Best Camping near Malvern, AR

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Malvern, AR (147)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    1.

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    82 Reviews
    280 Photos
    381 Saves
    Jones Mill, Arkansas

    This peaceful park makes great camping near Little Rock and is located on Lake Catherine, one of five lakes in the beautiful Ouachita Mountain region. The only full-service marina on the lake is here at the park and open in the summertime for bait, snacks/drinks, and fuel. Boat rentals are available year-round. The park also includes a launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites, playgrounds, and a well-marked trail that leads to a waterfall.

    The park has 20 fully equipped cabins, including one two-bedroom cabin with a patio overlooking the water and private access to the lake from its own fishing pier. There are also many native stone and wood buildings on-site. The history of these structures dates back to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The park offers 70 campsites (47 Class AAA and 23 Class B), six primitive tent sites, one Rent-A-Camp, and one Rent-A-Yurt. Many of these sites are on the lakeshore. Park interpreters offer hikes, lake tours, and programs year-round. Guided horseback rides are offered seasonally.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $15 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

    2.

    Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

    73 Reviews
    201 Photos
    403 Saves
    Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

    Overview

    Gulpha Gorge campground is a tree lined retreat nestled on Gulpha Creek just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row. Open all year, the campground features 44 campsites all suitable for RVs and tents. This popular spot is the ideal base camp for all of your Hot Springs adventures and tends to fill up quickly, even in the fall and winter. Reservations are recommended.____

    Recreation

    Hot Springs National Park boasts 26 miles (42 km) of stunning trails. Gulpha Gorge Campground has a trail access to Hot Springs Mountain and Bathhouse Row.__ The campground sits adjacent to Gulpha Gorge Creek. The creek is perfect for wading, sitting and playing.____

    Facilities

    Hot Springs National Park boasts 26 miles (42 km) of stunning trails. Gulpha Gorge Campground has a trail access to Hot Springs Mountain and Bathhouse Row.__ The campground sits adjacent to Gulpha Gorge Creek. The creek is perfect for wading, sitting and playing.____

    Natural Features

    Sit back and relax to the sounds of adjacent Gulpha Gorge Creek under the canopy of towering trees while being serenaded by the local winged inhabitants and you just may forget you are so close to downtown Hot Springs National Park.____ Enjoy a stunning hike to Bathhouse Row with mountain-top views along the way. Dip your toes in Gulpha Gorge Creek or stretch out on the cool grass to enjoy the breeze while planning a visit to one of the stunning spas on historic Bathhouse Row.

    Nearby Attractions

    Gulpha Gorge campground is just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (501) 620-6715.

    Charges & Cancellations

    __Cancellations more than 72 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 72 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing

    4.

    Catherine's Landing

    23 Reviews
    116 Photos
    189 Saves
    Hot Springs, Arkansas

    Whether your perfect vacation is action-packed or laid back, you’ll find everything you need at Catherine’s Landing. Conveniently situated on 400 pastoral acres with a mile of frontage on beautiful Lake Catherine just outside historic downtown Hot Springs. 

    Catherine’s Landing offers an ideal natural environment mixed with a range of accommodations and on-site activities that appeal to every form of traveler. Choose from RV sites with modern concrete pads, fully-furnished resort cottages, yurts for a true "Glamping" experience, or raised and bordered tent sites. Add exceptional on-site amenities, a convenient concierge at your service, a beautiful lake right outside your door, Wi-Fi and cable, and you have everything you need for your next getaway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    5.

    DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    30 Reviews
    154 Photos
    114 Saves
    Kaweah Lake, California

    This recreation area is part of Degray Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs National Park KOA

    6.

    Hot Springs National Park KOA

    19 Reviews
    34 Photos
    114 Saves
    Hot Springs, Arkansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    7.

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    43 Reviews
    53 Photos
    45 Saves
    Royal, Arkansas

    Overview

    Crystal Springs Campground, perched on the shores of Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, is an ideal spot for families, friends and couples. Approximately 1.2 million people visit the lake each year to explore its crystal clear waters and scenic mountain landscape.Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility. Small and rare freshwater jellyfish (non-stinging) can be found, in addition to many types of fish, including the striped bass, lazily drifting between rocks. Bald eagles are a big attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.

    Facilities

    Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility. Small and rare freshwater jellyfish (non-stinging) can be found, in addition to many types of fish, including the striped bass, lazily drifting between rocks. Bald eagles are a big attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.

    Natural Features

    Lake Ouachita is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The pool is fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River and extends about 30 miles over 40,000 surface acres.

    contact_info

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

    Nearby Attractions

    Part of the scenic 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs just north of the lake. Here, hikers and mountain bikers can explore an array of breathtaking views in the Ouachita Mountains.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Maumelle Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumelle Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumelle Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumelle Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumelle Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumelle Park

    8.

    Maumelle Park

    45 Reviews
    137 Photos
    176 Saves
    Maumelle, Arkansas

    Overview

    Maumelle Park Map Customer Comment Card Special Event Application HERE__ All Sites in the UAMS Medical Loop MUST have Approval from a Park Ranger and a Physician Prior to Making Reservations.

    Recreation

    The Nuttall Trail runs through the park, offering visitors hiking opportunities. Anglers will find a selection of crappie, bream, hybrid bass, white bass and more. A boat ramp is provided for campers to enjoy the river.

    Facilities

    The Nuttall Trail runs through the park, offering visitors hiking opportunities. Anglers will find a selection of crappie, bream, hybrid bass, white bass and more. A boat ramp is provided for campers to enjoy the river.

    Natural Features

    The campground is set on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, a series of navigation pools used to help ships navigate upstream toward Oklahoma. The Arkansas River is one of the Mississippi's largest tributaries, flowing 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, through to Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Wintering eagles can be seen in large numbers along the Arkansas River. Most of these eagles migrate from Canada and the U.S. Great Lakes region.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Pinnacle Mountain State Park is just two miles from the campground. The 13 mountain trails here range from easy to strenuous, and each one promises captivating scenery. They also have several new mountain biking trails. See Pinnacle Mountain State Park for more information. Two Rivers Park is a city park that is also two miles form the campground. This park hase numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as, a bridge that connect the trails to the vast Arkansas River Trail. See Two Rivers Park and Arkansas River Trail__

    Charges & Cancellations

    Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center For specific information about fees and cancellations/Changes please visit: Rules and Regulations__

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

  • 9.

    Treasure Isle R.V. Park

    16 Reviews
    66 Photos
    13 Saves
    Royal, Arkansas

    Treasure Isle RV Park is located on the banks of Lake Hamilton. There are many types of RV sites including Concrete back-in, Concrete pull thru, gravel pull thru, and lakefront sites. Amenities include: coin laundry, bath house, pool, large playground, three covered pavilions with seating and grills available for use by the park guests, and fishing piers. There are kayaks and pontoons available to rent. Come enjoy your vacation with us!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $45 - $95 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Mountain

    10.

    Iron Mountain

    8 Reviews
    32 Photos
    80 Saves
    Bismarck, Arkansas

    Overview

    Iron Mountain Campground sits on the southern banks of DeGray Lake in the foothills of the Quachita Mountains.

    Recreation

    Boating, water skiing, kayaking and other water sports are the biggest draw to the lake, and a boat ramp and full service marina are provided. The lake is also stocked with a variety of game fish, including plenty of hybrid striped bass, making it an ideal area for both boat and bank fishing. Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails wind around the lake shore.

    Facilities

    Boating, water skiing, kayaking and other water sports are the biggest draw to the lake, and a boat ramp and full service marina are provided. The lake is also stocked with a variety of game fish, including plenty of hybrid striped bass, making it an ideal area for both boat and bank fishing. Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails wind around the lake shore.

    Natural Features

    Degray Lake is one of the region's five Diamond Lakes, known for their crystal clear waters. The lake flows from the Caddo River in western Arkansas and spans 13,500 surface acres.

    Nearby Attractions

    The DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers golf courses, tennis courts, horseback riding trails and more along the 207 miles of lake shoreline. The Ouachita National Forest and Hot Springs National Park are both located nearby.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 147 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Malvern

Recent Reviews In Malvern

772 Reviews of 147 Malvern Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Edgewood
    September 1, 2024

    Edgewood

    Sites 21-24 are very close together

    We stayed in tent site 22 for a weekend camping trip. You can’t tell by looking at the Recreation.gov reservation site but tent pad 22 is one of 4 in a grouping of tent sites. 21-24 are so close together. If you are with friends or a large family group then it would be ideal but if don’t want people right on top of you then pick another site. Thankfully, we had some cool neighbors but it was a very noisy and bright spot to camp. Also, your neighbors have to walk through your campsite to get to either of the two water spickets that serve all 4 campsites. There is no where to park your boat unless you rent an RV spot and there is no boat ramp in the camp ground. All of the spots were very shady and cool. We had a good time but we wanted to warn others so you know what you are getting into.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    August 20, 2024

    Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    Nice weekend

    Didn’t have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person. Bring a chair if you want a comfortable seat, also hard to find decent wood to burn, had to walk a bit to find. Not many cars drive down the road, saw some people hiking, also Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp. All in all though it is good to be with nature and I’d go back to this spot or find another one on the road. I didn’t go very far down the road have more to explore!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
    August 18, 2024

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Great State Park!!

    Very beautiful place to stay!! Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off. Bugs were not bad at all. Would recommend this place to anyone.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
    August 12, 2024

    Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

    Great Campground

    This was our first destination in our brand new 26ft TT and it was great 😃 Cleanest shower house I've ever seen. The camp host was very welcoming and helpful. We stayed 3 nights and it was so quiet and peaceful the whole time. Our kids loved playing in the creek. We want to go back when it's a little cooler and check out the trails (too hot for hiking for us). Our only complaint was the trees around our particular site made it difficult but not impossible to back into and prevented our awning from fully extending (we didn't really need it for this trip though).

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hestand Stadium Fairgrounds
    August 1, 2024

    Hestand Stadium Fairgrounds

    Not open to the public.

    Heston Stadium is a fairground. Camping spaces are only open to Fairground participants like fair workers or horse show attendees. It is behind locked gates, and there is no attendant.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
    July 29, 2024

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Resort / Country Club

    This is a fantastic spot with tons of amenities (including a great pool) & many activities. Also, guests and campers were extremely nice! Clean and a well planned resort! Stay if you have a chance.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
    July 28, 2024

    Catherine's Landing

    Great amenities & nice sites

    We had an overnight here after visiting the hot springs national park. The euro delights food truck was a tasty treat. Loved that the pool was open until 10pm just wish the store was open past 5. Great sites. Full hook ups. Paved roads perfect for scootering.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    June 23, 2024

    FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Convenient Dispersed Camping 2 Miles from Lake Sylvia

    Large dispersed campsite located 2 miles west of Lake Sylvia State Park, where Forest Road 152 meets Forest Road 132. Clean site with one rock fire ring. Can fit a couple of vehicles. Because of the position of the trees on the site, maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger. Tent camping is possible. This is a level dirt site with some embedded rocks jutting up. Nice wooded area around site to stroll through. Seasonal track FR132C is adjacent to the site; this track is hikeable. Since the site is at the intersection of popular forest roads, there will be vehicles driving by. The site is set back enough that dust may not be a concern. No T-Mobile cell service. This is convenient, pretty campsite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine
    June 23, 2024

    Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine

    Quiet grounds and perfect for a trip for crystal digging

    The campground is on the small side, but with a nice shower area and coin laundry. The paved areas (including the Rv pads) are a bit rough, but ok. Leveling pads were needed for our site . Lots of crystals just laying around also. 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    June 22, 2024

    FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Overnight Dispersed Site

    Coordinates: 34.85431, -92.88115. Small dispersed campsite in the woods just off of Forest Road 132. Close to the forest road; easy access. There is a clean rock fire ring. Good campsite for a quick overnight stay. The surface of the site is dirt with a little bit of pea gravel. This site is only big enough for one rig, truck camper and smaller size. Pitching a tent is possible in a small clearing to the left of the rock fire ring. Slight downward slope but not bad. Shaded in summer. Nice wooded area. No T-Mobile cell service. There are no hiking trails nearby or remarkable natural features here, but the forest at this site is pretty. This is a nice site in the autumn.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Mountain Dispersed
    June 21, 2024

    Crystal Mountain Dispersed

    Good View with Difficult Access

    I haven't camped here recently. Forest Road 132A, which climbs up to the Crystal Mountain Overlook fom Forest Road 132, is not maintained and badly eroded. Drivers with high clearance 4x4 vehicles and OHVs will enjoy driving up this track, but I don't recommend this drive for the average passenger vehicle. I no longer attempt this with my stock AWD Subaru Outback - just not enough clearance. There are two rock fire rings at the top. Despite the nice views at the top, the dispersed campsites are usually trashy. I included an older photo of the view with Lake Winona in the distance.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
    June 21, 2024

    FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR

    Forested Group Dispersed Site near Crystal Mountain Overlook

    Coordinates: 34.83903, -92.94556.  Set back from Forest Road 132 off of an old track - a short distance west of Forest Road 75. There is some minor erosion on the access to this site from FR132. Large site; good for groups. Should accommodate 4 rigs -  truck campersize & smaller. This site can accommodate 4x4 drivers that are planning to tackle Forest Road 132A to the Crystal Mountain Overlook - a short distance east of this site. FR132A is hikeable for those who do not drive high clearance 4x4s. The dispersed site has a level dirt surface. There are two rock fire rings. Beautiful forest backdrop. No T-Mobile service.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Wilderness Boundary Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    June 20, 2024

    FR132 Wilderness Boundary Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Easy Access to Ouachita Trail

    Coordinates: 34.84128, -92.96055. This is basically a pull-in parking space along Forest Road 132. The forest road is in good condition. The dispersed site is small and close to road; the forest road may be busy at times, possibly kicking up dust. Easy pull-in from the forest road. The site is right on the Flatside Wilderness Area boundary. An old track at the back of the site leads you into the wilderness area and to the Ouachita Trail. It is a level site with a rock fire ring. The parking spot is large enough for a truck camper; plenty of room for my camper van. Spotty T-Mobile cell service. This is not an attractive dispersed site, but it offers easy access into the beautiful wilderness area and to the Ouachita Trail.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FR132-Grindstone Rd Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    June 19, 2024

    FR132-Grindstone Rd Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Nice semi-private dispersed campsite near Ouachita Trail

    Coordinates: 34.84175, -92.97123.  Good dispersed site set back from Forest Road 132. The site is located at the corner of FR132 and Grindstone Rd (Y47A). Grindstone Rd is closed to all vehicles at this time, but it is hikeable. The Flatside Wilderness Area is accross FR132 from this dispersed site; easy access to the Ouachita Trail. The site has room for one rig. Access into the site from the forest road is a little eroded; non-high clearence vehicles may scrape. Access into the site beside the rock fire ring is tight. Best for rigs smaller than truck camper. The site is not quite level; some leveling may be required. Clean site with a clean rock fire ring. The area surrounding the site is wooded; plenty of shade in summer. Surrounded by beautiful forest; easy to explore. Tent camping is possible; the surface is not too rocky. I had sporadic T-Mobile cell service. I am looking forward to retrurning here, especially in the fall, early spring and winter.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    June 19, 2024

    Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Pull-thru dispersed site near the Ouachita Trail

    This is an update to my Feb 2022 review. This dispersed camp site has a level pull-thru driveway which can accomodate about 2 or 3 vehicles. I believe this driveway can accomodate a truck camper. Parking is not next to the rock fire ring; the fire ring is a very short walk away into the woods. The site is pretty much surrounded by forest - easy to stroll around in. Despite the site's elevation, there is no view of distant hills. Included some summer time images with this review. I like this spot, especially with the easy access to the Ouachita Trail nearby.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    June 18, 2024

    Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    Free camp in the trees by drained part of lake

    Thank goodness there is a slight breeze. 90 degrees. Summer swampy area. Picked up a med bag of trash; cans, bottles, and paper. Looks better now. I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning. Doing a cross country from San Francisco to Pennsylvania.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    June 18, 2024

    Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest

    Fantastic View

    Near Oak Mtn Vista overlook. Great spot; fantastic unobstructed view of the hills to the south. Some shade in the summer. Fantastic view during the winter season. Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs - truck camper & smaller. Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping. Close to road, which can get busy at times. Nice rock fire ring. Clean site. T-Mobile cell service.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest
    June 17, 2024

    Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest

    Good Overnight Dispersed Campsite

    Small drive up site in a nice, wooded area. Very close to Forest Road 124, which is not busy. A few sections of this forest road coming from Trail 86 has minor erosion, but a 2WD passenger vehicle can carefully make it. The campsite slopes down slightly; some leveling may be required. Rock fire ring. Although close to the forest road, this is a pretty site. Good for an overnight stay while exlporing the forest. No T-Mobile cell service.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    June 17, 2024

    Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

    Small Site with Great View

    Located on Forest Road 153. Small site with a nice view. The view is better during winter season camping. Close to the forest road with very little traffic; may get dusty at times. Two rock fire rings. This site has a rocky surface with sparse grass. High summer undergrowth around site. The site was not quite level, but workable. Fits one rig, truck camper and smaller. Finding a soft place for a tent may be difficult. Forest road 153 btween this site and Highway 7 appears to have been badly damaged by heavy rain and erosion. Looks like attempts were made to repair it, but still sketchy in places. There are some minor obstacles and washouts. I don't recommend this road for a 2WD passenger car; 4x4's with some high clearence should have no problem. I received good T-Mobile service at this site. Love this dispersed campsite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
    June 16, 2024

    South Fourche

    Small Campground Close to Hwy 7

    This site has not been reviewed for a while on The Dyrt, so I added some recent photos. The campground is very close to Hwy 7, so campers will hear road noise. The vault toilet is reasonably clean with toilet paper provided. There is no drinking at the time of my visit. The campground appears to be well maintained. Fee is $5 - down from the previous fee of $8. There is a canoe/kayak ramp for access to the South Fourche la Fave River. A separate parking lot is provided for day use. This is a good campground for an overnight stay or for accessing the river.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cove Mountain Group Dispersed, FR83W/CR9, Ouachita NF, AR
    June 16, 2024

    Cove Mountain Group Dispersed, FR83W/CR9, Ouachita NF, AR

    Large Winter Season Group Site

    Coordinates: 34.91054, -93.20432. Large dispersed group site with a large rock fire ring. Suitable for winter season activities such as hunting. Can also accommodate a group of overlanders. It's a large open site with a forest backdrop. Can park several rigs. The site is level with a dirt and grass base. I wouldn't camp here in the summer; the grass and weeds are too high for comfort (see photos). When I visited this spot in February a few years ago, the site was much better. Track F70B is about 2000 feet to the east; this 1.4 mile track is closed to vehicles but can be hiked.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Off FR83W/CR9 Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    June 15, 2024

    Off FR83W/CR9 Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Winter season dispersed camping

    Coordinates: 34.90850, -93.21840. This is a nice winter season dispersed site. During the summer, this site is overrun by high grass and weeds as can be seen in the photos. When I visited this site during February a few years ago, all of that stuff was dead and matted down, with easy access to the rock fire ring. This site is located along an unnamed 4WD track just off of Forest Road 83W / County Road 9. The forest road is in great shape; the 4WD track is badly eroded just past the campsite. This track is not on any of the forest service maps (including the MVUM) that GAIA GPS provides. It does show up as a 4WD track on the USGS Topo map. The track may be a good hiking trail for exploring the forest. There is a clearing along the track for parking a vehicle - campervan size and smaller.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FR 83W/CR84 Dispersed near Pond, Ouachita NF, AR
    June 15, 2024

    FR 83W/CR84 Dispersed near Pond, Ouachita NF, AR

    Overnight Dispersed Site on FR83W

    Coordinates: 34.90529, -93.27455. Along Forest Rd 83W (also called CR 84). This small site is close to the forest road; can get dusty. Big enough for a truck camper; easy access. Slight downward slope. The site was clean when I visited. Clean rock fire ring. A pond, probably a wildlife watering hole, is a short walk through the woods behind site. The forest behind the site is nice; good area to walk and explore. The FR83W was in great shape; no issues with accessing this site. No hiking trails nearby. No T-Mobile cell service.



Guide to Malvern

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.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for exploring. At Petit Jean State Park, one visitor said, “Beautiful campground. Site was not level front to back but plenty of space.”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you love fishing, Lake Catherine State Park Campground is a great choice. A camper shared, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Gulpha Gorge Campground have enjoyed spotting wildlife. One reviewer noted, “National Park campground, sites along the creek are really nice.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, “The bathrooms were super clean with showers.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. One camper at Maumelle Park said, “The campsites are pretty spacious for tents with their own fire rings too.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Catherine's Landing shared, “The camp hosts were so nice and friendly.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Gulpha Gorge Campground, one camper noted, “Clean restrooms, no showers.”
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Lake Catherine State Park Campground pointed out, “The office is only open until 5 PM.”
  • Primitive Camping Options: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “The sites and bath house were nice, full hookups.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Catherine's Landing, a reviewer said, “Plenty of room for the kids to ride bicycles.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Daisy State Park Campground noted, “The lake was clean to swim in.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at DeGray Lake Resort State Park suggested, “There are plenty of trails and just a lot to do.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “The sites that back up to the creek are better.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Catherine's Landing said, “Serious Problem is Very Poor WiFi.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned the nearby highway noise.

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 is available near Malvern, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Malvern, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Malvern, AR and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Malvern, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Malvern, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 82 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Malvern, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Malvern, AR.

  • What parks are near Malvern, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Malvern, AR that allow camping, notably Ouachita Lake and Arkansas River - Pool 5.