17 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lake Catherine State Park Campground accommodates pets throughout its extensive facilities with options spanning tent sites, RV spots, cabins, glamping areas, and yurts. All pets must remain leashed during their stay, with animals prohibited from the swim beach for safety and hygiene reasons. Nearby Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park provides similar pet-friendly accommodations with level sites featuring good shade coverage, making summer camping with dogs more comfortable. Both campgrounds require campers to clean up after their pets, with waste disposal stations positioned throughout the grounds. The geese at Lake Catherine can be quite vocal during early mornings, potentially triggering barking in some dogs.
Hiking trails at Lake Catherine State Park offer excellent pet exercise opportunities, with the Falls Branch trail leading to a waterfall where dogs can cool off during warmer months. The park's proximity to Hot Springs National Park (approximately 15 miles away) provides additional dog-friendly hiking options, though pets must remain leashed on all park trails. Catherine's Landing and Hot Springs National Park KOA both welcome pets with picnic tables at each site, providing comfortable spaces for pets and owners to relax together. Park rangers patrol campgrounds frequently, ensuring pet policies are followed for everyone's safety and enjoyment. Water-edge campsites allow pet owners to launch kayaks directly from their sites, creating convenient water access for water-loving dogs.
"They are divided by class, one is for bigger rigs and is right on the water near the dump station. All the slots are near the lake. There are wonderful trails and waterfalls to find."
"I am quite fond of the state parks in Arkansas and this was a clean, quiet, beautiful and safe location near Hot Springs. I was very happy that I could also bring my dog."
from $15 - $25 / night
"Park is on the smaller side so the spots arent super big, ours was very close to the neighbors. Hookups are really well done with electricity, water, and sewage. Bathrooms were very clean."
"The trails are gorgeous and the staff is wonderful."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $34 / night
"The park is set on 400 acres with one mile bordering Lake Catherine and about eight or nine miles from downtown Hot Springs. "
"Lots of amenities like disc golf, hiking trails, pool, zip line course, lake access and two dog parks that were the cleanest I’ve seen at an rv park."
"Close to the national park, friendly employees and guests, several mini trails and a dog park."
"Good spot, close to bath rooms/shower house/cafe. Pretty level - just 1 leveling block was all we needed for our pop-up."
"We had a lovely time tent camping at Lake Ouachita. It was a last minute Memorial Day weekend plan, so there wasn't much research before hand."
"This was our second stay here, and it confirmed what we’re starting to realize: Arkansas state campgrounds are next level."
"It is right on a little creek, and there are turkeys somewhere nearby. The RV Park is very very close to Hot Springs National Park, and there is an amusement park right across the highway."
"I was disappointed that they don't promote wearing masks and social distancing 😕😱 I would definitely stay again if Gulphea Gorge is full."
from $41 / night
"Located in Hot Spring proper. Easy access to everything. The Dog Park, laundry facilities, and restrooms/showers are of course new and clean. Casino and Racetrack are right around the corner."
"Close to the national park in Hot Springs Arkansas. And right next door to the flat track/casino. It’s pretty new, but not really any extra amenities. 20/30/50 amp full hookups."
from $10 - $30 / night
"Nice dog park. Management friendly. On lake, so some boat noise. The cons were poor local TV satellite service and no WiFi for monthly stays. Would stay here again."
"All sites are pull through and some are located on Lake Hamilton."
Available this weekend
from $45 - $95 / night
"The lake is great. I was too busy having fun and didn't take enough pictures. There are breathtaking views of the Ouchita Mountains. There is springs coming out of the ground on hikes."
"Site 40 water faucet is broken Showers are hot and free Arkansas is very pretty but the trash on the road sides and road kill is too much. Clean up after yourself people!!!"
Available this weekend
from $16 - $100 / night
"Theres a little boat dock and good sized dog park too. The spots are quite close together but we enjoyed the open space at the front of the park."
"Except for the occasional dog barking contest. (Not at night usually around midday), it's a quiet and comfortable place to stay. It has a small dog park near the lake."
from $32 - $45 / night
ScoutWe have a gate with a code and cameras everywhere. A doggy park, laundry, and a shower house. An employee is always on site making improvements. You can even get mail and packages here. I am actually thankful to God to be here.
ScoutI have been living here for a year and half the best rv park around very clean and very nice looking the pictures doesn’t do it justice it’s so beautiful and clean the other campers are really nice and friendly we try to do monthly cookouts and welcome all new comers I very highly recommend this park and it’s close to the interstate and other attractions
ScoutWe spent the weekend at Lake Hamilton Escape and absolutely loved it! We stayed at campsite 512, and I have to say, sites 510, 511, and 512 are fantastic! They’re right on the water, no more than about 20 feet from the lake. One of our favorite things was being able to set up our chairs and table right on the dock, do a little fishing, and still have all the comforts of our camper just a few steps away. It really doesn’t get much better than that! The restrooms and shower house were very clean and just a short walk from our campsite, which was a big plus. If you enjoy camping with kayaks or have a boat, I’d definitely recommend checking out the campsites in the 500s, especially the waterfront sites. Being able to dock your boat, walk right up to your camper, and enjoy all the amenities makes this a great setup. We also enjoyed the hiking trails. Since it wasn’t quite warm enough for swimming, the trails gave us a chance to get out, explore, and burn off a little energy. We didn’t get to experience the clubhouse or pool because of the time of year, but that just gives us something to look forward to next time! Personally, I’d recommend visiting in early spring or early to late fall. The weather is comfortable, there’s less traffic, and you can really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We had a wonderful weekend, made some great memories, and will definitely be back. If you’re looking for a relaxing lakeside camping experience with beautiful views and great amenities, Lake Hamilton Escape is worth checking out!
ScoutVery quiet with direct lake access.
ScoutReally nice cabin w/ lots of amenities. koa was flexible in letting us rent the cabin for our daughter and grandkids while we slept in the Rv out front.
TravelerThe one semi level spot appears to be a homeless camp. Garbage everywhere, random wheel chair. Grass not mowed like it stated in other reviews. Still tons of constant dog barking. Beautiful view of the lake but definitely wouldn’t recommend staying for more than a night.
TravelerBeautiful, secluded spot. The vantage point faces the wrong way for the sunset, but if you enjoy watching the sunrise, this is the spot to do it. Sat in my chair and enjoyed my coffee and the show. Not much level ground, but plenty of rocks to level your vehicle if you're sleeping in or on it. Probably room for 3 rigs comfortably. A little bit of traffic on the dirt road, so expect a little dust as this site is right off the road. I think we saw about 4 vehicles, some slowed to reduce dust, some didn't. Some reviews said the road in was impassable, but I didn't even have to use 4wd, so they must have fixed it.
GuideThis review is strictly for camping. Needed a spot for the night on a road trip. Chose a spot based on limited user photos, as Recreation.gov lists none. Note that the $15 rate jumps to $23 after an $8 reservation fee. Despite previous reviews reporting zero cell coverage, T-Mobile worked fine. We initially chose C15 over the largely vacant Loop A for perceived privacy and proximity to facilities, but it didn't match expectations upon arrival. Phone support stated they cannot modify or cancel reservations for this facility. To switch, we had to create a second Recreation.gov account (the system blocks booking two sites) and pay another $23. The camp host never came by, but we didn't want to risk setting up without an active reservation. If multiple sites are open, scout them in person before paying online. The grounds themselves are pleasant, and the proximity to Hot Springs is a major plus. However, the day-use facility (the only practical option for Loop A) was poorly maintained, leaving only one functional toilet in the women’s restroom.
GuideEasy to get to off the main road. Spots are spread out with tables, grills and fire rings. The bathroom is disgusting with broken doors, didn't even look inside all the way. Water level currently too low to use the boat launch. Other than someone who arrived after dark and slept in their car on the boat ramp, we were the only ones there. Burn ban in effect while we were there. A park ranger did drive bys at 5:15am and again at 10:30am. Good for an overnight spot, very quiet and pretty. One bar with T-Mobile. Bonus persimmon trees along the shore!
Lake Ouachita forms the backdrop for camping near Jones Mill, Arkansas, with its crystal-clear waters spanning 40,000 acres and 975 miles of shoreline. The region sits within the Ouachita Mountains where elevations range from 600-2,700 feet, creating varied camping conditions from lakeside flats to forested hillsides. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-95°F while spring and fall maintain comfortable 65-75°F daytime averages.
Waterfall exploration: Falls Branch trail at Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers excellent hiking with a natural payoff. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," notes Alison C., who found the waterfall accessible for younger hikers.
Zip-lining adventures: On-site aerial challenges available at Catherine's Landing provide adventure without leaving camp. "The climbing and ropes course is enormous and will make any kid's jaw drop in disbelief. There's an affiliated zip line just outside of the park," reports Taylor D., highlighting these unique amenities.
Crystal hunting: Many campers use Lake Ouachita campgrounds as a base for crystal mining trips. "Went crystal digging at Coleman which was also unbelievable," shares Ber M., who stayed at Crystal Springs Campground, adding that the area provides opportunities for amateur rockhounds.
Historic bathhouse tours: Hot Springs National Park features preserved bathhouse architecture within 10-15 minutes of most area campgrounds. "Hot springs in AR with lots of history and fantastic hiking trails. The hot springs are in bathhouses, not outdoor pools," explains Lynn G., noting the historical significance while staying at Gulpha Gorge.
Lakefront camping sites: Waterside campsites rank highly among visitor favorites. "Our campsite backed up to the lake, so we had a great view. The campsite was a great size and well spaced out from our neighbors. There were trees to hang our hammocks," shares Alison C. about her stay at Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Clear water quality: Lake Ouachita's reputation for pristine waters consistently impresses first-time visitors. "The first thing you notice when you come here is the clear lake that is a short walk away from the campsite," reports jasmine L. about Crystal Springs Campground, highlighting the water clarity.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bird watching and animal sightings enhance the camping experience. "We saw eagles every day and fishing was great," mentions Thomas W. about Crystal Springs Campground, pointing to the diverse wildlife present throughout the region.
Quality bathroom facilities: Campground cleanliness, particularly bathrooms, receives frequent praise. "The shower rooms are large and stone tiled," notes Taylor D. about Catherine's Landing, while Travis A. mentions "Clean restrooms" at Crystal Springs Campground, indicating facilities typically exceed expectations.
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "This SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend," advises Chad K. about Lake Catherine State Park, while other visitors note that Gulpha Gorge Campground operates on first-come, first-served basis only.
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts offer different levels of separation between sites. "The sites are close to each other, but they are stair stepped, so you feel like you have more privacy which was really nice," explains Chris H. about Hot Springs National Park KOA, noting how terrain features can improve privacy.
Seasonal water activities: Rental options for boats and water equipment fluctuate with seasons. "You can rent boats onsite and you will want to!" emphasizes Lynn G. about Lake Ouachita State Park, suggesting that water access enhances the experience significantly.
Cell service considerations: Signal strength varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cell service was minimal (1 bar) but a cell booster gave us full service," shares Brenda A. about Lake Ouachita State Park, providing useful information for those needing connectivity.
Kid-friendly amenities: Campgrounds with dedicated children's areas provide additional entertainment. "Kid friendly. Great upkeep and sites that are easily accessible. Playground, splash pad, and pool," notes Bridget C. about Catherine's Landing, highlighting the array of child-oriented facilities.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs offer learning experiences for younger campers. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," Josh H. mentions regarding Lake Ouachita State Park, pointing to structured activities available.
Safe swimming areas: Designated swimming spots provide controlled environments for children. "A paradise for everyone! The property is so peaceful and quiet. We came with little kids and they explored their hearts out. Along the river there's a trail and fun places for the kids to play and play," reports Lauren N. about Catherine's Landing.
Off-site entertainment proximity: Nearby attractions supplement on-site activities. "Magic Springs" theme park is mentioned by Alicia O. as being close to Gulpha Gorge Campground, providing alternative entertainment during longer stays.
Leveling considerations: Site terrain affects setup requirements. "Sites are tightly packed in comparison with most state and national parks," Patrick M. notes about Gulpha Gorge Campground, while Don L. reports "level site with all the trimmings" at Lake Ouachita State Park.
Water pressure management: Utility quality varies between campgrounds. "Recommend using a water pressure regulator, one of my pipes started leaking from the pressure," advises Josh F. about J and J RV Park, highlighting an important equipment consideration.
Premium waterfront options: Higher-priced lakefront sites offer enhanced experiences. "We had a site overlooking the lake. We had plenty of room to hang our hammocks and play yard games," shares Alison C. about Lake Catherine State Park, suggesting these premium spots justify the cost.
Accessibility: Road conditions impact larger rigs. "All roads, sites and patios are paved and this is definitely a big rig-friendly park," Nancy W. notes about Catherine's Landing, providing reassurance for those with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Jones Mill, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Jones Mill, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Jones Mill, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 150 dog-friendly camping locations near Jones Mill, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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