Camping near Batesville, Arkansas offers access to several waterfront campgrounds with options for both tent and RV campers. The region sits at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains with an average elevation of 425 feet, creating moderate terrain for camping with some steeper access points near lakeshores. Summer humidity levels typically reach 70-80% from June through September, making waterfront campsites particularly valuable during peak season.
What to Do
Trout fishing access points: The Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam provides exceptional trout fishing opportunities. At John F Kennedy, one camper noted it's "situated on the Little Red River well known for trout fishing. Some sites have electricity and water, ours electricity only. Great clean COE park." Another visitor mentioned it's a "great spot for the heat of summer. Shady and a nice cool breeze off the cold little red!"
Scuba diving locations: Greers Ferry Lake offers underwater exploration options beyond the typical surface activities. According to one visitor at Heber Springs, "We met some people scuba diving in the lake, sounds like a lot of fun." The lake's depth and clarity make it suitable for divers with proper certification.
Cliff jumping spots: For adventurous visitors, the rocky terrain around Greers Ferry Lake creates natural jumping platforms. One camper explained, "There are cliffs of various heights all around the lake, but there is one in particular that's right at or just over 100 ft. It's a right of passage at the university I attended."
What Campers Like
Spacious lakeside sites: At Old Highway 25 Campground, campers appreciate the room to spread out with lake views. One visitor shared, "Fall camping at its best. We had all of A campground to ourselves. Big mature cedar and hardwoods. Great Lake view." Another camper noted, "Nice sites on the lake. We camp here a lot since it is close to our house. This last time we were able to camp right on the water and park our boat at the site."
Historical attractions: Jacksonport State Park Campground offers camping with educational opportunities. A camper mentioned, "Great new Visitors Center, still love the museum (it is closed right now because of COVID), the beach is pretty, but we miss the old Paddlewheel." Another visitor recommended, "The visitor's center is a must see. Lots of great exhibits detailing the history of the area."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain high standards of cleanliness. A visitor to Blanchard Springs Recreation Area shared, "Beautiful area. The camp sites were very roomy! Clean bathrooms. Hikers' paradise! Love it here!" Similarly, a camper at Lake Charles State Park noted the "newly renovated bath houses."
What You Should Know
Cell phone coverage: Reception varies throughout the area but can be surprisingly good in certain locations. A visitor to Jacksonport State Park reported, "AT&T coverage was surprisingly good here, generally between 2-4 Bars of 5Ge service, with speeds up to 8 MB/s. There is no WiFi or cable hookup here."
Campground layouts: Some older campgrounds weren't designed with modern RVs in mind. At Dam Site Campground, a visitor warned, "Be aware that many of the sites might be hard to back into or hard to level your rig. The area is thickly wooded and that might make it difficult."
Seasonal staffing issues: During certain times, services might be limited. One camper at Lake Charles State Park observed, "The showers in two of the three site loops were closed because they did not have enough staff even though the campground was completely full. The swim area and the kayak and canoe rentals were closed (again because they did not have enough staff)."
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming areas for kids: Lake Charles State Park Campground offers designated swimming locations. A visitor mentioned, "This is a pretty park with a man-made pond and surrounded by pretty natural setting... It has a swimming area and kayak and canoe rentals."
Educational opportunities: Blanchard Springs Recreation Area provides learning experiences alongside camping. As one visitor noted, "I have camped here for years with my dad. The tent sites are always maintained well and the bathroom facilities are cleaned everyday! There are hiking trails and the trout hatchery all in the same area, so you can find things to do no matter what the conditions."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for younger campers. A visitor to John F Kennedy campground mentioned, "The campground is also big though still pretty simple with just showers, playground, and shorelines, though there is a nature center up near the dam."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some GPS systems don't accurately represent campground roads. A visitor to Jacksonport State Park warned, "Our RV Friendly GPS app did try to route us down a narrow gravel road to get here and also showed a section of road in the park that doesn't exist. Even Google Maps routes you onto Redman St, which from the North, is a tight turn onto a narrow road."
Site selection for larger rigs: When booking at the best places to camp near Batesville, Arkansas, check site dimensions carefully. At Dam Site Campground on Greers Ferry Lake, a camper advised, "Depending on the size of your camper and your confidence backing in, these sites could be worth your time. Make sure you check in on the length of your trailer and the site before you arrive if possible. Some sites call out they can hold your camper but may odd shaped sites that are not conducive to a large camper."
Awning limitations: Wooded sites provide shade but can restrict awning use. One RVer at Dam Site noted, "Also not that in the more shaded sites you may not be able to use your awning as there are plenty of trees for shade, but very close to the site themselves."
