Glamping in Midland, Arkansas places visitors atop Rich Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest at elevations reaching 2,753 feet. The mountainous terrain creates temperature differences 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, with morning fog frequently limiting visibility to less than a foot during early hours. Several glamping locations maintain seasonal operation patterns with limited services between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
What to do
Hiking the Ouachita Trail: Cedar Lake offers direct access to multiple trail systems including the 14-mile Horsethief Springs Trail. "The campground does have flush toilets, tables, and fire rings and would be a great spot for a family visit," notes one visitor who regularly uses Cedar Lake as a base for hiking.
Mountain biking near Queen Wilhelmina: The mountainous terrain offers challenging routes for cyclists. A reviewer of Queen Wilhelmina State Park notes: "This area is dog friendly, dogs can access the trails as well. There are also some very neat driving trails, the bypass is a popular destination for motorcyclists."
Fishing opportunities: Several glamping sites connect to stocked fishing areas. "The lake nearby is great. We brought our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning," writes one Cedar Lake visitor, adding that "It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on the weekends."
What campers like
Mountain-top temperature relief: The cooler climate at elevated glamping sites provides escape from summer heat. A visitor to Mount Magazine State Park observed that "Magazine is one of the smallest parks I've been to. There aren't many camping sites at all. Each site is large and the camping area is spread out quite a bit. It's a great place to achieve some seclusion."
Convenient bathroom facilities: Despite wilderness locations, many glamping options maintain clean facilities. A visitor to White Rock Mountain Recreation Area reported: "The Pit toilets they have, honestly, are BETTER than most campground toilets with running water. I know you don't believe it, I wouldn't either, but go see for yourself."
Off-season solitude: Visiting outside summer provides peaceful experiences. One camper at White Rock Mountain stated: "I had the place all to myself!! So peaceful and the best sunsets!! The staff family was awesome!!"
What you should know
Road access challenges: Mountain glamping requires navigating difficult roads. A White Rock Mountain visitor cautioned: "The road to White Rock Mountain driving south on 79 is a minimally maintained one in a half lane dirt road full of rocks, erosion, bumps and a lot of up and down switch backs... it takes a full hour to drive less than 15 miles on this road."
Limited site availability: Most glamping sites have restricted capacity requiring advance planning. A Queen Wilhelmina reviewer warned: "You should also look at reservations during peak seasons as the limited availability will make this park fill up fast."
Morning fog hazards: Visibility issues affect mountain driving at certain times. One Mount Magazine visitor advised: "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening."
Tips for camping with families
Consider site layout safety: Some glamping sites present terrain challenges for children. A Lake Fort Smith State Park visitor noted: "Many of the campsites are on a grade. They all have multiple levels with stairs and have no railings. We had 5 children <6 years of age and the sites were somewhat perilous. If you are a parent with small kids, sites 17-20 and sites 2-3 are better."
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain glamping requires layered clothing options. A Mount Magazine camper advised: "Unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket. You will probably be cold otherwise."
Select sites with level terrain: Families with small children should prioritize certain locations. At Lake Fort Smith, a visitor recommended: "If you have a full hookup, I would recommend site #11 as the most level pull-through site, although there's not a bad site in the park."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Only certain glamping sites accommodate larger rigs with full services. A Queen Wilhelmina camper stated: "I wish it had sewer. We also looked for a nearby lake to fish or kayak but nothing unless you go to Iron Fork Lake which is down the mountain."
Leveling challenges: Mountain terrain affects site preparation. A visitor to Cove Lake Complex noted: "The sites are rocky but level and are tightly packed in. The facility is clean and well maintained. It is close to Mt Mag and offers a lot of family friendly things to do."
Advance hookup confirmation: Different sites offer varying utility options. A Mount Magazine reviewer specified: "Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet... It has 18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer. Two have 50 amp service with the rest having 30."
