Queen Wilhelmina State Park boasts elevated glamping accommodations atop Rich Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest, offering unique lodging experiences 13 miles from Mena, Arkansas. The park houses luxury glamping options with modern amenities including electric hookups, heating and air conditioning, and access to clean shower facilities. Mount Magazine State Park, approximately 35 miles from Hartford, features similar upscale outdoor accommodations with sweeping mountain vistas. These glamping sites provide private fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby restroom facilities while maintaining proximity to natural surroundings. The sites blend rustic charm with essential comforts, allowing guests to experience nature without sacrificing modern conveniences. One visitor noted, "The lodge is incredible with amazing mountain views, and just a gorgeous place to visit."
The mountaintop location of Queen Wilhelmina's glamping accommodations grants exceptional scenic vistas, particularly at sunset when colors filter down onto the mountainside below. Hiking trails connect directly from accommodation areas to the larger Ouachita Trail system, with Lover's Leap Trail offering particularly spectacular lookout points. Lake Fort Smith State Park provides waterfront glamping with boat-in access options and water recreation opportunities. Seasonal amenities include a mini train ride, mini golf course, and an ice cream shop operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day. According to a camper, "Beautiful vistas everywhere. The lodge and restaurant were nice. We hiked the Lover's Leap trail which was one mile and moderate with a nice lookout." Most locations require advance reservations, especially during summer months when these unique accommodations typically reach capacity.
"Trails are short but have nice views. Forest trail is overgrown once you leave the state park and go into the national forest."
"Driving through this part of Arkansas you can quickly get taken aback by the winding roads the ample beauty, but until you visit the campground and park you will only have a portion of the beauty of the"
from $23 / night
"We stayed in the non-electric sites (North Shore loop). Campgrounds were incredibly peaceful and quiet."
"They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren’t people partying all night long. There are tent spots and also RV."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $40 / night
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
"Has fire pit with grill, separate bbq, siting area and great hook ups. Bear proof refuge container on site as well. Half off if disabled! Site 3 wasn't completely level, but quick fix."
"Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it."
from $35 / night
"Super clean bathrooms with granite counter and tile. Pleasant hosts. Quiet, just a bit of highway noise but not much. Pool, hot tub, jump pad, pond with rental boats, lots of kids games."
"It’s far enough away to not have traffic noise. The sites are level, there is a pool, Propane, fishing pond, and camp store. Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites."
"The state of Arkansas has put in a real effort to make the outdoor experience a nice as possible in their state parks."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
from $23 - $163 / night
"I drive truck, always have a hard time getting in/out of places with a semi and usually end up not getting to camp. The main pavilion in the center of the grounds is HUGE!"
"We set up near the multiple shower room and toilets on a hill near the facility. Unfortunately we got rained out hours later."
from $12 - $105 / night
"Owners and staff were great! Very clean, and a very beautiful camp ground! There is ice machine on site, and basic necessities available at the office store."
"Very nice staff and close to Mena and Ouachita national park. Sewer hook ups on almost every site and a lot of trees and well shaded area, but little tight place and not well leveled."
from $25 - $60 / night
"Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground."
"There is swimming, boating, (stocked) fishing, hiking, and pretty drives. Absolutely beautiful lake surrounded by green that would be incredible in the fall!"
"This is as near perfect as you can get!"
from $30 / night
RangerVery nice park - clean and quiet. We did the kayak tour this morning which was nice. There’s also a kayak rental Kiosk down by the boat ramp through Whenever Watersports (download the app). There’s trails and also a pool. Pool closed down Aug 9, 2026 since lifeguards had to go back to school. Not having a pool was the only bummer this trip cause temps are still close to 100.
RangerClean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
GuideGreat campsite. Beautiful area. The lodge is open 24 hours and park rangers are around all the time. Limited spots, so get them while they last!
RangerThe campground is beautiful and lots of trails to walk and a vintage train ride that takes you around the park. Nice lodge at the top of the hill with a store and restaurant. WiFi is decent and bathrooms are kept clean. Recommend hiking the lovers leap trail for a good scenic view. Not matter how clean I tried to keep my campsite, Ants and Flys are around the RV spots.
GuideThe campground was really nice. The sites were spread out really well for full hookup spots. Each spot had some privacy and distance between them. Bathrooms were super clean. There’s plenty of hiking trails around but other than that it’s a pretty relaxing campsite. Weather is 10-15 degrees cooler than what you’d expect in the River Valley.
LegendWe took advantage of the 75 degree weather at the end of February to enjoy Mount Magazine. What a beautiful campground! All spaces have LOTS of room between them, it’s quiet, bathrooms are new and clean. A fantastic view of the region within a short walking distance. Lots and lots of hiking. 100% would visit again. I would probably stay in site 9, 15, or 17 if I had the choice again but none of the sites are bad. Full hookups.
GuideMount Magazine is absolutely gorgeous! Camping was great, bathrooms are kept very clean, campground had great sites that gave you lots of space and privacy.
LegendThis place genuinely is amazing. If you want to hike, there are more hiking trails and equestrian trails than you could actually accomplish even in fourteen days. The GPS points are all over the map. Essentially, come down to Cedar Lake. And there are two group campgrounds, a spot called shady lane equestrian, campground, and then the campground right on the water, they're all terrific. Most nights there wasn't anybody here. I spent four nights in the equestrian, campground and two nights in shady lane absolutely terrific.
TravelerFriendly helpful staff. Decent lots. Many are shaded. Several things for kids including a pool.
Camping options near Hartford, Arkansas range from modern campgrounds with full hookups to rustic tent sites in the Ouachita National Forest. Sites typically sit at elevations between 600-2,700 feet, creating temperature variations that can be 10-15 degrees cooler on mountaintops than in valleys. Winter temperatures frequently drop to the mid-teens at higher elevations, requiring appropriate cold-weather gear even during shoulder seasons.
Hiking the Ouachita Trail: Access trailheads directly from Mount Magazine State Park Campground where numerous trails connect to the broader system. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice," notes Jeremy C. Mount Magazine sits at 2,753 feet, making it Arkansas' highest point.
Fishing and kayaking: The 425-acre lake at Cedar Lake offers excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities with designated swimming areas. "The lake nearby is great. We brought our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning. It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on weekends," shares Ashley W. The campground includes a fishing dock and a trail around the entire lake perimeter.
Winter camping experiences: Seasonal temperature drops create unique winter camping opportunities. "We had a break in the winter weather this week and took three days to explore the trails around Lake Ft. Smith. As only one of four campers, we had the place to ourselves save the park keepers making their rounds," reports Donna H. Winter camping provides solitude rarely found during peak seasons.
Compact campgrounds with privacy: Many campers appreciate the layout of Cove Lake Complex despite its small size. "Sites are extremely spacious and well spaced from each other, and would feel even more private later in the season when the trees are full," notes Taryn S. The campground features pit toilets that are "clean and well-maintained" according to reviews.
Level sites for easy setup: Finding level camping spots can be challenging in mountainous terrain, but certain campgrounds excel in this area. "The campsites are very well maintained and very level. Limited activities for younger children, but we enjoyed the hiking trails," mentions Mandi R. about Shadow Mountain Campground. Level sites minimize setup time and prevent gear from rolling or sliding during the night.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Hartford, Arkansas, several campgrounds offer these structures as alternatives to traditional tents or cabins. "We took our first trip there Oct 4 & 5 2020 and really enjoyed it. The Lodge is very modern and the welcoming staff were very polite and helpful," shares Chris about their glamping experience. Yurt accommodations typically include beds, electricity, and heating for year-round comfort.
Limited tent-specific sites: Some campgrounds prioritize RV camping over tent camping. "The campground is small with limited pads. Each site is close to the next and are generally occupied with RVs or camper trailers," explains Vanessa M. about Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Tent campers should reserve well in advance, particularly for weekend stays.
Seasonal amenities: Many recreational facilities operate only during peak season. "There is a mini golf course, ice cream shop and train ride - but they said it's only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day," notes Neil T. Always check current operating hours before planning activities around seasonal amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Hartford, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Hartford, AR is Queen Wilhelmina State Park — Queen Wihelmina State Park with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Hartford, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near Hartford, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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