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 (198)

    1. Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground

    28 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Johnson, AR

913 Reviews of 198 Johnson Campgrounds


  • Daniel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Beaver Dam Dive Shop and Resort

    Great optiion

    Great campground with good staff. Some of the parking spots can be hard to pull into is you are in a mega sized rig amd dont know how to drive your set up. Its home for lots of scuba divers. Get to know them! Everyone is super friendly. Chickens ranging free on the property. Fresh eggs for sale. If you are the person who wants perfectly flat pads and want the Koa campground mega camper vibe this is not your spot. If you want to have a great campground with incredible sunset views stop on by. I recommend the concrete slab across from the dive shop. Grab your favorite drink from the dive shop. And make great memories! And get to know your fellow travelers.

  • Candace P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground

    Great for kids

    I was in site 61, which was awful. Right in the middle of screaming kids in the lake on 1 side, screaming kids on the playground on the other side. The site was so tight my mini Van barely fit. No place to sit at the fire pit at all. The bath house toilet wouldn't flush and was full of shit. I left and parked at the local cracker barrel! So dissapointing!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Rocky Branch Campground

    Camp host was impossible to locate

    Camp host was impossible to locate to get a parking pass. We looked for an hour and a half. The next morning she arrived angry we didn’t “put in more effort” very rude.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Pine Hollow 1045 Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful remote primitive campsite

    Excellent little campsite great for a couple tents at most we camped using a rooftop tent and it was a great spot. Very quite very clean unlike some other sites in the area. There is a second site just down the little pull off but it’s not level so would be a last resort. Don’t recommend bringing anything to large down the road camper van would be fine but would be difficult with a full size rig or towing anything much larger than a pop up. Enjoy!!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Roaring River State Park Campground

    Beautiful !

    Campground 1 is very shady, lots of trees and spacious sites. Trout fishing is awesome. Lots of trails and fish hatcheries.

  • 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.


Guide to Johnson

Dispersed camping near Johnson, Arkansas offers varied terrain across elevations from 900 to 1,700 feet within the Ozark Mountains. Seasonal temperature variations create distinct camping conditions, with summer highs averaging 85-95°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most camping areas maintain accessible gravel roads, though some remote locations require high-clearance vehicles during wet weather.

What to do

Disc golf adventures: Natural Falls State Park Campground features an extensive 18-hole course through wooded terrain. A visitor noted, "Love this campground so much. Great spots with really level pads set in a beautifully treed park. Surrounded by disc golf, waterfalls, and hiking."

Creek exploration: Devil's Den State Park offers creek access directly from camping areas. One camper shared, "My favorite camping spot yet. Aside from the extreme humidity this was a great family getaway. Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!"

Lakeside fishing: Hickory Creek - Beaver Lake provides direct lake access for anglers. As one visitor confirmed, "Great fishing.....nice clean campground....friendly people."

Hiking trails: Lake Wedington offers a scenic 1.5-mile trail around the lake. A camper commented, "The hike around the lake is roughly 1.5 miles and beautiful," while another mentioned, "There are great hiking trails in wooded hills on either side of the campground."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: War Eagle Campground provides good separation at most sites. A visitor explained, "There only 26 sites in this whole campground. All of them had ample shade but site #2. Sites #1 - #5 are at the top of the hill and pretty level."

Waterfront access: Prairie Creek offers multiple sites with direct lake views. One camper noted, "Those near the water seem to have short pads and electric only. I never was able to get our TT level at site 92. Over 8" difference from side to side."

Modern facilities: Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground maintains multiple bathhouses and amenities. A visitor detailed, "Very well-maintained. Gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites. Several bathhouses. Some with vault toilets but some with flush toilets and showers."

Trail connections: Devil's Den State Park provides direct trail access from campsites. A reviewer advised, "I highly suggest hiking the Yellow Rock trail just outside of the campground. The large rock 'mountain' it leads you too are so much fun to play on."

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Hickory Creek, a camper warned, "Site 23 is very un-level. Water holds right where you come out of your camper, therefore, you are stepping into a mud hole each time you enter and exit your camper."

Limited bathroom facilities: Lake Wedington has basic amenities only. A camper reported, "It is relatively primitive with the bathrooms in need of being updated but they were functional."

Seasonal closures: Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites maintains different access depending on rainfall. One visitor noted, "Campground is currently (April 7) closed for maintenance and flooding. Call before you go!"

Variable water hookups: Many sites lack direct water connections. A Prairie Creek visitor mentioned, "Campsites come with various services so check yours to ensure you have what you need. Some have no services, some with electric only, all the way up to full services."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Horseshoe Bend features dedicated children's areas. A visitor shared, "Great family Corp campground. Some sites have electric and water some just electric. Great for walking, riding bikes. And walking the dog."

Swimming options: Devil's Den State Park offers swimming facilities for hot days. One parent mentioned, "Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out! This was a great family getaway."

Holiday activities: The Creeks Golf & RV Resort provides seasonal events throughout the year. According to a reviewer at Horseshoe Bend, "Last Saturday weekend in October people decorate there sites and kids trick or treat the campers."

Educational opportunities: Natural Falls State Park offers accessible trails for all abilities. A visitor explained, "You can take your wheelchair on some of the trails and look at the Falls. There's a steep hike down to the falls for those who can walk it."

Tips from RVers

Arrival planning: Select proper routes for larger vehicles. A Hickory Creek visitor advised, "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."

Power requirements: Check site-specific electrical limitations. An RVer at War Eagle Campground noted, "The electric at our site was way in front of the camper, about the distance of the front, right bumper of our truck. We had to go by a $50 extension cord to even hook up."

Water management: Most sites require self-contained water. At Horseshoe Bend, a camper mentioned, "Sites have electric but not water so fill your tank before you come. Due to this site being in-level, you will lose water."

Reservation timing: University activities affect availability. One camper at The Creeks Golf & RV Resort explained, "I've been coming here for years now. They have monthly spots available and also weekly/nightly rates. About 1/3 are full timers."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Johnson, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Johnson, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 198 campgrounds and RV parks near Johnson, AR and 12 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 3.9-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 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.