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Dog-Friendly Camping near Mabelvale, AR

9 campgrounds with availability next weekend

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    Downtown Riverside RV Park accommodates pets throughout its concrete pad sites along the Arkansas River, with all areas of the campground open to dogs. The pet-friendly policy includes a fenced area for dogs to safely roam along the riverbank. Maumelle Park and Burns Park also welcome pets in their camping areas. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Mabelvale enforce standard leash requirements and request owners clean up after their animals. The downtown location provides easy access to paved walking paths suitable for dog exercise, as many campers appreciate being able to walk directly onto a 20-mile paved trail system from the campground. Camping options range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 50-amp service.

    Arkansas River Trail offers excellent dog walking opportunities directly accessible from several pet-friendly campgrounds. The pedestrian bridge connecting Downtown Riverside RV Park to Little Rock provides convenient access to urban walking routes for dogs needing exercise. Many visitors note feeling safe while walking dogs around these campgrounds, even in the evening hours. During summer months, pets should have adequate shade and water access due to high Arkansas temperatures. While most campgrounds do not offer specific pet amenities beyond waste disposal areas, the convenient location near downtown Little Rock means veterinary services are readily accessible. Wildlife considerations are minimal in the more developed campgrounds, though wooded sites at Maumelle or Gulpha Gorge may require additional pet supervision.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Mabelvale (106)

      1. Maumelle Park

      4.6(52)12mi from Mabelvale140 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."

      "Traveling through Arkansas and landed at this beautiful park! Spacious sites and beautiful area! Tried to get a water site but they were full."

      Available next weekend

      from $28 - $75 / night

      3 Sites Available

      2. Downtown Riverside RV Park

      4.4(27)10mi from MabelvaleRVs

      "At first entrance it appears as if you are entering a large parking lot. There is a large pavilion to picnic and pet area by the water."

      "The location is truly excellent with easy access to the Arkansas River Trail, the Clinton library, restaurants and other attractions."

      3. Willow Beach

      4.5(31)14mi from Mabelvale21 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront. Showers and bathrooms were clean and in good condition. Sites were close but in good repair."

      "This is a great RV campground right on the Arkansas river. The sites are large and mostly level."

      Available next weekend

      from $26 - $75 / night

      8 Sites Available

      4. Little Rock North KOA

      3.4(23)11mi from MabelvaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s away from the RV area. The couple that runs the KOA are super friendly. There is a pool but not open for some reason. Small dog park. Camp store. Clean. And an ice cream shop!"

      "We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in. Neighbors are close but nice as was the staff."

      5. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

      4.6(86)34mi from MabelvaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

      Check Availability

      6. Maumelle COE campground

      4.3(6)13mi from MabelvaleRVs

      "Dog poop at our site. My husband stepped in it as we were unhooking. It's quiet and other than the dog poop situation it seems clean."

      "Great C/G on the Arkansas River with a boat ramp and dock. Water and electric sites with a dump station."

      from $28 - $32 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

      4.2(81)38mi from Mabelvale44 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Available next weekend

      from $34 / night

      1 Site Available

      8. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

      4.7(109)45mi from MabelvaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We decided on Petit Jean State Park to be our first Arkansas camping experience and it did not disappoint!"

      "Great areas to look around and hike. Restaurant is pretty decent and breakfast was hot and delicious. There’s a little petting zoo thing close by for kids. Playground was great."

      from $25 - $40 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Toad Suck

      4.6(25)30mi from Mabelvale48 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Just outside Conway, AR. Easy access to sites, very clean park. Plenty green areas to throw frisbee or just play with pets."

      "There's no foragable wood at the sites, but there's a quick stop type gas station very nearby that sells it cheap and locally sourced."

      Available next weekend

      from $24 - $75 / night

      8 Sites Available

      10. Tar Camp

      3.4(7)21mi from Mabelvale45 sitesRVs, Tents

      "On the Arkansas River, it’s a clean and beautiful park. Rv spots on all on the rivers edge. Plenty of room. Price for rv camping was very good."

      Available next weekend

      from $26 - $75 / night

      38 Sites Available

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Mabelvale, AR

    829 Reviews of 106 Mabelvale Campgrounds

    • Justin W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 26, 2026

      Lake Hamilton Escape

      Great Lakeside Camping Experience!

      We 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!

    • kThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 25, 2026

      Hot Springs National Park KOA

      Really 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.

    • MThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Harris Brake Lake

      The 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.

    • Bonnie M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 22, 2026

      Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

      Beautiful, 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.

    • Benjamin S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Little Rock AFB FamCamp

      Not a bad little RV park, bathrooms were close and there were plenty of spots available. We got a back in spot at the front of the campground, but there were quite a few pull through as well. The entrance area parking lot was huge. So there was plenty of room to disconnect our TOAD before backing in.

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 19, 2026

      H&G RV park

      Lovely spot! PERFECT for overnight!!

    • Kylee R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 19, 2026

      Harris Brake Lake

      Harris Brake Lake

      Cool spot for one night! Lots going on for a Sunday night. Almost like people live out there. No one bothered us and we took our time. Pretty views and late enough in October that there weren’t many bugs and the temps were great. Picnic tables available but no other amenities.

    • Nicholas T.
      Oct. 19, 2026

      Goose Pond Road Camp

      Nice little campground, cute pond. We where the only ones there so nice and quiet. Secure with a coded gate. Saw lots of deer only 30min from Hotsprings. Far enough out to be secluded, but its close enough to residential and a golf course that you dont feel like its middle of nowhere.

    • Robyn Michelle S.
      Oct. 12, 2026

      Mill Pond Village RV Park

      Nice

      Nice quiet neighborly (most) pet friendly laundry showers wifi pool community gathering

    Guide to Mabelvale

    Maumelle Park and Downtown Riverside RV Park welcome pets throughout their campsites with concrete pads suitable for both RV and tent camping. All sites maintain full hookups with 50-amp electric service, drinking water, and sanitary facilities. The concrete pads at Downtown Riverside provide ample space for larger rigs, though the sites position relatively close together with limited privacy between units. The pet area at Downtown Riverside runs along the riverbank, offering dogs space to exercise, though owners should keep pets leashed and away from the edge. Gated access provides security at these facilities, with Downtown Riverside particularly noted for safety despite its urban location.

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground and Petit Jean State Park accommodate dogs and other pets in multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, yurts and glamping options. A walking bridge connects Downtown Riverside directly to Little Rock's downtown area, allowing convenient access to urban amenities while camping with pets. Both parks maintain clean facilities with regular trash collection and potable water sources. Little Rock North KOA offers year-round camping with pets in tent sites, RV spaces, cabins and glamping accommodations. Temperature fluctuations in Arkansas require pet owners to monitor conditions, especially during summer months when concrete pads can become extremely hot for paws. Most campgrounds enforce standard pet policies including leash requirements, waste cleanup responsibilities, and quiet hours to prevent excessive barking.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mabelvale, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mabelvale, AR is Maumelle Park with a 4.6-star rating from 52 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mabelvale, AR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 106 dog-friendly camping locations near Mabelvale, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.