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Best Campgrounds near Mount Ida, AR

970 Reviews

Camping in the Mount Ida, Arkansas area encompasses a range of experiences from primitive sites to full-service campgrounds along Lake Ouachita. Crystal Campground offers free primitive camping with tent and small RV sites along Montgomery Creek, while Denby Point provides electric and water hookups with lake access. Established campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dominate the region, particularly along Lake Ouachita's shoreline where tent camping, RV sites, and even cabin accommodations can be found. Most developed campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with some offering electric hookups and water access.

Several mixed-use campgrounds provide year-round access, though amenities and site availability vary by season. Many Corps of Engineers sites require payment through self-service kiosks, with rangers patrolling regularly to enforce regulations. Crystal Campground's dirt access road remains well-maintained but could become problematic during heavy rain. Cellular service varies significantly throughout the region, with multiple reviews noting weak or non-existent coverage at more remote locations. According to one visitor, "Crystal campground is in the Ouachita forest... located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. Three miles down the road is Collier Spring where one can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water one wants."

The campgrounds surrounding Mount Ida receive consistently high ratings for their proximity to crystal mining opportunities, waterfront access, and peaceful settings. Lake Ouachita camping areas provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, with multiple camping areas featuring beach access. Primitive camping areas like Crystal Campground appeal to those seeking more solitude and natural settings. A recent review described Twin Creek as "a beautiful location on Lake Ouachita" that's "quiet but very convenient to the highway and about half an hour from Hot Springs." The region's camping areas balance accessibility with natural experiences, making Mount Ida a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both water recreation and crystal hunting opportunities within the Ouachita National Forest.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mount Ida, Arkansas (214)

    1. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    45 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 991-3390

    $14 - $80 / night

    "Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."

    "This site also backs to the lake which is nice except that people would park their boats on the shore and walk through the site at which I was camped. This was a first for me."

    2. Denby Point

    18 Reviews
    Mount Ida, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4475

    $14 - $65 / night

    "I took off one star because this site, while located right on the water, is very unlevel."

    "We booked late but were able to find a great spot with lots of trees surrounding us, spread out, and a lake view."

    3. Crystal Campground

    10 Reviews
    Norman, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "Located in Ouachita National Forest, this campground is easy to get to. Ideal for tent, vans, even tear drop campers. No hook ups. Some sites had really good solar potential, most were well shaded."

    "It is located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. 3 miles down the road is collier spring where 1 can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water 1 wants."

    4. Tompkins Bend

    10 Reviews
    Story, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4476

    $14 - $50 / night

    "We arrived on Friday evening and found our site was even closer to the lake than expected. We were nearly surrounded by water and it made for a pretty view--especially at sunrise."

    "The campground is nicely situated near the end of the LOViT cross country MTB/hiking trail. There are sites ranging from primitive to water and electric."

    5. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    12 miles
    Website

    "Hidden off road to the top for scenic view. If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping."

    "Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below. Only issue was some broken glass around the picnic area. Please pack out all of your trash!"

    6. Charlton Campground

    13 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-2101

    $15 - $40 / night

    "We stayed in Loop C at the very back past the group campsite, which is tent camping only and a short walk from the bathroom."

    "Despite being close to the main road, it was very quiet."

    7. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 287-2757

    "This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."

    "Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping."

    8. COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground

    9 Reviews
    Story, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4472

    $16 - $24 / night

    "Hike in electric spot that overlooked the lake. Easy to walk down and swim in the water!"

    "We enjoyed our 2 nights here on the lake. The campground is literally on a mountain in the lake. Tent sites right on the lake and so are some RV spots. Warning."

    9. Washita Primitive Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Story, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2101

    "This is our second favorite State Park in Arkansas. We had a spot overlooking the lake, which was beautiful. It's a super quiet and peaceful lake. Lots of kayaks and canoes."

    "I arrived at my campground - site 68 in Loop D to realize I booked a site right next to the road."

    10. Tompkins Bend - Lake Ouachita

    5 Reviews
    Story, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2101

    $50 / night

    "After a day of quartz mining at Jim Coleman we drove 30 minutes south to this campground on Lake Ouachita. This was our first time to this lake and it was beautiful and quiet."

    "I tell everyone that Lake Ouachita is one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the US. Our sites were on the water except for 77."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mount Ida, AR

267 Photos of 214 Mount Ida Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mount Ida, AR

970 Reviews of 214 Mount Ida Campgrounds

  • p
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    A nice primitive get-a-way. Cassattot Falls.

    These sites are now reservable, not first come. You can luck out, but I would recommend reservations. Fantastic large camp sites. 1 and 2 are closest together, and nearest to toilets. 3 though 6 have reasonable separation. All are near the river, but not viewable due to the tree line. Best to bring what you need, (like water). It's 5 miles to pavement. On a good day, depending what you're driving, that's 20 to 30 minutes of dirt, gravel, rocks, and washboards. The visitors center is only a couple miles west on 278. but it's 10 miles more back to town/dollar general. 

    Sand Bar camp is very near also (maybe a mile) and has nice sites as well, though they are smaller and possibly closer together. it's still a good alternative destination.

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Jack Creek Recreation Area

    Great, quiet place

    I have lived in the area for 12 years and this is where we always go. Primitive, but thats the best part about it. You got the creek for water play, bathrooms and picnic tables. A little further down the road is an outdoor gun range. Very peaceful and great place to recharge. Kids love it.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    FR94 Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful site in the Quachitas

    Coordinates: 34.86190,-92.90667. Camped here Sept 9, 2025. Large dirt and grass site; very clean. May accommodate a truck camper or 2 smaller vehicles. Mostly level. Tent and hammock camping possible. No privacy from the road. The site has a rock fire ring. The site is surrounded by forest with the Flatside Wilderness Area just across the forest road. There are no hiking trails near the campsite, but there are opportunities to stroll and explore in the forest. The site is mostly shaded; Starlink connectivity may be a challenge. AT&T LTE service. Sporadic T-Mobile service. Quiet location. No one drove by during our stay. Note that there are a couple of dead trees in the middle of this site; choose the position of your vehicle and/or tent carefully. The Flatside Pinnacle hiking trailhead and parking for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail are located 3/4 of a mile north of the site along FR94. The forest roads approaching the site from the south are in good condition. In my opinion, I don't recommend anything larger that a truck camper. The approach from the north, however, is not as good. FR94 and FR805 are eroded at the higher elevations; lots of exposed embedded rocks. I believe a 2wd passenger car can very carefully get through this area with air-downed tires.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Must visit !

    Beautiful campground! Sites are spacious. Area is clean and lots of things to do. Near Hot Springs so we did a lot of exploring there.

  • Kenneth F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Hot Springs Arkansas Finish Line RV Park Walk to Oaklawn and Bathhouse Row

    Nice little park

    This is a nice little gated park. Close to the national park in Hot Springs Arkansas. And right next door to the flat track/casino. It’s pretty new, but not really any extra amenities. 20/30/50 amp full hookups. Concrete pads, and paved streets. Laundry and bath house. Inexpensive. We’d definitely stay here again!

  • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    Very quiet and secluded CG

    We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 12 for 1 night in mid September. The CG is clean and well maintained but showing its age. The CG roads are paved, but narrow, winding, and fairly bumpy in spots. Few if any of the sites in this section of the CG were anywhere close to level and our site, one of the few pull-throughs, was one of the worst, I mean seriously sloped even after ratcheting up the front levelers as far as they’d go. The CG is very quiet and peaceful. There was only one other camper in this section of the CG while we were there. 

    AT&T coverage was basically nonexistent with 1 bar of LTE service but very little if any throughput. The CG is heavily wooded, so Starlink was unusable.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    Diamond Mining Fun

    What a lovely state park campground. Sites are just close enough not to be crowded. Facilities on site were clean and well maintained. Nice to have a hot shower after mining for diamonds. Will make note that best time to come is October-November. Visitor center was somewhat dated, would have thought they would have basic food stuff and more camper supplies. Other than that it was a nice place and we will come again!

    PS if you have a dog who likes to dig this is a nice place for them to help you dig.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Nice ACOE campground

    Nice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.

Guide to Mount Ida

Camping near Mount Ida, Arkansas centers around Lake Ouachita, the largest lake in Arkansas with 975 miles of undeveloped shoreline. The region sits within the Ouachita Mountains at elevations between 600-800 feet, creating distinct microclimates where temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months. Most camping areas sit on peninsulas extending into the lake, providing water access on multiple sides.

What to do

Crystal hunting opportunities: Several campgrounds serve as bases for exploring nearby quartz deposits. Crystal Campground provides easy access to mining areas, with one camper noting, "It is located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. 3 miles down the road is Collier Spring where 1 can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water 1 wants."

Lakeside swimming access: Tompkins Bend offers multiple swimming options beyond designated beaches. As one visitor explains: "Our site was right on the water in a cove with 2 other sites close by. It was easy to find a level spot for both our tents."

Hiking the mountain trails: Explore the Lake Ouachita Vista trail system accessible from multiple campgrounds. According to a visitor at COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground, "Incredible hiking all around you. Campground is secluded and quite. We saw eagles every day and fishing was great."

What campers like

Waterfront site selection: Many campers appreciate the direct lake access at Denby Point where campsites often include their own small beach areas. One visitor observed, "Stayed over Thanksgiving weekend and had a really nice time! There are multiple nice RV sites with access to small beaches as well as tent sites on small peninsulas."

Wildlife viewing: The undeveloped shoreline attracts diverse wildlife. A Crystal Springs visitor mentioned, "We saw eagles every day and fishing was great," while another camper at Denby Point noted, "We saw tons of deer everyday in the campground."

Natural water features: Beyond the lake, visitors enjoy creek access at many campgrounds. At Crystal Campground, "The creek is nice and is loud by the waterfall if you want to sleep with a great sound. Sites were clean and very usable tables and fire ring."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Water levels fluctuate significantly between seasons, affecting campsite availability. A recent Tompkins Bend visitor noted: "When the lake floods the water does come up to some of the tables that are near the edge."

Wildlife precautions: Bears are active in the area, particularly around campgrounds. According to one visitor at Tompkins Bend Lake Ouachita, "There seems to be a bear that likes to roam around. He stayed clear of my tent but was getting into every trash can around camp and created quite a ruckus a few times."

Road conditions: Some campground access roads require caution. As a Crystal Campground visitor noted, "The gravel road was in good shape but I believe it could be sketchy when it rains."

Tips for camping with families

Educational activities: Rangers offer programs for all ages at some campgrounds. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes."

Playground access: Consider campgrounds with play areas, though they may not be adjacent to all campsites. One Tompkins Bend visitor noted, "The playground was great, but unfortunately a pretty long walk from the campsites."

Spring water experiences: Children enjoy exploring natural springs in the area. At Charlton Campground, visitors report, "The swimming area at the entrance of the campground is a big draw... has quite chilly water. On the hottest summer days, it's a better bet for cooling off than warm lake water."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring additional leveling equipment. A visitor at Denby Point stated, "I took off one star because this site, while located right on the water, is very unlevel."

Power limitations: Be prepared for electrical issues during peak usage. One RVer at Tompkins Bend shared, "There were power surges and low power during random times during our stay. We turned off unnecessary pulls on power and made it just fine."

Seasonal discounts: Some campgrounds offer significant senior discounts. A Denby Point visitor mentioned, "Normal cost is $22 a night but with National Parks Senior Pass the cost was only $11 per night! What a deal!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities can you enjoy while camping near Mount Ida?

The Mount Ida region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. At Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground, you can dig for real diamonds in the world's only public diamond mine. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite offers access to a short 1/4-mile hike to a beautiful cascade. The area is famous for crystal mining, with numerous fee-dig sites nearby. Lake Ouachita provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail offers miles of hiking and mountain biking. Wildlife viewing is exceptional throughout the region. Hot Springs National Park is within driving distance, where you can enjoy historic bathhouses and thermal springs for a relaxing soak after a day of adventures.

What campgrounds are available near Mount Ida, Arkansas?

Mount Ida offers diverse camping options in the Ouachita National Forest area. Tompkins Bend provides scenic lakefront sites with boat-in access and full amenities. For a more rustic experience, Hickory Nut Mountain offers free camping with basic facilities and spectacular views. Other nearby options include Denby Point on Lake Ouachita and the Joplin Campground. For those seeking less developed sites, several dispersed camping areas exist along Forest Road 132, allowing for a more immersive forest experience. The area's campgrounds range from developed sites with reservations to primitive free camping, accommodating both RVs and tent campers.

What amenities do Mount Ida camping areas offer?

Camping areas near Mount Ida offer varying levels of amenities. Caddo Drive - De Gray Lake features clean bathhouses with hot showers, separate tent and RV camping areas, and beautiful lake views with swimming areas. Lake Catherine State Park Campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, and campground grills in its tent-only area. For those seeking luxury camping, upscale RV parks in the region offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and lake access. Dispersed camping options in the Ouachita National Forest typically have primitive amenities with just fire rings. Most developed campgrounds provide potable water and toilet facilities, while dispersed sites require campers to be self-sufficient.

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