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.
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ScoutIt was wonderful and way over due on needing the getaway had a blast fishing and everyone was friendly and neighborly
TravelerThis is a very nice camp site, it’s a State park well maintained bath rooms and showers very clean.
GuideNice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.
ScoutWe couldn’t even get to the campsite in our AWD Subaru Outback. There are drainage pipes exposed on the road
GuideSo here’s the thing, me and my partner do not like fruit, fruit and frills. I’d rather be in the middle of the woods with out a bathroom in sight, then having loads of facilities. But something about this location, turns all of that on its head for us.
The campsites were well-maintained, the bathroom facilities were clean, but the park lodges, which also function as a trailhead for one of the major hikes there are like nothing I’ve seen before
A pool at the top of an expensive out overlook which ultimately leads down to a gorgeous waterfall. That same lodge has a fully functioning bar and restaurant attached to it and on either side of the state park there are small coffee shops, a 24 hour farmers market with some of the weirdest and most pleasant people I’ve ever met.
It was just cool, I’ll leave it at that
GuideWe decided to island camp here and boy was it an experience. Day one was perfect, despite some storms, we really enjoyed ourselves. Day two we had to pack up early, flies got so horrible and wouldn’t stop biting us!
GuideWe were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower. I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom.
TravelerSaw the most beautiful sunset. Caught a deliscious catfish. Spent a day in a hamock with a fantastic lake view.
TravelerI’ve reviewed the campground before, for other sites. Most are level and plenty of room/parking length. This site 30 is cramped and has a passenger side tilt to it. I have a 26’ (tip to tail) TT and a crew cab pickup… they will not fit in the campsite end to end, much less with some room to get in to the tailgate. Once unhooked, I had to angle the truck in to overlap the tongue of the TT. Ended up with a 3 inch riser to level the trailer side to side, which puts the first step about 17 inches up. To add to it, there is no level surface much further than the step before the site slopes off steeply with pine needles. The site just seems like the Park wanted to jam another spot in to make 45$ extra a night on busy times. I would not recommend site 30, to anyone. Tent campers would be even worse off, as the tent pad area is back closer to the road.
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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