The Arkansas River Valley region surrounding Havana offers several RV camping options at elevations between 300-400 feet, with nearby Mount Magazine rising to 2,753 feet as the highest point in Arkansas. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows occasionally dropping below freezing. Several campgrounds in the area remain open year-round despite these fluctuations.
What to do
Wine tasting tours: Visit the vineyards near Grape Country RV Park in Altus, which provides easy access to local wineries. "This is a great place to stop. Not to far off of I-40 and has beautiful surroundings. It is on the wine trail and there are vineyards across the road," notes one visitor.
Crystal mining: Explore the crystal mines near Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine where you can dig for quartz crystals. A camper explains, "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don't think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing areas are available at Adventure RV with access to both lake fishing and a private pond. "Peaceful and quite. Not only is it right on the lake with multiple fishing docks plus a boat ramp, but there is a private fishing pond in the middle of the park as well," shares a camper.
What campers like
Private, wooded settings: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings at smaller parks like Grape Country RV Park. "Settled right in between grape fields, beautiful manacured grounds with lots of picnic tables and plenty of area to walk dogs or kids," notes a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Fort Smith-Alma RV Park maintains well-kept facilities that receive positive feedback. "Clean bathrooms and showers. It's a former KOA campground with all those amenities but older. Nice pond along the tent camping area," mentions one camper who stayed there.
Quick access to supplies: Fort Smith-Alma RV Park offers convenience with on-site amenities. "They have a quaint store" with "propane station all on property for reasonable rates," making it unnecessary to leave the campground for basic supplies.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some rv parks near Havana, Arkansas have limited space between units. One camper at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park noted, "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 pests: Be prepared for local insects, particularly in wooded areas. A camper at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park reported, "Only complaint was these little red mites. I looked them up and they are harmless but they were numerous and made us uncomfortable."
Maintenance issues: Some Havana-area RV parks have maintenance challenges. At Crystal Ridge RV Park, a camper noted, "We've been to this RV park a couple of times. Both times there is NOT a working dryer in the laundry facilities. It's frustrating when you pay for services that don't exist but is advertised as an amenity."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly activities: Crystal Ridge RV Park offers unique family adventures. "We took the spot up top the hill [upper left corner] and found crystals in our campsite around the fire pit," reports one visitor, showing that kids can enjoy crystal hunting even without paying for mine access.
Playground access: Consider campgrounds with play areas for children. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park includes a playground that enhances the family camping experience, with one camper mentioning their site "faced the pond and playground."
Fishing opportunities for kids: Treasure Isle R.V. Park provides lake access that families appreciate. "Private campground on the lake with cable" makes it convenient for families to enjoy water activities without traveling from the campsite.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing matters: For limited-space RV parks near Havana, early arrival is recommended. "Reserve ahead though as all 4 sites were taken by 3pm on a Sunday," advises a camper about one of the smaller facilities in the area.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven sites at some campgrounds. A visitor to Crystal Ridge RV Park mentioned, "Leveling pads were needed for our site," suggesting RVers should bring leveling blocks.
Site selection strategy: At certain campgrounds, choosing the right site significantly improves the experience. At Fort Smith-Alma RV Park, a camper shared, "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."
Ranger
