Campgrounds near Hensley, Arkansas cluster along the Arkansas River, with several waterfront options featuring RV and tent camping opportunities. Corps of Engineers facilities like Tar Camp and Willow Beach provide developed camping with river views and boat access. Both locations offer water and electric hookups alongside amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Within an hour's drive, campers can access additional options including Lake Catherine State Park Campground and Gulpha Gorge in Hot Springs National Park, which expand accommodation choices to include cabins, yurts and glamping setups.
Most camping areas remain accessible year-round with paved sites that accommodate larger RVs, though seasonal closures can affect availability. "The water never broke flood stage nor came close to it. So there was zero reason to evaluate us. But that being said we should have been notified," noted one camper regarding an unexpected campground evacuation at Tar Camp. Weather patterns influence camping conditions significantly, with summer heat bringing mosquitoes near waterways. Several campgrounds lock entrance gates overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., requiring advance planning for arrivals. Cell service generally remains adequate near most established camping areas, with visitors reporting 2-3 bars of coverage for major carriers.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to campgrounds in this region. Many sites provide direct river access for fishing and boating, with spacious, level pads featuring covered picnic areas. A review mentioned that Willow Beach offers "beautiful campsite along the Arkansas River. The sites are all very spacious with very long back in driveways." Campground maintenance varies across locations, with some facilities receiving consistently positive feedback for cleanliness while others face criticism regarding bathroom upkeep and supplies. Several camping areas feature playground equipment, though proximity to bathrooms can be an issue for tent campers. Visitors appreciate the balance of natural setting with proximity to urban amenities, as Little Rock attractions remain accessible within a 15-20 minute drive from several riverside campgrounds.
$26 - $75 / night
"Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront. Showers and bathrooms were clean and in good condition. Sites were close but in good repair."
"Beautiful campsite along the Arkansas River. The sites are all very spacious with very long back in driveways. Some of the sites had covered picnic tables, which was great."
"The location is truly excellent with easy access to the Arkansas River Trail, the Clinton library, restaurants and other attractions."
"Not a resort but right next to the foot bridge that accesses parks on the other side of the Arkansas River. Traffic noise is minimal."
$26 - $75 / night
"On the Arkansas River, it’s a clean and beautiful park. Rv spots on all on the rivers edge. Plenty of room. Price for rv camping was very good."
$28 - $75 / night
"Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."
"Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"
"We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in. Neighbors are close but nice as was the staff."
"Location good. Site: one tent camp site. Which was Off to self. Had covered picnic table (all of which was positive to us) Power and water. Bathrooms; great."
$15 - $25 / night
"We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."
"Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean! Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. "
$34 / night
"There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."
"With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."
TravelerClose to the highway so there’s that ambiance. But pretty secluded. I’m sure it’s used more during hunting seasons since it’s marked for such. It was good for an overnight along the way.
TravelerCannot access this place.
ScoutWe arrived from Nashville today (traveling from Mt) to this beautifully curated RV park. It was right at sunset, so the sky was crimson against the beautiful river in the back of the property. The crickets were chirping and the geese in the water were talkative. What a perfect way to end our long drive. Stephanie is so pleasant, professional and eager to help with anything needed. We have stayed at many RV parks in our travels from Mt and I will say without reservation, this is hands down the nicest one. Don't miss this one if you're traveling through. Beautiful, beautiful!!!
GuideBEAUTIFUL!!!! National Park campground. Full hook ups and very well maintained facilities. The trails are gorgeous and the staff is wonderful. The only negative that I can report is there are some ferrel cats roaming around the campground and my dogs were always barking at them from inside the RV.
ScoutVery nice place to come to had a very, very clean laundry mat with excellent prices. Very clean park does not look rundown.. very nice on-site Manager. Takes care of you. Quiet place. Animals are welcome. Have a dog run all around great park and great prices.
TravelerGreat C/G on the Arkansas River with a boat ramp and dock. Water and electric sites with a dump station.
GuideWe found everything was a quick hour hike over the hill. Only national park with a brewery! We also hiked the fourteen mile outer loop. Be sure to get the shower code before arrival.
RangerI had heard that the COE campgrounds are very well maintained and that is true. Our pad was very level and offered a nice view of the River. Easy to get to and very smooth check in. The Camp Host was very friendly and courteous. The pad was super clean and offered ample space for our 25 foot trailer and truck. We felt safe and it was quiet. Power and water worked perfectly for us. Did not use the bath house, but we saw it being cleaned and it seemed well placed and convenient. We took a little stroll in the morning to check out the boat ramp and get a good look at the bridge and the spillway and locks. Had an issue in our RV and needed some screws, luckily Ace Hardware just down the road!
TravelerI was the only person here, they have two campsites on either side of the road. Quiet, and easy access from the highway.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Hensley, Arkansas include riverside spots on the Arkansas River as well as locations within an hour's drive. The region features both developed campgrounds with hookups and more primitive options for those seeking nature. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer bringing temperatures that regularly exceed 90°F and higher humidity levels along waterways.
Fishing from shorelines: Willow Beach offers excellent bank fishing opportunities along the Arkansas River. According to Nicole F., "The campground is well maintained however along the shoreline a lot of garbage has washed up. The water looks to be a popular fishing spot. I would definitely stay again but next time I'm bringing a fishing pole."
Explore downtown Little Rock: Downtown Riverside RV Park provides convenient access to urban attractions via a pedestrian bridge. Pam R. shares, "This location to see downtown Little Rock is fun. We lucked into site 29 which was huge and right on the Arkansas River. There is a pedestrian bridge accessed through a security gate that crosses the river and arrives at the Clinton Library and park."
Hiking trail access: Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers multiple hiking options of varying difficulties. One visitor noted, "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail." Another camper mentioned, "You can rent a boat and fish all day. Play in the waterfall or walk the great trails!"
Spacious riverside sites: Maumelle Park receives consistent praise for its generous campsites. According to Brenda L., "Spacious sites and beautiful area! We stayed in B14 and had lots of room and the area was great. Great place for dog walking and even a trail to take her on. Many picnic areas as well as a concrete picnic table at each site."
Level camping pads: Campers appreciate the well-constructed pads at many sites in the region. As Jo E. notes about Willow Beach, "This is a pretty campground with huge trees for shade. The sites are extremely level! I didn't even need to level my pop-up camper!!"
Affordable waterfront camping: Willow Beach offers budget-friendly riverfront sites. Justin M. reports, "Large sites, Not piled in on each other like RV parks. It's a clean campground outside the city, can't beat it for the price. Waterfront. Covered picnic benches. 50amp + water."
Seasonal flooding risks: Water levels can affect campground operations. Christopher T. noted about Tar Camp, "They evacuated the park due to high water while we were there and we never received the phone call or a text. The only way we knew is I got a notification from the bank when they refunded our money."
Limited shower facilities: Not all campgrounds provide shower access. Regarding Gulpha Gorge Campground, Amanda F. pointed out, "We enjoyed our camping trip here only thing missing was a shower in the bath house." Similarly, Patrick M. mentioned, "Beautiful location next to a stream, although the sites are tightly packed in comparison with most state and national parks."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for various wildlife near water. Jennifer C. warns about Willow Beach, "We encountered lots of snakes. I shooed a few off the road and they disappeared as soon as they slithered into the grass, so to me it's pretty risky walking around or letting kids play in the grass because you can't really see snakes if they are hiding."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Willow Beach, Jennifer C. noted, "Nice playground but it was taped off during our stay due to covid."
Kayaking opportunities: Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers family-friendly water activities. One camper shared, "We enjoyed the hiking trails and rented a few kayaks. It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water."
Evening security measures: Be aware that some campgrounds lock entrance gates overnight. A Willow Beach visitor mentioned, "They lock a gate every night at the entrance to the campground, however they do give you the code to the padlock."
Long back-in driveways: Rod A. notes about Willow Beach, "50 Amp electric, water no sewer hook up but dump station. Spaced spread out not crowded. Campground is low and will be soggy after rain."
Gate code access: For late arrivals, ensure you have proper access information. Little Rock North KOA users report convenient overnight stops with easy check-in procedures, even for larger rigs. Daniel states, "Easy access for a KOA, we have a cyclone 4270 (44' triple axel 5th wheel) which is pushing it for most KOA's. We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in."
Hookup configurations: Check hookup availability before booking. Beth R. says about Downtown Riverside RV Park, "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP), concrete, level pads, overlooks the Arkansas River, large pavilion, gated RV park, easy access to downtown Little Rock AR."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hensley, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hensley, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Hensley, AR and 20 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hensley, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hensley, AR is Willow Beach with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hensley, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Hensley, AR.
What parks are near Hensley, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Hensley, AR that allow camping, notably Arkansas River - Pool 5 and Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam.
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