Best Glamping near Deer, AR

Dogwood Springs in Jasper AR is definitely rustic and unpolished with regard to its setting.  RV sites do have full hook-ups although we had an issue with the sewer draining properly on site 31. With only one bath room each for men and women and one shower each as well, they do provide the basics. We had an opportunity to peek into a cabin and we were very impressed with the set up, having a full bath and mini-kitchen. It was well appointed and inviting.

The lay-out of the campground is a bit odd in that some sites are only accessible by driving through another. 

The view from site 31 included that of Round top mountain but also vacant, declining commercial buildings near the campground. 

Proximity to stores and restaurants in Jasper was handy.

This campsite has some of the prettiest views in the Ozark national forest. We stayed in a basic tent site and had no issues. Nice fire pit/ pit toilet/ water pump access. There is a house where the campsite host family lives. They were amazing and helped up navigate the area and plan our adventures. They have trail maps and firewood for sale, and are always willing to help.

The drive up to this campsite was a slight challenge. I would recommend an SUV or other tall vehicle with 4 wheel drive. The twisty, steep, narrow dirt road makes for quite an adventure. It has many large rocks in the road and the decently sized potholes. I scraped the bottom of my little car quite a bit on the way up.

CAMPGROUND REVIEW:: Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park

Turning off I-40 at Exit 88, Mount Nebo is viewed less than 10 miles southwest…a stand-alone mountain.

At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, “Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft”. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%.

The State Park rests up its summit.constructed by the CCC, many of their stonework craftsmanship can be seen in the buildings and trail system.

The “Rim Trail” is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views. There are two distinct areas of the “Rim Trail” that can be driven to…to capture those special photos…Sunset Point and Sunrise Circle.

Different sections of the Rim Trail range from easy to moderate to strenuous. They are marked. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail but are permitted on other trails as are horses. So know and exercise proper trail etiquette.

There are bear in this area, and precautions are taken by the park. Park staff informed us of numerous venomous reptilian, too…so be aware on the trails, or if you choose to wander off them.

A large rentable enclosed stone pavilion sits on the end of the mount, between Site 17 and the pool. Yes, a very nice pool (separate daily or annual fee). A standard picnic pavilion also sits out front of the larger stone pavilion beside public parking area.

The beautiful Visitor Center is deeper into the park to the right. You can sit on its back porch and look out over the valley. There are numerous cabins that are available for rental…and appear very inviting.

When you crest the top of the mountain, the camping area is directly to the right, as are the pavilions and pool. Cabins dot the summit, but private residences are interspersed among them. As mentioned, the Visitors Center is further up the road to the right…on the right.

Being on an 1800 ft elevation summit, surrounded by valley…its quiet and enjoys a constant breeze. Enjoying blue skies, the shade trees are appreciated in the camping area.

On a Wednesday, the 1st of August, we had our pick of beautiful and spacious sights. Very few campers on this day. So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes. It was a toss-up between 16 and 17 …even 14 is directly on the Rim. $22 + tax a night.

Each of these sites had separate electric, water spigot, fire pit, standing grill, picnic table and lantern post. Metal bear cabinets and resistant trash receptacles were clustered conveniently among the campsites. Though I was surprised they didn’t have timber outlined leveled tent areas. In fact, you need to be somewhat creative in locating a level tent spot.

Restrooms are clean and stocked. The pool showerhouse has but one shower a piece for men and women. The entire park is well-maintained and clean.

Overall, a very enjoyable and relaxing campground.

Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground. It is a typical Arkansas campground but it does have decent bathrooms where you're not afraid to step into and has a camp host. It is based on a "lake" so beware of mosquitoes in the summer. We use it as a base to hike up to Mount Magazine as the trail crosses the road and heads up to the top of Mount Magazine state park. The trail is out of the ordinary for the region and takes you have some washouts and up the mountain. If it has been raining, beware and check your weather.

Some of the reviews I read suggested that you need a four wheel drive vehicle to make the drive up. Maybe when it's wet that might be the case, but it was dry when we were there and we had no problem making the drive in a Fiat 500. If that little car can make it, any car can make it. Yes, you need to take it slow and easy, it's a rough, steep, gravel road.

We stayed in the tent campground. Peaceful spot, every star is visible. All of them. Beautiful sunrise in the morning viewed from the rim trail. Wish we had longer to explore, but we were off to Devil's Den right after breakfast. Hope to make it back some day.