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 John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake in Arkansas features several established campgrounds with varied accommodations for tent and RV camping. The COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground and Springhill Park offer spacious sites with electric hookups and water access. Most campgrounds in the area are situated along the Arkansas River, providing waterfront sites with good shade coverage. The region includes both Army Corps of Engineers managed facilities and state park options, with Lake Fort Smith State Park and Devil's Den State Park offering cabin accommodations in addition to traditional camping.
Reservations are required for most campgrounds in the area and can be made through Recreation.gov. Many sites feature paved pads with concrete patios, though campers should be prepared for some leveling challenges. The campgrounds typically offer 30-50 amp electrical service, water hookups at select sites, and central dump stations, but most lack sewer connections at individual campsites. The region experiences hot summers and mild winters, with year-round camping available at several facilities. "We stayed in site B1 and loved the privacy and tall trees surrounding the site and the large grassy field next to us. Sites B9 and B11 have great views of the water and offer plenty of room between you and your neighbor," noted one visitor.
Campers consistently praise the waterfront access and spacious sites at Springhill Park. The campgrounds provide a mix of wooded sites and water-view locations, with many campers highlighting the quality of shade and privacy between sites. Mountain biking trails connected to the campgrounds are frequently mentioned as a significant amenity, with a 10-mile trail system accessible directly from the camping area. Fishing opportunities directly from campsite locations along the river receive positive reviews. One camper mentioned, "Nice area with many spots that back up to an outlet of the Arkansas River. Great bank fishing! Friendly staff." The campgrounds strike a balance between natural settings and proximity to Fort Smith, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation while maintaining access to urban amenities when needed.
Best Camping Sites Near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake (163)
1. Springhill
21 ReviewsBarling, AR1 mileWebsite+1 (479) 452-4598$16 - $75 / night
"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."
2. Devil's Den State Park Campground
88 ReviewsWinslow, AR29 milesWebsite+1 (479) 761-3325$20 / night
"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."
3. Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
23 ReviewsMulberry, AR19 milesWebsite+1 (479) 462-4961$15 - $35 / night
"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!"
4. COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground
4 ReviewsBarling, AR1 mileWebsite+1 (479) 452-4598"The campground is set among tall trees adjacent to the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River."
"Nice area with many spots that back up to an outlet of the Arkansas River. Great bank fishing! Friendly staff. Highly recommend."
5. Riverfront RV Resort
5 ReviewsVan Buren, AR8 milesWebsite+1 (479) 300-8100"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."
"Only one year old on Arkansas river great location if you like being close to restaurants staff very friendly"
6. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
8 ReviewsAlma, AR12 milesWebsite+1 (479) 632-2704"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."
7. Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
6 ReviewsAlma, AR9 milesWebsite+1 (479) 632-4882$16 - $75 / night
"This park is located on the Arkansas River. There’s a boat ramp, so bring your boat and enjoy the beautiful Arkansas River. Pets are allowed, there is a leash law. Bring your own firewood."
8. William O. Darby RV Community
2 ReviewsBarling, AR3 milesWebsite+1 (479) 242-0799$22 - $25 / night
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
9. Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
25 ReviewsChester, AR24 milesWebsite+1 (479) 369-2469$23 - $163 / night
"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."
10. Lee Creek Public Use Area
4 ReviewsHartford, AR8 milesWebsite+1 (479) 761-3325"What it does offer is a level parking pad that is quiet and dark which is surprising given it is surrounded by Fort Smith. It also has a decent view of the Arkansas River."
Recent Camping Photos near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
182 Photos of 163 John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Campgrounds
Jennifer L.
COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground
Michelle W.
Springhill
Kat M.
Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR)
Kerrie C.
Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
RACHAEL G.
Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
Daniel D.
Twin Creeks RV Park
Donny S.
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Cyndy & Selena R.
Shores Lake
George L.
Aux Arc
Lauren
Dispersed Near Devils Den
Rebecca
Devil's Den State Park Campground
Steve G.
Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA
Recent Reviews near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
685 Reviews of 163 John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake 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 John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake campgrounds offer year-round access with varying terrain challenges depending on your location. The area around this Arkansas River impoundment experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winter lows typically remain above freezing. Several campgrounds connect directly to mountain biking trails with dedicated paths ranging from beginner routes to technical single-track options.
What to Do
Fishing from bank access points: Springhill Campground provides excellent bank fishing opportunities along the Arkansas River. "I have been camping out here for years but never took advantage of the A side. A12-14 are premian spots to camp. I tent camp and the view is amazing. 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," explains one Springhill camper.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The area features extensive trail systems accessible from multiple camping locations. "We love camping here we are close to biking and fishing," notes a visitor to Springhill Park, highlighting the convenient trail access directly from campsites.
Exploring historic sites: For campers interested in history, Riverfront RV Resort offers proximity to Fort Smith's historical attractions. "Campground is adjacent to the Arkansas River (thus the name) and less than 2 miles from the Fort Smith National Historic Site," reports one reviewer who appreciated the convenient location.
What Campers Like
Waterfront camping locations: Many campsites at COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground feature direct water access. "This is a great COE campground with spacious sites. I had site B09 which was far away from any other sites, had good shade, and had a view of the river," mentions a satisfied visitor.
Clean facilities with regular maintenance: Lake Fort Smith State Park receives consistent praise for its upkeep. "Neat, clean, well maintained with good space between spots. Very nice restrooms with free hot water. The place seems almost new!" says one camper who appreciated the modern amenities.
Rock formations for riverside relaxation: Some waterfront sites offer natural features for enjoying the river. "My favorite part was the rock outcropping at the river by our site. It felt like we had our own little dock to cast off from," notes a visitor at Springhill Park who enjoyed having a personal river access point.
What You Should Know
Seasonal facility closures may occur: Some campgrounds reduce services during certain periods. "Site is still charging campers full price for extended camping(14days) was told showers and restrooms available then suddenly they closed the facilities without notice," warns one Devil's Den State Park visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming available amenities before arrival.
Limited connectivity in some areas: Cell service varies significantly across camping locations. "Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas... There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park," explains a camper who stayed at Devil's Den State Park.
Leveling challenges on concrete pads: Many campsites require equipment for proper leveling. "Our concrete pad at site A5 had a bit of an incline, and it looked to be the case for some others as well, but I can't speak for all," notes one Springhill visitor who encountered positioning difficulties.
Tips for Camping with Families
Select sites with safety considerations: Family campers should research site layouts carefully. "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 visitor to Lake Fort Smith State Park.
Look for playgrounds with shade: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "I saw two playgrounds in the park, one was close to our site, with both locals and travelers playing," mentions a Springhill camper who appreciated the recreational options for children.
Seek out swimming alternatives: While lake swimming isn't permitted at all locations, other water options exist. "You are not allowed to swim in the lake, but there is a pool," notes a Lake Fort Smith State Park visitor, highlighting alternative water recreation for families.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Some campgrounds have varying site lengths and configurations. "Some sites are a little uneven. And some sites are tough to get a 41ft 5th wheel into," mentions a visitor to Springhill, emphasizing the need to verify that your rig will fit.
Access routes vary in difficulty: Consider your approach route when selecting a John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake campground. "Not really a place for a quick overnight, the road in is steep and crooked," cautions a Lake Fort Smith visitor regarding access challenges for larger vehicles.
Full hookup availability varies seasonally: Water quality can differ significantly between camping locations. "Stayed 2 nights in A Loop. 30 Amp hook up with some of the best water I have ever had. Only 35 ppm on my zero water tester. Bottled water has had more than 75 ppm," reports a Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures visitor who was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional water quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?
What camping is available near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 163 campgrounds and RV parks near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?
Which is the most popular campground near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake is Springhill with a 4.1-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake.
What parks are near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?
What parks are near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 parks near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake that allow camping, notably Ozark Lake and Pine Creek Lake.
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