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."
