Best Tent Camping near Malvern, AR

Looking for the best Malvern tent camping? Find the best information on tent camping near Malvern, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Malvern's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Malvern, AR (23)

    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Erwin Estate High Point

    1. Erwin Estate High Point

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    23 Saves
    Jones Mill, Arkansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $80 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozan Point - De Gray Lake

    2. Ozan Point - De Gray Lake

    4 Reviews
    18 Photos
    12 Saves
    Kaweah Lake, California
    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Tent Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Nut Mountain

    3. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    46 Photos
    283 Saves
    Ouachita Lake, Arkansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Springs

    4. Iron Springs

    2 Reviews
    10 Photos
    17 Saves
    Jessieville, Arkansas

    Wooded roadside setting on stream near historic springs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Cedar
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Cedar
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Cedar

    5. Point Cedar

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    4 Saves
    Kaweah Lake, California
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    6. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    3 Reviews
    12 Photos
    65 Saves
    Jessieville, Arkansas

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    7. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    78 Saves
    Paron, Arkansas

    If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.

    Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains. Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/?cid=fseprd727994

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    • No image available

      8. Cedar Glades Park

      1 Review
      1 Save
      Hot Springs, Arkansas
      • Pets
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Drinking Water
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground

      9. COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      3 Saves
      Ouachita Lake, Arkansas
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fourche

      10. South Fourche

      2 Reviews
      20 Photos
      29 Saves
      Nimrod Lake, Arkansas

      Convenient roadside picnic area and campground located on Scenic Highway 7 Byway. This campground also provides floating access to the South Fourche River

      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
    Show More
    Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Malvern

    752 Reviews of 23 Malvern Campgrounds


    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed
      Jan. 9, 2025

      Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed

      Large creekside dispersed site

      Coordinates: 34.82029,-92.82184. Large creekside dispersed campsite located on a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179 (aka Wildcat Mountain Rd). If going southbound on FR179, the track is on the left immediately after crossing a bridge. The track may look sketchy to some drivers, but I drove down it okay in my Subara. Good spot for car camping. The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping. There are trees for hammock camping. There are 3 large rock fire rings. This site is prone to flooding. The site appears to be popular and well used. There are no hiking trails, but the access track passes the site and continues along the creek - good for an easy stroll. Tried fishing here, but no luck. I do know from previous experience that there is fish in the creek. The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high. The site is mostly shaded; may be difficult to get a Starlink connection. I received no cell service. This is a pretty nice site, offering some privacy from the forest road and a wonderful sound of the creek.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 179 Dispersed
      Jan. 5, 2025

      Forest Rd 179 Dispersed

      Large Dispersed Site by Beautiful Forest

      Coordinates: 34.84016,-92.82538. Located along unpaved Forest Road 179 (Wildcat Mountain Road), about 3/4 miles south of junction with Forest Road 132. The forest road was in good condition during my visit. A 2-wheel drive passenger car should be able to reach this site. It is a large campsite, close to forest road; no privacy from the road. The site is a dirt surface with a very large rock fire ring. Mostly level. Tent and hammock camping possible. No T-Mobile service. Has AT&T 5G service. Shaded; connection to Starlink will be a challenge. Beautiful forest with a very small pond behind the site in the woods. May be able to back a truck camper into the site; I don't recommend anything larger. Pretty area; nice area for a stroll in the woods. There is a hiking trailhead near FR132 with a dirt parking space. This is a really nice, clean site if one doesn't mind the lack of privacy from the forest road.

    • Angela G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Tar Camp
      Nov. 27, 2024

      Tar Camp

      Great site on the river

      So happy to find a site right on the river. We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by. Not many campers here right now so it’s quiet. Nice host.

    • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Twin Creek Campground
      Nov. 19, 2024

      Twin Creek Campground

      Nice stay for one night

      We decided to stay here for an overnight after being in Hot Springs area.
      There was only one other camper. The fee is $14 a night, not the $12 listed on sign. There is a pay kiosk that takes cards The campground was very clean and had many many trash cans.
      Bathrooms clean and had running water and flush toilets. Cell signal was poor with Verizon. Found an opening and Starlink worked great.

    • Logan R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
      Nov. 17, 2024

      Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

      Overland site

      First off the coordinates are 34.80858, -93.07552 This campsite has amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises. A bit rocky for tent campers but should have no trouble finding a spot for a 4 man tent. There is also limited level ground but not bad. This site has room for 2-3 rigs. If ya needed to squeeze 4 you definitely could. There is a good breeze as it is on the top of the ridge which would be great in summer but can get a bit nippy in the colder seasons so keep that in mind. Nice sound of the breeze in the trees to put you right to sleep and extremely rare traffic so minimal reminders of society!!! I’ve rambled a bit but this site genuinely ticked all the boxes for me. Made for a beautiful evening.

    • Forest K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cox Creek Lake Campground
      Nov. 10, 2024

      Cox Creek Lake Campground

      Quite little campground

      Nice little campgrounds, quiet, and peaceful. You'll enjoy the lake on your kayak while you fish and watch the sunset or sunrise. Not all campsites are level, only about 4 of them, but the other won't take much to level out your camper. There are 4 pavilions, and most sites have picnic tables. Clean bath and showers area, also handicap accessible.

    • Forest K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buckville - Lake Ouachita
      Nov. 10, 2024

      Buckville - Lake Ouachita

      Nice boon-docking area

      Our family has camp here the last 4 years, sometimes twice a year. We like it for the family and grandkids because of the swimming area and pit toilets, which allows us to stay for about 3-4 days at time, you need to bring your own toilet paper and water. There used to be a store a couple of miles up the road from here, but the last time we camp, it was closed due to the spouse passing away. If you like boon docking, Kayaking, and fishing in a quite area, this is the place for you. Bring your Kayak and go Island hoping!

    • Twyana S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Creek
      Oct. 27, 2024

      Bear Creek

      Primitive beauty

      This park is a wooded area beside a lake. Campsites have a picnic table & grill. No electricity or water. No concrete parking pads. However almost all sites have a view of the lake. Beautiful views. Two pit toilets were clean & smelled ok.

    • april W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Rock North KOA
      Oct. 25, 2024

      Little Rock North KOA

      It works for a pinch

      Arrived in town looking for somewhere to tent camp, found here. It works for a night Pros: Clean bathrooms Friendly evening staff and wife is friendly Has a small store with basics Wifi Laundry area Cons: Quite noisy with city noise Camp store is expensive ( 2 Gatorade, a pack of. Hot dogs, buns and ketchup came up to 13 dollars...and. Mustard was almost 6 dollars.... Tent area is more of a storage area We had it to ourselves, which was nice, but, felt as if we were the unwanted guest in the park. At $38 dollars a night, we felt it's not really worth what they ask.

    • Rick T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Willow Beach
      Oct. 18, 2024

      Willow Beach

      Nice

      The site we had was level with a view to the river. The bathrooms and grounds were"military" clean and maintained. Area Code My only issue was the lack of staff. The place runs itself, apparently. There was no staff on site, not even the camp hosts.

    • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed
      Oct. 14, 2024

      FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed

      Super Simple But Has Signal

      WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.

      The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.

    • Susan L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Tompkins Bend
      Oct. 10, 2024

      Tompkins Bend

      COE Lake Ouachita camping

      I tend to like COE campgrounds. However, this one was a different experience for me. It's laid out in a way that it seemed like there was no space between sites and no berms or green cover to give the feeling of some privacy. The site next to me parked their truck about 10 feet from my site on the dirt between us. Boats on trailers are parked in between sites on diagonal or however to make them fit.

      Narrow, windy road into park is nicely paved. Nicely shaded, almost level gravel/asphalt site (not very wide with a tree on one side that would obstruct a rig with slide, awning side is tight too) with picnic bench, fire ring, lantern pole and BBQ.

      Also, the lake is very low right now. I was told that the state is drawing down the lake for hydro power and because there hasn't been any rain in awhile it's starting to show. It was fun to walk the lake bed and look for rocks and minerals that are usually covered by water. Not much else to do if here if you don't have a boat. Otherwise, a nice place to sleep while visiting the area.

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tar Camp
      Oct. 9, 2024

      Tar Camp

      Great find, newly renovated

      We came in very late and found someone fishing in our campsite!🤣 Love these properties for arrival convenience and ease of booking. A mostly clean bathrooms and shower house.

    • Lindsey M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Offroad Park
      Oct. 8, 2024

      Hot Springs Offroad Park

      Cheap, Convenient, & Fun!

      Car camped at tent site to visit HSNP and trail ride. Staff were plentiful and friendly. My only issues were noise from a fast road near my site, walking distance from sites to restrooms, and most sites seemed quite tight for SUVs/trucks to park within. Even so, I highly recommend checking out this place. I really enjoyed my nights here and hours in the woods!

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Edgewood
      Sep. 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.

    • Arthur S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
      Aug. 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!

    • Brian G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
      Aug. 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.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Catherine State Park Campground
      Jul. 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.

    • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Catherine's Landing
      Jul. 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.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Jun. 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.


    Guide to Malvern

    Tent camping near Malvern, Arkansas offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of well-reviewed sites. From serene lakeside spots to more primitive settings, there’s something for every tent camper.

    Tent campers appreciate these amenities

    Local activities for tent campers

    Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $5

    • Camping at Ozan Point - De Gray Lake costs around $10 per night, making it an affordable option for families wanting to enjoy a lakeside retreat.
    • South Fourche offers a budget-friendly experience at $5 per night, ideal for those looking for a quiet spot close to the water.
    • Fourche Mountain Campground is another free option, providing a peaceful environment for tent campers seeking solitude in nature.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Malvern, AR?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Malvern, AR is Erwin Estate High Point with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Malvern, AR?

      TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Malvern, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.