Are you planning an RV camping trip to John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake? We've got you covered. Find the best sites near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake where you can park your RV with a scenic view. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake's most popular destinations.
From their website: What does a vineyard and RV park have in common? Fun, relaxation and a vacation setting you won't soon forget. Here at Grape County RV Park, we are located in the wine capitol of Arkansas. We're proud to offer a unique and varied experience for our visitors. You can spend your nights camping in your RV and enjoy your days exploring the different wineries in the area located just a few minutes from the park.
Fort Smith-Alma RV Park has been operational since 1969. We offer water, electric, and sewer pull through sites up to 100' long with both 30 and 50 amp service. We also have 3 dry cabins for rent. We have several amenities and supplies available, including picnic tables, grills, laundromat and general store, catch and release fishing, restrooms/showers, patios, playground, and much more! Our site also sells propane.
We have friendly staff with over 20 years experience. We are the perfect place to stay during your vacation or visit, and we are always ready to give a great recommendation for surrounding activities and restaurants in the area. Give us a call today to book your stay! We look forward to serving you!
Round the Bend RV Park
20/30/50 electric, city water, & Wifi
Large Back in Sites with beautiful view of the Black Mountain and 2 miles ATV ride to Mill Creek and other other Traiheads.
We have been an outfitter since 1981. We are 15 miles north of Ozark in the heart of the Ozark National Forest, next to the Mulberry River, 2 miles from Mill Creek trailhead. The store has been here since 1911. We have 5 cabins, 17 RV sites, and 20 tents sites. We serve as an information center for all type of visitors. Whether you bike, hike, ATV/OHV, or a cyclist, a motorcyclist, a whitewater boater, we have what you need before hitting the trails. Our store has ATV & motorcycle maps, Ozark Highland Trail maps, camping supplies, gasoline, boaters gears, delicious deli sandwiches, and much more.
Book RV campsites online:
https://turnerbend.com/index165266228/
RV Site Rate: $60/day/4 guests
Extra adult camper:$12/day
Children camper: $10/day
30-50 amps and water hookups at site
Shower house and bathroom.
Dumping station is near by.
ATV/OHV Trailhead accessible 2 miles north to Mill Creek Trailhead.
You can ride your ATV/OHV to the trailheads.
Tent Camping per Site Rate: $36/day/3 guests-100/day/8guests
Extra adult camper:$12/day
Children camper: $10/day
Free Wifi
Mulberry River access is half mile north at the Turner Bend landing or across the Mulberry River bridge.
Cabins booking link
https://turnerbend.com/Accommodations/
PARKING FEES FOR NON CAMPER. Parking Permit for vehicle without a trailer– $10 per vehicle per day, it includes river access for 1 person on Turner Bend Landing. it does not include the boat lift ticket Parking permit for vehicle with a trailer - $15 per day, it includes river access for 2 people on Turner Bend Landing-it does not include the boat lift ticket All private boat parking is only available on the parking lot across from the Turner Bend Store. This parking lot is opened 24/7. The Turner Bend Landing parking lot is closed daily at 7pm.
RIVER ACESS FEE: FOR NON CAMPER River Access - $5 per person at the Turner Bend Landing. Boat lift use is only available when operator is present. Armband is required for the use of the boat lift.
DAY PASS FEE: FOR NON CAMPER Day Pass - $ 3 per person for picnic use. Call for special event pricing: 479-667-3641 Rates may vary during special events.
**FEES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Mulberry River floats and camping are very popular during the spring and summer months. Most of our water comes in the months of March, April, May, and June. Online reservations are recommended especially for weekend visits. If you have a favorite campsite, please book it online or call us.
For camping, we have a two-night minimum on weekends and 3 nights on Memorial Day and Labor Day. When reservations are made in advance, this minimum is upheld.
RESERVATION POLICY Camping reservations can be made online at https://turnerbend.com/1/ in advance and are paid in full at the time of reserving. If you are planning to reserve for a group, each group can book online separately. Specify in the box that labeled 'SPECIAL REQUEST' the name of your group and how many people are expected to be in this group, so we can organize you to the same site(s).
CANCELLATIONS must be made 30 days prior to your arrival for camping to received 90%. We refund your deposit, less a 10% credit card transaction fee. Full credit can be apply for future reservation. If proper notice is not received, you forfeit your deposit. Request for camping cancellation must be made over the phone. No refund for early check out.
PET POLICY FOR TURNER BEND AND ROUND THE BEND CAMPSITES We welcome your pets. All dogs must be on a leash. We do limit each site to 1 pet. We charge $10 per pet, per night in the campground. There is an additional $10 charge for any pet that float with you.
We do not allow aggressive breeds. If you have any questions about the allowance of your pet, please call or email us ahead of time.
Please Keep in Mind On the day of your arrival, come to the store to register and get your parking permit to display inside your windshield] and paid camping wristband.
Check in time for campers is between 11 am -6 pm.
If you are running late please call 479-667-3641 between 8 am -6 pm to check in or text us at 479-209-3782 after hours.
By 9 p.m. campers must tone all noise down to a reasonable level.
Off-road vehicle use limited to entry and exit only.
You can access ATV/OHV trailheads from our campsites and cabins. The trail-heads are 2 miles from the Turner Bend Store.
Showers for non-campers available at $5 per person.
Parking for non-campers taking out private boats at Turner Bend is across the store along the northern edge of the campground next to the bridge.
Free river access is across the Bridge from the store if you are a non-camper or cabin guest.
Display parking pass inside the windshield.
- Boat lift use is only applicable when there is an operator present. Armband is required. Turner Bend gate on the store side will be locked daily at 7 pm, Parking lot across from the store stays open 24 hours.
$60 / night
Family friendly camping, easy access to Fort Smith and Fayetteville.
Let us help make your stay in Fort Smith a great one. William O. Darby RV Community is family-owned and operated with 47 RV sites providing local and cross-country RV campers with a wonderful place to stay and great service. Whether you are visiting for a day, a week, a month, or even longer, we offer great rates to make your stay the most affordable and enjoyable it can be. Our prices include WiFi, cable, & full hook-ups, which only helps make your decision even easier.
At William O. Darby RV Park, the level of comfort is incomparable. We like to consider ourselves to be a friendly community. We are located in a secluded country setting at Chaffee Crossing, but we are just minutes from all the amenities that Fort Smith has to offer. We are the perfect retreat whether you are just passing through, on vacation, visiting family, or on a job for an extended time in the area. We have something for everyone to enjoy and look forward to you coming to stay with us!
$22 - $25 / night
Large spacious, back in RV sites with 20/ 30/50 electric, city water, &Wifi.
Round the Bend RV Parks located near the Mulberry River and 2 miles to all ATV trailheads at Cass, Arkansas.
A great view of Black Mountain. We have 5 cabins, 17 RV sites, and 20 tents sites. We serve as an information center for all type of visitors. Whether you bike, hike, ATV/OHV, or a cyclist, a motorcyclist, a whitewater boater, we have what you need before hitting the trails. Our store has ATV & motorcycle maps, Ozark Highland Trail maps, camping supplies, gasoline, boaters gears, delicious deli sandwiches, and much more.
Book RV campsites online:
https://turnerbend.com/index165266228/
20/30/50 electric, city water, & Wifi
Shower house and bathroom.
Dumping station is near by.
ATV/OHV Trailhead accessible 2 miles north to Mill Creek Trailhead.
You can ride your ATV/OHV to the trailheads from your RV sites or cabins.
Tent Camping per Site Rate: $36/day/3 guests
Mulberry River access is half mile north at the Turner Bend landing or across the Mulberry River bridge.
Cabins booking link
https://turnerbend.com/Accommodations/
PARKING FEES FOR NON CAMPER. Parking Permit for vehicle without a trailer– $10 per vehicle per day, it includes river access for 1 person on Turner Bend Landing. it does not include the boat lift ticket Parking permit for vehicle with a trailer - $15 per day, it includes river access for 2 people on Turner Bend Landing-it does not include the boat lift ticket All private boat parking is only available on the parking lot across from the Turner Bend Store. This parking lot is opened 24/7. The Turner Bend Landing parking lot is closed daily at 7pm.
RIVER ACESS FEE: FOR NON CAMPER River Access - $5 per person at the Turner Bend Landing. Boat lift use is only available when operator is present. Armband is required for the use of the boat lift.
DAY PASS FEE: FOR NON CAMPER Day Pass - $ 3 per person for picnic use. Call for special event pricing: 479-667-3641 Rates may vary during special events.
**FEES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
For camping, we have a two-night minimum on weekends and 3 nights on Memorial Day and Labor Day. When reservations are made in advance, this minimum is upheld.
CANCELLATIONS must be made 30 days prior to your arrival for camping to received 90%. We refund your deposit, less a 10% credit card transaction fee. Full credit can be apply for future reservation. If proper notice is not received, you forfeit your deposit. Request for camping cancellation must be made over the phone. No refund for early check out.
PET POLICY FOR TURNER BEND AND ROUND THE BEND CAMPSITES
We welcome your pets. All dogs must be on a leash. We do limit each site to 1 pet. We charge $10 per pet, per night in the campground. There is an additional $10 charge for any pet that float with you.
We do not allow aggressive breeds. If you have any questions about the allowance of your pet, please call or email us ahead of time.
Please Keep in Mind On the day of your arrival, come to the store to register and get your parking permit to display inside your windshield] and paid camping wristband.
Check in time for campers is between 11 am -6 pm.
If you are running late please call 479-667-3641 between 8 am -6 pm to check in or text us at 479-209-3782 after hours.
By 9 p.m. campers must tone all noise down to a reasonable level.
Off-road vehicle use limited to entry and exit only.
Showers for non-campers available at $5 per person.
Parking for non-campers taking out private boats at Turner Bend is across the store along the northern edge of the campground next to the bridge.
Free river access is across the Bridge from the store if you are a non-camper or cabin guest.
Display parking pass inside the windshield.
Boat lift use is only applicable when there is an operator present. Armband is required. Turner Bend gate on the store side will be locked daily at 7 pm, Parking lot across from the store stays open 24 hours.
$36 - $100 / night
Marval Resort is a family campground located on a peaceful haven of 105 acres in the foothills of the Oklahoma Ozarks. The Lower Illinois River runs alongside one side about 5 miles below the Lake TenKiller Dam and makes for great fishing opportunities. Whether you’re looking to fish, to play or to just enjoy the quiet and great outdoors, you are always welcome at Marval Family Camping Resort. Besides our various styles of cabins and campsite rentals, we have a swimming pool, splash pad, 9 hole mini-golf course, 24-hour laundry room, game room, playground, sand volleyball court, half-court basketball, planned activities for the kids and lots of open or wooded space for your pleasure.
Turner Bend RV Camping 20/30/50 electric, city water, & Wifi is 2 miles from Mill Creek ATV Trailhead. Round the Bend RV park is half mile south of Turner Bend Store with a spectacular Black Mount view. Large back in sites with lots of parking. Dumping station. Ride your ATV to the trailheads from Round the Bend RV Park.
Tent Camping is across from the Turner Bend Store. Next to the Mulberry River and Highway 23/ the Pig Trail at Cass, Arkansas. We are 15 miles north of the town of Ozark in the heart of the Ozark National Forest, 2 miles ride to Mill Creek ATV trailhead. We have 5 spacious cabins, 17 RV sites, and 20 tents sites. We serve as an information center for all type of visitors. Whether you bike, hike, ATV/OHV, or a cyclist, a motorcyclist, a whitewater boater, we have what you need before hitting the trails. Our store has ATV & motorcycle maps, Ozark Highland Trail maps, camping supplies, gasoline, boaters gears, delicious deli sandwiches, and much more.
ATV/OHV Trailhead accessible 2 miles north to Mill Creek Trailhead.
You can ride your ATV/OHV to the trailheads.
Tent Camping per Site Rate: $36/day/3 guests-100/day/8guests
Extra adult camper:$12/day
Children camper: $10/day
Free Wifi
Mulberry River access is at the Turner Bend landing or across the Mulberry River bridge.
Cabins booking link
https://turnerbend.com/Accommodations/
PARKING FEES FOR NON CAMPER. Parking Permit for vehicle without a trailer– $10 per vehicle per day, it includes river access for 1 person on Turner Bend Landing. it does not include the boat lift ticket Parking permit for vehicle with a trailer - $15 per day, it includes river access for 2 people on Turner Bend Landing-it does not include the boat lift ticket All private boat parking is only available on the parking lot across from the Turner Bend Store. This parking lot is opened 24/7. The Turner Bend Landing parking lot is closed daily at 7pm.
RIVER ACESS FEE: FOR NON CAMPER River Access - $5 per person at the Turner Bend Landing. Boat lift use is only available when operator is present. Armband is required for the use of the boat lift.
DAY PASS FEE: FOR NON CAMPER Day Pass - $ 3 per person for picnic use. Call for special event pricing: 479-667-3641 Rates may vary during special events.
**FEES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Mulberry River floats and camping are very popular during the spring and summer months. Most of our water comes in the months of March, April, May, and June. Online reservations are recommended especially for weekend visits. If you have a favorite campsite, please book it online or call us.
For camping, we have a two-night minimum on weekends and 3 nights on Memorial Day and Labor Day. When reservations are made in advance, this minimum is upheld.
RESERVATION POLICY Camping reservations can be made online at https://turnerbend.com/1/ in advance and are paid in full at the time of reserving.
CANCELLATIONS must be made 30 days prior to your arrival for camping to received 90%. We refund your deposit, less a 10% credit card transaction fee. Full credit can be apply for future reservation. If proper notice is not received, you forfeit your deposit. Request for camping cancellation must be made over the phone. No refund for early check out.
PET POLICY FOR TURNER BEND AND ROUND THE BEND CAMPSITES We welcome your pets. All dogs must be on a leash. We do limit each site to 1 pet. We charge $10 per pet, per night in the campground. There is an additional $10 charge for any pet that float with you.
We do not allow aggressive breeds. If you have any questions about the allowance of your pet, please call or email us ahead of time.
Please Keep in Mind On the day of your arrival, come to the store to register and get your parking permit to display inside your windshield] and paid camping wristband.
Check in time for campers is between 11 am -6 pm.
If you are running late please call 479-667-3641 between 8 am -6 pm to check in or text us at 479-209-3782 after hours.
By 9 p.m. campers must tone all noise down to a reasonable level.
Off-road vehicle use limited to entry and exit only.
Showers for non-campers available at $5 per person.
Parking for non-campers taking out private boats at Turner Bend is across the store along the northern edge of the campground next to the bridge.
Free river access is across the Bridge from the store if you are a non-camper or cabin guest.
Display parking pass inside the windshield.
- Boat lift use is only applicable when there is an operator present. Armband is required. Turner Bend gate on the store side will be locked daily at 7 pm, Parking lot across from the store stays open 24 hours.
$36 - $50 / night
Guide
The View is spectacular! The host is very nice and the bathhouse is clean. We didn’t get a chance to do any hiking. I’m sure it would have been beautiful. There is only one site with electricity for RV hook ups.
Traveler
Super nice camp ground, 20 sites with full rv hook ups , extra nice facilities, park is clean and quite, kids loved the swimming pool and water park. Lots of trails around the lake
Scout
Awesome campground right on Mulberry River. From Full hookups, 50 amp to primitive camping right on the river. Mile long river hike , atv trails, 4 swimming holes, fishing kayaking , rafting( after spring rains). Owners are great and helpful. Surprisingly quiet. Park sells ice and wood. No w/ d. Offers long term camping for $500/ mo. Park well kept and clean. Very scenic.
GuideFull hook ups. 30 & 50 amps. Level sites and very spacious. AT&T might get 1 bar might be none. None is better for me.
Legend
Great place to watch boats or go out in one yourself. Large campground lots of sites. Wasn’t impressed with the one to the right as you first get there, looked like more long term residents and almost left after riding through there but then I could see there was a campground further down the road and it was a very nice. Level sites. You can watch the boats on the river.
Traveler
This campground is just okay. The sites are full hookup on level gravel. Most sites are out in the open with very little shade. There seems to be several permanent campers but not like a trailer park. We really like it because it is very close to the Razorback paved trail starting at mile 0 of more than 40 miles of excellent trails and near Arkansas University.
Our timing for our second stay was more expensive. Usually rates are $38 nightly and $34 for Good Sam's members however; there are special event weekends where the rate is $50 for the weekend. This weekend is graduation weekend so the lot was full. Another note is that the WIFI here is very weak and it comes and goes.
Traveler
There's something for everyone at Byrd's Adventure Center! The facility is located on 800 acres surrounded by the Ozark National Forest and Mulberry River. RV hookups, Primitive Campsites, and Cabins available for your stay while you enjoy the natural amenities offered at Byrd's. Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, ATV trails, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Nature Photography, Swimming, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Disc Golf or just stop by to enjoy the scenery. Byrd's is rapidly expanding to accommodate music festivals and private events. The Mulberry Riverfront Restaurant is sure to be a highlight of your trip to the Ozark Mountains
;) awesome!
Guide
Very clean & open camp spots. Easy to maneuver in & out of camper spots. Full hook ups which is fantastic. Bathroom/Shower house is very well kept!!
Guide
We stayed at RV site #3 on Quarry Island. The concrete pad was perfectly level and took no time to set up. There were 5 RV sites with full hook ups on isle, even though #4 and # 5 are so close to each other that slide outs could bump into each other, and 2 very nice RV sites with only water and electric on the isle. There was also a lot of tent camping, flush and vault toilets, dump station, pavilion, 5 cabins, picnic tables with grills, boat ramp and swimming anywhere you wanted except for 150’ of the boat ramp. The ranger station was on the isle, so traffic was high at check in. There were 2 hiking trails that looked very nice, but never hiked because we were kayaking. My parents stayed in cabin #4 on the isle and my brother tent camped at Wister Ridge. The view from both of their places was breathtaking and his tent site was well shaded with maple, oak and pine. Fishing was very good and wasn’t a whole lot of boat traffic. There is also primitive camping which looked very nice, except for a couple of sites where the campers didn’t clean up too well behind themselves.
Pros: Beautiful area and amazing views. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Plenty of options for accommodations and outdoor activities. The Heavner Ruinstone and Spiral Mounds are close. Tons of wildlife areas and we even spotted a bald eagle. The campgrounds and cabins were very clean.
Cons: RV sites can be very crowded and not well spaced, especially at Victor Landing. The Wards would be the least crowded for RVs. The booking website is not very good and not very accurate. The cabins bed was not very comfortable, the shower was small and flooded the bathroom while using and the kitchen light and living room ceiling fan was on one switch, so there was no way to have the fan going without the light on. Not all RV sites have picnic tables.
GuideVery Spacious sites with full hook-ups. Well maintained with spotless bathrooms and a great pool area. Lots of hiking opportunities as well as small boat use and paddle boards.
We have stayed several times and enjoyed it each time.
Traveler
We have stayed here several times and will stay again. Owner is great and mostly around checking on things. Clean, well maintained, safe, easy in and out, quiet, small park. 8 full hook up pull through sites in front. We will be back.
TravelerSmall, but all brand new. Restrooms and showers are clean and beautiful. Full Hook Up's, firepits, and lights are great. Dan, the owner is the best. We arrived late and in the dark, rainy ARK weather Dan provided lights so that we could hook up. Customer service is the best. We will definitely stay here again.
GuideSpacious and peaceful sites. The loop we stayed in had full hook ups at each site and 2 very well maintained bathrooms with showers.
The creek was right behind us and there is a pond for paddle boats or paddle boarding. The pool (we didn't use) looked d to be very nice also. Plenty of easy access to many different hikes, none of which are too difficult.
LegendGreat park with beautiful trails, caves, a plethora of wildlife, and lots of CCC history. This park offers everything from primitive, hike-in camping to cabins and everything in between (including a full hook-up area). Park also has a pool. Remember, if pulling a camper, take exit 53, do NOT go through Winslow. The road is beautiful but VERY curvy and steep. Lots to do and see. A must.
Traveler
We will BE back!! I’ve lived in OK for 30+ years and didn’t know of Cedar Lake in the Quachita mountains near Heavener, OK. It’s incredible!! Clean site, right in the national forest. At the time we went they had a camp host that met you, took you to your site, and checked in on us several times during our three night stay. She was really friendly, helpful, and our two boys thought she was the best when she gave them Smokey the Bear pins! While they do have bathroom and shower facilities our section of camps were down along with several others do to septic tank system issues that they were waiting on parts to arrive to fix. They provided portable toilets in the interim which worked fine. There is a really fun trail that runs right around the entire lake, and it’s a little over two miles. Nearly all natural terrain throughout the hike which makes it especially nice. Though we didn’t visit they have a section also for equestrian camping and riding as well as RV hookup sites. Can’t speak highly enough of this camping area!
LegendVery nice state park with level sites with full hookups. Very interesting visitors center with exhibits explaining history of the park and a replica wagon (I asked). Nice large pool area with a water playground/splash pad. You can’t swim or Paddleboard but can kayak or fish here.
Guide
We didn't know what to expect. This place has absolutely everything you could need. Full Hookups, level sites (mostly gravel but level), shop with souvenirs and RV gadgets. The office also has a gameroom, pantry, and propane. We didn't get to use the playground area this visit as pool and hot tub were closed for the year. They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond. My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact. Plenty of room for your RV but so close that you can hear and smell your neighbors. Nearby Walmart and restaurants were handy.
LegendVery nice park! Did not expect it to be so picturesque! Very well kept. Campground AAA sites (1-20) offer full hook-ups and are spread out for privacy and offer longer pads. Site 4 is my favorite. Camp B sites are quite short but perfect for tent camping. The visitor's center is EXTREMELY nice and a must. There is a pool at the park as well. Lake Fort Smith also has cabins which offer a lake view. Group lodging is available. Marina rents canoes, party barges, fishing boats, kayaks, etc. The entire place is beautiful and a great place for family outdoor activities.
Legend
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, in the western Arkansas Ozarks, has a campground with 9 tent sites. One of these is a large group site. 8 sites are arranged along a gravel loop road. In addition to tents, these tent sites will accommodate a camper van; the best sites for vans are #1 thru 4. These are level. Sites 5 thru 8, on the west side of the loop, have great views, but are probably not level enough for van, truck and car camping. Each site has a level gravel tent pad, grill, table & fire pit. The sites are not large enough for RVs. The forest roads leading to the recreation area are rough in places, but passenger cars can make it. Amber, our host, is fantastic. She delivers firewood to your site after purchase. The vault toilet is clean. Pump water is available. No hookups. The campground appears well maintained. The OHT runs though the recreation area. There is a really good hiking trail that loops around the rim of the mountain, offering fantastic views of the Ozarks. T-mobile cell service is available with sporadic LTE data service.
Legend
Springhill Park in Fort Smith is yet another great U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground and recreation area. We are huge fans of Corps parks for numerous reasons and this one did not disappoint. The campground is set among tall trees adjacent to the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River. The park is located in Barling, Arkansas which is just a short drive from downtown Fort Smith. The area offers plenty of sights to see (especially for history buffs) and interesting things to do.
The campground is open year-round. Campsites can be booked on-line at recreation.gov except during the off-season (Nov- Feb) when all sites are walk-in. The park has 44 total sites divided into two loops– one with 30 amp electric (A loop) and the other with 50 amp (B loop). Water is available at some sites and at the centrally-located dump station. Finding out which sites have water on recreation.gov is a bit confusing. When looking at the “site list” page you will notice no sites have water listed as an“amenity” but it does list the electric. To find out if a site has water, click on the link for specific details of a particular site and it will indicate if there is water hook ups.
All sites and roads are paved and easy to navigate in a big rig. Many sites are very long with only eleven sites being less than 45’ in length(and only seven under 40’). One major downside of this park is that only about half the sites(in Loop B) were not flat enough for us to get level without having the wheels off the ground. Smaller RVs or trailers that use blocks instead of automatic leveling jacks should be able to get level. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit. The sites in A Loop(pictured below) have a paved parking space adjacent to the paved RV pad. Campsites are closer together and have fewer trees creating a more open feel than in the B Loop but do back-up to a small pond that makes for a nice view.
We stayed in site B1 and loved the privacy and tall trees surrounding the site and the large grassy field next to us. Sites B9 and B11 have great views of the water and offer plenty of room between you and your neighbor while others are tucked nicely into the trees. The patios in B Loop(pictured to the right) have a concrete patio on a cement pad. Most of the patios are located at the back of the campsite. We picked up roughly 15 television channels (including the three major networks) with our antenna. Trees may prevent you from getting satellite if your dish is fixed on the roof.
Located in both loops are a bath/shower building(which were very clean), playground, and pavilion. There are hiking/mountain biking trails that leave from the campground. Mountain biking is a big deal here and there is a 10-mile"fast" trail where experienced bikers race frequently. Other amenities include basketball courts, boat launch and picnic pavilions.
The park is a few miles from Fort Smith proper and about eight miles to downtown attractions including the National Historical Park. Within two miles are a few restaurants, gas station, and a super Walmart is less than four miles away. The area immediately surrounding the park is a nice part of town that felt safe to us. What we liked was that this park has well-spaced sites, a nice wooded setting and a site with the amenities of electric, water, and a pavement. The location was great to downtown Fort Smith so you didn’t feel isolated if you wanted to go sight-seeing, out to eat, or shopping. Being right on the lake meant we could easily go kayaking or fishing and there were plenty of places to walk throughout the property. Access to the park is easy and manageable for a big-rig towing a car. The price$20/night (or$10 for senior pass holders) is quite the deal. This park is great for dogs with lots of room to walk, trails, and places to swim.
The only ding was that if this park would have had sewer at the site. But we loved it anyway and would definitely stay here again. The other ding this park gets is the fact that so many sites are unlevel.
RangerLake Ft. Smith State Park is a beautiful park in the Boston Mountains. We drove over from Memphis to meet my brother’s family (who lives in Tulsa). We stayed in campsite 9 which was a pull through site and had stunning views of the lake. My brother stayed in site 8. Sites 1-20 have full hook-ups with sewer. The bathhouse was clean and fully functioning.
Pros: Many activities at the Visitor Center for children. Ozark Highland Trail is directly behind the campsites on the lake side. Recreational area with a playground that is updated. Sites have gravel which limits how much dirt/mud you have to deal with.
Cons: Many of the campsites are on a grade. They all have multiple levels with stairs and have no railings. We had 5 children <6 years of age and the sites were somewhat perilous. If you are a parent with small kids, sites 17-20 and sites 2-3 are better. The other sites are excellent, but not necessarily best for small kids. Last, the playground requires that you drive to it which is inconvenient.
Overall: Great family park with updated amenities. We’d like to give it a try in the spring/summer when the pool and splash pad are open! If you’ve got small kids, Petit Jean State Park would be my suggestion in this area of Arkansas.
LegendAux Arc is clean and well maintained by the Corps of Engineers. It is in a weird location literally next to the Ozark Powerhouse.
The campground is modern and each site has some nice upgrade with pave spaces and table with small pavilions. Personally I would camp towards the bottom of the campground to try and avoid being forced to stare at the dam.
If there was better scenery this would have a higher ranking. Also, it tends to be geared more towards RVs and Camper Trailers rather than tents, but you can tent camp if you want.
The showers and bathrooms are clean and they have a good crew driving around in thier golf carts keeping everything maintained.
Scout
Dantzyn RV Park is very tranquil and so close to Tenkiller lake. It's a great place to relax and enjoy your vacation.
LegendWe really enjoy Lake Wister. It is never overcrowded. Nestled in a ring of pine and oak covered mountains: the Sans Bois, Jackforks, Kiamichis and Ouachitas, lodging facilities at Lake Wister State Park include 15 cabins, RV sites with full hook-ups or some with water and electric only, and tent sites. They have a nice splash pad and miniature golf. Nice hiking trails. Lots of animals like raccoons, squirrels, skunks and deers. It is a very remote State Park. It is a nice lake with the most beautiful sunsets and bald eagles fly overhead. It is one of my favorite lakes. It has a big spillway damn with great fishing for catfish and crappie. I go to Lake Wister to catch fish for my fish fries, and to fill my freezer. The park has nice campgrounds with big whispering pines. They have a boat ramp, boat dock and fishing dock. The bathrooms do need to be updated. I love the little rustic cabins that overlook the lake. They were built around the 1940's I believe. They do have a full kitchen and provide coffee, linens and towels. They have heat, air, and fireplace with a fire pit and picnic table outside. Very reasonably priced.. The rangers and employees are very nice and helpful. The campsites run $16-$29 dollars. They give discounts to disabled, military and seniors.
Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/lake-wister-state-park
Address: 25567 US Hwy 270 Wister, OK 74966
Park Office: Phone# 918-655-7212
Legend
I some other reviews that described it as more like a small RV park. That’s unfair in my opinion.
I’ve been stuck using a couple of RV parks out west and they packed us in tight.
These spots aren’t super roomy, but you aren’t bumper to bumper either.
The spots are paved and all seemed pretty level. Spots 1-35 back up to the forest. Higher numbers back up to an open field.
Restrooms and showers were spectacular. Everything was clean and well kept.
The lodge is a pretty short walk up hill. It has a restaurant and small gift shop. It also has a lookout, and two trailheads. The lobby is spacious with a great view.
One of the trails connects to Ouachita trail. The drive in from Oklahoma is stunning and the drive to Mena, AR is only about 20 minutes. Several shops and restaurants and a Walmart.
There is a mini golf course, ice cream shop and train ride - but they said it’s only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and they haven’t gotten word of it will open for 2021.
Also has a playground and an Old Steam Train to explore.
Traveler
21 RV spots available around a small, family lake. Water and electric hook ups and clean dump station. Small park/play area and two large pavilions. Hiking trail located at the back of the park. Lake is great for fishing and kayaking. Not a major boating or water sport lake. First come first serve spots. Camp host is helpful and friendly. Calm and quiet stay
LegendThe campground is small with limited pads. Each site is close to the next and are generally occupied with RVs or camper trailers. I would suggest that this campground is most appropriate for the camper who prefers a more modern feel. There is ample cell phone service, WiFi is nearby, facilities are clean and modern. It is approximately a 15 minute drive into Mena, AR where you can find significant shopping. The campground is also near a large hotel. There are many hiking and mountain bike trails available in the area. A few miles down the road you can find an old fire tower which is interesting and can be accessed if you are daring. This area is dog friendly, dogs can access the trails as well. There are also some very neat driving trails, the bypass is a popular destination for motorcyclists which can offer some noise during the day. The park is also approximately a mile from the Oklahoma state line. This is a nice area for the avid cyclist, hiker, and motorcyslist.
RV camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake in Arkansas offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while having access to essential amenities.
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