Devil's Den State Park offers tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations 30 miles southwest of Johnson, Arkansas. The campground includes electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Higher elevation sites along the ridge provide more spacious camping with scenic valley views. Cell service is unavailable, though paid wifi is offered throughout the park.
What to do
Climbing and bouldering: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, located 35 miles southeast of Johnson, provides access to numerous climbing routes. "Horseshoe canyon is one of the biggest climbing and bouldering locations in the southeast area. Beautiful pastures and surrounded by rock that hundreds come to visit, you won't be disappointed to check it out!" reports Luke O.
Trail exploration: Devil's Den State Park Campground maintains several hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. Melissa M. notes: "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!"
Off-road adventures: Byrd's Adventure Center offers extensive trail systems for vehicles. "They not only have their own trails on private land, but off-roaders can hit trails in National Forest territory not too far down the road. Good place for vehicles that need to hook up or primitive," explains Eric L.
Trout fishing: Roaring River State Park Campground provides stocked fishing areas. Jason C. shares: "Several spots near the river most are basic sites. They have three loops each with their own shower houses. Loop one is out away from the river tucked in a narrow cannon really cool feeling."
What campers like
River access: Steel Creek Campground sits alongside the Buffalo National River with easy water entry points. Christina writes: "Great location on the river and close to plenty of hiking trails! Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. You can walk to the river from the campground which is very convenient!"
Secluded spots: Big M campground offers more private sites away from crowds. "Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill," reports Hayley G.
Wildlife viewing: Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch and Adventure Park allows campers to observe buffalo in their natural habitat. "Beautiful area. Gorgeous views and wildlife everywhere!" writes Stephen R. This represents one of the more unique equestrian camping options near Johnson, Arkansas.
Site variety: Devil's Den accommodates different camping preferences. Dam J. explains: "This facility has everything you need. If you are a glamper there is a place for you, but if you like to primitive camping there is also a place for you."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Devil's Den can experience closures. Jo notes: "Campground is currently (April 7) closed for maintenance and flooding. Call before you go!"
Supply planning: Tiffany H. advises: "Bring what you need the nearest store is about 20 minutes out and the restaurant is not that good."
Road conditions: Access to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch requires navigating unpaved terrain. "Steep and rocky to get down but very doable," shares Kelsey R. about driving their Ram ProMaster van to the site.
Cell service limitations: Gonzo A. reports about Devil's Den: "There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Beaver Lake Hide A Way provides water recreation opportunities. Faith B. shares: "Very beautiful water, campground was good, lots of room to tent. Nice and close to beaver lake. They had kayakes to rent and jet skies."
Pool access: Devil's Den includes a swimming pool for hot weather relief. Melissa M. notes how the "Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!"
Wildlife education: Roaring River offers a fish hatchery tour. Sandi C. explains: "You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river."
Playground facilities: Big M campground includes dedicated play areas. Cathy S. mentions: "Great play area for kids. Well kept bathrooms and showers."
Tips for RVers
Site selection: Big M provides level camping pads. Jeremy C. notes: "Pads are generally good and pretty level. Sites are spaced out nicely."
Big rig navigation: Devil's Den has specific route recommendations. Gonzo A. advises: "If you have a large rig - make sure to take the West Fork exit off I-49 vs. the south exit (Winslow)."
Age restrictions: Some horse campgrounds near Johnson, Arkansas have RV guidelines. Philip C. mentions about Rivers Edge RV and Stables: "This RV park has a 10 year rule. Any RV over 10 years old must be approved by the manager."
Hookup availability: John F. observes about Beaver Lake Hide A Way: "There is a store and common area for you to use, the sites are ok sizes and have full hookups. Access capable for Large rigs."