Mount Magazine State Park Campground allows pets throughout its 18 campsites on Arkansas' highest peak. Located near Havana, this pet-friendly destination offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations where dogs can join their owners. The park maintains strict leash requirements for all pets in camping areas and along hiking trails. Other pet-friendly options include Cove Lake Complex, Cameron Bluff, and Petit Jean State Park, all featuring designated pet areas within their established campgrounds. Several dispersed camping locations in Ozark National Forest also permit pets with more relaxed regulations but fewer amenities. These free dispersed sites at Eickleberry Road and Spring Lake provide primitive camping experiences where dogs can explore alongside their owners. Most campers report peaceful stays with enough space between sites to minimize pet disturbances.
Hiking trails throughout Mount Magazine State Park accommodate leashed dogs, offering access to scenic viewpoints like Signal Hill. The Ozark National Forest surrounding Havana contains numerous pet-friendly hiking paths and water access points where dogs can cool off during warmer months. Most established campgrounds provide basic pet waste disposal facilities, though dispersed sites require packing out all pet waste. Visitors should note that wildlife encounters are common in this mountainous region, making proper pet control essential for safety. Temperatures at Mount Magazine can be 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, requiring extra consideration for pets during evening hours. The campground bathhouse provides warm shelter during unexpected weather events, with several campers noting they appreciated this feature when camping with their dogs during unseasonable cold.
$35 / night
"The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."
"There is also a lake nearby. Dog friendly.
There are lots of nature trails, but none very long.
Lots of ticks, tricky to get good starlink connection."
"Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground."
"We stayed as a group (three families with 7 kiddos total, ranging from 6-15), across two adjacent sites: 1 & 3."
$25 - $40 / night
"We decided on Petit Jean State Park to be our first Arkansas camping experience and it did not disappoint!"
"Great areas to look around and hike. Restaurant is pretty decent and breakfast was hot and delicious. There’s a little petting zoo thing close by for kids. Playground was great."
"But on cloudy days, hikes on the various trails are surreal! And it’s only a short hike to the tallest point in AR - 2753ft above sea level"
"The State Park systems in the US are some of our favorite places to find beautiful camping spots, but Lake Dardanelle State Park in Arkansas tops most of them all."
"Pretty campground on the lake. You can see Mount Nebo in the distance. Not much in the way of hiking trails. They have a short loop trail near the visitor center that is good for small children."
$22 - $75 / night
"Great Corp of Engineers Park tucked in the trees south of Lake Dardanelle. Paved level sites with water and electricity and clean bathrooms. Nice fishing available."
"We found some really great hiking close by."
"Exact location: 35.21834, -93.49261. Located in the Mt. Magazine Wildlife Management Area in the Ozark National Forest. Level dirt camping area that loops around a dead tree."
$17 - $46 / night
"campground just up the hill has small standard sites with tables, campfire pits, a pavilion and some bathrooms (needed some cleaning) Really quiet spot in November - we only saw one other vehicle drive"
$16 - $75 / night
"General: Two things you can count on in a Corps of Engineers campground: very reasonable rates and near water. This is a fairly large Corps of Engineers campground on Piney Bay."
"A great little Corp park right off the Arkansas River. Sites are mostly level with water and electricity. Dump station in park. Nice clean bath houses."
ScoutNice, quiet park. Laundry facilities nice and clean. Clean showers. Nice dog park. Management friendly. On lake, so some boat noise. The cons were poor local TV satellite
service and no WiFi for monthly stays. Would stay here again.
TravelerThis was a great spot. The host responded quickly via email and we never saw another soul. The property is massive and you can let your pets off the leash. This was the first time we let our cats roam untethered and they loved it. Water and electricity provided, clear sky for starlink, and a fire pit. There were tons of flies though. No mosquitos that we could tell so thats a plus. Great quiet spot
ScoutSpent three nights. Called for reservations, very receptive owners no problems getting in. I was running late due to the distance. They called to check on us and left instructions in a box at the office with site number, WiFi, bath codes. Again very nice owners. Went in the next morning to settle bill. Office is stocked with a nice assortment of things that an RV owner might need for minor repairs. Camp site was pretty level, spacing is typical for a campsite built some years ago, but we had a site on the end so we didn’t feel too close to anyone. Owners have only had the campground for two years. Was told the water connections were their next priority. Connections are a little inconvenient due to being under ground level, but no problem connecting my water filter for my 5th wheel. Dog park was a short walk away, was clean. Campground was clean, dumpsters accessible for trash and area clean around them. We would be happy to stay there again.
TravelerThis park is located on the Arkansas River. There’s a boat ramp, so bring your boat and enjoy the beautiful Arkansas River. Pets are allowed, there is a leash law. Bring your own firewood. Campsites are both Electric and primitive. Flush toilets and Warm Showers are available. Good cell service. Very clean and peaceful.
RangerWe decided on Petit Jean State Park to be our first Arkansas camping experience and it did not disappoint! The area in and surrounding the park is absolutely stunning with amazing hiking opportunities. Waterfalls, rock outcroppings, flora and fauna… it’s all here! The site was surrounded by hardwood and pines and very private. Extremely pet friendly as well. We highly recommended staying here!
RangerTent campers have the better camping loop at this campground, closer to the water, nicer sites, most with plenty of trees for shade. You can drive up to the less attractive and less conveniently located RV loop to use the showers, if you need them. Some campsites are just a football-field distance from the rocky swim beach, while others sit either nestled in the woods or overlooking the creek from above on a small bluff. The big draw is the charming swimming area with its imposing trio of rocks that swimmers love to jump off of. Pets are not permitted around or in the water, so we prefer to leave our dog at home when visiting here. Hiking from the campground is terrific, too, particularly when the water is flowing to make waterfalls. Long Pool is a must-visit camping destination for Arkansas residents.
LegendCrystal Springs campground is great. The lake is great. I was too busy having fun and didn't take enough pictures. There are breathtaking views of the Ouchita Mountains. There is springs coming out of the ground on hikes. The creeks are crystal clear and fun to wade around in. There is a swim beach but you can swim anywhere. So when I got hot I just jumped in the water to cool down. Most the campsites are at the waters edge. We fished at night for catfish and caught what we needed. The campground is pet friendly. My dogs are like my kids and they had fun. There was a night or two when I had to hush them up because of raccoons. The bathrooms have hot and cold water. There is a fish cleaning station. Our campsite #18 was great. It had a picnic table, fire pit, barbecue grill and a little table beside grill and nice shade. The campground is about 16-17 miles from Hotsprings, Arkansas.
GuideLove this place because there are so many types of camp sites available. Great areas to look around and hike. Restaurant is pretty decent and breakfast was hot and delicious. There’s a little petting zoo thing close by for kids. Playground was great.
TravelerSimple, but nice. No frills. Quiet. If you are looking for a peaceful, quiet place, away from the city, this is a great place. I love it. Have stayed several times in several different sites. Will stay again. About 13 campsites, all gravel. Has a wooded trails for walking and a big open are for walking and playing with pets. Water, sewer and 30/50amp electric are easy access and to hook up. James the owner is great and has a U-Pick orchard as well.
Camping opportunities near Havana, Arkansas span elevations from 500 to 2,753 feet, creating distinct climate zones across the region. The area features numerous primitive and developed sites within Ozark National Forest and around Lake Dardanelle. Winter temperatures at higher elevations can drop 10-15 degrees lower than surrounding valleys, while summer highs typically reach the mid-90s.
Hiking to mountain overlooks: The trails around Mount Magazine State Park Campground offer various difficulty levels with elevation changes that reward hikers with valley views. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," mentions Jeremy C., while more challenging options exist for experienced hikers.
Rock climbing opportunities: Mount Magazine provides designated climbing areas along its bluff faces. "Magazine is one of the few parks that offers climbers great opportunities to work their skills. The park essentially sits on top of a bluff that is nearly surrounded on all sides by straight rock face," notes Donny S.
Fishing at multiple access points: Spring Lake offers bank fishing in a primitive setting. "This site is mostly used for bank fishing on Spring Lake. Its a large loop at the end of a short narrow Forest Road 96001F," explains Fred S. The location provides direct water access without the crowds of larger campgrounds.
Temperature variation: The higher elevation campgrounds provide natural cooling during hot summer months. "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens," reports Donny S. about Mount Magazine State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested areas around Eickleberry Road dispersed camping offer chances to observe native wildlife. "Except for wonderful nature sounds, very quiet and peaceful night," notes Fred S. Many campers mention encounters with deer, birds, and small mammals.
Privacy between sites: Most established campgrounds feature good separation between camping spots. "Camping spots are spaced out pretty well," mentions Jeremy C. about Mount Magazine, while at Cove Lake Complex, "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," according to Taryn S.
Primitive sites require preparation: Dispersed camping areas lack facilities. "No amenities" at Spring Lake dispersed camping and "a permit is required to camp here; see COE Web site for info" explains Fred S. regarding Ashley Creek Recreation Area.
Cell service varies widely: Connection is unreliable at many camping areas. "No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service" at Eickleberry Road dispersed camping, while "T-Mobile cell service" is available at Ashley Creek. Other sites report spotty coverage.
Fog and weather considerations: Mountain roads can become hazardous during certain conditions. "It frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening. I've included a picture to give you an idea of the type of fog I had to drive through," warns Donny S. about Mount Magazine access.
Seasonal facility closures: Some amenities close during winter months. Several campgrounds have limited services in off-seasons, and shower facilities may be unavailable.
Lodge accommodations: For families needing more comfort, Petit Jean State Park offers non-camping options. "The lodge on top of the mountain is spectacular and looks like something you would see in the mountains of Colorado," reports Donny S., noting that "Most of the rooms in the lodge have private balconies that look out over the mountain."
Swimming opportunities: Cove Lake Complex provides water recreation for children. "There is swimming, boating, (stocked) fishing, hiking, and pretty drives," says Lynn G., adding that they have "canoe rentals on site, lots to do in this park/campground but still feels in touch with nature."
Choose campground loops carefully: Not all camping areas are equally family-friendly. When staying at Petit Jean, Shana D. 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."
Campground bathrooms vary: Facilities range from primitive to modern. "The restrooms/showers are a 4.5 out of 5 for state park facilities," at Mount Magazine according to Gary F., while Petit Jean's showers are described as "not very private other than a nasty mildewed shower curtain."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," warns Ryan S. about Petit Jean State Park's B loop, a common issue across the region's mountainous terrain.
Access road considerations: Mountain roads require caution with larger rigs. At Piney Bay, Emily R. cautions, "Roads are narrow as are spots. The spots also say they're 'big/long enough' for a 42' rig but in reality it's super tight."
Hookup placement varies: Utility connections aren't always conveniently located. "Some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. it's purely inconvenient and I'm not sure why this is this way," notes Ryan S. at Petit Jean State Park.
Site selection based on shade: Summer temperatures affect comfort in RVs. Ryan S. recommends Petit Jean's A Loop for its full hookups but warns it has "very little shade. would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc."
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Havana, AR is Mount Magazine State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
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