227 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Mountain Pine, Arkansas sits at the edge of Lake Ouachita, where camping options range from developed state parks to smaller Corps of Engineers sites. Lake Ouachita State Park offers 93 RV and tent sites plus cabins on a peninsula extending into the lake's clear waters. Stephens Park Campground, located directly in Mountain Pine, provides nine full-hookup sites along the Ouachita River. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, including Brady Mountain and Crystal Springs, which accommodate both tent and RV campers with varied amenities.
Most campgrounds in the Mountain Pine region remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Lake Ouachita State Park maintains three camping areas with full hookups for RVs, while walk-in tent sites occupy a scenic peninsula. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Cell service varies throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting at least minimal coverage. "The lake was gorgeous! I wish we had more time to walk trails, but we were just stopping for the night. My only complaint is that the campground was crowded and the spots were all very close together."
Waterfront camping dominates the Mountain Pine area, with sites directly on Lake Ouachita receiving consistently high ratings from visitors. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Ouachita provide excellent swimming, fishing and boating opportunities, with boat rentals available at marinas within the state park. Stephens Park Campground, though smaller, offers a quieter alternative with sites along the Ouachita River. A camper noted, "This is a small campground with 9 sites and they are huge. I believe it is site 3 that is right on the water. Water is ice cold and clear. Clearest I have seen." Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks, including paths near Blakely Dam. Proximity to Hot Springs National Park (approximately 20 minutes away) allows campers to combine outdoor recreation with visits to the historic spa city.
"There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."
"With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"This was our second stay here, and it confirmed what we’re starting to realize: Arkansas state campgrounds are next level."
"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."
"We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."
"Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean! Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. "
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Site 40 water faucet is broken Showers are hot and free Arkansas is very pretty but the trash on the road sides and road kill is too much. Clean up after yourself people!!!"
"Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."
from $16 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Laundry was a bit small especially in a world of social distancing but clean. You have to drive through the entire campground to get to the lower sites."
"The sites are close to each other, but they are stair stepped, so you feel like you have more privacy which was really nice."
"Gorgeous setting on pristine Lake Catherine close to historic Hot Springs. I was in lakefront site 123 for one night but would have liked to stay longer."
"The lake was beautiful and very natural. However if you like roughing it and being close to the water, you better have an RV of some sort or you'll miss the good spots."
"All sites are pull through and some are located on Lake Hamilton."
"Nice and quite, right on the Ouachita River / lake Hamilton. Very friendly and helpful staff"
from $45 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Although the first campsites certainly looked quite close to each other, as you get further back into the campground the sites seemed to have more room."
"I was in #66 so it was a little busy with traffic (right on the main entrance and exit)."
from $18 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Be sure you follow the email confirmation directions or put in Stephens Park Recreation Area, Blakely Dam Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956 as there is also Lake Ouachita State Park in the area."
"This is a decent small campground of eight sites, right next to the lake, and there are bathroom facilities that are fairly clean and showers."
from $35 - $60 / night
Check Availability"BUT the views of the lake from almost all of the 74 sites are amazing!!! There are more 1st come 1st serve sites than reservable. It seems the reservable sites go really fast in peak season."
"Proximity to Hot Springs is great, Lake Ouachita is beautiful. About 3 miles west is a fantastic smokehouse (Burl's) with excellent eats. We will return someday for sure."
from $50 / night
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ScoutThe camp ground is hilly, but all the site are flat and level, the basic site comes with a picnic table, electric, water, and a fire ring. The staff are very friendly and helpful, as we were a last minute check in. The bathroom facilities are very clean, air conditioned, and individual room that include a nice size shower. They have a very nice pool and offer shuttle service into Hot Springs!!
ScoutVery good place! River access! Quiet and peaceful! Good laundry and a wonderful staff!
ScoutThere is a bit of an incline getting to this spot, most cars will make it if you want to tow a trailer up here better make sure your vehicle is well equipped. there is the space for it, but the ground is not level. It is early September, Little Rock got up to 98 degrees, it was nice to come back to lake Sylvia that is nearby. Nice and warm on the surface and colder down below.
LegendGreat help from the gate keeper. Showed us a nice spot in the back away from everyone else. Probably because of the steep road to back down. But worth it. Wonderful spot.
ScoutThis spot can be fairly active at times but still a good hideaway to car or van camp for a night or two. There are no amenities so bring it or don't be needing it.
GuideStayed 3 nights. Tent camped, family of 6. Nearly vacant campground. Friendly camp hosts. Clean hot showers and bathrooms. Drinkable spring water. Campsite was alongside the creek, shaded under the trees. Short drive to swimming recreation and picnic area with plenty of shade, grass picnic tables and bathrooms. Beautiful spot. Kids were kept busy for hours searching for crystals and swimming.
TravelerIt's been a bit strange. No placard for our car, only room to park one vehicle. Dog poop at our site. My husband stepped in it as we were unhooking. It's quiet and other than the dog poop situation it seems clean.
TravelerWe stayed a week at Petit Jean in one of their gorgeous cabins. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The check-in and check-out was easy. Finding the cabin was easy with the directions and map we were given. They were clearly marked, with parking for two vehicles, as they were setup like a duplex. The cabin was beautiful and clean, inside and out. There was a large, heavy, all wood porch swing on each side. Relaxing in it was a peaceful experience, listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the tall pines. Inside it was all beautifully stained wood and roomy enough for two people, much like a hotel room, except for the cathedral ceiling. In fact, the setup was better than most hotel rooms we have stayed in. There was a mini-fridge with a small freezer, microwave, coffee pot(with coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, etc,) a Keurig, blow-dryer, iron, ironing board, and broom. It had all the toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissue, cups. The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower. There were two full size beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of pillows and warm bedding, with a nightstand between. There were plugs to charge your phone and a landline. There was also a fireplace, however it was locked closed. The air unit in the room had cooling/heating that was easy to operate and sufficiently cool. We were near the highway, close to the lodge, but did not hear traffic while in the cabin. Parking at Mather Lodge is just like any other, with a short, easy walk to the entrance. Once inside, you pass the check-in desk, a small, well-stocked gift shop,(with something for every age,) an open meeting area and bar before reaching the restaurant. It is beautifully constructed from large logs stained and polished to a gleaming shine. From floor to ceiling, it is the epitome of rugged elegance. We ate breakfast and dinner exclusively at the lodge. The food was exemplary, every meal, cooked to perfection and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and we were never rushed or made to feel as if we overstayed our welcome. The service was fast, even when every table was occupied. The servers were friendly and attentive. We had only one server, one time that was"less than," maybe she was new, not sure, but we did not see her again. Tommy, Thomas, Jessie, Brad, Rebekah, and Lindsay were all so pleasant, always greeting us, even when they weren't our servers, remembering us and making us feel like family. The view of the gorge with it's tall trees and towering rock formations was incredible! There was a common area behind the lodge, just outside the restaurant with tables, chairs and benches for observing the gorge, taking photos, relaxing and socializing. You could walk right down to the edge of the huge flat rocks for photos with a stunning background. We spent every evening there, watching the exquisite sunsets. This place is a nature lovers paradise. There is a pool surrounded by loungers behind and to the side of the lodge. It was clean and well-kept with a small waterfall at one end. Thick thirsty towels are provided for your convenience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We never saw or heard a mower but the grass was cut to perfection and there wasn't a single piece of litter in the entire park. At check-in we were given a map, brochure and weekly schedule of events/tours at the park. The map was very necessary for navigating around this extensive park of which the lodge area was only a small part. The brochure described the hikes and other available activities(such as climbing and repelling) with descriptions of what could be observed, length and difficulty levels. Trust the brochure! If it says strenuous, it is. Plan accordingly. There were four ranger guided tours the week we were there. We took two of them. They were genuinely interesting and pleasurable. Baron, our ranger, was exceedingly knowledgeable about the geology, animal and plant life and history of the area. Exceptionally so, for someone who was seemingly so young. He was attentive to the needs of those attending the tours, stopping to rest if necessary and moving a bit slower for us older folks. He was so affable and easy to talk with, it seemed as if we were old friends. Willing to spend extra time after the tours, talking with us, was an indication of how much he enjoyed his job. We were very appreciative of someone of his character and enjoyed spending time with him. He is the perfect model of what one would think a park ranger is and should be! Any hike can be taken unguided and there are plenty of them. In fact, we had plans to go outside the park on other hikes, but never made it off the property for those. We actually did not have enough time to do all we wanted to do within the park. If you are looking for a phenomenal vacation, this is the trip you should take!
ScoutThe scenery is lovely with so many options for how you can stay there. The owners are helpful and very friendly.
Camping sites near Mountain Pine, Arkansas center around Lake Ouachita, the largest lake entirely within state borders at 40,000 acres of clear water. Temperatures average 91°F in summer months with humidity levels exceeding 80%, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with daytime temperatures between 65-75°F. Winter camping remains available but facilities operate with reduced services when temperatures occasionally drop below freezing.
**Fishing opportunities: Water clarity at COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground makes it ideal for various fishing techniques. "The creeks are crystal clear and fun to wade around in. Most the campsites are at the waters edge. We fished at night for catfish and caught what we needed," shares Melanie W.
**Crystal digging excursions: Several mining operations within 30 minutes of Mountain Pine allow visitors to search for quartz crystals. "Went crystal digging at Coleman which was also unbelievable. Will definitely go back when half the US is underwater!" reports Ber M. from Crystal Springs Campground.
**Zip-line adventures: Located at Catherine's Landing, this activity provides an aerial view of the landscape. "The climbing and ropes course is enormous and will make any kid's jaw drop in disbelief. There's an affiliated zip line just outside of the park," explains Taylor D.
**Disc golf: Catherine's Landing maintains a course that accommodates various skill levels. "Loads of amenities such as a pool, store, boat rentals, zip line and disc golf," notes Kimberly L., highlighting the variety of recreational options available.
**Lakefront privacy: Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita offers multiple waterfront sites with varying levels of seclusion. "Our site was spacious & level, I just wish I selected one on the upper loop- the views are nicer as well as the breeze," writes Bob M., providing insight on site selection.
**Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the region. Thomas W. from Crystal Springs Campground notes, "We saw eagles every day and fishing was great," highlighting the natural encounters possible during a stay.
**Water quality: The exceptional clarity of Lake Ouachita stands out to visitors. Sandy H. from Stephens Park Campground observes, "Water is ice cold and clear. Clearest I have seen. You can fish or swim right here or go to other side of the damn and water is warmer."
**Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks. "Very nice trails, ranger programs, educational displays, swimming beach, cabins and traditional tent/RV camping," comments Lynn G. about recreational options in the region.
**Cell service variations: Signal strength differs significantly between camping areas. MickandKarla W. reports from Stephens Park, "We got 2 bars on Verizon, which was manageable for internet and phone calls," while others note complete dead zones in lower-elevation sites.
**Site spacing concerns: Many campgrounds feature closely positioned sites, particularly during peak seasons. According to Hannah L., "My only complaint is that the campground was crowded and the spots were all very close together."
**Water access: Not all campgrounds provide water hookups at individual sites. Bob P. notes about Brady Mountain Campground, "Very nice a clean little park. Nice views and love the river stream flowing along the camp sites... only downside is no water at RV spots."
**Noise considerations: Infrastructure systems can affect campsite quietness. Donna H. warns, "We got one of the campsites right next to the water treatment system for the park. The cyclical noise was obnoxious... stay far away from sites 50-56."
**Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with young children. Kimberly notes, "Our campsite was very large, on a peninsula shared with one other site. It was very close to the playground and restrooms."
**Swimming options: Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers waterfall access for a unique swimming experience. Tina B. shares, "The waterfall was flowing a little on the low side. That's not unusual since it is the end of summer."
**Educational programs: Take advantage of ranger-led activities available at state parks. Josh H. notes, "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes. We will be back!"
**Kayak rentals: Affordable boat options allow family exploration of Lake Ouachita's islands. "We rented a kayak for a couple of hours and it was very peaceful (cheap too!). We hiked the 4 mile hike and misjudged our time, so hiked some in darkness, but it was a nice easy hike," advises Deborah C.
**Hookup variations: Hot Springs National Park KOA provides specialized connections for different RV waste systems. "If you're going out with your rv and you've got multiple waste port, this place has multiple lines in the sites for front and back tanks," explains Chris H.
**Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require minimal leveling equipment. Angie N. reports, "Good spot, close to bath rooms/shower house/cafe. Pretty level - just 1 leveling block was all we needed for our pop-up."
**Late arrival challenges: Some campgrounds have winding access roads that can be difficult to navigate after dark. Susan B. warns, "Plan on arriving during daylight hours or you might think you have lost the way. After recent rains the lake level was high and several low water crossings on the road into park looked intimidating at night."
**Parking configurations: Larger RVs may require specific site selection. "Site 1 is a good site and will take over a 40' rig, but you would need to park your tow vehicle or toad in the parking slots next to the site," advises MickandKarla W. about Stephens Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mountain Pine, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mountain Pine, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 227 campgrounds and RV parks near Mountain Pine, AR and 40 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mountain Pine, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mountain Pine, AR is Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 80 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mountain Pine, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 40 free dispersed camping spots near Mountain Pine, AR.
What parks are near Mountain Pine, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Mountain Pine, AR that allow camping, notably Ouachita Lake and DeGray Lake.
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