Camping sites near Fort Smith, Arkansas range from waterfront locations along the Arkansas River to secluded spots in the surrounding Ozark foothills. Overnight temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. The area's terrain offers a mix of riverside camping with flood plains and forested options with elevation changes of 500-800 feet.
What to do
Mountain biking near water: Springhill Park features a 10-mile trail system that attracts competitive riders. "I have been camping out here for years but never took advantage of the A side. A12-14 are premian spots to camp. I tent camp and the view is amazing. It's in between the Arkansas river and Massard creek. You can launch a boat or you can go kayaking in Massard creek," notes a camper.
Waterfall hunting: Devil's Den State Park Campground serves as a base for exploring cave systems and cascades within a 30-minute drive. A visitor shares, "The large rock 'mountain' it leads you too are so much fun to play on. They have tiny caves and are incredibly easy to craw around on. P.S make sure and bring lots of bug spray."
River tubing: Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures offers equipment rentals and easy river access. "You can Tube, float, kuyak, or just swim and relax. They have access to the national forest, and atv there also," reports one camper. Another mentions, "We lived our 2 days here."
What campers like
Spacious riverside sites: The campsites at COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground provide ample space between neighbors. A camper notes, "This is a great COE campground with spacious sites. I had site B09 which was far away from any other sites, had good shade, and had a view of the river."
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond hiking. "The kids loved floating and playing in it. Sights have great views," says a visitor to Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures. Another camper at Devil's Den mentions, "Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!"
Quality drinking water: Some sites provide exceptionally clean water. A camper at Springhill Park reported, "30 Amp hook up with some of the best water I have ever had. Only 35 ppm on my zero water tester. Bottled water has had more than 75 ppm."
What you should know
Maintenance schedules: Some facilities close without notice or undergo seasonal work. A recent visitor to Devil's Den warned, "Campground is currently (April 7) closed for maintenance and flooding. Call before you go!"
Variable site levelness: Not all pads are level, particularly for larger RVs. "One major downside of this park is that only about half the sites (in Loop B) were not flat enough for us to get level without having the wheels off the ground," notes a camper at Springhill Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Riverfront RV Resort found reliable connections, while Devil's Den has "no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Multiple sites feature dedicated play areas. A visitor to Riverfront RV Resort shared, "Our kids enjoyed the playground, outdoor gym, and pickleball - it was too cold to swim."
Check for swimming access: Natural swimming areas can provide hours of entertainment. A camper at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park found "Nice pond along the tent camping area," while another at Springhill Park enjoyed the "rock outcropping at the river by our site. It felt like we had our own little dock to cast off from."
Consider proximity to facilities: Not all campgrounds offer equal access to bathrooms. "Only one bathhouse," noted a Riverfront RV Resort visitor, though they added it "was clean." At Fort Smith-Alma RV Park, campers report the "Bathouse was clean and stocked."
Tips from RVers
Interior privacy: Site layout affects how much you'll see your neighbors. A camper at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park noted, "It's a bit tight, we found ourselves sharing our front yard with our neighbor. You have to keep your blinds closed otherwise you find yourself looking right into the windows of your neighbors on both sides."
Reservation systems: Different campgrounds use different booking methods. At Springhill Park, "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov," while during off-season (November-February), all sites become walk-in only.
Rig size considerations: Some parks accommodate larger vehicles better than others. At Devil's Den, "If you have a large rig - make sure to take the West Fork exit off I-49 vs. the south exit (Winslow)." A camper at COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake added, "All sites and roads are paved and easy to navigate in a big rig."
