Best Campgrounds near Clarksville, AR
The Ozark region surrounding Clarksville, Arkansas encompasses several campgrounds with varying levels of development and amenities. Outdoor enthusiasts can find accommodations ranging from primitive sites to fully-equipped RV parks along Lake Dardanelle and nearby waterways. Piney Bay offers waterfront camping with electric hookups and boat access, while Mount Nebo State Park provides year-round camping options including tent sites, RV spots, and yurt rentals. Cane Creek Recreation Area represents one of the few dispersed camping options in the vicinity, situated approximately 20 miles from Clarksville's town center.
Most campgrounds in the Clarksville area operate year-round, though amenities and accessibility may change seasonally. Corps of Engineers sites like Spadra Park Campground and Piney Bay maintain paved, level sites with varying hookup availability. "The campground is absolutely beautiful. As I'm writing this review, I've never seen so many fish jumping in the water," noted one visitor about Spadra Park. Water levels at Lake Dardanelle fluctuate throughout the year, potentially affecting shoreline access at certain campsites. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing conditions. Cell service varies significantly between developed campgrounds and more remote areas.
Waterfront camping constitutes the primary draw for many visitors to the Clarksville region. Several campgrounds provide direct access to Lake Dardanelle, the Arkansas River, or smaller tributaries. Piney Bay receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious waterfront sites and clean facilities. A camper described it as "a great little Corp park right off the Arkansas River. Sites are mostly level with water and electricity." At Cane Creek Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the solitude but should note the lack of maintained facilities. Spadra Park Campground offers riverfront camping but campers should be aware of nearby train tracks that produce occasional noise. Mount Magazine State Park, located about 30 miles south of Clarksville, provides higher elevation camping with panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley.
