Top Tent Camping near Hot Springs, AR

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Hot Springs and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Hot Springs. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Hot Springs's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Hot Springs, AR (34)

    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park

    1. Petit Jean State Park

    102 Reviews
    609 Photos
    624 Saves

    The campgrounds feature a total of 125 campsites (including 26 pull-through sites). Thirty-five of the sites—the Class AAA sites—have 30 and 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The 90 Class B sites offer 30 amp electrical and water hookups. All sites are reservable. Campsites are divided into four campground areas. Each includes a modern bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Area "A" is near Lake Bailey and include sites along the lakeshore. Areas "B," "C," and "D" are located on the south side of Ark. 154 in wooded settings. Other campsite choices in the main camping area include a 44-unit Rally-style Area with 20 amp electrical service available for camping clubs. A trailer dump station is centrally located near the Rally-style camping area. Petit Jean is Arkansas's only state park with its own airport.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $25 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain

    2. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    46 Photos
    269 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake

    3. Ozan Point - De Gray Lake

    4 Reviews
    18 Photos
    10 Saves
    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Tent Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point

    4. Erwin Estate High Point

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    23 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $80 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs

    5. Iron Springs

    2 Reviews
    10 Photos
    17 Saves

    Wooded roadside setting on stream near historic springs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    6. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    3 Reviews
    12 Photos
    62 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Irons Fork Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Irons Fork Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Irons Fork Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Irons Fork Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Irons Fork Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Irons Fork Primitive Camping

    8. Irons Fork Primitive Camping

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    19 Saves
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Cedar
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Cedar
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Cedar
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    10. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    74 Saves

    If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it. Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains. Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/?cid=fseprd727994

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Hot Springs

860 Reviews of 34 Hot Springs Campgrounds


  • Jeff P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park

    Our new favorite camping grounds

    This state park is one of the hardest to book a camping site for a last-minute camping trip. After we finally secure our spot, it’s easy to see why it’s so hard to secure at a moment's notice.

    Please be sure to visit the Petite Jean Coffeehouse which is located before the entrance to the park.

  • Twyana S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Creek
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Bear Creek

    Primitive beauty

    This park is a wooded area beside a lake. Campsites have a picnic table & grill. No electricity or water. No concrete parking pads. However almost all sites have a view of the lake. Beautiful views. Two pit toilets were clean & smelled ok.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground
    Oct. 21, 2024

    COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground

    Wooded With View of Lake

    This site was difficult to find. It is listed on the highway with a sign but on GPS it wasn't listed. The proper address is 4101 US-70, Kirby, AR 71950.

    You book through recreation.gov but it is actually listed under Self Creek campgrounds. When booking just lok for sites listed on LOOP JW.

    This is a good site for tents, campervans, and smaller rvs. There are sites for larger rvs but not many. It may be difficult to find a level spot if you're in a larger vehicle. There is only one site directly on the water. The remainder are on the wooded hill but still have a beautiful view of the lake.

    The bathhouse has flush toilets and showers but is very old. They maintain it well and it is cleaned regularly. The toilets are perfectly fine but the showers are just old and a bit icky. I would suggest for showers going to the Daisy State Park. They have newer and nicer showers.

  • Twyana S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Self Creek
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Self Creek

    Lots of Choices

    Large campground with lots of different areas to camp. They have sites in the woods, next to the water, and out in the open.

    The bathrooms were clean and well maintained.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Daisy State Park Campground
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Daisy State Park Campground

    Very Nice but Busy

    They have a lot of campgrounds but most are very close. Not a bad thing for those social butterflies but a little tighter than I like. Their bathrooms and showers are really nice. Clean and spacious.

    It's definitely worth a visit but make sure to book well in advance. They sell out quick.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Greeson Star of the West
    Oct. 19, 2024

    COE Lake Greeson Star of the West

    Good Location But Better Options Available

    The price here is now $10 per day but if you have America the Beautiful Pass it's half price.

    Couple downsides are that the bathrooms are pit style bathrooms and kind of nasty and unless you snag one of the sites far back in the woods you are pretty close to the highway so some noise.

    It is my understanding that they are scheduled to update the bathrooms in the next year or two but until then I'd definitely suggest going to Arrowhead Point. It's right down the road, same price, quieter, and nicer bathrooms.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Point — Lake Greeson
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Arrowhead Point — Lake Greeson

    Affordable and Comfortable

    This location is right on the lake with quite a few camp sites available. The only down side is they have only one site available with electric and hookups. Everything else had no electric or hookups.

    The electric site is $22 and all the rest are $10. If you have a senior pass they are half off though. It's first come first serve.

    A nice boat ramp is on site as well as a swimming beach. The beach isn't really big and I visited in October so not sure how nice it is or deep but still a good option to have.

    The bathroom has flush toilets and are decently clean. No showers but the state park right down the road has showers you can use for free.

    Overall, I really like this place. It's quiet and peaceful. And most important, doesn't hurt my pocketbook too bad.

  • Brian G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park

    Wonderful place!!

    We had a great weekend at Petit Jean. The hiking was great and the campsite is beyond beautiful. There is also a nice coffee shop that is conveniently close to the campsites.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed
    Oct. 14, 2024

    FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed

    Super Simple But Has Signal

    WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.

    The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.

  • Susan L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Daisy State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Daisy State Park Campground

    Definitely worth a stay!

    I never start a review like this, but this park had the cleanest bath house/restrooms I've ever experienced! 2 stalls in the shower in this loop and they each had a clean shower curtain, a bench, hooks to hang stuff. Immaculate. Better than some hotels!

    Stayed in site 104 in the loop by the boat ramp. Nice shade and long parking pad. Sense of privacy. The sites that back to the cove had terraced areas, so if stairs aren't good for you then skip, but the arrangement made for a large area to spread out relax. This site had an additional parking pad next to it that was right next to the tent pad. Handy for ent campers to unload or boaters for boat, plus there were extra parking spots in the cul-de-sac leading down to the boat ramp. 

    The lake is sometimes smooth as glass. Kayaks for rent and this is a must do. Visitor center was being remodeled at the time of visit. 2 short hiking trails. Great state park!

  • Susan L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tompkins Bend
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Tompkins Bend

    COE Lake Ouachita camping

    I tend to like COE campgrounds. However, this one was a different experience for me. It's laid out in a way that it seemed like there was no space between sites and no berms or green cover to give the feeling of some privacy. The site next to me parked their truck about 10 feet from my site on the dirt between us. Boats on trailers are parked in between sites on diagonal or however to make them fit.

    Narrow, windy road into park is nicely paved. Nicely shaded, almost level gravel/asphalt site (not very wide with a tree on one side that would obstruct a rig with slide, awning side is tight too) with picnic bench, fire ring, lantern pole and BBQ.

    Also, the lake is very low right now. I was told that the state is drawing down the lake for hydro power and because there hasn't been any rain in awhile it's starting to show. It was fun to walk the lake bed and look for rocks and minerals that are usually covered by water. Not much else to do if here if you don't have a boat. Otherwise, a nice place to sleep while visiting the area.

  • Lindsey M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Offroad Park
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Hot Springs Offroad Park

    Cheap, Convenient, & Fun!

    Car camped at tent site to visit HSNP and trail ride. Staff were plentiful and friendly. My only issues were noise from a fast road near my site, walking distance from sites to restrooms, and most sites seemed quite tight for SUVs/trucks to park within. Even so, I highly recommend checking out this place. I really enjoyed my nights here and hours in the woods!

  • Nick N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park

    The trail was okay, but they need to do better.

    The trail was okay, but showing signs that it wasn't being maintained properly anymore. From litter found all along the trail to parts of the trail not being maintained. Even some of the stones placed to make walkways are coming out of place. 

    But inside was worse...

    The old white lady working the giftshop was absolutely horrible. While we were still shopping, this woman embarrassed us asking loudly çare yall planning to pay for that, while we were looking at the stuffed animals, and making us look like shoplifters. I absolutely recommend against spending a single dollar at that store, and I've previously spent decent amount of money there, but no more. I recommend avoiding the main building entirely, and that will me my recommendation until they fix this problem

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Edgewood
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Edgewood

    Sites 21-24 are very close together

    We stayed in tent site 22 for a weekend camping trip. You can’t tell by looking at the Recreation.gov reservation site but tent pad 22 is one of 4 in a grouping of tent sites. 21-24 are so close together. If you are with friends or a large family group then it would be ideal but if don’t want people right on top of you then pick another site. Thankfully, we had some cool neighbors but it was a very noisy and bright spot to camp. Also, your neighbors have to walk through your campsite to get to either of the two water spickets that serve all 4 campsites. There is no where to park your boat unless you rent an RV spot and there is no boat ramp in the camp ground. All of the spots were very shady and cool. We had a good time but we wanted to warn others so you know what you are getting into.

  • Arthur S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    Nice weekend

    Didn’t have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person. Bring a chair if you want a comfortable seat, also hard to find decent wood to burn, had to walk a bit to find. Not many cars drive down the road, saw some people hiking, also Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp. All in all though it is good to be with nature and I’d go back to this spot or find another one on the road. I didn’t go very far down the road have more to explore!

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Catherine's Landing

    Great amenities & nice sites

    We had an overnight here after visiting the hot springs national park. The euro delights food truck was a tasty treat. Loved that the pool was open until 10pm just wish the store was open past 5. Great sites. Full hook ups. Paved roads perfect for scootering.

  • Wayne J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crater of Diamonds State Park
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Crater of Diamonds State Park

    Great full hookup campground

    I keep coming back here to dig for diamonds. There are cheaper campgrounds in the area, but the State Park grounds are top notch. Very level camper pads, stable power and water and everything is well maintained. There are multiple bath “houses” — single shower room style privacy, not a large room with curtains. A playground in the sites for kids to play on also.

    The only downsides that come to mind are the iffy WiFi (the reservation system is pretty accurate on which sites have “good” WiFi and which do not) that is decent for casual web browsing but not likely to be streaming possible. And then a mixed pro/com is that satellite connections (direct or Starlink) is going to be rough due to the wooded aspect of the sites — although the trees do help keep the camper cooler. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • Карина К.
    Camper-submitted photo from Toad Suck
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Toad Suck

    good

    Excellent job on this post! Your analysis is thorough and very helpful blob opera. I appreciate the effort you put into sharing this valuable information. Thanks for contributing!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Jun. 23, 2024

    FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Convenient Dispersed Camping 2 Miles from Lake Sylvia

    Large dispersed campsite located 2 miles west of Lake Sylvia State Park, where Forest Road 152 meets Forest Road 132. Clean site with one rock fire ring. Can fit a couple of vehicles. Because of the position of the trees on the site, maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger. Tent camping is possible. This is a level dirt site with some embedded rocks jutting up. Nice wooded area around site to stroll through. Seasonal track FR132C is adjacent to the site; this track is hikeable. Since the site is at the intersection of popular forest roads, there will be vehicles driving by. The site is set back enough that dust may not be a concern. No T-Mobile cell service. This is convenient, pretty campsite.



Guide to Hot Springs

Camping near Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: There are numerous trails for hiking around the campgrounds. At Lake Catherine State Park Campground, one visitor shared, “The trails are beautiful and well-marked, perfect for a family hike.”
  • Fishing and Water Sports: If you love fishing, Lake Ouachita State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper mentioned, “We caught several fish right off our campsite dock!”
  • Exploring Hot Springs: Don’t miss the famous hot springs! Campers at Gulpha Gorge Campground noted, “It’s just a short drive to the hot springs, which is a must-see.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Petit Jean State Park said, “The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Campgrounds like Lake Ouachita State Park Campground offer roomy sites. One camper mentioned, “The sites are large and private, making it easy to relax.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Maumelle Park said, “The staff was super friendly and made our stay enjoyable.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Gulpha Gorge Campground pointed out, “There are no showers, but the restrooms are clean.”
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Lake Catherine State Park Campground noted, “You can hear some road noise, but it wasn’t too bothersome.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially near water. Campers at DeGray Lake Resort State Park mentioned, “We saw deer and other animals roaming around the campground.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Lake Ouachita State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “The kids loved the swimming area and the playground.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Petit Jean State Park noted, “Bring bug spray; the mosquitoes can be a bit much at dusk.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Maumelle Park suggested, “We brought frisbees and enjoyed playing in the open areas.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “Some sites are tight, so check the dimensions before booking.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground said, “Wi-Fi was good enough to check emails, but don’t expect to stream movies.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at DeGray Lake Resort State Park mentioned, “The nearby highway can be heard, but it didn’t ruin our experience.”

Camping around Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, making it a great spot for everyone from families to RV enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hot Springs, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hot Springs, AR is Petit Jean State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 102 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Hot Springs, AR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Hot Springs, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.