Stacie P.
Scout
ScoutLee Creek Public Use Area
A beautiful view
A beautiful place to relax, but very sketchy, wouldn't stay after dark. I've taken many pics down here, the scenery is beautiful.
Camping near Mountainburg, AR
191 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Ozark National Forest surrounds Mountainburg, Arkansas, providing a mix of established campgrounds and primitive camping areas. Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground sits directly in Mountainburg, offering year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Devil's Den State Park Campground, located in nearby West Fork, provides similar accommodations with hiking trails and natural features. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area offers more remote camping experiences with tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping facilities. These mixed-use campgrounds typically include amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities, though availability varies by location.
Camping in the Mountainburg region requires planning around seasonal conditions and facility limitations. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, but services may be reduced during winter months. "The drive to Rocky Branch is set in rural Arkansas in the rolling Ozark Mountains. It is narrow, winding, rolling with a dense covering of beautiful trees giving a sense of peace and serenity. Depending on your route I suggest filling your gas tank and get your groceries before getting too far out of civilization," noted one visitor. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds offering WiFi for a fee. Many sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. The terrain features rolling Ozark Mountains with forest cover, providing shade at most camping areas but limiting satellite reception at some locations.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Mountainburg area, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. Lake Fort Smith State Park provides boat-in access and water-based recreation opportunities, earning high ratings from visitors. Campers report that sites along ridges at Devil's Den State Park offer exceptional views and spacious camping areas. A review mentioned that "Devil's Den is a gorgeous park tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common throughout the region's campgrounds. Noise levels remain relatively low at most sites, though campgrounds closer to highways may experience some road noise. Primitive camping options exist for those seeking more solitude, while established campgrounds provide reliable amenities for family camping experiences.
Best Campgrounds near Mountainburg (191)
1. Devil's Den State Park Campground
"Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. "
"The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way."
from $20 / night
Check Availability2. Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
"Lake Ft. Smith State Park is a beautiful park in the Boston Mountains. We drove over from Memphis to meet my brother’s family (who lives in Tulsa)."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
from $23 - $163 / night
Check Availability3. Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
"Simply put, this is a great little rustic place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The sites offer 20/30/50A hookups with water and septic."
"Very close to off-road trails and river float activities .. the owners are super nice and we liked hanging out with them. We’ll be back!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
"Located beyond a perfectly canopied gravel road and surrounded by miles of mostly uninhabited forests White Rock Mountain has been the most delightful treasure of 2016."
"The views, as other reviewers have said, are impressive and the Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season."
from $15 - $215 / night
Check Availability5. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
"It’s just far enough away from the highway so you have a quiet nights rest without hearing the traffic. The pond on the property has soothing sounds of peepers to fall asleep too."
"Was headed to Lake Fort Smith but area was booked so we stopped here and was pleased with our stay. Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere."
6. Springhill
"Really nice campground you have two options in the A section you are right one a small river and one the B side it’s more of the wooded option but most sites have the Arkansas rive close by with mountain"
"It’s in between the Arkansas river and Massard creek. You can launch a boat or you can go kayaking in Massard creek. There’s Cat fish, Perch and, Bass."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability7. Shores Lake
"Campground road is paved as well as Highway 215 from I-40 accessing the campground. Sites are mostly shaded, but there is no privacy between sites."
8. Natural Dam
"We found this quiet spot with a small waterfall on Mountain Fork Creek that has a fairly large (semi-level) gravel parking lot right next to the natural waterfall which gives good noise cover for the road"
"A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out."
9. Aux Arc
"Boat launch and lovely views of the Arkansas river. Close to restaurants and shopping ."
"We used it as a base camp to visit several Arkansas state parks such as Devil’s Den and Lake Fort Smith. The camp was clean, a little crowded, but very nice and relaxed."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability10. Affordable primitive camping, near Lake Ft. Smith, south of Devil's Den State Park
from $10 - $40 / night
Drive Time
- 20 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 25 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 40 min from Joplin, MO
- 2 hrs 38 min from Hot Springs, AR
Recent Camping Photos near Mountainburg, AR
212 Photos of 191 Mountainburg Campgrounds
Daniel D.
Twin Creeks RV Park
Donny S.
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Kerrie C.
Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
RACHAEL G.
Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
Lauren
Dispersed Near Devils Den
Rebecca
Devil's Den State Park Campground
Cyndy & Selena R.
Shores Lake
Brittany P.
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
Kat M.
Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
Chris C.
Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events
Jacki B.
Redding Campground
Jennifer L.
COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground
Recent Reviews near Mountainburg, AR
836 Reviews of 191 Mountainburg Campgrounds
Jenny
RangerSnake Creek
Decent place for lake stay
Quiet camping, restrooms are clean and have showers.
Site 10 was a nice site with 50 amp.
There was some sort of dumpster situation with new rollaways beside old dumpsters. Old dumpsters looked like were attempted to be taped up but they were used and overfilled with trash. So full that trash was flying around the park at times. Not sure what the situation was.
- JennyRanger
pathfinder rv resort
New, clean RV park
New park with young trees (so not much shade yet), pond for fishing and a walking trail around it. Large clubhouse is where the bathhouses are with four individual bathrooms with showers, laundry facility, propane for sale and a nice pool.
- JennyRanger
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Beautiful and peaceful
Clean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
- J
Jon L.
GuideHog Valley RV & Treehouse Resort
Still a nice park, but...
We last stayed here five years ago when the park was new. Some of the areas and amenities that are now available were still under construction during our last trip. The bottom line… still a very nice park, but it's starting to show its age a little.
Parking for registration is located right next to the office. All the park staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate, though several roads have asphalt failures that need attention. Even though it's not too far from Interstate 49, we didn't hear any traffic noise at all- very peaceful.
We were assigned to pull-thru site number 36. Most of the sites are gravel, but the pull-thru row that we were in had concrete pads. For the most part, all sites appear fairly level.
Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located.
Two bathroom areas also have showers and laundry facilities- one at the front of the park and one in the rear. The pool area and playground are located at the front of the park.
Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: there is Wi-Fi in the park, but the park info sheet that they provide you with notes that the Wi-Fi is spotty. We were able to get AT&T 5G with 4 bars. AT&T achieved 418 Mbps down and 21 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, and if you do need clear access for satellite reception, there are plenty of sites available with no trees. There are plenty of OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable was not available.
Dog Park: They have two nice fenced-in parks that are in great condition. The one in the front of the park is divided for big and small dogs, while the one in the back is larger but not divided. They both have benches, which are all in good shape. They also provide doggie bags and a trash can. NOTE: I've included a photo of the sign posted at the entrances to the park indicating that they might be shut down. So if having a fenced dog park is mission-critical for your stay, you might want to verify that they are still open when you make your reservation
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from Fayetteville, where you can find plenty of stores and restaurants. Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay. Although the park is starting to show its age, it still deserves a high rating, and I would not hesitate to recommend it- enjoy your stay!
Headgear7GuideCookson Bend
Pretty good park
The campground is quite nice overall, but the bathrooms and showers need to be updated, as they are somewhat outdated. The tent sites are close to the bathrooms, and the pads are flat and framed with either wood or steel rails. They offer electricity but no water at the pad, although water is available at a central location. The travel trailer sites offer water and electricity, and you can park your boat on the shoreline.
- JJon L.Guide
Riverfront RV Resort
A Hidden Gem
We needed an overnight spot on our way from Oklahoma to NW Arkansas, and I'm glad that we picked this park. It's located right next to the Arkansas River with a nice concrete walking trail along the river. Parking for registration is located right next to the office. All the park staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful.
The road from the highway to the park is fairly easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate. Even though it's not too far from the main road, we didn't hear any traffic noise at all- very peaceful. However, you will hear occasional train horns from the crossing a few miles away. You'll only hear them when outside your RV, never inside.
We were assigned to pull-thru site number 44. All the sites are concrete and appear fairly level. Our site was level side to side, and 5 inches from front to rear. There are no shade trees for the majority of the park sites. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located. There is also a picnic table located at each site.
Bathrooms, Showers, and the pool are all located near the registration office building and are in great shape. There are no trash cans by the sites- just a dumpster area near the dog park and playground. However, they do come by your site each morning to pick up any trash that you've set out.
Wi-Fi, Satellite, OTA: there is decent Wi-Fi in the park with repeater towers spaced approximately every four sites, so each site has a fairly strong signal- we achieved 9.52 Mbps down and 2.02 Mbps up. We got AT&T 5G with 4 bars and achieved 512 Mbps down and 32 Mbps up. If you need clear access for satellite reception, trees will not be an issue. Also, you can pick up plenty of OTA stations with good HD quality reception.
Dog Park: They have a nice fenced-in park that is in great condition and is well lit at night. They provide doggie bags and a trash can, both in the dog park and along the walking paths.
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website.
Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay. The park is only a couple of years old and is very well maintained. Only about 15-20 percent of the spaces were occupied. Note that sites 100- 115 are along the river. There is a concrete public walking path along the river, but those sites are elevated above the path, with a grass and tree buffer zone between them. There are a couple of covered pavilions in the park with built-in gas grills and comfortable seating areas. The park map provides a very accurate rendition of the park. See my attached photos for more details.
This park deserves its high rating, and I do not hesitate to recommend it - enjoy your stay!
- JJessie H.
TravelerWolf Pen Recreation Area Campground
It Was Ok
Very flea infested when we went. Water was really low and kinda hot. But the camp ground was pretty and well maintained.
- Headgear7Guide
Cookson Bend
Great lake to be on
I enjoyed my stay, although I wish the bathrooms and showers were more modern. There is a swimming area and plenty of space to bring your boat ashore close to your campsite. They offer a few tent sites, but mostly RV sites.
Guide to Mountainburg
The Ozark National Forest surrounds Mountainburg, Arkansas at an elevation of 800-1,300 feet with dense hardwood forest cover characteristic of the Boston Mountains range. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snow, while summer camping typically experiences highs in the 80-90°F range with humidity levels often exceeding 70%. Most campgrounds near Mountainburg remain accessible year-round, though water systems at some locations are winterized from November through March.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground offers hiking trails directly from campsites. "We had a break in the winter weather this week and took three days to explore the trails around Lake Ft. Smith. As only one of four campers, we had the place to ourselves save the park keepers making their rounds to ensure our safety and the cleanliness of the park," notes one visitor to Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Mulberry River provides kayaking and fishing within 25 minutes of Mountainburg. "The mulberry river is a hidden gem that runs through the Ozarks. It's just a quiet beautiful place to camp, ride ATVs, float the river or just hangout with friends and families," explains a visitor to Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures.
Cave exploration: Caves in the area provide summer cooling opportunities with temperatures remaining steady around 58°F year-round. "4 days of camping with the guys, exploring caves and trails, and overall having a blast!" reports a camper who visited Devil's Den State Park Campground.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: White Rock Mountain Recreation Area offers tent sites with extraordinary privacy. "Sites 1-4 are well spaced and have large tent pads. Sites 5-8 are smaller with smaller tent pads and the view from these sites is AMAZING! Just know that with the view comes the wind and less space to stretch out," explains a visitor to White Rock Mountain Recreation Area.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Mountainburg maintain high standards of cleanliness. "Neat, clean, well maintained with good space between spots. Very nice restrooms with free hot water. The place seems almost new!" shares a guest at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground.
Waterfront access: Many campsites provide direct water access for fishing or swimming. "Right on the river where there is a natural pool. Nice size camp sites with good cover, nice camp pavilion with games and other things to keep busy," reports a visitor to Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful driving and vehicle preparation. "It's a slow, beautiful drive. The reviews are correct that the last hour of the drive is only 20 miles. Make sure to stop for gas! It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other," explains a visitor to White Rock Mountain Recreation Area.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. "There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park. Make sure to stock up on supplies beforehand - there are not many options within that area as far as food and services," notes a camper at Devil's Den State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping experiences year-round. "It stormed at night but we were on the right side of the dam in case it flash flooded. Starlink and Verizon very spotty here," reports a visitor to Natural Dam.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming alternatives: When natural water isn't suitable, look for campgrounds with pools. "Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!" shares a visitor to Devil's Den State Park Campground.
Campsite selection for young children: Some sites have safety considerations for families. "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," advises a camper at Aux Arc.
Playground access: Not all recreation areas are within walking distance. "The playground requires that you drive to it which is inconvenient," notes a family that stayed at Aux Arc.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites require minimal adjustment. "It was totally level we didn't need any leveling done at all," reports a visitor to Lake Fort Smith State Park.
RV site spacing: Space between sites varies significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are generally spacious. If you want the best experience - grab one of the sites along the ridge (83, 85, 87) - these have a great view off the back and offer incredible space," recommends a camper at Devil's Den State Park Campground.
Accessibility considerations: Access routes can be challenging for larger vehicles. "If you have a large rig - make sure to take the West Fork exit off I-49 vs. the south exit (Winslow)," advises an RVer visiting a campsite near Mountainburg, Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mountainburg, AR?
What camping is available near Mountainburg, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mountainburg, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 191 campgrounds and RV parks near Mountainburg, AR and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mountainburg, AR?
Which is the most popular campground near Mountainburg, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mountainburg, AR is Devil's Den State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 88 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mountainburg, AR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mountainburg, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Mountainburg, AR.
What parks are near Mountainburg, AR?
What parks are near Mountainburg, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Mountainburg, AR that allow camping, notably Ozark Lake and John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake.
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