Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula offers primitive dispersed camping on the southwestern edge of Hope, Arkansas, where the average summer temperatures reach 93°F with high humidity. Camping areas sit within a forested peninsula that extends into the 640-acre lake created in 1961. Summer visitors should prepare for mosquitoes during June through September when rainfall averages 4.5 inches per month.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Millwood Lake State Park features excellent fishing for bass and crappie year-round. A camper noted, "Great place for a family rendezvous outdoors. Stayed in Site 15 for 4 days and will go back soon to Site 17 on the water. Kids had a great time."
Diamond hunting: At Crater of Diamonds State Park, visitors can search for real diamonds and keep what they find. According to one visitor, "The best time to take a trip to the Arkansas diamond fields is after a heavy rainstorm, but keep in mind that you will get muddy during your visit so always wear the appropriate clothes and shoes while out in the search area."
Trail exploration: Several short hiking trails under 2 miles exist throughout campgrounds near Hope. At Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula, a camper mentioned, "Nice trail, be better after a rain. Level 1 for sure. Some dispersed sites towards end of this end."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the cleanliness of White Oak Lake State Park Campground, about 40 miles east of Hope. A recent visitor shared, "This was such a nice place. Could not believe how clean the bathrooms were at all times."
Waterfront sites: Lake access ranks high among camper preferences. A visitor to Beard's Bluff Park noted, "The lake is huge and we wished we had a big boat to explore it with. Nice little campground, shady and green, with rather spread out sites and great docks."
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the free camping at Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula. One overnight visitor confirmed it's an "Easy to get to and great spots on the late! free!"
What you should know
Limited facilities: Come prepared when camping at Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula. A camper warns: "Hella mosquitoes. Dogs around too."
Weather considerations: The best times to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park are spring and fall. A camper advises, "Winter, Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit. The diamond field is a large, unshaded field."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds near Hope experience traffic noise. A visitor to Texarkana KOA reported, "Traffic noise is constant and LOUD."
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds require advance booking. At White Oak Lake State Park, weekends fill quickly during spring and summer months while Bois D'Arce remains first-come, first-served.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Millwood State Park Campground offers play equipment for children. A visitor noted, "Nice trail for walks and big playground for kids."
Swimming options: During summer months, some parks offer swimming areas. At White Oak Lake State Park, a camper mentioned, "White Oak Lake is packed with well-maintained sites to camp at various levels of comfort. Tent sites provide opportunities to 'rough it' while RV sites allow comfort at the edge of a great 'deep-wood' experience. The lake has many activities for swimming, paddle boating, and fishing."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Hope: Most campgrounds welcome pets, but ensure you bring water for pets at primitive sites. At Beard's Bluff Park, the lakefront setting provides space for dogs to explore and swim safely.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Beard's Bluff Park provides concrete pads suitable for larger RVs. A recent visitor noted, "Sites are gravel and very level, did not have to use our automatic levelers, impressed."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited in the immediate Hope area. For overnight travelers with pets needing full services, a visitor to Sunrise RV Park in Texarkana reported, "Excellent staff who are accommodating. One night, full hookups was less than $40. Nice site. Close to a Pilot gas station and I-30."
Campground navigation: Some parks have tight roads challenging for larger rigs. At White Oak Lake State Park, a camper observed, "Tall pine trees throughout, but no privacy between campsites. Sites are close to the campground loop roads, and close together."
