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 Boles, AR
206 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options in the Ouachita National Forest near Boles, Arkansas include a range of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites. Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers tent and RV camping along with cabin accommodations, situated atop Rich Mountain with scenic overlooks. Turner Creek Road and Blue Knob Road provide more primitive dispersed camping alternatives for those seeking solitude in the forest. The area features both established campgrounds with amenities and remote forest areas for more rustic experiences.
Road access varies significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring careful navigation on forest roads. Several campgrounds offer paved parking while backcountry areas may need higher clearance vehicles. A review mentioned that Blue Knob Road is "tight...but its 1500 feet" and advised, "Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain." Flash flooding can be a concern in low-lying areas, particularly near creeks and rivers. Shirley Creek area has posted warning signs about flash flooding risks. Summer temperatures are typically moderate at higher elevations like Queen Wilhelmina State Park, while lower elevations can experience more heat and humidity. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the forest, with better coverage at developed sites.
Campers frequently note the peacefulness of dispersed sites compared to the more developed areas. Turner Creek Road was described as a "very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring, very peaceful." Queen Wilhelmina State Park receives positive reviews for its amenities and lodge restaurant but some campers mention that sites are "crowded, like living in a big city." Water features significantly enhance camping experiences in the area, with sites near creeks and rivers being particularly popular. Mill Creek campground was praised for having a "nice creek running by" and "flat open fields for yard games." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the Ouachita National Forest, especially in less developed areas. Many campgrounds close or reduce services during winter months, making late spring through early fall the optimal camping season.
Best Campgrounds near Boles (206)
1. Turner Creek Road
"Challenging & fun UTV trails! Narrow gravel road to arrive --lots of overhanging branches in April. Amour site was approx 1/2 mile in, a pull through on the right with plenty of room."
"Park next to your tent . Lots of spiders so just be careful ! You do hear animas at nights , especially coyotes, but it’s such an experience !"
2. Queen Wilhelmina State Park — Queen Wihelmina State Park
"Driving through this part of Arkansas you can quickly get taken aback by the winding roads the ample beauty, but until you visit the campground and park you will only have a portion of the beauty of the"
"Trails are short but have nice views. Forest trail is overgrown once you leave the state park and go into the national forest."
from $23 / night
Check Availability3. Taylors Lot #1
"This spot is right outside of city limits so it's a quiet spot that feels private but is also just a couple minute drive to the middle of downtown."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability4. Travelers Lane RV Park LLC
"The location is a big plus, it’s right across the road from a pharmacy, laundromat, Dollar General, and O’Reilly’s, so you don’t have to go far for anything."
from $30 / night
Check Availability5. Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest
"Large dispersed site at the FR76/Buck Knob trailhead for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Should easily accomodate 3 campervan-size rigs. There is a small rock fire ring."
"I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site."
6. Ouachita/Mill Creek
7. Mount Magazine State Park Campground
"The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."
"There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."
from $35 / night
Check Availability8. Big Pine RV Park
9. Shirley Creek
"The nps map still has it listed as a campground, but there was a sign at the main entrance stating day use only."
10. Shady Lake Campground
"We have been coming to Shady Lake for decades and it is one of our most favorite places."
"Shady Lake is a great place to get away from it all. It has a beautiful lake, a creek and trails to hike on. There is tent and RV camping sites."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 59 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 21 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 46 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs 16 min from Texarkana, TX
Recent Camping Photos near Boles, AR
191 Photos of 206 Boles Campgrounds
Brianna H.
Turner Creek Road
Brad C.
Big Brushy
Vanessa M.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park — Queen Wihelmina State Park
The Dyrt
Mena Cabins
Adam W.
Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
Ouachita R.
Ouachita River Haven
CHRISTI A.
Mena/ Ouachita National Forest KOA
John
CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground
Pioneer C.
Pioneer Campgrounds
Cheryl B.
Pleasure Landing
Randy L.
Magazine Arkansas Eclipse Camping
Julie D.
Shady Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Boles, AR
719 Reviews of 206 Boles Campgrounds
Jenny
Rangerpathfinder 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.
- J
Jon L.
GuideRiverfront 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!
- Bryan M.
TravelerDaisy State Park Campground
Favorite place to camp.
This is our go to get out of the house and enjoy the piece and quiet of the area. Of you need a break this is a great spot. Always clean, great staff. Just a good place.
Bryce N.GuideCameron Bluff
Beautiful views
Steep and fun drive to get to this campground. Sites are big and spaces are wide creating a very nice experience. Short hike from the campground is the overlook road and the views are incredible!
- Bryce N.Guide
COE Lake Ouachita Little Fir Campground
Cute small lakeside campground
Spots have good room and most have water and electricity. Not as maintained as other campgrounds but the isolation and quiet area are nice
Lindsay T.GuideAux Arc
Good for an overnight
Pretty much your typical COE campground. Pretty area (right on the Arkansas River!) well maintained sites. All of them are paved which is great. Wouldn’t want to stay too long here if we didn’t have a working bathroom in our trailer because the ones here, while clean, are pretty old.
- KKarolina M.Traveler
Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
Beautiful and quiet
Small, charming, green campground with specious sites. Fantastic view of the water.
- MMichelle J.Traveler
Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
Lake Ouachita State Park — Arkansas Does It Again
This was our second stay here, and it confirmed what we’re starting to realize: Arkansas state campgrounds are next level. Full hookups, free WiFi, top-notch facilities, and great rates — it’s a combination you just don’t find everywhere.
The lake itself is unbelievable. This reservoir is a boater’s and swimmer’s dream — clear, clean water as far as you can see. The campground is large, but the sites are still wonderfully spacious — no crowding, no feeling like you’re on top of your neighbors. The whole place is clean, well organized, and clearly well run.
The proximity to Hot Springs provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and a real town if you want a break from camp life. It’s about 15 minutes away, so you get the best of both worlds: peaceful lakeside camping with civilization just down the road when you want it.
If you’re road-tripping through Arkansas, don’t skip this one. This campground is by far one of the best you’ll stay at.
Guide to Boles
Dispersed camping spots near Boles, Arkansas offer varied terrain options in the Ouachita National Forest. Elevations range from 600 to 2,700 feet, creating significant temperature differences between valleys and mountain sites. Winter nights can drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer evenings typically cool to the 60s even during July heat waves.
What to do
Hiking access from camps: Mount Magazine State Park provides immediate access to multiple trails directly from its campground. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," reports one visitor, who appreciated being able to walk to trailheads from their site.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings at Big Brushy campground provide chances to spot deer and other wildlife near the creek. "This campground has 4 camp sites which accommodate tent, or rooftop tent. There are no hookups. Very quiet little campground, however you are just off the highway and will have road noise," notes one camper who enjoyed the area.
Photography viewpoints: Capture scenic valley vistas from Mount Magazine's designated lookout points, especially during sunrise. A reviewer stated, "The views ARE the reason to experience this park! They are simply delicious!" The viewpoints are accessible year-round but offer dramatically different scenes each season.
What campers like
Peaceful isolation: Turner Creek Road dispersed site provides separation from developed campgrounds. A camper described it as a "very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring, very peaceful." This site requires no reservations and sees minimal use even during peak summer weekends.
Higher elevation temperatures: Queen Wilhelmina State Park's mountaintop location creates significantly cooler conditions than surrounding lowlands. One visitor noted, "We took our first trip there Oct 4 & 5 2020 and really enjoyed it. The drive to the park is wonderful with great spots to take in the views as you drive to the top."
Creek access: Mill Creek campground features water access that's particularly appreciated during summer months. According to a review, the site offers "flat open fields for yard games" and a "nice creek running by." The creek remains accessible even during drier periods.
What you should know
Flash flood warnings: Big Brushy campground sits in a designated flash flood zone with posted warning signs. As one reviewer cautioned, "This creek floods quickly and there are signs located through the park indicating it is a flash flood area, so be aware."
Road condition challenges: Blue Knob Road requires careful vehicle consideration. A CDL driver warned, "I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain." The narrow road may be impassable after heavy rains.
Campground status changes: Shirley Creek's status fluctuates between day use and camping. A visitor noted, "Signs were posted that this is currently a day use area, however you could also see on these signs that some of the things mentioned campground, a bit confusing." Check the National Park Service website for current status before planning your trip.
Tips for camping with families
Designated family activities: Mount Magazine offers kid-friendly hiking options with minimal elevation changes. A reviewer mentioned, "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice."
Level tent locations: Look for established campsites at Mill Creek with flat, open areas suitable for multiple tents and activities. "Great site for group camping. Flat open fields for yards games," noted one camper, highlighting the practical setup for families.
Bathroom accessibility: Consider campgrounds with maintained facilities when camping with young children. CMA Iron Mountain received praise for clean facilities: "Bathrooms and showers are spotless. The staff is extremely kind and helpful."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Mount Magazine campsites feature level pads that accommodate various RV sizes. One RVer reported, "The camping spaces are large and accommodating, most are level and can fit almost anything you travel in."
Limited big rig access: Blue Knob Road can accommodate mid-sized RVs with careful maneuvering. A reviewer with a 30-foot Class C motorhome shared, "There is a clearing near the Ouachita Trail with a fire pit and plenty of space to park. You're in the middle of nowhere and it's gorgeous!"
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant temperature variations at higher elevation campgrounds. Queen Wilhelmina campers should note, "We just stayed 3 nights in space 23. Level asphalt lots but spaced kinda wonky. Shady." The mountain elevation means evening temperatures can drop significantly even in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Boles, AR?
What camping is available near Boles, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Boles, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 206 campgrounds and RV parks near Boles, AR and 30 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Boles, AR?
Which is the most popular campground near Boles, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Boles, AR is Turner Creek Road with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Boles, AR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Boles, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Boles, AR.
What parks are near Boles, AR?
What parks are near Boles, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Boles, AR that allow camping, notably Ouachita National Forest and Gillham Lake.
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