The Greenbrier area sits at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains with elevations around 400-500 feet, creating varied camping terrain throughout the region. Seasonal fluctuations greatly impact camping conditions, with spring bringing muddy access roads and fall offering prime camping weather with temperatures averaging 60-70°F. Camping spots near Greenbrier, Arkansas range from full-service state parks to primitive riverside locations.
What to do
Fishing at trout-rich waters: JFK Park on Greers Ferry Lake offers excellent angling opportunities, especially for trout enthusiasts. "Long haul ride on my motorcycle, the staff was great, scenery perfect, and fishing phenomenal. I intended to stay one day ended up staying for four," notes a camper at John F Kennedy.
Hiking on varied terrain: Petit Jean State Park, about 45 minutes from Greenbrier, features multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. A visitor explains: "We spent most of our days hiking the many trails the park is known for. It was at peak Dogwood season, so the understory of the Forest was beautiful!" Others mention the Cedar Falls trail as "beautiful and a quick fun adventure."
Paddling and kayaking: Lake access at Woolly Hollow provides calm waters ideal for beginners. According to a reviewer at Woolly Hollow State Park, "This park has so much going for it. It is clean, small, handicap accessible....great hiking with short and long options, a pour-off waterfall during the wet season when the lake is high, biking options. You can rent paddle boats and kayaks for the small but beautiful lake that is known for fishing."
Wildlife viewing: Areas along the Arkansas River offer prime spots for observing native species. "Lots of geese wandering around & still chatty late at night- but kinda cute to hear," notes a camper at Maumelle Park. The area's waterways and forests support diverse wildlife populations, especially during morning and evening hours.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: The Toad Suck Park area provides direct access to the Arkansas River. A camper at Toad Suck Ferry remarks, "It was a nice, quiet campground. Right on the river. Not a lot of tree cover though. We just camped there to get some sleep on a road trip but we're really pleased with it."
Lake views from campsites: Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites that fill quickly during peak season. "We stayed at site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit," describes a visitor to Woolly Hollow State Park.
Shaded spots during summer: Many campers appreciate tree coverage during hot Arkansas months. At Maumelle Park, visitors note: "Great spot, inexpensive and great views. Lots of space, and lots of trees." Another adds, "Many large rigs arrived on Monday and the local traffic seemed to disappear. It's a beautiful park by the AR River with lovely grounds to walk or bike."
Free dispersed options: Camp Robinson offers no-fee camping with basic accommodations. "Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out," says a camper. While amenities are minimal, the price point makes these sites popular for travelers on tight budgets.
What you should know
Site selection impacts experience: Different loops within the same campground can offer vastly different experiences. At Petit Jean State Park, a camper advises: "RESERVE EARLY to get a spot in Loop A or Loop B. We stayed in Loop C and I felt a little too secluded. The sites in C & D appeared to be a little smaller. I noticed several sites in B & C were uneven from roots pushing the asphalt up. Beware!"
Seasonal closures and maintenance: Some campgrounds experience periodic closures due to flooding or maintenance. One reviewer noted about Toad Suck Park: "Toad Suck is temporarily closed. June 2019 flood deviated it and looks to remain closed thru 2020." Always check current status before planning a trip.
Water level variations: Dam-controlled rivers can experience significant water level changes. A camper at John F Kennedy Park shares: "The one drawback to this camp site is when the dam releases water, the river rises a lot. I'm talking a good 5 feet. Which can make it difficult to fish or enjoy the river."
Road quality varies significantly: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating potentially challenging roads. A review of Camp Conway notes it's "outside of town, quiet, with full-hookups," while another mentions the "wide-open layout" which allows easier access for larger vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer structured learning activities for children. A visitor to Petit Jean State Park shares: "Amazing weekend right outside of the Ozark National Forest. The lake was closed for Maintenance but the state park ranger had a weekend full of planned events from a box turtle demo to a sand castle competition. The best part was the guided hike with Master Naturalist group of AR. They put our daughter right up front and identified every plant and tree we passed."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Woolly Hollow State Park receives praise from families: "Great for first time campers! Lots of activities. Beautiful well maintained sites. Great for families." The playground areas provide safe recreation spaces near camping sites.
Swimming options: Several locations offer designated swimming areas during warmer months. As one visitor to Woolly Hollow State Park mentions: "There is a nice swimming area with a shop to order drinks/snacks. The park rangers and staff were super friendly and helpful."
Bike-friendly parks: Some campgrounds have paths suitable for children learning to ride. A camper at Maumelle Park notes the area has "lovely grounds to walk or bike" and is near "The Pinnacle Mountain Trail system, a shaded easy trail system that can be accessed right from this campground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. A camper at Toad Suck shares: "Parking was not very level but our 38ft schoolie fit fine with enough room for our car." Many RVers recommend bringing extra leveling blocks when visiting the area.
Full hookup availability: Only select campgrounds offer complete services. Miller's Outpost RV Park provides full amenities, with a visitor noting it's a "nice clean friendly place" that's "on the main highway with Walmart and several places to eat within a mile." This accessibility makes it popular for RVers needing to resupply.
Loop-specific amenities: Different sections of larger parks offer varied hookup options. At Petit Jean State Park, "Loop A is new, laid out ideally, with full hook up sites including sewer, and plenty of gravel and concrete to keep from dealing with too much dirt, mud, sand." The reviewer adds that it "stays booked 93% of the year" according to the park office.
Shade considerations: Tree coverage impacts temperature management. A visitor to Petit Jean observes: "A Loop pros: it's new, it's laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer... A loop cons: very little shade. Would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc." Consider your camping season when selecting sites.
