Campsites near Havana, Arkansas sit along the slopes of the Ozark Mountains where elevations range from 600 to over 2,700 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. Winter temperatures can drop 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations than valley floors, while summer camping often provides natural cooling from mountain breezes. Dispersed camping options offer solitude for those willing to venture beyond established sites.
What to do
Climbing opportunities: Mount Magazine State Park Campground offers rock climbing on its distinctive bluffs. "Mount Magazine boasts as one of the top spots for fall foliage. Our visit was in late August so something we will have to come back for, but with the many species of trees I have no doubt it would be beautiful," notes one visitor who experienced the park's 15 miles of hiking trails.
Fishing: Waveland Park provides multiple fishing access points around Blue Mountain Lake. "Great place to camp. I love the views, fishing, boating, kayaking, and swim area! We camp here often," states a camper who frequents this Corps of Engineers site. The lake contains largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
Hiking with elevation: Cove Lake Complex trails connect to Mount Magazine with significant elevation changes. "Just minutes from Mount Magazine and the town of Paris. Friendly staff," reports a visitor. The trail system includes paths that wind through pine forests and alongside lake shores.
Swimming beaches: Waveland Park offers a designated swimming area with a beach. "The beach area is just great. The sites have different characteristics, dependent on where they are located. Close to the beach, they are more spaced out," explains a reviewer who visited during summer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Petit Jean State Park campsites feature good spacing and natural barriers. "The sites are spaced out pretty well," writes a visitor who appreciated the campground layout. Sites in Loop B offer maximum tree coverage during hot summer months.
Family-friendly facilities: Lake Dardanelle State Park provides modern amenities in their shower facilities. "Not only was it clean but it had six doors. Behind each door was a shower room complete with a toilet and lavatory and guess what? It was air conditioned!" notes an impressed camper who enjoyed the private bathroom setup.
Wildlife viewing: Mount Nebo State Park offers frequent deer encounters. "Deer...You can hand feed the squirrels," mentions a camper who enjoyed the animal interactions during their stay. Wildlife activity increases near dawn and dusk.
Water recreation: Shoal Bay Recreation Area features multiple water access points. "We had a site w/e lakefront site. It was so peaceful. We found some really great hiking close by," notes a visitor who appreciated the combination of lakefront camping and nearby trails.
What you should know
Campground reservations: During peak seasons, particularly summer and fall, sites fill quickly. "We camped here with our son and his family. The sites were partially shaded for most of the day," notes a visitor to Spring Lake Recreation Area who found the site conditions favorable despite summer heat.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. "T-Mobile showed 2-3 bars of 5G, though actual performance was kinda sus, phone service was seemingly standard but my laptop on the hot spot wasn't having it," reports a camper at Waveland Park who found connectivity unpredictable.
Gate closures: Spring Lake Recreation Area maintains specific operating hours. "The recreation area is gated between 10pm and 6am," mentions a camper who noted the entry restrictions. This campground also operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and cleanliness vary widely between campgrounds. "Have to say we were surprised to find no hot water in the showers. Hope that was a temporary problem," reports a camper at Waveland Park whose experience was otherwise positive.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Mount Magazine State Park Campground provides family-friendly water activities. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice," shares a visitor who found the facilities suitable for children.
Playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "The kids love the playground. There is a nice wide boat ramp with plenty of parking situated in a peaceful cove," explains a camper at Lake Dardanelle who found the facilities well-suited for children.
Educational opportunities: Visitor centers offer learning experiences. "Great welcome center with aquarium displays that are quite informative," notes a visitor to Lake Dardanelle State Park who appreciated the educational components.
Noise considerations: Campground quiet hours vary by location. "Campsites are quiet and clean. Nice pic nic areas. We was in the area for a ballon festival. Kids enjoyed the stay," reports a family who found their stay peaceful despite festival activities nearby.
Tips from RVers
Road challenges: Access to mountaintop campgrounds requires careful navigation. "Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain. It has 18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer," advises an RVer who successfully navigated the mountain roads.
Site selection: Petit Jean State Park offers varied camping loops with different amenities. "B loop pros: plenty of shade in hot months with the pine grove, easy access to the paved CCC trail, 30/50 amp service, water, picnic table, fire ring and trash hook," details a repeat visitor who has camped in multiple sections of the park.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. "Water and electric. Nice bathroom. Multiple boat launches and places to fish. Most spots are shaded. Plenty of places to walk," notes a visitor to Waveland Park who found the facilities adequate despite limited hookups.
Leveling considerations: Terrain throughout the region requires leveling equipment. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," warns a camper at Petit Jean State Park who experienced challenges with site preparation.
