97 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
McRae, Arkansas is surrounded by several established campgrounds that accommodate tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Indian Lakes Resort stands out with waterfront camping and lake access just 15 miles west of McRae, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin options. Sweet Escape RV Resort in Austin provides full hookups with amenities like laundry facilities and fishing ponds within a 10-mile radius of McRae. The region includes both private resorts with developed facilities and more rustic state park options within a 30-minute drive.
Public land access and camping regulations vary throughout the area, with several wildlife management areas requiring permits for overnight stays. "This site is normally used for hunting and fishing. There is a shooting range on the road before you get to the site," notes one camper about Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area. Summer humidity and mosquitoes can be challenging in low-lying areas, while higher elevations provide some relief from the heat. Most developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though seasonal amenities may be limited during winter months. Cell service can be inconsistent outside established campgrounds, particularly in wildlife management areas.
Many visitors highlight the water recreation opportunities as primary attractions when camping in this region. Several reviewers praised the fishing at Indian Lakes Resort, with one camper noting it offers "beautiful area with great fishing, swimming (water slides and diving boards in the middle of the lake) and fun for the whole family." Woolly Hollow State Park, located about 25 miles northwest of McRae, receives consistently positive ratings for its combination of developed camping and water access. For RV travelers, concrete pads and reliable hookups are commonly mentioned benefits at the private resorts near McRae, though visitors seeking more privacy may prefer the state park options with more natural separation between sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, particularly in the less developed areas.
"Sweet Escape RV Resort in Austin, Arkansas, offers a peaceful and welcoming experience for RV travelers."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Nice clean, small RV park at Highway 67/167 and CW Road in Judsonia, one exit north of the Searcy Race Street exit. 30 spaces total with 3 pull through sites."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"We had a nice primitive spot we were able to drive up to. They also have spots that you can park at and walk to. Electric spots as well. There’s fishing and a boat ramp as well."
"Traveled down about 1.4K miles to take in the surrounding areas in AR since my family is looking for our forever home and spent four days here… We must say that, with the excellent views and service provided"
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"There are lots of trails, bike paths, water activities and BEAUTIFUL scenery. Very photogenic. Arkansas State Parks are always enjoyable. Staff was excellent and friendly."
"I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit."
"Very nice little campground just off Arkansas Hwy 25 by Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs, Arkansas. Actually, many of the campsites are along the beginning of the Little Red River."
"Without a lot fan fair since you have no clue, from the highway, that there is a campground at this location. Not far off the road but you do not hear the traffic. "
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"
from $28 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $26 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Close to Interstate, Love’s station at exit. There is no facility for tents; this RV/Trailers only because no facilities. Has full hookup 50/30Amp, water and sewer . Gravel pads and well maintained"
"It's in the country and close to 40 but you don't get the traffic noise."
from $10 - $35 / night
Check Availability"The location is truly excellent with easy access to the Arkansas River Trail, the Clinton library, restaurants and other attractions."
"Not a resort but right next to the foot bridge that accesses parks on the other side of the Arkansas River. Traffic noise is minimal."
GuideThis was our second time at this campground. The sites are very large and spacious. Trees for shade. It has a nice playground and also a boat ramp. The bathrooms are ok, but what I really like about them, is you get the complete room. Shower, sink, toilet. Not a little hot stall. Water on both sides of the campground for fishing. And the water hyacinths are beautiful!!
ScoutThis is a long review but please read it. It is a public service announcement. Camp Conway greenbrier. Landlord Burt Zinser. Where to begin.. Let start with Ameneties. The website states Each site has full hook ups including 20/30/50 amp electric, clean city water, city sewer and fiber-optic high-speed WiFi. Guests at Camp Conway have the option of porches, sheds and gazebos with management approval. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. 1. Clean city water- it taste like plastic and chlorine. Must have a water filter if you actually want to drink it or give it to your pets. 2. Fiber optic high speed wifi. That's a joke. Shoddy at best. TCW repeatedly has to come out to fix it and it's still garbage. If you are okay with internet dropping in and out every 5 to 10 min, then it's great. Save yourself the headache and get your own, but don't expect Burt Zinser to reduce your rent for services he offers but you can't use. Here at camp conway you can expect to pay for services unrendered.(Not the only one that has this problem in the park) 3. Porches, sheds or gazebos. 100%, as long as you are one of his favorites, like the people in the pictures he uses on his website. The beautiful two story rv with full front porch, likes to watch what everyone else is doing and then go complain to Burt if she doesn't like how your lot looks or what your doing. Burt will be sure to tell you it's too much, or beauty is sometimes only in the eye of the beholder. 4. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. The"Bath House" is one shower, without a bathroom vent, a toilet and sink, in the laundry room and is always disgusting. Hair on the floors, wall, drain, soap scum, ect. The toilet has pubic hair and feces on and around it. No one cleans it, nor cleans up after themselves. Not sure who replaces the toilet paper but half the time it's empty. The laundry is two household washers and dryers. Costing 2.50, which isn't bad. Just don't run the washers at the same time or they flood the room(you will be blamed for over loading it) and expect to dry your clothes for an hour or so, or they will be damp. The state of the laundry room is horrible. Trash overflowing, dog hair, and random debris all over the floors. Again no one cleans them.( you think well I'll just get compact washer, expect to be charged extra for water and don't you dare hang clothes outside to dry, that includes beachwear and towels). It's not visually appealing. 5. Spacious lots. The outer lots are 600 and the other lots 565(it was 550 back in Feb, this is important to note). Price subject to change without a notice. Do Not expect Burt Zinsers crappy memory to remember not to over charge you(text wont help you either). Honestly, don't bother to ask Burt about it, or he will get annoyed and either kick you out or threaten to. I'll get to that later. The lots flood when it rains, grass is almost non existent, scorching heat from lack of trees and of course you have to love the red clay that gets over everything. Lots are suppose to mowed by him, but he hasn't mowed in the 5 months we've been here. He sends his child out, who does a half ass job weed whacking around the pedestals and mows part of the big field. If it wasn't for one of the permanent resident here mowing for people that ask him, it would be horrible. 6. Someone pointed out they have a huge open field with plans to extend the park, but currently it's a great dog area to let your dogs off leash to play. WRONG. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE OFF LEASH. Expect to be harassed about picking up your dog poop. Even when you do, other people do not, while letting their dog roam free and you will be blamed. He has plans to extend the park, true, but until then expect for Burt to constantly remind you that until the park fills up, it all comes out of his pocket, so he's loosing money. You can rent one of his tiny homes if you want to pay near 1,000 for a studio apartment, open floor plan, with a 500 dollar, per pet, fee. You will be secure too as one of his security cameras point directly in the front windows of the current one and only tiny home he has on the premises. 7. Rules. It all depends which of his rules and who you are. If he tells you no AC units in the windows of RVs. There are currently 5 RVs that have units in the windows, so he doesn't really give a crap about that rule. I personally don't care but it was one of the things he stated when we called. No agressive dogs. His example, like pitbulls. Hey as long as you tell him it's another breed he doesn't know the difference and isn't bothered to check. I see nothing wrong with pitties, he's just the type that believes in bad dogs, not bad owners. Oh and on that note you will be sure to hear or be told, that you don't need another mouth to feed, or straight up told you can't keep another pet if you get one. 8. Privacy. Don't expect it. Burt Zinser likes to meddle in people's business. He gives unsolicited relationship advice, opinions on how you should decorate, how your vehicle looks, if your working or not(regardless if you pay rent on time, he doesn't like it if you are a stay at home person). Our experience here has been crap. We moved into the park on Feb 3rd. The lot was one giant mud pit. We asked if he would buy grass seed and we'd care for the lawn until it fully grown. We were told yes at first then the next day we received a text staying no because then he'd have to do that for everyone. We bought grass seed, tilled the land by hand and grew grass. We called about the internet 3 different times. The first time he handed us a wifi extender, that didnt work and TCW said it was pointless since it wasnt hooked into landline nor had bluetooth capabilities. He then had TCW come out two more times to"fix" it, before we said screw it and got starlink. When asked if he would remove the fee for the interent we can't use. He said no. When we asked why are we paying for something we can't use, he stated it was our problem, not his. For the month of Feb rent was 550. March 550. April we TEXT him after hours and asked him to gIve us a call so we could pay rent. HE CALLED US, did the transaction and got off the phone. We checked and noticed he overcharged us, 565. We TEXT him again and pointed out he over charged us. HE CALLED US BACK. He asked when we had moved in, we told him Feb, he apologized and refunded the 15 dollars. When asked when he was going to raise the rent if he would be notifying us. We asked if we would still be paying 550 until then. He called us nieve to think rent wouldn't change. When we explained that we didn't think it would stay 550 forever, but that we would be notified and not just him taking whatever amount he decides he wants. He got irritated said we were busting his balls and he hadn't eaten dinner yet but instead dealing with this crap, and that we were temporary visitors(i didnt know 5 months of renting was temporary). He belittled a person that has autism and learning disabilities when he was the one to CALL US BACK and interupt his own supper. We called during business hours and informed him of the condition of the shower being filthy and smelling of cat urine, because everyone closes the door behind them after a shower and there is no vent( burt decided it wasn't needed, told to us by someone else). We were told people are supposed to be cleaning up after themselves. We asked if he would get a deck brush, hose and cleaning supplies for us and we would clean it for free, once a week. He said sure. A week later we saw him on the property asked about it again. He got annoyed, we dropped it and bought an external on demand hot water heater to be able to shower and feel clean. Once again it was time for rent to be paid. I noticed he had been over charging us again for may and June, not even a week after he told me that August 1st was when the rent would be raised. I saw him on the property and walked over to bring it to his attention. He got irritated and told me that it was becoming a bit much. When asked what he was talking about he stated that no one else bothers him as much as we do, and it's overwhelming. I stated to him that we haven't been unreasonable in holding him accountable for his property. I had explained previously about my husband being autistic with learning disabilities that sometimes effect how he understands things. I brought up that he stated he thinks he's autistic and his wife has told him thay his facial expressions and attitude towards people can be offputting and misinterpreted. I would think he would be more understanding. I told him he obviously has an issue with my husband and that from now on he will be dealing with me since my husband irritates him so much. He tried telling me no that wasn't the issue. I cut him off and said that was exactly the problem or it was holding him accountable, or both. He asked if we be out by then end of the month and I said no, as we have done nothing wrong. Rent is never late. Always paid. Our site is clean, we follow the rules. The next day we received a text from him telling us to be out by the end of the month and he was sorry it didn't work out. Retaliation for a woman speaking to him. Burt Zinser is a horrible business man, landlord and human being. He has issues with speaking too and dealing with woman if they try to be an equal. I truly believe he's sexist and I'm not the only woman in this park that thinks that. If you and your husband are speaking to him, you ask him a question he will disrespect you by looking at your husband and answering. Ask around, talk to people in the park, and not his favorites. I'm hoping I can attach the photos I've taken around the park and facilities but if I can't, feel free to reach out. I have no problem sharing them, in hopes you won't support this man and his park. I will be posting this in every RV group I'm a member of, local community pages and restaurants. Let's hold this man accountable for his disrespect, horrible ethics, and business. Greenbrier is a better community then this man deserves and he shouldn't be allowed to continue this way.
RangerStaff at gate was very k8nd and helpful. Grounds well kept and manicured. Camp sites under trees for,shade with water, electricity, picnic tables and fire pits. Needed to use levelers to get trailer leveled. Campground on Arkansas river at the dam and locks. Bathhouse was clean, looked like painted for this season. Only issues was heater running in shower, it was 80+ degrees didn't need more heat. I'd stay here again.
TravelerStayed for one night! Definitely primitive, but far enough from highway to be very quiet, no one else was here, felt very private. There are two other camping pull offs closer to the highway that are not as well maintained road wise, there’s a lot of wash out would not recommend unless you have 4x4 but the one further in maybe 3/4 of a mile is 👌👍 also for being near water it was not very buggy
LegendLuckily it was close to the hospital since we had to take a visit there. Beautiful park with lake access.
TravelerWell kept camsites. Clean and right on the beautiful Arkansas river. Would definitely come back.
GuideThis was my first dispersed camping on my road trip and I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it is compared to all the other noise that organized campgrounds can have. there are two sites across from each other and can accommodate maybe 3-4 tents each. I made the mistake of thinking it wasn’t gonna rain and I didn’t put my rain fly on and just when I was about to fall asleep it poured down on me and I made another rookie mistake of setting my tent up on the soft ground instead of the gravel and by the time the rain was over the floor of my tent felt like a waterbed luckily, my tent was waterproof. The best part of this spot was the isolation and also the spiget. Both camping sites share one. Thank goodness for the rain because I haven’t showered in four days.
TravelerPleasant surprise. Pulled in late and found B32 available right on water. Quiet, clean, and bathroom nearby. Shaded beautiful site. Love it.
ScoutI called the number on the listing and talk to the owner he bought it about 4 years ago and he said there's a bunch of stuff out there on the internet still that he doesn't even know about from the last owners. This is just an RV park. But they do welcome Vans as long as they are self-contained and have facilities.
Nice guy! My van doesn't have facilities so not for me, but that's great that he doesn't exclude by a vehicle age and type.
Camping near McRae, Arkansas includes diverse options across both private and public land, with elevations ranging from 200-300 feet in the river bottoms to 400-650 feet in nearby rolling hills. The region experiences average summer temperatures of 90-95°F during peak camping season (June-August), with cooler spring and fall periods that attract campers seeking more moderate conditions. Winter camping remains viable with typical lows rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.
Trout fishing: Little Red River: At John F Kennedy campground below Greers Ferry Dam, anglers access premium trout waters. "Great spot for the heat of summer. Shady and a nice cool breeze off the cold little red!" notes one visitor, highlighting the temperature advantage of camping near the tailwaters.
Mountain biking: Pinnacle Mountain trails: From Maumelle Park, mountain bikers can directly access the Pinnacle Mountain trail system. According to a recent visitor: "The Pinnacle Mountain Trail system was a shaded easy trail system that can be accessed right from this campground."
Swimming and water recreation: Woolly Hollow State Park offers organized water activities for campers throughout summer. One family noted: "The state park ranger had a weekend full of planned events from a box turtle demo to a sand castle competition," highlighting activities beyond standard swimming options.
Educational programming: The guided nature walks at Woolly Hollow State Park receive consistent praise from educational-minded campers. "They put our daughter right up front and identified every plant and tree we passed as well as answered every question she had. As a homeschool family we are always looking for learning opportunities," shared one visitor.
Clean facilities and quiet atmosphere: Searcy RV Resort (previously Little Creek RV Park) receives high marks for its maintained grounds. A camper noted: "Small park with new concrete pads. Details unavailable online, but no toilets or showers, but has RV waste/water/power hookups," emphasizing the clean but basic amenities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA offers secluded wildlife observation areas. "I woke up to birds singing, and trees rustling. It was very beautiful and peaceful," reports one camper about this free camping option located approximately 30 minutes from McRae.
Site identification challenges: Many camping areas around McRae have poorly marked sites. At Indian Lakes Resort, a camper mentioned: "The only Con was lack of signs for campsites," while at Wattensaw WMA, another advised: "Start looking for very small signs that say 'designated camping area'."
Water levels fluctuate seasonally: River-based camping requires attention to water releases. At John F Kennedy campground, a reviewer cautions: "When the dam releases water, the river rises a lot. I'm talking a good 5 feet. Which can make it difficult to fish or enjoy the river."
Seasonal bathroom maintenance varies: Even at well-maintained locations like Willow Beach, campers report inconsistent bathroom conditions: "The toilet paper is out or almost out in all of them and there is no soap in any of the dispensers. Other than that they all appeared clean."
Water slides and swimming areas: Indian Lakes Resort features unique water recreation structures. A visitor described: "Beautiful area with great fishing, swimming (water slides & diving boards in the middle of the lake) and fun for the whole family."
Kid-friendly sites with shade: For families camping in summer months, shade availability matters. At Woolly Hollow State Park, one camper shared: "There is a large playground for the children. The trails are easy to walk and the nature is awesome here."
Hot weather preparation: When camping with children during summer, prepare for high temperatures. For John F Kennedy campground, a visitor advised: "I have camped here for years with my dad. The tent sites are always maintained well and the bathroom facilities are cleaned everyday! It's very close to the Little Red River."
Convenient overnight stops: For RVers passing through the McRae area on I-40, H&G RV Campground offers straightforward accommodations. "Gary met me as I arrived in the park, guided me to my spot and even helped connect the water while I hooked up electric and waste," mentions one reviewer.
Hookup variations: Sweet Escape RV Resort includes comprehensive services for longer stays. "Sweet Escape RV Resort offers a peaceful and welcoming experience for RV travelers. Conveniently located near Highway 167, it provides easy access to nearby cities like Cabot and Little Rock," reports one camper.
Gravel road conditions: Several camping areas near McRae feature challenging access roads. At Wattensaw WMA, one RVer cautioned: "The road access is gravel, but LARGE gravel that we are surprised didn't ruin our tires," highlighting the need for careful driving on approach roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near McRae, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, McRae, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near McRae, AR and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near McRae, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McRae, AR is Sweet Escape RV Resort with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near McRae, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near McRae, AR.
What parks are near McRae, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near McRae, AR that allow camping, notably Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam and Greers Ferry Lake.
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