Camping near Pettigrew, Arkansas ranges from developed RV campgrounds to free dispersed campsites within the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Wolf Pen Recreation Area Campground, located directly in Pettigrew, offers year-round tent and RV camping with basic amenities including drinking water and toilets. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Byrd's Adventure Center in Ozark with full hookups and glamping options, or explore White Rock Mountain Recreation Area with its panoramic mountain views and varied accommodation types. Free dispersed camping is available at Morgan Mountain Road/Spy Rock, while those seeking more developed facilities can venture to Redding Campground or Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events.
Road conditions throughout the region require careful planning, particularly for accessing remote sites. As one camper noted, "Be prepared for limited or no cell service and miles of gravel roads - download or print your driving and hiking maps ahead of time." Many campgrounds in the Ozark National Forest have uneven terrain, with several reviewers mentioning the need for leveling blocks. Summer temperatures can be quite hot, prompting many visitors to seek shaded sites or water access. Corps of Engineers campgrounds near lakes and rivers typically offer reasonable rates but fill quickly during peak season, with reservations strongly recommended from May through October.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. A camper at White Rock Mountain Recreation Area described their experience: "When we awoke, shortly after dawn, we hiked the cliffs' edge where we saw miles of inviting green landscape. As our hike around the mountain progressed we saw much vegetation and wildlife!" The area is particularly popular with off-road enthusiasts, with Mulberry Mountain described as "an off-road enthusiasts playground" with "trails directly into the outback." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common throughout the area. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many campgrounds, though some locations like Devil's Den State Park offer paid WiFi access. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with hot showers, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed sites.
$10 - $22 / night
"Camped near the river and had a wonderful time exploring the off-road trails near the area."
"This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
"Access to Spy Rock trail, but the vast amount of cobwebs made it seem like it’s not used much."
"Drinking water is available at spigots near the swimming hole. There is a downside here, though, and it's a big one: horseflies."
$15 - $215 / night
"Located beyond a perfectly canopied gravel road and surrounded by miles of mostly uninhabited forests White Rock Mountain has been the most delightful treasure of 2016."
"The views, as other reviewers have said, are impressive and the Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season."
$27 - $30 / night
"Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls Trail-head, and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas."
"It is one of the most beautiful spots in Arkansas. Highly recommend."
"A downed tree blocks part of the view, but still has a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains."
"There are walking trails, with Spy Rock a short distance away."
"I was looking for a quiet, small campground with minimal amenities and cool features that was driving distance to good hikes. This was perfect. Only six spots."
"Traffic drives right by the sites to explore the campground and must drive back past all the sites. Very good sized sites and probably very private (besides the road) once the leaves full in."
$30 - $100 / night
"Near the Mulberry River and White Rock recreation area, the facility is an off road enthusiasts playground! Trails directly into the outback from the facility."
"It's a great escape for off-roading and overloading. Be sure to stop by the Oark Cafe in Oark, Arkansas, which is a 25-minute drive from the campground."
$20 / night
"The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."
"Pros: Great location on the river and close to plenty of hiking trails! Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms were well maintained and there is drinking water available."
$20 / night
"Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. "
"The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way."
"This small State Park just outside Huntsville Arkansas has many amenities. Family friendly handicap accesible. I has 30 tent Rv and walk in tent camping."
"This is one of our favorite ‘close to home’ campsites. It’s about an hour out of Northwest Arkansas. All of the trails are very nice to hike, even for our little ones."
LegendWe were here the first weekend in April and the ticks were THICK. The spaces were great, lots of privacy and well maintained sites. There’s only 30 sites. I wish there was WiFi for people we have a starlink but it’s nice to have WiFi just in case.
ScoutI love the area we stayed at. Right by the water, surrounded by nature, not a lot of traffic. Felt unplugged from the hectic daily life, and connected to nature. But, the specific site we had booked was absolutely covered in trash. Like 3 full bags of trash that had been ripped open by animals. A lot of the trash was food, which caused flies. We ended up just moving to the furthest campsite away from the original site. It was obviously the previous campers fault, but I just wanted to put this out there so that 1.) the trash problem can be addressed and 2.) we wouldn’t be blamed for the massive mess. There was another set of campers there at a different site, and they noticed the problem also. Overall a really cool place, just wish people didn’t trash the spot.
GuideLots of room, lots of fire rings. Several (maybe 5?) vault toilets that are well-maintained and stocked. When we got there, there were probably 50 people at 20 different spots scattered across the field. When we left, it was just us and one other group. Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao. One of the roads into the park is closed, but the detour is signed well and easy to figure out. If I had to guess, it’s closed because one of the edges is getting pretty close to crumbling into the river. I wish I had thought to bring paddle boards and kayaks. There were lots of people who brought big rigs down to the camp site, as well as pulled boats. The gravel roads are well maintained enough that I’d be comfortable doing that, but the hill is pretty steep at times, so be wary.
ScoutThis is a great free campground. No bathrooms, no hook ups, you must be self contained, or bring a bucket 😂. Anyway pack out what you pack in. There is a boat ramp, fishing, you can pull an RV in here right next to your camp spot. There are fire rings and hiking trails. Off leash for dogs that are voice command and friendly. A great place to relax, fish, boat and probably swim, when it warms up.
LegendWe took advantage of the 75 degree weather at the end of February to enjoy Mount Magazine. What a beautiful campground! All spaces have LOTS of room between them, it’s quiet, bathrooms are new and clean. A fantastic view of the region within a short walking distance. Lots and lots of hiking. 100% would visit again. I would probably stay in site 9, 15, or 17 if I had the choice again but none of the sites are bad. Full hookups.
GuideMount Magazine is absolutely gorgeous! Camping was great, bathrooms are kept very clean, campground had great sites that gave you lots of space and privacy.
TravelerMy go to spot at a no wake lake. Small with a handfull of hook up spot and a dozen + primitive spots
RangerA simple but very pretty campsite and worth the night if you have an extra night on ur trip and is also the starting point for the most dangerous hike in Arkansas so if your up to it you should definitely give it a go
RangerA very pretty campsite that I stayed on a youth camping trip and I decided to get up early in the morning before anyone else and to go on a run, the clouds we low enough to where you couldn’t see the top of the bluffs but there was no fog so it was very pretty and seemed magical and to make matters even better on my run an female elk ran out in front of me and I let it be and it ran off but that made it my first time ever seeing an elk
Camping opportunities in Ozark National Forest near Pettigrew, Arkansas center around the Mulberry River watershed, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 feet. Most campgrounds maintain pit toilets or vault toilets that require regular servicing during peak season. Winter camping remains available at several locations, though water systems are typically winterized from November through March.
Kayaking and swimming access: Redding Campground offers direct Mulberry River access with a dedicated put-in spot. "Camp spots are nicely spaced out. Water available. No electric. Had cell service for the most part. Bathrooms well kept. Pretty secluded area. Mulberry is one of my favorite rivers I have kayaked and this campsite offers a great take out spot," notes Suzsan M.
Off-road adventures: The network of forest service roads provides extensive off-road opportunities. "Near the Mulberry River and White Rock recreation area, the facility is an off road enthusiasts playground! Trails directly into the outback from the facility. Plants of space to stretch out and enjoy the deep Forrest areas of Arkansas," according to John F. about Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events.
Hiking to panoramic views: Forest trails range from short nature walks to challenging ridge hikes. "Camped in site #6 on Nov 20, 2024. The Mulberry River had some serious flooding a few weeks ago which caused this campground to close. The campground is now open, and work is being done to restore the campground and its campsites back to its previous clean state," reports Fred S. from Redding Campground.
Riverside camping spots: Camping directly alongside the Mulberry River ranks consistently high with visitors. "This place is beautiful! Nicely spaced spots, very nice swimming hole. Only downside was the upkeep could be better. I will camp here again," says Scott G. about Redding Campground.
Dark night skies: The remote location provides excellent stargazing. "January 31-Feb 3 2025. White Rock is a great little campground. With only 8 tent camp sites it is very quaint. The cabins were packed and there were many people visiting the overlook but my partner and I were the only tent campers," shares Erin-Frannie R. from White Rock Mountain Recreation Area.
Affordable dispersed options: Free camping on forest service land provides budget options. "Coordinates: 35.69300,-93.76803. Large dispersed site with a view, especially in the winter, of the mountains to the west. Located along Morgan Mountain Road, Forest Road 1504, a little over a mile north of AR Hwy 215. The trailhead to Spy Rock is about a mile north of this site," notes Fred S. about Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed.
Road conditions: Forest service roads require caution, especially after rain. "It's a slow, beautiful drive. The reviews are correct that the last hour of the drive is only 20 miles. Make sure to stop for gas! It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other," warns Erin-Frannie R.
Bug protection essential: Summer brings significant insect activity. "This place is an amazing bargain. For just $15 a night, you get nice, big, secluded campsites, a large bathroom with running water, flushing toilets, and showers, and an awesome swimming hole. There is a downside here, though, and it's a big one: horseflies. They attacked me as soon as I got in the water, and they were relentless," reports Alex M. from Redding Campground.
Seasonal facility closures: Most campground amenities close during winter. "My best friend and I stayed October 22-25. I was looking for a quiet, small campground with minimal amenities and cool features that was driving distance to good hikes. This was perfect. Only six spots. Fire rings and low to the ground grills. Vault toilets near the entrance," shares Loura P. about Wolf Pen Recreation Area.
Kid-friendly swimming: The Mulberry River offers shallow areas for children. "The campsite is located on the Mulberry River. It has six campsites, most with elevated grills and fire rings. The campground does have 2 Vault restrooms and a place to dispose of trash. There is no water avalible so bring your own. Very quite and campsites are relativly private," notes Susan H. about Wolf Pen Recreation Area.
Bathroom accessibility: Choose campgrounds with maintained facilities for children. "Stayed here for a four wheeling trip. Was a decent location - sites were mostly dirt/gravel," says Jenny about Byrd's Adventure Center.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer wildlife observation from camp. "A downed tree blocks part of the view, but still has a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The disbursed sight is large, but only part of it is level enough to camp on in my opinion. Spy Rock overlook is down the road and the view is spectacular," mentions AMY A. from Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed.
Site leveling: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "I decided not to camp here during my visit due to a brisk, cold north-northwest wind blowing through the campsite," says Fred S. about Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock.
Limited large rig access: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. "Facility is what you would expect for an outdoor adventure facility. The sites are very spacious on the RV area, the smaller camper and primitive sites are very generous as well. The store is well stocked an has ice cream and fresh foods," shares John F. about Byrd's Adventure Center.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available. "Byrd's was awesome. They not only have their own trails on private land, but off-roaders can hit trails in National Forest territory not too far down the road. Good place for vehicles that need to hook up or primitive. They also have an area at the back of primitive where bush pilots can fly in," explains Eric L.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pettigrew, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pettigrew, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 205 campgrounds and RV parks near Pettigrew, AR and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pettigrew, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pettigrew, AR is Byrd's Adventure Center with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pettigrew, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Pettigrew, AR.
What parks are near Pettigrew, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Pettigrew, AR that allow camping, notably Lake Dardanelle and Ozark Lake.
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