Malvern, AR is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Malvern is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Malvern, reviewed by campers like you.
$15 - $25 / night
"Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean! Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat.
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"We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."
$34 / night
"There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."
"With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."
"Gorgeous setting on pristine Lake Catherine close to historic Hot Springs. I was in lakefront site 123 for one night but would have liked to stay longer."
"The lake was beautiful and very natural. However if you like roughing it and being close to the water, you better have an RV of some sort or you'll miss the good spots."
"Laundry was a bit small especially in a world of social distancing but clean. You have to drive through the entire campground to get to the lower 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."
"Great ranger led boat tour of the lake. Lots of nice level sites. Super cool yurts for rent that have the best views! Arkansas has the best State Parks!"
"Nice campsites, lakeside, lake view and in the woods, YURT rentals have the best location, DeRoche Ridge second best if you want to be right next to the lake."
"This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."
"Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping."
$41 / night
"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."
$32 - $45 / night
"We arrived after the office was closed, but there was an envelope that said “Welcome Smith” outside the office that included maps and a magazine for Hot Springs, as well as some tidbits of the town and"
"(Not at night usually around midday), it's a quiet and comfortable place to stay. It has a small dog park near the lake. The owners are very friendly."
$80 - $100 / night
"VOTED BEST HIPCAMP IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS! "
GuideThe park itself is beautiful other the the volunteer camps at the gate house they both have so much junk piled up around them and the one has a dirty old schoolly not that I have anything against schoollys but this one is dirty. They evacuated the park due to high water while we were there and we never receive the phone call or a text The only way we knew is I got a notification from the bank will they refunding those our money back.we where out and about when it happened we get back they had everything locked up and where gone now I grew up a commercial fisherman fishing the Arkansas river and took it back up after I retired from the army and have lived next to the Arkansas White and Chache river all but the 20 years I gone to the army so I know the river. The water never broke flood stage nor came close to it. So there was zero reason to evaluate us. But that being said we should have been notified
GuideLove this place and the people who work there
GuideNice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.
ScoutWe couldn’t even get to the campsite in our AWD Subaru Outback. There are drainage pipes exposed on the road
GuideWe decided to island camp here and boy was it an experience. Day one was perfect, despite some storms, we really enjoyed ourselves. Day two we had to pack up early, flies got so horrible and wouldn’t stop biting us!
GuideI clean and pleasant place to stay in town along the river. It was quiet and there were loads of things to do. All the spots had large concrete pads.
GuideWe were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower. I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom.
TravelerSaw the most beautiful sunset. Caught a deliscious catfish. Spent a day in a hamock with a fantastic lake view.
TravelerThe campground was a little hard to find, about 22 miles from I-30 but we found it. Check-in was easy, directions to our site clear. Plenty of room to back into the site. Gravel site, nice and level. We only stayed 1 night. The campground was nice and clean and quiet. Good place to rest up before continuing on with our journey.
Camping near Malvern, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique experiences, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Camping around Malvern, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near Malvern, Arkansas?
Near Malvern, you'll find diverse camping options including established parks and dispersed sites. Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers a tent-only area with picnic tables and fire rings. For a premium experience, Catherine's Landing provides lakefront sites with spacious grounds, fire pits, and proximity to Hot Springs. If you prefer dispersed camping, the Ouachita National Forest has several options, including sites along Forest Roads with access to trails and natural features. These range from basic sites with fire rings to more developed areas, giving you flexibility based on your preferred camping style.
Are there campgrounds close to Malvern for weekend stays?
Yes, several excellent weekend camping options exist near Malvern. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park offers a unique opportunity to camp near the town's attractions. For those seeking a more dispersed experience, Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite in the Ouachita National Forest provides a peaceful setting next to a creek with access to a scenic cascade via a short hike. Both locations are within easy driving distance from Malvern, making them perfect for weekend getaways. Consider booking ahead for Gulpha Gorge during peak seasons, while the dispersed site operates on a first-come basis.
Where can I find campsites in Malvern?
Malvern, Arkansas offers several camping options nearby. Erwin Estate High Point in Magnet Cove is a highly-rated private campground just a short drive from Malvern. For those seeking lakeside camping, Caddo Drive - De Gray Lake provides clean facilities on a beautiful peninsula overlooking the water. This Army Corps of Engineers site features separate areas for tents and RVs, hot showers, and is conveniently located near Highway 7. Both options provide good access to Malvern's amenities while offering distinct camping experiences.
Are there campgrounds close to Malvern for weekend stays?
Yes, several excellent weekend camping options exist near Malvern. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park offers a unique opportunity to camp near the town's attractions. For those seeking a more dispersed experience, Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite in the Ouachita National Forest provides a peaceful setting next to a creek with access to a scenic cascade via a short hike. Both locations are within easy driving distance from Malvern, making them perfect for weekend getaways. Consider booking ahead for Gulpha Gorge during peak seasons, while the dispersed site operates on a first-come basis.
What camping options are available near Malvern, Arkansas?
Near Malvern, you'll find diverse camping options including established parks and dispersed sites. Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers a tent-only area with picnic tables and fire rings. For a premium experience, Catherine's Landing provides lakefront sites with spacious grounds, fire pits, and proximity to Hot Springs. If you prefer dispersed camping, the Ouachita National Forest has several options, including sites along Forest Roads with access to trails and natural features. These range from basic sites with fire rings to more developed areas, giving you flexibility based on your preferred camping style.
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