Best Campgrounds near Johnson, AR

Camping opportunities near Johnson, Arkansas include several developed campgrounds situated along scenic waterways and forested areas. The region includes full-service RV parks like Prairie Creek and War Eagle Campground along Beaver Lake, providing waterfront access for boating enthusiasts. Devil's Den State Park Campground, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Johnson in West Fork, offers tent sites, RV hookups and cabin accommodations within its forested setting. For travelers seeking amenities, The Creeks Golf & RV Resort and Southgate RV Park of Fayetteville provide full hookups and proximity to urban conveniences.

Most campgrounds in the Johnson area remain open year-round, though primitive camping areas may have seasonal restrictions. Many developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months and University of Arkansas football weekends when availability becomes limited. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and mild winters, though occasional ice storms can affect winter travel. Several campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups, from primitive tent sites to full RV connections with 50-amp service. Access roads are generally well-maintained, though some campgrounds like War Eagle require navigation along winding rural routes. A visitor noted: "War Eagle Campground is on the less popular side of the lake so it's usually more quiet and has fewer people camping than sites like Hickory Creek, Prairie Creek, and Horseshoe Bend."

Campers frequently mention the scenic waterfront locations as highlights of camping in this region. Beaver Lake access points provide opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating directly from several campgrounds. Reviews indicate high satisfaction with the natural settings, particularly at Devil's Den State Park where hiking trails connect directly to campsites. Several visitors highlighted the variety of accommodation options, from tent camping to fully-equipped cabins. A recent review described The Creeks Golf & RV Resort as "nice and clean, management is helpful, and discounts on the golf." While some developed campgrounds feature modern amenities including showers and laundry facilities, others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with basic facilities and greater privacy, allowing campers to choose their preferred camping experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Johnson, Arkansas (196)

    1. Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground

    27 Reviews
    Rogers, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 925-2561

    $16 - $75 / night

    "Found this gem tucked away in Northwest Arkansas. Corps of Engineers Campground. Very well-maintained. Gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites. Several bathhouses."

    "Got a nice little spot on the lake to do some hammock camping for two nights. Was able to get this spot within the week which was a surprise as busy as it was."

    2. Devil's Den State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Winslow, AR
    25 miles
    Website
    +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. Hickory Creek - Beaver Lake

    15 Reviews
    Springdale, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 750-2943

    $24 - $75 / night

    "We stayed in space 33 without looking first and we had to back our 30 foot fifth wheel down about 100 foot hill around the corner to get into the space. Campsite did have electric and a picnic table."

    "We didn't have a lake site, but it looked like there were a few sites directly on the lake which would be amazing."

    4. Lake Wedington -- Temporarily CLOSED

    13 Reviews
    Prairie Grove, AR
    11 miles
    Website

    $20 - $300 / night

    "My son and I love the Lake Weddington trails. Haden loves running across the small bridges, throwing rocks in the water, and picking up pine cones."

    "A gorgeous park in the Ozarks National Forest close to the civilization in Fayettville Arkansas."

    5. Prairie Creek (AR)

    23 Reviews
    Rogers, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 925-3957

    $20 - $200 / night

    "This campground is located on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas. It is a Corp of engineer lake. We stayed in site 30 which is quite small but our Winnebago 24’ Trend fit in fine."

    "Our little loop was nice and secluded while being close to the shower house and park."

    6. War Eagle Campground

    9 Reviews
    Springdale, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 750-4722

    $22 - $75 / night

    "Historic area in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. Spots have shade, fire rings, and a river close by to play in. We used this spot as a base camp to hike in Hobbs State Park"

    "The road to the park goes through a poorer community, but located within short distance to stores and other parks."

    7. Southgate RV Park of Fayetteville

    6 Reviews
    Fayetteville, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 442-2021

    "PROS:

    *CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN: you can’t camp in your RV any closer to downtown Fayetteville than at Southgate."

    "Close to food, gas, and shopping"

    8. The Creeks Golf & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Cave Springs, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 248-1000

    9. Natural Falls State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Colcord, OK
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 422-5802

    "General: Located near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border, this is a surprisingly quiet campground given its proximity to the highway."

    "It’s on border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, near Siloam Springs. It’s peaceful. You can take your wheelchair on some of the trails and look at the Falls."

    10. Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites

    20 Reviews
    Bella Vista, AR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 855-8075

    "This camp ground is close to a mecca of both biking and mountain biking trails. Nice bath area, only if it is hot outside it is hot in there. Back in sights for RV and rent areas."

    "* Many Trail Heads right at the RV park! No need to drive anywhere but close to local restaurants and attractions if you want.

    Friendly and helpful Staff!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 196 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Johnson, AR

908 Reviews of 196 Johnson Campgrounds


  • Krystal T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Southgate RV Park of Fayetteville

    Perfect for a break

    We stopped here for a two day break from driving and are pleased with the experience. There’s a shower house that is clean but well used, really spacious campsites and full hook ups. We took the bike trail that is super close and saw some beautiful scenery. The owner, Jerry, was super gracious and helpful and a delight to visit with. It’s no frills, but that’s what we enjoy. Would definitely stay here again.

  • P
    Aug. 25, 2025

    The River Bluff Cabins

    Beautiful property

    Amazing place! Cleaning bathrooms, beautiful views!

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Hickory Creek - Beaver Lake

    Avoid spaces 33-43

    Spaces 33 through 43 I would recommend only if you have a small bumper pull that is maybe less than 21 feet long or a class A or class C that’s probably less than 25 feet long. Most of these spaces would be very difficult to get into. We stayed in space 33 without looking first and we had to back our 30 foot fifth wheel down about 100 foot hill around the corner to get into the space. Campsite did have electric and a picnic table. There was a shower building in the next campground over that was on a scale of one to five maybe a three. There were several vault toilets in the area. Nice hiking around to the marina. Was half price with our America, the beautiful senior pass. Also instructions on the Dyrt say to turn down Cow Face Road. I would stay on highway 264 to come into the campground as that road is quite a bit wider and not quite so curvy and hilly. That is the way Google maps was going to send us in the first place, but we followed the instructions on the Dyrt.

  • M
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Rocky Branch Campground

    Rocky Branch upper campground

    Was here on a weekend in August, and there was only one other group in the loop. Not much to do here unless your boating. Showers were miles away and looked pretty rough. Staff was very friendly.

  • Liz C.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Shady Beach Camp & Canoe

    Easy to plan a trip and relax once you arrive

    Once arriving the owners/ staff were friendly and helpful. The convenience shop had everything you could possibly forget at home and plus! They have thought of everything you might need while camping. Kayaking/ Canoeing is so laid back , there was absolutely nothing to fuss over. Bonus was the float ended right at the camp site. How can that be topped!

    Will be returning hopefully for many years.

  • Kurt G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Lee Creek Off Road Site

    Good pit stop

    Right off the main road (you can still hear the traffic, but it's not a lot of traffic)

    There's a fire pit, some paths to a hiking spot. I don't think a bus would fit but my 21ft. van was mostly a tight fit.

    A good public land spot with just enough space for two car campers

  • K
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Prairie Creek (AR)

    Not a free campsite 22.00 a night

    No primitive camping sites.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Natural Falls State Park Campground

    Clean, lush, and plenty to do!

    Love this campground so much. Great spots with really level pads set in a beautifully treed park. Surrounded by disc golf, waterfalls, and hiking. Would totally come back over and over. Our site was really private on the outside loop. Loved it.


Guide to Johnson

Camping near Johnson, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone, whether you're a family, a solo adventurer, or an RV enthusiast.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: Many campgrounds offer great hiking opportunities. At Devil's Den State Park Campground, one camper said, “The hikes are short and just amazing!!!!!”
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, Roaring River State Park Campground is a great spot. A visitor mentioned, “Great place to fish. Nice open camp spots, easy access to hiking trails and great fishing!”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Natural Falls State Park Campground have enjoyed spotting wildlife. One reviewer noted, “There is so much wildlife out there and it’s just gorgeous.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Table Rock State Park Campground said, “Clean restroom facilities and super friendly staff.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Mill Creek (Missouri) offer roomy spots. One camper shared, “Beautiful park. Fantastic scenery with large spaces.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Withrow Springs State Park Campground mentioned, “The manager is friendly.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River, one camper noted, “There are no showers, but the campground is surrounded by the river and hills.”
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground pointed out, “The only downside was the noise from the nearby highway.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “It’s a good place for families that want to get into the river.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Natural Falls State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “Lovely playgrounds for kids and lots of beautiful hiking trails.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Roaring River State Park Campground noted, “There are swampy areas so it is somewhat buggy at dawn and dusk.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Devil's Den State Park Campground suggested, “Enjoyed walking on the dock and view of the water.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Table Rock State Park Campground mentioned, “Several pull-thru spots, most are back in.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Mill Creek (Missouri) said, “WiFi good enough to stream.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground mentioned the nearby highway noise.

Camping around Johnson, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Johnson, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Johnson, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 196 campgrounds and RV parks near Johnson, AR and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Johnson, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Johnson, AR is Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Johnson, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Johnson, AR.

What parks are near Johnson, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Johnson, AR that allow camping, notably Beaver Lake and Ozark Lake.