Patricia F.
Scout
ScoutCOE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
Lake Ouachita, free camping
Excellent free primitive parking/camping.
Best Campgrounds in Arkansas
Arkansas features a robust network of established campgrounds across its diverse landscapes, from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi River valley. Petit Jean State Park and Devil's Den State Park represent some of the highest-rated camping destinations, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Lake Ouachita State Park and Lake Catherine State Park provide water-oriented camping experiences with boat-in access options. Many campgrounds maintain year-round operations, with several locations supporting both primitive camping and full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. While many established sites provide amenities like showers, toilets, and electric hookups, primitive and dispersed camping areas typically offer more basic facilities. Roads leading to remote camping areas can present challenges, especially after rainfall. One visitor noted of Mt. Hersey campground: "The ride in is a long one with steep grades and rugged terrain. Definitely don't bring a camper down here. This road isn't made for smaller vehicles so bring an SUV or pickup."
Waterfront camping locations consistently rank among the most sought-after sites in Arkansas, with several state parks featuring lakeside or riverside camping options. Visitors frequently mention the peaceful setting of waterside campsites, with one camper describing their experience at Woolly Hollow State Park: "I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing." Hot Springs National Park's Gulpha Gorge Campground provides convenient access to both natural features and urban amenities. For those seeking more remote experiences, the Buffalo National River area offers primitive camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility. Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails, while maintaining reasonable site spacing for privacy.
Campground Showdown in Arkansas
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
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Best Camping Sites in Arkansas (767)
1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
106 ReviewsAdona, ARWebsite+1 (501) 727-5441$25 - $40 / night
"_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."
"Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."
2. Devil's Den State Park Campground
87 ReviewsWinslow, ARWebsite+1 (479) 761-3325$20 / night
"Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. "
"The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way."
3. Lake Catherine State Park Campground
84 ReviewsJones Mill, ARWebsite+1 (501) 844-4176$15 - $25 / night
"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. "
"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."
4. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
78 ReviewsHot Springs National Park, ARWebsite+1 (501) 620-6715$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."
5. Tom Sawyer's RV Park
59 ReviewsWest Memphis, ARWebsite+1 (870) 735-9770"This campsite is in West Memphis, Arkansas right across the river from Memphis Tennessee. The sites are right on the river bank, beautiful. Sunrise over the river was perfect."
"This place is a 6 star park next to Ms river close to Memphis,TN quite, great spots, clean and a lake oand ponds on the sites."
6. Maumelle Park
51 ReviewsMaumelle, ARWebsite+1 (501) 868-9477$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!"
7. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
50 ReviewsMountain Pine, ARWebsite+1 (888) 287-2757"This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."
"Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping."
8. Village Creek State Park Campground
47 ReviewsColt, ARWebsite+1 (870) 238-9406$25 / night
"There are nearly 100 sites here at Village Creek State Park. They are Spacious, paved and well maintained."
"This park was stunning the drive though a little narrow at times was scenic from the drive to the RV site. Pull Through with own area not to close to other sites."
9. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
45 ReviewsRoyal, ARWebsite+1 (501) 991-3390$14 - $80 / night
"Site 40 water faucet is broken Showers are hot and free Arkansas is very pretty but the trash on the road sides and road kill is too much. Clean up after yourself people!!!"
"Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."
10. Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground
36 ReviewsMurfreesboro, ARWebsite+1 (870) 285-3113$15 - $50 / night
"This camp is ideally located in the Crater of Diamonds State Park with easy access to the Visitors Center by foot or car."
"The campground has 47 nicely shaded RV sites with water/electric/sewer hookup(many of which have tent pads and five walk-in tent sites."
Recent Camping Photos in Arkansas
809 Photos of 767 Arkansas Campgrounds
Farar R.
Large Bell Tent on the Kings River
Noah L.
Crystal Springs (AR)
Kathy E.
Mississippi River State Park Campground
Nancy C.
182 MC 4007
Tom W.
Prominence Homestead of the Ozarks
Ozark N.
Ozark Natural Science Center
Fred S.
FR94 Dispersed Campsite
Brad C.
Big Brushy
Rene
Epona Place Ranch
Vania M.
Aufderklamm Farm
Bobby S.
Holiday Mountain Resort
Lindsey P.
Shine Eye Gravel Bar — Buffalo National River
Recent Reviews in Arkansas
3377 Reviews of 767 Arkansas Campgrounds
Sami G.
GuideGreene Road Camp Dispersed
Decent Overnight Stay
This spot we stayed at just overnight. Way out in the country, very quiet. No service; if you’re traveling full time and need internet connection. We had a strange experience with a local speeding by and his dog was loose running side by side with the vehicle; drove up and down this road a couple of times and felt bad for the dog — he had a collar but seemed like he can just roam free. It was odd. Just fyi if you have pets! There are only 3 spots here and one is a memorial for a woman who passed away. MOSQUITO CITY, bring bug spray!
- CCherri D.Scout
Xtreme Paintball and Laser Tag
The best experience!
This was our second time coming back, and it was just as amazing as the first! I’d recommend this place to anyone of all ages. He does a great job making everything fun and fair while still letting you have control over how you want to play. He even gave us a trial of Splatterball to try, which was a really cool bonus. Great guy with tons of experience, and it definitely shows. We’ll absolutely be back again!
Bryce N.
TravelerHot Springs Arkansas Finish Line RV Park Walk to Oaklawn and Bathhouse Row
Easy walk to the Horse Track
Came into town for the Horse races. Campground was easy access in the middle of town. Area was pretty quiet and secure. Hosts were great and welcoming. Will be back again next time we are doing in town activities! Concrete sites are clean and very level so set up was a breeze.
- OOlivia H.Traveler
Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
Gorgeous but PACKED!
This site is in BEAUTIFUL spot and is well maintained! But just know that this is a popular location it seems. We reserved our spot for one night about a month ago (if not more) and there were a lot of sites booked them. I think we saw ONE open spot last night. That said, everyone was respectful of quiet hours, and it’s mostly a lot of RV camping—looks like people say for longer periods of time! There are tent sites too, but only a handful. The bathrooms have a shower and real toilets. For a campsite they are incredibly clean!
We stayed in site 21 and could walk down the hill to the bank of the lake for a beautiful view. Noting this as a place we should come back to if we are ever in the area again! So lovely.
Brenda Y.
RangerTurner Creek Road
Peaceful forest, a big-rig site
Beautiful setting in the Ouachita Natl Forest --peaceful and calm. Only a few UTVs and trucks drove by in our 5 days there. Challenging & fun UTV trails! Narrow gravel road to arrive --lots of overhanging branches in April. Amour site was approx 1/2 mile in, a pull through on the right with plenty of room. There were 2-3 other campsites farther down the road for a tent, van, or small camper. Easy access to trails.
- BBill A.Guide
Cane Creek Recreation Area
Quiet spot on the water
Small campground with picnic tables, fire rings and a boat launch. Its has a restroom building but the doors have plywood over them. I don't know if its this way because they haven't opened it yet for the season or if its permanent. Be prepared! No water or dumpster. Civilization is only a few miles up the road.
- DDave L.Guide
COE Degray Lake Iron Mountain Campground
Great location but……
This is a great location in southeastern Arkansas. This sites are great. The scenery is beautiful. The cell service can be spotty at times and if you have Starlink that can also be spotty because of the tree cover. Be careful if you have a longer rig that the sites are not level most of them have a pretty good slope. There are a few that don’t so if you’re in a larger motorhome or a larger fifth wheel, it may be difficult to get level. But overall, this is an excellent place to stay, especially during the week in the spring time like we did. There were only a few other people. It was quiet and extremely green and beautiful.
- MMackenzie M.Traveler
J and J RV Park
Great location
The location is convenient, and everyone is super friendly! It’s mainly long term/permanent campers, which makes for a small neighborhood vibe. Choose a back in site along the pretty little creek. All the basic amenities plus coin operated laundry.
Guide to Arkansas
Camping in Arkansas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.
What to do
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at places like Mount Nebo State Park. One reviewer said, “The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque!”
- Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Ouachita State Park, you can fish right from your campsite. A visitor mentioned, “The water is crystal clear and we could swim right from our campsites!”
- Cavern Tours: Don’t miss the chance to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns. A camper shared, “The cavern tour is a must-see; it’s one of the best around.”
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One person said about Petit Jean State Park, “I found everything to be absolutely amazing! Beautiful, stunning, and can’t wait to visit again!”
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground noted, “Cleanest shower house I've ever seen.”
- Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the room to spread out. One visitor at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
What you should know
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Petit Jean State Park noted, “Just no signal. Also a little expensive for me but others may not think so!”
- Seasonal Crowds: Some parks can get busy during peak seasons. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park warned, “This place is really popular in summer time, so expect to book a year in advance.”
- Amenities Vary: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “Clean restrooms, no showers.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Catherine's Landing said, “Plenty of room for the kids to ride bicycles and a direct, private access at the campground to Lake Catherine for a little family kayaking.”
- Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing, hiking, and swimming. A camper at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
- Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at dusk. One camper at Willow Beach warned, “Locals warned us to beware of mosquitoes at sunset.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review for Lake Ouachita State Park noted, “The sites are all sitting on a serene lake. The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A visitor at John F Kennedy Campground mentioned, “73 sites with electric, 13 sites with water and electric.”
- Be Ready for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have showers or sewer hookups. A camper at Gulpha Gorge Campground said, “No showers, but clean restrooms.”
Camping in Arkansas is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for you in this beautiful state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Arkansas state parks?
What camping options are available in Arkansas state parks?
Arkansas state parks offer diverse camping options with well-maintained facilities. Lake Poinsett State Park Campground features quality campsites, excellent bathhouses, a playground, and a walking trail accessible from the campground. The lake has recently been repaired and restocked with fish. Lake Chicot State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside sites with stunning sunset views over cypress-lined shores. Other notable state park options include Petit Jean State Park with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly areas; Lake Catherine near Hot Springs; and Lake Ouachita State Park offering boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. Arkansas state parks generally provide clean facilities, recreational opportunities, and affordable rates with most sites being reservable online.
Where can I find RV camping sites in Arkansas?
Where can I find RV camping sites in Arkansas?
Arkansas has numerous RV-friendly campgrounds catering to various preferences. Prairie Creek, a Corps of Engineers site on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas, accommodates RVs including smaller units like 24' Winnebagos, though some sites have slight slopes. Maumelle Park, another COE campground along the Arkansas River, offers quiet sites with good privacy (like site E7) and convenient access to walking trails while remaining close to urban amenities. For adventure seekers, Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events provides clean, well-maintained RV sites with access to off-roading trails. Additional options include Tom Sawyer's RV Park near West Memphis and Crystal Springs Campground at Lake Ouachita, both offering full hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces.
What are the best campgrounds in Arkansas for tent camping?
What are the best campgrounds in Arkansas for tent camping?
Arkansas offers excellent tent camping experiences, particularly in its natural areas. Richland Creek Recreation Area provides peaceful primitive sites ideal for tent campers who enjoy hiking, with nearby waterfalls and trails worth exploring. Download maps in advance as cell service is limited. For those seeking breathtaking views, Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers tent sites with spectacular vistas, though reservable spots can be close together. The park features hiking trails, a playground, and a swimming pool. Other great tent camping options include Petit Jean State Park and the dispersed sites at Base of North Fork Pinnacle in the Ouachita National Forest, where you can truly immerse yourself in Arkansas's natural beauty.
Are there good fishing opportunities at Arkansas campgrounds?
Are there good fishing opportunities at Arkansas campgrounds?
Arkansas campgrounds offer exceptional fishing opportunities across the state. Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground in Northwest Arkansas provides access to a gorgeous lake with many lakefront sites, perfect for fishing directly from your campsite. The Corps of Engineers maintains this campground well, with electric hookups and bathhouses. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park offers creek fishing opportunities while being conveniently located near town amenities. Lake Ouachita, known for its clear waters, provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Many Arkansas state parks including Lake Chicot and Lake Poinsett have recently restocked lakes. For the best fishing experience, consider camping during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and fish are most active.
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