Beavers Bend State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near De Queen, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near De Queen, AR.

What parks are near De Queen, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near De Queen, AR that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.