North Little Rock's camping options sit at the intersection of the Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Mountain foothills, creating diverse terrain for outdoor enthusiasts. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making year-round camping possible at most locations. Campgrounds near North Little Rock offer varying levels of amenities from rustic tent sites to luxury glamping accommodations with full hookups.
What to do
Crystal hunting near Hot Springs: Crystal Ridge RV Park sits adjacent to a working crystal mine where visitors can spend the day digging for quartz. "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don't think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems," notes one visitor to Crystal Ridge RV Park.
Hiking waterfall trails: The Falls Branch Trail at Lake Catherine offers family-friendly hiking with a waterfall destination. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," shares a camper at Lake Catherine State Park.
Boating and water activities: Several campgrounds offer direct water access and boat rentals. "We had a site overlooking the lake. We enjoyed the hiking trails and rented a few kayaks. It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water," reports a Lake Catherine visitor.
What campers like
Natural features with modern amenities: Many glamping locations near North Little Rock balance nature with comfort. "The park is immaculate and the grounds crew is really amazing, cleaning every site thoroughly before the next camper arrives. Trash pickup at your site every morning," notes a camper at Catherine's Landing, a premium glamping destination.
Military history access: Some campgrounds provide unique historical context. At Little Rock Air Force Base FamCamp, one visitor appreciated the aviation history: "19th Airlift Wing is the host for the base and supports the largest C-130 fleet in the world. The wing supplies humanitarian airlift relief to victims of disaster in both supplies and troops."
Secluded atmosphere close to attractions: Campgrounds provide quiet settings with convenient access to urban amenities. "Easy access for a KOA, we have a cyclone 4270 (44' triple axel 5th wheel) which is pushing it for most KOA's. We landed a pull through just behind the office. Good safe place to stop for night, far enough away from highway to be peaceful," shares a visitor to Little Rock North KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The best time for glamping near North Little Rock is spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. "Go Spring or Fall for the View. If in Arkansas, Petit Jean State Park is a must. With a ton of trails, lodge, restaurant, and waterfalls it is a nature lovers dream," advises a visitor to Petit Jean State Park.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "A loop pros: it's new, it's laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer. A loop cons: very little shade would be rough in summer months. 'Stays booked 93% of the year' -Park Office. It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop."
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to interstates. "The only downside was the traffic noise from the interstate, but that was to be expected," notes a Little Rock North KOA visitor, while another mentions, "We could see everything our neighbors were doing. The bathrooms were very clean and the showers hot."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly recreation options: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas and activities. At Hot Springs National Park KOA, one visitor noted: "Even though the pandemic was still going on, no one was really wearing masks here. Dog play area and kids playground. Good location for exploring hot springs area."
Tent camping locations: Families seeking tent sites should research specific locations. "The tent areas were in a disk golf field. Not really ideal for your dogs if you are in a tent. They really like RV owners better. But all in all very nice, swimming pool, hot showers, and electric," advises a Catherine's Landing visitor.
Water safety considerations: Families can enjoy water recreation with proper planning. "A paradise for everyone! The property is so peaceful and quiet. We came with little kids and they explored their hearts out. Along the river there's a trail and fun places for the kids to play and play," shares a family who visited Catherine's Landing.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend researching specific site features before booking. "Some sites are very nicely shaded but others little to none. The sites are nicely spaced. Bath house with flush toilets and showers with a laundry. Doors have a key pad entry which is nice since the camp is open to base traffic," notes a visitor at Little Rock Air Force Base FamCamp.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "B loop cons: some sites are angled differently and there is no clear indication how you have to enter the loop to be able to access your site. It can create some frustration when trying to get set up. Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," advises a Petit Jean State Park camper.
Hookup locations: The placement of utilities can affect site usability. "Some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. It's purely inconvenient and I'm not sure why this is this way. Pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos," suggests another Petit Jean visitor.
