The area around Hartford, Arkansas sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the Ouachita Mountain foothills. Camping options range from primitive sites to full hookup RV parks within a 30-mile radius. Late spring through early fall typically offers the most favorable camping weather, with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s to low 90s.
What to do
Wine tasting excursions: Grape Country RV Park offers convenient access to regional wineries with several vineyards across the road. "Settled right in between grape fields, beautiful manicured grounds with lots of picnic tables and plenty of area to walk dogs or kids," notes Jessica P. The park is located on the wine trail near Altus, making it ideal for vineyard tours.
Military history exploration: Fort Chaffee RV Military provides a strategic location for visiting nearby military attractions. "Conveniently located near Fort Smith AR," reports Paul B., who stayed during a non-drill weekend when "the whole place was deserted." The campground offers full hookups near a fishing pond.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds in the area offer pond fishing access without requiring a separate fishing license. Twin Creeks RV Park features tent sites along the creek. Daniel D. shares, "This campground is located in a great spot near the Ozarks... They have RV spots, but they also have tent sites down by the creek that include picnic tables."
What campers like
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value at certain military-affiliated sites. At Fort Chaffee RV Military, Paul B. found "FHU for $18" - a notable bargain for full hookups in the region.
Clean facilities: Riverfront RV Resort receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This campground is only about a year old and everything seems to still be in good shape. Online reservations were simple, even on the day of arrival," writes Joseph B., who noted the "bathrooms were clean and secured by door combination."
Convenient overnight stops: Grape Country RV Park is valued for its accessibility. Cerise S. explains, "We had booked a different campground and did not like it. A quick search brought us to this great little spot. Very small, off a country road with wine tasting right down the street. Great hook ups, clean, level gravel. Great for one night."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some parks offer more room between sites than others. At William O. Darby RV Community, the layout provides more privacy, while other parks position RVs closer together. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park has tighter spacing, as Julie F. notes: "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."
Seasonal insect concerns: During warmer months, some campers report insect issues. Craig E. mentioned at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park: "Only complaint was these little red mites. I looked them up and they are harmless but they were numerous and made us uncomfortable. I was especially concerned for our 2 dogs."
Varying hours for camp stores: Not all RV parks near Hartford maintain the same office hours. Some close early, requiring advance planning. At Fort Smith-Alma RV Park, one camper noted, "We arrived after the office closed, but they called to check on our arrival and have our registration ready for us."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Riverfront RV Resort offers family-friendly recreation areas. Angela C. shares, "Our kids enjoyed the playground, outdoor gym, and pickleball - it was too cold to swim. There is only one bathhouse, but it was clean."
Consider proximity to walking trails: Several RV parks Hartford, Arkansas visitors recommend offer walking paths. Riverfront RV Resort features a riverside trail, though Angela C. notes, "There is a walking trail along the river so if your campsite faces it, there is plenty of people walking along that trail."
Check swimming options: While summer temperatures frequently reach the 90s, not all swimming facilities are equally refreshing. Julie B. observed at Riverfront RV Resort: "Pool is cold but clean and well maintained. The park was not even 1/4 full while we were there."
Tips from RVers
Arrive during daylight when possible: Fort Smith-Alma RV Park can be challenging to navigate after dark. One RVer notes, "We pulled in at midnight. Difficult to see how to pull through some of the spaces."
Request specific site locations: At Fort Smith-Alma RV Park, site positioning affects the camping experience. Kerrie C. explains, "RV pull through are a little tight but you pull in alternating so you backside to backside. Our site was perfect in we faced the pond and playground and didn't have any other campers in direct site when lounging outside our camper."
Level gravel sites predominate: While concrete pads exist at some RV parks Hartford area, most feature gravel. Craig E. noted his Fort Smith-Alma site "was pretty level even with gravel," while James G. reports Grape Country RV Park has "all gravel" sites that accommodate easy hookups: "Water, sewer and 30/50amp electric are easy access and to hook up."
