Best Campgrounds near Jones Mill, AR
Camping areas near Jones Mill, Arkansas center around Lake Catherine State Park and several other established campgrounds in the Hot Springs vicinity. Lake Catherine State Park Campground provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with waterfront access and private docks for fishing. The surrounding region includes additional options such as Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park, Catherine's Landing, and several privately managed RV parks. Most campgrounds in this area feature full hookups for RVs, with many also accommodating tent campers seeking more primitive experiences.
Reservations are recommended year-round for the more popular campgrounds, particularly Lake Catherine State Park which stays booked well in advance during peak seasons. The region generally permits camping throughout the year, with most facilities maintaining year-round operations. Campground amenities vary widely, with state park and private facilities typically offering showers, restrooms, and trash service, while some also provide firewood, markets, and dump stations. Access to most sites requires no special vehicles, with paved roads leading to established campgrounds. "This is a beautiful state park that offers full hookups. Lots of twists and turns and slow roads to get here, but worth the trip. Bathrooms/showers are clean. Spaces are large and somewhat level," according to one visitor.
The waterfront camping experience ranks highly among visitors to the area, with Lake Catherine State Park receiving consistently positive reviews for its lake views and swimming opportunities. Campers particularly value the hiking trails throughout the region, with Lake Catherine's Falls Branch trail leading to a popular waterfall swimming area that provides relief during warmer months. Several visitors noted the balance of natural scenery with convenient access to Hot Springs National Park, located approximately 15 miles from Lake Catherine. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper noting: "Squirrels ate from our hand." While most sites offer shade trees and reasonable spacing between campsites, some reviewers mentioned that privacy can be limited during busy periods, and boating noise may be noticeable at waterfront locations.
