Best Campgrounds near Fort Smith, AR
Camping near Fort Smith, Arkansas encompasses a mix of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites, state parks, and private RV resorts along the Arkansas River. Springhill Park in Barling provides well-maintained campsites set among tall trees adjacent to John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, just a short drive from downtown Fort Smith. Lake Fort Smith State Park, located about 30 miles northeast of the city, offers modernized facilities following significant renovations. Devil's Den State Park, recognized in National Geographic's Guide to State Parks as one of the top parks in the South Central region, provides additional camping options within driving distance. The area's campgrounds range from basic sites with minimal amenities to fully developed facilities with hookups, showers, and recreational amenities.
Most campgrounds in the Fort Smith area are open year-round, though some facilities like Springhill Park operate on a walk-in basis during the off-season from November through February. Summer temperatures can be hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. Winter camping is available but can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow. Reservations are recommended for most established campgrounds, particularly during peak summer months and weekends. Many sites can be booked online through recreation.gov or state park reservation systems. Cell service is generally reliable at campgrounds closer to Fort Smith but may be limited at more remote locations like Devil's Den.
The camping options near Fort Smith accommodate various preferences and equipment needs. RV enthusiasts will find several parks with full hookups, including the newer Riverfront RV Resort located adjacent to the Arkansas River and less than two miles from the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Big-rig friendly sites are available at multiple locations, including William O. Darby RV Community and Fort Smith-Alma RV Park. For tent campers, options include designated tent pads at Lake Fort Smith State Park and primitive sites at Lee Creek Public Use Area, which offers a quiet experience with views of the Arkansas River despite being surrounded by the city. Mountain biking is popular in the area, particularly at Springhill Park, which features a 10-mile trail system frequently used for races.
