Chels 
Traveler
TravelerTaylors Lot #1
Perfect Spot
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.
Best Campgrounds in Arkansas
Arkansas features a robust network of established campgrounds across its diverse landscapes, from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi River valley. Petit Jean State Park and Devil's Den State Park represent some of the highest-rated camping destinations, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Lake Ouachita State Park and Lake Catherine State Park provide water-oriented camping experiences with boat-in access options. Many campgrounds maintain year-round operations, with several locations supporting both primitive camping and full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. While many established sites provide amenities like showers, toilets, and electric hookups, primitive and dispersed camping areas typically offer more basic facilities. Roads leading to remote camping areas can present challenges, especially after rainfall. One visitor noted of Mt. Hersey campground: "The ride in is a long one with steep grades and rugged terrain. Definitely don't bring a camper down here. This road isn't made for smaller vehicles so bring an SUV or pickup."
Waterfront camping locations consistently rank among the most sought-after sites in Arkansas, with several state parks featuring lakeside or riverside camping options. Visitors frequently mention the peaceful setting of waterside campsites, with one camper describing their experience at Woolly Hollow State Park: "I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing." Hot Springs National Park's Gulpha Gorge Campground provides convenient access to both natural features and urban amenities. For those seeking more remote experiences, the Buffalo National River area offers primitive camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility. Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails, while maintaining reasonable site spacing for privacy.
Best Camping Sites in Arkansas (761)
1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
105 ReviewsAdona, ARWebsite+1 (501) 727-5441$25 - $40 / night
"_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."
"Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."
2. Devil's Den State Park Campground
88 ReviewsWinslow, ARWebsite+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. Lake Catherine State Park Campground
84 ReviewsJones Mill, ARWebsite+1 (501) 844-4176$15 - $25 / night
"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. "
4. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
78 ReviewsHot Springs National Park, ARWebsite+1 (501) 620-6715$34 / night
"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."
5. Tom Sawyer's RV Park
60 ReviewsWest Memphis, ARWebsite+1 (870) 735-9770"This campsite is in West Memphis, Arkansas right across the river from Memphis Tennessee. The sites are right on the river bank, beautiful. Sunrise over the river was perfect."
"This place is a 6 star park next to Ms river close to Memphis,TN quite, great spots, clean and a lake oand ponds on the sites."
6. Maumelle Park
51 ReviewsMaumelle, ARWebsite+1 (501) 868-9477$28 - $75 / night
"Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."
"Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"
7. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
48 ReviewsMountain Pine, ARWebsite+1 (888) 287-2757"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."
"Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping."
8. Village Creek State Park Campground
47 ReviewsColt, ARWebsite+1 (870) 238-9406$25 / night
"There are nearly 100 sites here at Village Creek State Park. They are Spacious, paved and well maintained."
"This park was stunning the drive though a little narrow at times was scenic from the drive to the RV site. Pull Through with own area not to close to other sites."
9. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
46 ReviewsRoyal, ARWebsite+1 (501) 991-3390$14 - $80 / night
"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."
10. Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground
36 ReviewsMurfreesboro, ARWebsite+1 (870) 285-3113$15 - $50 / night
"This camp is ideally located in the Crater of Diamonds State Park with easy access to the Visitors Center by foot or car."
"The campground has 47 nicely shaded RV sites with water/electric/sewer hookup(many of which have tent pads and five walk-in tent sites."
Recent Camping Photos in Arkansas
807 Photos of 761 Arkansas Campgrounds
Lacee G.
Crystal Springs (AR)
Rhonda L.
Kings River Falls Campground
Farar R.
Large Bell Tent on the Kings River
Kathy E.
Mississippi River State Park Campground
Nancy C.
182 MC 4007
Tom W.
Prominence Homestead of the Ozarks
Ozark N.
Ozark Natural Science Center
Fred S.
FR94 Dispersed Campsite
Brad C.
Big Brushy
Rene
Epona Place Ranch
Vania M.
Aufderklamm Farm
Jennifer L.
COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground
Recent Reviews in Arkansas
3371 Reviews of 761 Arkansas Campgrounds
- ChelsTraveler
Travelers Lane RV Park LLC
Clean and peaceful!
Stayed here recently and it was a really convenient spot. They offer nightly, weekly, and monthly sites, which is nice depending on how long you’re planning to stay. All the sites have electric and water, and some have full hookups with sewer. If you’re in a site without sewer, there’s a dump station and water available on the way out, which made things easy. 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. There are bathrooms on-site, and they even have a small coffee shop in the office, which was a nice touch. It’s really close to Tyson, so I could see it being a great option for anyone working in the area. Even though it’s in town, it was surprisingly quiet during my stay. I enjoyed sitting outside in the evenings, there’s a fire pit and picnic tables that make it easy to relax after a long day. Overall, a solid, no fuss place to stay whether you’re just passing through or need something longer term.
- s
sav
GuideWoolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Beautiful
Lots of room, lots of fire rings. Several (maybe 5?) vault toilets that are well-maintained and stocked. When we got there, there were probably 50 people at 20 different spots scattered across the field. When we left, it was just us and one other group. Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao. One of the roads into the park is closed, but the detour is signed well and easy to figure out. If I had to guess, it’s closed because one of the edges is getting pretty close to crumbling into the river. I wish I had thought to bring paddle boards and kayaks. There were lots of people who brought big rigs down to the camp site, as well as pulled boats. The gravel roads are well maintained enough that I’d be comfortable doing that, but the hill is pretty steep at times, so be wary.
- JJon M.
ScoutCrystal Campground
Great spot for touring bikes—just watch the dust!
I wanted to share some specifics for fellow riders. The campground is accessed by a 3-mile caliche road. It was dusty, but fairly well-maintained and packed and loose rock but solid. I was able to ride my Honda Goldwing down it with zero issues. Only 4 stars because it was full on Friday and one camper played loud music into the night…,,,
Jacklyn L D.ScoutCane Creek Recreation Area
Cane Creek
This is a great free campground. No bathrooms, no hook ups, you must be self contained, or bring a bucket 😂. Anyway pack out what you pack in. There is a boat ramp, fishing, you can pull an RV in here right next to your camp spot. There are fire rings and hiking trails. Off leash for dogs that are voice command and friendly. A great place to relax, fish, boat and probably swim, when it warms up.
- EElizabeth T.Guide
Harris Brake Lake
Nice evening and peaceful day
We arrived about teo hours before sunset. It was easy to find and about thirty minutes from the interstate.
There were five people fishing and another trio camping across from us. A group of young girls was also enjoying the park. Felt very safe. We could only find two clear camping sites each with a table.
Campground is clean but the water wasn’t so nice. We wanted to paddle out and go for a swim as it was 90 degrees and unseasonably hot when we arrived on a spring break weekend. However, both disappointed the water wasn’t as fresh as much of the water in the Ozarks.
Lots of dogs barking at night and noisy geese in the morning but it didn’t bother us. Nice to be away from the sounds of the city and have a free shaded camp spot.
Lauren M.GuideCrater of Diamonds State Park Campground
Great State Park to relax at
We stayed 3 nights and really like it here. Quiet and relaxing. Get to explore the diamond fields in the day. Fire pit at night. A few short walking paths. Kids had a great time meeting new kids. Dogs allowed at the diamond fields. Site 7 is uneven for a long 5th wheel. Other sites might be better, but we made it work.
Jay T.ScoutMiners Camping & Rock Shop
Humble but definitely improving.
A great spot for my pseudo overland rig. Water and 🔌 at most sites. Host is very hospitable.
- Jay T.Scout
White Oak Lake State Park Campground
Nice clean safe.
Great place to take family camping
Guide to Arkansas
Camping in Arkansas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.
What to do
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at places like Mount Nebo State Park. One reviewer said, “The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque!”
- Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Ouachita State Park, you can fish right from your campsite. A visitor mentioned, “The water is crystal clear and we could swim right from our campsites!”
- Cavern Tours: Don’t miss the chance to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns. A camper shared, “The cavern tour is a must-see; it’s one of the best around.”
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One person said about Petit Jean State Park, “I found everything to be absolutely amazing! Beautiful, stunning, and can’t wait to visit again!”
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground noted, “Cleanest shower house I've ever seen.”
- Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the room to spread out. One visitor at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
What you should know
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Petit Jean State Park noted, “Just no signal. Also a little expensive for me but others may not think so!”
- Seasonal Crowds: Some parks can get busy during peak seasons. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park warned, “This place is really popular in summer time, so expect to book a year in advance.”
- Amenities Vary: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “Clean restrooms, no showers.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Catherine's Landing said, “Plenty of room for the kids to ride bicycles and a direct, private access at the campground to Lake Catherine for a little family kayaking.”
- Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing, hiking, and swimming. A camper at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
- Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at dusk. One camper at Willow Beach warned, “Locals warned us to beware of mosquitoes at sunset.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review for Lake Ouachita State Park noted, “The sites are all sitting on a serene lake. The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A visitor at John F Kennedy Campground mentioned, “73 sites with electric, 13 sites with water and electric.”
- Be Ready for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have showers or sewer hookups. A camper at Gulpha Gorge Campground said, “No showers, but clean restrooms.”
Camping in Arkansas is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for you in this beautiful state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Arkansas state parks?
What camping options are available in Arkansas state parks?
Arkansas state parks offer diverse camping options with well-maintained facilities. Lake Poinsett State Park Campground features quality campsites, excellent bathhouses, a playground, and a walking trail accessible from the campground. The lake has recently been repaired and restocked with fish. Lake Chicot State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside sites with stunning sunset views over cypress-lined shores. Other notable state park options include Petit Jean State Park with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly areas; Lake Catherine near Hot Springs; and Lake Ouachita State Park offering boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. Arkansas state parks generally provide clean facilities, recreational opportunities, and affordable rates with most sites being reservable online.
Where can I find RV camping sites in Arkansas?
Where can I find RV camping sites in Arkansas?
Arkansas has numerous RV-friendly campgrounds catering to various preferences. Prairie Creek, a Corps of Engineers site on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas, accommodates RVs including smaller units like 24' Winnebagos, though some sites have slight slopes. Maumelle Park, another COE campground along the Arkansas River, offers quiet sites with good privacy (like site E7) and convenient access to walking trails while remaining close to urban amenities. For adventure seekers, Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events provides clean, well-maintained RV sites with access to off-roading trails. Additional options include Tom Sawyer's RV Park near West Memphis and Crystal Springs Campground at Lake Ouachita, both offering full hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces.
What are the best campgrounds in Arkansas for tent camping?
What are the best campgrounds in Arkansas for tent camping?
Arkansas offers excellent tent camping experiences, particularly in its natural areas. Richland Creek Recreation Area provides peaceful primitive sites ideal for tent campers who enjoy hiking, with nearby waterfalls and trails worth exploring. Download maps in advance as cell service is limited. For those seeking breathtaking views, Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers tent sites with spectacular vistas, though reservable spots can be close together. The park features hiking trails, a playground, and a swimming pool. Other great tent camping options include Petit Jean State Park and the dispersed sites at Base of North Fork Pinnacle in the Ouachita National Forest, where you can truly immerse yourself in Arkansas's natural beauty.
Are there good fishing opportunities at Arkansas campgrounds?
Are there good fishing opportunities at Arkansas campgrounds?
Arkansas campgrounds offer exceptional fishing opportunities across the state. Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground in Northwest Arkansas provides access to a gorgeous lake with many lakefront sites, perfect for fishing directly from your campsite. The Corps of Engineers maintains this campground well, with electric hookups and bathhouses. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park offers creek fishing opportunities while being conveniently located near town amenities. Lake Ouachita, known for its clear waters, provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Many Arkansas state parks including Lake Chicot and Lake Poinsett have recently restocked lakes. For the best fishing experience, consider camping during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and fish are most active.
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