Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Ouachita Lake, AR has a lot to offer. Ouachita Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Ouachita Lake, AR. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$14 - $80 / night
"Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."
"This site also backs to the lake which is nice except that people would park their boats on the shore and walk through the site at which I was camped. This was a first for me."
"We stayed on an inner site but several back up to Ouachita Lake. Great stay. We’ll go back!"
"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."
$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."
$14 - $65 / night
"I took off one star because this site, while located right on the water, is very unlevel."
"We booked late but were able to find a great spot with lots of trees surrounding us, spread out, and a lake view."
$15 - $40 / night
"We stayed in Loop C at the very back past the group campsite, which is tent camping only and a short walk from the bathroom."
"Despite being close to the main road, it was very quiet."
$16 - $50 / night
"Although the first campsites certainly looked quite close to each other, as you get further back into the campground the sites seemed to have more room."
"I was in #66 so it was a little busy with traffic (right on the main entrance and exit)."
$50 / night
"BUT the views of the lake from almost all of the 74 sites are amazing!!! There are more 1st come 1st serve sites than reservable. It seems the reservable sites go really fast in peak season."
"Proximity to Hot Springs is great, Lake Ouachita is beautiful. About 3 miles west is a fantastic smokehouse (Burl's) with excellent eats. We will return someday for sure."
"Hidden off road to the top for scenic view. If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping."
"Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below. Only issue was some broken glass around the picnic area. Please pack out all of your trash!"
$45 - $95 / night
"All sites are pull through and some are located on Lake Hamilton."
"Nice and quite, right on the Ouachita River / lake Hamilton. Very friendly and helpful staff"
$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. "
ScoutI have lived in the area for 12 years and this is where we always go. Primitive, but thats the best part about it. You got the creek for water play, bathrooms and picnic tables. A little further down the road is an outdoor gun range. Very peaceful and great place to recharge. Kids love it.
GuideA beautiful spot with both lakeside campsites and shaded sites. All spaced for plenty of privacy. Each site has power and water. Bathrooms are clean and have showers. $26 per night or $13 if you have a federal pass. I used my senior lifetime pass. Strong cell: 3 bars of 5G Verizon.
LegendCoordinates: 34.86190,-92.90667. Camped here Sept 9, 2025. Large dirt and grass site; very clean. May accommodate a truck camper or 2 smaller vehicles. Mostly level. Tent and hammock camping possible. No privacy from the road. The site has a rock fire ring. The site is surrounded by forest with the Flatside Wilderness Area just across the forest road. There are no hiking trails near the campsite, but there are opportunities to stroll and explore in the forest. The site is mostly shaded; Starlink connectivity may be a challenge. AT&T LTE service. Sporadic T-Mobile service. Quiet location. No one drove by during our stay. Note that there are a couple of dead trees in the middle of this site; choose the position of your vehicle and/or tent carefully. The Flatside Pinnacle hiking trailhead and parking for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail are located 3/4 of a mile north of the site along FR94. The forest roads approaching the site from the south are in good condition. In my opinion, I don't recommend anything larger that a truck camper. The approach from the north, however, is not as good. FR94 and FR805 are eroded at the higher elevations; lots of exposed embedded rocks. I believe a 2wd passenger car can very carefully get through this area with air-downed tires.
RangerOne of the best places I have camped in a while. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice trails and panoramic views.
TravelerBeautiful campground! Sites are spacious. Area is clean and lots of things to do. Near Hot Springs so we did a lot of exploring there.
TravelerThis is a nice little gated park. Close to the national park in Hot Springs Arkansas. And right next door to the flat track/casino. It’s pretty new, but not really any extra amenities. 20/30/50 amp full hookups. Concrete pads, and paved streets. Laundry and bath house. Inexpensive. We’d definitely stay here again!
LegendWe have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 12 for 1 night in mid September. The CG is clean and well maintained but showing its age. The CG roads are paved, but narrow, winding, and fairly bumpy in spots. Few if any of the sites in this section of the CG were anywhere close to level and our site, one of the few pull-throughs, was one of the worst, I mean seriously sloped even after ratcheting up the front levelers as far as they’d go. The CG is very quiet and peaceful. There was only one other camper in this section of the CG while we were there.
AT&T coverage was basically nonexistent with 1 bar of LTE service but very little if any throughput. The CG is heavily wooded, so Starlink was unusable.
RangerWhat a lovely state park campground. Sites are just close enough not to be crowded. Facilities on site were clean and well maintained. Nice to have a hot shower after mining for diamonds. Will make note that best time to come is October-November. Visitor center was somewhat dated, would have thought they would have basic food stuff and more camper supplies. Other than that it was a nice place and we will come again!
PS if you have a dog who likes to dig this is a nice place for them to help you dig.
ScoutIt was wonderful and way over due on needing the getaway had a blast fishing and everyone was friendly and neighborly
Camping near Ouachita Lake, Arkansas, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful views and plenty of activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Ouachita Lake, Arkansas, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping areas around Lake Ouachita?
Lake Ouachita offers several excellent camping options. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground features wooded, level sites with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and raised grilling stations. Many campsites back directly to the lake with stunning views. Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita provides another popular option, though sites can be somewhat close together. For those seeking more seclusion, Denby Point and Charlton Campground offer quieter alternatives with fewer crowds. All developed campgrounds in the area typically provide water access and basic facilities, making Lake Ouachita a versatile camping destination.
How far is Lake Ouachita from Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Lake Ouachita is approximately 15-20 miles from downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, making it a convenient day trip or camping destination when visiting the area. The drive typically takes about 25-30 minutes along Highway 270. For those wanting to stay near both attractions, Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park offers a strategic location. It's uniquely positioned in the middle of town, giving easy access to Hot Springs while being a short drive to Lake Ouachita. Caddo Drive - De Gray Lake is another option not far from Hot Springs with beautiful lake views.
Can you camp on the islands at Lake Ouachita?
Yes, you can camp on Lake Ouachita's islands. This lake is famous for its island camping opportunities, with over 100 islands available for primitive camping. These islands offer a unique wilderness experience with beautiful lake views and privacy. No reservations are required for island camping, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no facilities on the islands, so campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. A boat is necessary to access these island campsites. For those preferring more amenities while still enjoying the lake, Denby Point offers both boat-in and drive-in access with established facilities.
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