Campsites near Fayetteville, Arkansas feature elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 feet in the Ozark Highlands. Water temperatures in Beaver Lake stay cool until late May, with summer highs typically reaching 85-90°F. Sites throughout the Boston Mountains offer both open-meadow camping and dense forest cover depending on which recreation area you choose.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Try Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites where trails connect directly to the campground. The park features immediate access to extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. One camper noted, "Perfect for the mountain bikers and hikers. Great location to access Bentonville."
Disc golf course: Head to Natural Falls State Park Campground for an extensive 18-hole course. The park combines disc golf with waterfall views and hiking trails. A visitor mentioned, "Love this campground so much. Great spots with really level pads set in a beautifully treed park. Surrounded by disc golf, waterfalls, and hiking."
Kayaking options: Launch from Lost Bridge North campsites directly onto Beaver Lake. Sites 9 and 10 offer direct water access for paddlers without hauling equipment. According to one camper, "We was able to launch our kayaks from our camp site. Nice clean showers. The view from camp was absolutely beautiful."
What campers like
Elevated camping views: White Rock Mountain Recreation Area sits atop the Boston Mountains with panoramic vistas. Sites 5-8 offer the most dramatic views but come with trade-offs. One camper advised, "Sites 5-8 are smaller with smaller tent pads and the view from these sites is AMAZING! Just know that with the view comes the wind and less space to stretch out."
Quiet lakeside camping: Lake Leatherwood City Park offers minimal motorized boat traffic. The park restricts the lake to mostly non-motorized watercraft, creating a peaceful paddling environment. A visitor observed, "We had booked one of the sites in what is known as Shady Grove, which is down on the edge of the lake. We kayak and it was a pleasant surprise to find only three powered boats on the lake throughout the weekend."
Campsite spacing: Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground has sites designed for privacy. Unlike some more crowded areas, sites here have good separation. A camper commented, "Neat, clean, well maintained with good space between spots. Very nice restrooms with free hot water. The place seems almost new!"
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require extensive leveling blocks. The hilly terrain means finding a completely flat pad can be difficult. At Prairie Creek, a camper warned, "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads."
Limited hookup options: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds and even between loops. Many Corps of Engineers sites have electric but lack water hookups at individual sites. At Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground, a visitor noted, "None of the sites have water hookups and the showers were awful. The stalls were filthy and too small so everything you bring with you gets soaked."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires slow driving on unpaved roads. White Rock Mountain in particular has challenging access roads. One reviewer advised, "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!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Look for designated swimming beaches with gradual entry. Some lake areas have rocky shores that require water shoes. A visitor to Lost Bridge North recommended, "Swim beach is okay. Make sure to pack water shoes. There isn't sand and it is very rocky."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. Some campgrounds have extensive recreation areas but require driving to reach them. At Rocky Branch Campground, a camper mentioned, "We stayed in site 39, up the hill from the beach, very secluded site with lots of shade. The restroom was very nearby."
Seasonal programming: Check for ranger-led activities available May through September. Many parks offer weekend programs for children during summer months. A visitor to Lake Leatherwood City Park shared, "Great birdwatching opportunities, nice hiking trails. Mostly tent camping, some with electric."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for glamping in Fayetteville, Arkansas: Research specific site dimensions before booking. Many campgrounds have limited full-hookup sites that accommodate larger rigs. At COE Beaver Lake Prairie Creek Campground, a camper suggested, "Best sites are 96 for spaciousness and lake view, 73, 74, & 5 for levelness and easy in and out."
Dump station locations: Not all parks with RV camping have on-site dump stations. Plan your water usage accordingly if staying multiple nights. A camper at Rocky Branch noted, "No water at sites, only common spickets. Power at our site had low voltage so the AC wouldn't run correctly."
Luxury glamping options: For upscale accommodations near Fayetteville, several parks offer alternatives to traditional camping. The area features yurts, safari tents and cabin options with various amenities. A visitor to Natural Falls State Park mentioned, "Nice looking yurts you can tent. Our tent site had a picnic table, lantern hook, charcoal grill and a fire ring."
