Langley, Arkansas sits at the edge of the Ouachita Mountains with Lake Greeson's 7,000+ acre reservoir nearby. The area experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and humid summers that typically reach the high 80s. Tent camping sites near Langley generally cost $20-36 per night depending on amenities, while full RV hookups typically range from $30-45 nightly.
What to do
Geocaching adventures: The DeGray Lake area offers engaging geocaching opportunities for treasure hunters of all experience levels. "We enjoyed geocaching and deer sighting" at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, according to visitor Natalie S., who appreciated this family-friendly activity during warmer months.
Diamond hunting techniques: The unique mineral deposits at Crater of Diamonds State Park allow visitors to search for genuine diamonds they can keep. "The best time to take a trip to the Arkansas diamond fields is after a heavy rainstorm, but keep in mind that you will get muddy during your visit," advises Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground reviewer Prospector J., who recommends bringing probes and screens for serious hunting.
Water recreation: Lake Greeson provides multiple options for boating, fishing and swimming. At Parker Creek on Lake Greeson, one visitor noted, "We stayed at this campground last weekend. It was very pretty and well maintained! The sites were HUGE and there were very few other campers. We stayed in site 14 right across from the lake."
What campers like
Spacious lakeside tent sites: The walk-in tent sites at Daisy State Park receive consistent praise for their positioning and amenities. "The walk in tent sites are some of the best in the Midwest. The sites are located right on the lake. The sites have a framed out, level area big enough for an 8 person tent," shares a camper at Daisy State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Park maintenance standards across the region are notably high. Richard T. at Daisy State Park notes, "The bathrooms are very clean and we have observed the camp staff regularly checking and maintaining them. The office staff is very friendly."
Cooler mountain temperatures: Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers relief from summer heat due to its elevation. "We just stayed 3 nights in space 23. Level asphalt lots but spaced kinda wonky. Shady," reports a visitor at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, who appreciated the "nice breeze" at this mountain-top location.
What you should know
Water quality variations: Some campsites have mineral-rich water that may have a distinctive smell or taste. At Murfeesboro RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "Shower water smells funny but it will take your first layer of skin off."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense at lower elevations. "Spring and Fall camping is pleasant with moderate temperatures. Summer camping temperatures are very hot. Make sure you have fans or some way of staying cool," advises a Lake Ouachita State Park Campground reviewer about camping patterns in the region.
Limited yurt availability: Yurt camping near Langley, Arkansas requires advance planning due to limited units. At Mama Gaia's Zen Garden, where meditation-focused yurt accommodations are available, spaces are limited to just 8 sites total according to their listing information.
Tips for camping with families
Alternative attractions: When diamond hunting becomes too hot, nearby water recreation provides relief. "Very hot diamond mining in the summer as there is very little to no shade in the crater. Nice swimming creek nearby," notes Larry at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground facilities for younger children. "The park has camping for all types," notes a recent visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park, complementing the family-friendly amenities.
Tent pad considerations: For families with multiple tents, some sites offer more suitable setups than others. "Noticed most camp sites are near the water. If you are in a tent, it can get a little cool. Nice tent pads, parking next to tent," explains Ramona M. from Caddo River Access RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should be prepared for uneven terrain at some parks. "Few if any of the sites in this section of the CG were anywhere close to level and our site, one of the few pull-throughs, was one of the worst, I mean seriously sloped even after ratcheting up the front levelers as far as they'd go," cautions a DeGray Lake Resort visitor with a 36-foot Class A.
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. A recent RVer reported, "AT&T coverage was basically nonexistent with 1 bar of LTE service but very little if any throughput. The CG is heavily wooded, so Starlink was unusable."
Site size limitations: RVers should verify their rig will fit in their reserved space. An RVer at Queen Wilhelmina State Park noted that while the "spots are paved and all seemed pretty level," the campground is "small with limited pads" that might not accommodate larger vehicles comfortably.
