Near Mabelvale, Arkansas, glamping options extend beyond the state parks into privately owned operations with specialized accommodations. The region maintains moderate temperatures year-round with higher humidity during summer months. Seasonal glamping availability varies, with many locations limiting premium tent and yurt accommodations to spring through fall due to central Arkansas' occasional winter storms.
What to do
Crystal mining expeditions: Crystal Ridge RV Park offers direct access to Ron Coleman Mining, where visitors can spend the day searching for quartz crystals. "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don't think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems," reports one Crystal Ridge RV Park camper.
Lakeside recreation: The campgrounds surrounding Lake Catherine provide water-based activities with rental equipment. "The canoe, kayak and boat rentals are in good condition," notes a visitor to Catherine's Landing. The park maintains well-maintained docks that are "safe for fishing" according to another camper.
Hiking trails exploration: Petit Jean State Park features multiple trail systems ranging from easy to challenging. "With a ton of trails, lodge, restaurant, and waterfalls it is a nature lovers dream," explains a camper at Petit Jean State Park, adding "We spent most of our days hiking the many trails the park is known for."
What campers like
Premium bath facilities: The upscale glamping locations prioritize clean, modern bathrooms. "The shower rooms are large and stone tiled," reports a visitor at Catherine's Landing. Another camper at this location praised the facilities as "immaculate" with "bathrooms and showers very clean."
Waterfront site selection: Lake Catherine State Park offers prime lakeside camping spots. "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," notes one Lake Catherine State Park visitor.
Diverse accommodation types: Glamping close to Mabelvale, Arkansas includes various structures beyond traditional canvas tents. "The yurts looked very nice from the outside," observed one Catherine's Landing camper, while another mentioned that "Catherine's Landing is a very nice family friendly park" with multiple accommodation options.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping locations book quickly, especially premium waterfront sites. "We made it back to Petit Jean State Park for a pre-fathers day weekend. A loop pros: it's new, it's laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer... A loop cons: 'Stays booked 93% of the year' -Park Office. It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop," advises a repeat visitor.
Location considerations: Some glamping sites are positioned for quick access to Hot Springs attractions. "Well kept park on Lake Catherine right outside of Hot Springs. It has a quiet remote feel with easy access to sightseeing in Hot Springs," notes a Hot Springs National Park KOA visitor.
Tent glamping limitations: Not all luxury camping sites accommodate ground tents equally. At Crystal Ridge RV Park, one camper noted it's "a nice place to Camp RV but not for tent camping it would be better if they have places to put up a tent instead of on concrete."
Tips for camping with families
Adventure amenities: Some glamping parks feature unique recreational facilities. "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 a Catherine's Landing visitor.
Swimming options: Several glamping destinations offer swimming facilities. "Kid friendly. Great upkeep and sites that are easily accessible. Playground, splash pad, and pool. We were not able to access the pool because of the time of year, but we will definitely be back in warmer weather," notes a visitor at Catherine's Landing.
Educational experiences: Lake Ouachita State Park offers ranger-led activities. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," says one visitor who stayed in the cabins, noting they were "beyond wonderful to stay in and well worth the price."
Tips from RVers
Proximity benefits: Many glamping sites near Mabelvale are strategically located for day trips. "About 10 minutes away from Hot Springs NP so good location for visiting there," notes a Hot Springs National Park KOA camper.
Site selection considerations: Terrain variations impact comfort at some locations. At Petit Jean State Park, "Not all sites are level" according to one camper, while another mentioned "some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. It's purely inconvenient and I'm not sure why this is this way. Pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos."
Weather preparedness: Spring visitors should consider insect activity at certain locations. At Crystal Ridge RV Park, one camper warned, "Something out of the control of the campground, but the Oakworms were crazy. That's not rain you hear falling from the trees! lol Stay under the awning."
