Are you planning a camping trip to Ouachita Lake with your dog? We've got you covered. Find the best information on pet-friendly camping near Ouachita Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Ouachita Lake's most popular destinations.
Gulpha Gorge campground is a tree lined retreat nestled on Gulpha Creek just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row. Open all year, the campground features 44 campsites all suitable for RVs and tents. This popular spot is the ideal base camp for all of your Hot Springs adventures and tends to fill up quickly, even in the fall and winter. Reservations are recommended.
Hot Springs National Park boasts 26 miles (42 km) of stunning trails. Gulpha Gorge Campground has a trail access to Hot Springs Mountain and Bathhouse Row. The campground sits adjacent to Gulpha Gorge Creek. The creek is perfect for wading, sitting and playing.
Sit back and relax to the sounds of adjacent Gulpha Gorge Creek under the canopy of towering trees while being serenaded by the local winged inhabitants and you just may forget you are so close to downtown Hot Springs National Park. Enjoy a stunning hike to Bathhouse Row with mountain-top views along the way. Dip your toes in Gulpha Gorge Creek or stretch out on the cool grass to enjoy the breeze while planning a visit to one of the stunning spas on historic Bathhouse Row.
For facility specific information, please call (501) 620-6715.
Gulpha Gorge campground is just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row.
__Cancellations more than 72 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 72 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged.
$34 / night
This peaceful park makes great camping near Little Rock and is located on Lake Catherine, one of five lakes in the beautiful Ouachita Mountain region. The only full-service marina on the lake is here at the park and open in the summertime for bait, snacks/drinks, and fuel. Boat rentals are available year-round. The park also includes a launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites, playgrounds, and a well-marked trail that leads to a waterfall.
The park has 20 fully equipped cabins, including one two-bedroom cabin with a patio overlooking the water and private access to the lake from its own fishing pier. There are also many native stone and wood buildings on-site. The history of these structures dates back to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The park offers 70 campsites (47 Class AAA and 23 Class B), six primitive tent sites, one Rent-A-Camp, and one Rent-A-Yurt. Many of these sites are on the lakeshore. Park interpreters offer hikes, lake tours, and programs year-round. Guided horseback rides are offered seasonally.
$15 - $25 / night
Crystal Springs Campground, perched on the shores of Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, is an ideal spot for families, friends and couples. Approximately 1.2 million people visit the lake each year to explore its crystal clear waters and scenic mountain landscape.Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.
Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility. Small and rare freshwater jellyfish (non-stinging) can be found, in addition to many types of fish, including the striped bass, lazily drifting between rocks. Bald eagles are a big attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.
Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility. Small and rare freshwater jellyfish (non-stinging) can be found, in addition to many types of fish, including the striped bass, lazily drifting between rocks. Bald eagles are a big attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.
Lake Ouachita is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The pool is fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River and extends about 30 miles over 40,000 surface acres.
Part of the scenic 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs just north of the lake. Here, hikers and mountain bikers can explore an array of breathtaking views in the Ouachita Mountains.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.
$18 - $20 / night
The campgrounds feature a total of 125 campsites (including 26 pull-through sites). Thirty-five of the sites—the Class AAA sites—have 30 and 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The 90 Class B sites offer 30 amp electrical and water hookups. All sites are reservable. Campsites are divided into four campground areas. Each includes a modern bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Area "A" is near Lake Bailey and include sites along the lakeshore. Areas "B," "C," and "D" are located on the south side of Ark. 154 in wooded settings.
Other campsite choices in the main camping area include a 44-unit Rally-style Area with 20 amp electrical service available for camping clubs.
A trailer dump station is centrally located near the Rally-style camping area.
Petit Jean is Arkansas's only state park with its own airport.
$25 - $40 / night
Groups and families of all sizes come to camp at Denby Point for its scenic views, year-round fishing and convenient boating facilities. The campground promises to entertain jet skiers, boaters, hikers and birders alike. Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.
World-class striper fishing brings crowds of anglers year-round, and incredibly clear waters attract scuba divers, hoping to explore the flooded forests and mountain valleys below the lake's surface. Hikers take pleasure in the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which lines the southern end of the lake.
Lake Ouachita sits in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, just 28 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The lake stems from the Ouachita River and boasts 692 miles of shoreline and over 40,000 surface acres.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.
Explore Ouachita National Forest's 1.8 million acres, surrounding Lake Ouachita and extending across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma.
$60 / night
Whether your perfect vacation is action-packed or laid back, you’ll find everything you need at Catherine’s Landing. Conveniently situated on 400 pastoral acres with a mile of frontage on beautiful Lake Catherine just outside historic downtown Hot Springs. Catherine’s Landing offers an ideal natural environment mixed with a range of accommodations and on-site activities that appeal to every form of traveler. Choose from RV sites with modern concrete pads, fully-furnished resort cottages, yurts for a true "Glamping" experience, or raised and bordered tent sites. Add exceptional on-site amenities, a convenient concierge at your service, a beautiful lake right outside your door, Wi-Fi and cable, and you have everything you need for your next getaway.
Treasure Isle RV Park is located on the banks of Lake Hamilton. There are many types of RV sites including Concrete back-in, Concrete pull thru, gravel pull thru, and lakefront sites. Amenities include: coin laundry, bath house, pool, large playground, three covered pavilions with seating and grills available for use by the park guests, and fishing piers. There are kayaks and pontoons available to rent. Come enjoy your vacation with us!
$45 - $95 / night
Charlton Campground is located 17-miles west of Hot Springs National Park along Highway 270-West. This historic campground constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's has been upgraded with modern amenities. Known as one of the coldest swimming sites in the State of Arkansas, the cool water temperatures can be enjoyed through-out the summer months.
Charlton Recreation Area offers a developed day use with swimming and picnicking facilities. A large pavilion is located in the day use area. The swimming area is known by area residents as being some of the coldest water through-out the summer months. Walnut Creek, a spring-fed stream provides refreshing water in the swim site. Hiking trails are located in and around the campground. An amphitheater is located in the day use area for group gatherings. Campsites are available from a basic campsite to more developed with additional amenities, to include 30-50 amp electrical service, water connections and some sites offering sewer connections. A dump station is located at the campground. Walnut Creek runs through the campground and access is available for wading and fishing in the creek.
Located in the valley between two tree covered mountains, the campsites through-out the campground are well shaded. The campground constructed along Walnut Creek, a natural spring-fed stream, temperatures are cool, even through the summer months.
Lake Ouachita Vista - Hickory Nut Mountain Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) Lake Ouachita Hot Springs National Park Historic Hot Springs Quartz Crystal Mines
$15 / night
Brady Mountain Campground delights visitors with its family-friendly facilities, fabulous views and idyllic placement on Arkansas's Lake Ouachita. The lake attracts visitors who come for the crystal clear waters and bountiful fishing opportunities. Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.
A unique way to explore the lake is to follow the Geo-Float Trail, coined as the first water-based interpretive trail included in the National Trails System. The self-guided boat tour leads visitors on a 16-mile trip to see incredible geologic features as it stretches from the Spillway Recreation Area to Brady Mountain Recreation Area. Hikers enjoy the scenic land-based nature trail accessible from the campground. Boating, fishing and scuba diving among the remains of the flooded mountain valley are also popular here.
Lake Ouachita sits in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The lake stems from the Ouachita River and boasts 692 miles of shoreline with 178 islands.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.
Head to Hot Springs National Park and enjoy a traditional bath or modern spa experience with the natural spring water.
$50 / night
Scout
First off the coordinates are 34.80858, -93.07552 This campsite has amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises. A bit rocky for tent campers but should have no trouble finding a spot for a 4 man tent. There is also limited level ground but not bad. This site has room for 2-3 rigs. If ya needed to squeeze 4 you definitely could. There is a good breeze as it is on the top of the ridge which would be great in summer but can get a bit nippy in the colder seasons so keep that in mind. Nice sound of the breeze in the trees to put you right to sleep and extremely rare traffic so minimal reminders of society!!! I’ve rambled a bit but this site genuinely ticked all the boxes for me. Made for a beautiful evening.
Traveler
Nice little campgrounds, quiet, and peaceful. You'll enjoy the lake on your kayak while you fish and watch the sunset or sunrise. Not all campsites are level, only about 4 of them, but the other won't take much to level out your camper. There are 4 pavilions, and most sites have picnic tables. Clean bath and showers area, also handicap accessible.
Traveler
Our family has camp here the last 4 years, sometimes twice a year. We like it for the family and grandkids because of the swimming area and pit toilets, which allows us to stay for about 3-4 days at time, you need to bring your own toilet paper and water. There used to be a store a couple of miles up the road from here, but the last time we camp, it was closed due to the spouse passing away. If you like boon docking, Kayaking, and fishing in a quite area, this is the place for you. Bring your Kayak and go Island hoping!
Scout
I really love this place because it’s so peaceful. This is why I like places with forests and lakes. I work in cities, block blast always so noisy there…
Scout
Gravel parking lot with painted stripes, a patch of grass growing under the picnic table, and full hookups. Be sure to back in centered, others are complaining about hitting their slide outs. Watch your step. One of the long-term residents isn't picking up their dog waste. The nicest spot in the whole place is the little fenced-in dog spot overlooking the canal that makes its way out to the lake you can't see from here.
Ranger
This state park is one of the hardest to book a camping site for a last-minute camping trip. After we finally secure our spot, it’s easy to see why it’s so hard to secure at a moment's notice.
Please be sure to visit the Petite Jean Coffeehouse which is located before the entrance to the park.
Legend
This site was difficult to find. It is listed on the highway with a sign but on GPS it wasn't listed. The proper address is 4101 US-70, Kirby, AR 71950.
You book through recreation.gov but it is actually listed under Self Creek campgrounds. When booking just lok for sites listed on LOOP JW.
This is a good site for tents, campervans, and smaller rvs. There are sites for larger rvs but not many. It may be difficult to find a level spot if you're in a larger vehicle. There is only one site directly on the water. The remainder are on the wooded hill but still have a beautiful view of the lake.
The bathhouse has flush toilets and showers but is very old. They maintain it well and it is cleaned regularly. The toilets are perfectly fine but the showers are just old and a bit icky. I would suggest for showers going to the Daisy State Park. They have newer and nicer showers.
GuideThe GPS coordinates are wrong for this one but I couldn't locate the correct site. Tookus down a gravel road that wasn't bad until it turned to mud.
GuideWe had a great weekend at Petit Jean. The hiking was great and the campsite is beyond beautiful. There is also a nice coffee shop that is conveniently close to the campsites.
Legend
My first impressions of this site were terrible. The Bathrooms are extremely old and honestly seem like they're rotting down. The playground area is small but jot terrible. The area for rvs is pretty cramped with no privacy. Luckily while talking to some folks there they directed us on down the road. There are two more sections specifically for primitive camping that are really nice. There are a couple picnic tables and fire rings. There is also a nice pond. The cell signal isn't terrible but it's a bit hit and miss for internet.
Overall, I would suggest it but don't expect to use their showers or bathroom. Go a couple minutes down the road and use the state parks showerhouse. It's really nice.
Legend
WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.
The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.
LegendWhat a beautiful park, although it’s really spread out and you’ll need you an e-bike or bike to ride around. Lots of bouldering, hiking, overlooks, and tall pine trees! There’s something for everyone. I would recommend loop a for the best views and most spaced out spots. Very friendly hosts, clean bathrooms, visitors center is new and outstanding.
Traveler
We arrived late at night, and I'm glad we had our lightbar. It's dispersed camping, so no dumpster, no gray water dump. It does have a picnick table, though.
Legend
I tend to like COE campgrounds. However, this one was a different experience for me. It's laid out in a way that it seemed like there was no space between sites and no berms or green cover to give the feeling of some privacy. The site next to me parked their truck about 10 feet from my site on the dirt between us. Boats on trailers are parked in between sites on diagonal or however to make them fit.
Narrow, windy road into park is nicely paved. Nicely shaded, almost level gravel/asphalt site (not very wide with a tree on one side that would obstruct a rig with slide, awning side is tight too) with picnic bench, fire ring, lantern pole and BBQ.
Also, the lake is very low right now. I was told that the state is drawing down the lake for hydro power and because there hasn't been any rain in awhile it's starting to show. It was fun to walk the lake bed and look for rocks and minerals that are usually covered by water. Not much else to do if here if you don't have a boat. Otherwise, a nice place to sleep while visiting the area.
Guide
Nice little campground with nice, clean restrooms and showers. The creek is nice and you can hear the water flowing over the rocks at night, the proverbial babbling brook. Owner is very friendly and helpful. It’s a short drive to Hot Springs to see the attractions
Guide
Nice quiet campground with a nice lake, vault toilets, no electricity or water Wildlife in the area. We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep, mature pine trees giving a lot of shade
ScoutThe trail was okay, but showing signs that it wasn't being maintained properly anymore. From litter found all along the trail to parts of the trail not being maintained. Even some of the stones placed to make walkways are coming out of place.
But inside was worse...
The old white lady working the giftshop was absolutely horrible. While we were still shopping, this woman embarrassed us asking loudly çare yall planning to pay for that, while we were looking at the stuffed animals, and making us look like shoplifters. I absolutely recommend against spending a single dollar at that store, and I've previously spent decent amount of money there, but no more. I recommend avoiding the main building entirely, and that will me my recommendation until they fix this problem
Guide
The tent site was perfect! With fire pit, power, and water. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean.
Traveler
We stayed in tent site 22 for a weekend camping trip. You can’t tell by looking at the Recreation.gov reservation site but tent pad 22 is one of 4 in a grouping of tent sites. 21-24 are so close together. If you are with friends or a large family group then it would be ideal but if don’t want people right on top of you then pick another site. Thankfully, we had some cool neighbors but it was a very noisy and bright spot to camp. Also, your neighbors have to walk through your campsite to get to either of the two water spickets that serve all 4 campsites. There is no where to park your boat unless you rent an RV spot and there is no boat ramp in the camp ground. All of the spots were very shady and cool. We had a good time but we wanted to warn others so you know what you are getting into.
Traveler
Upon arrival the campground looked to be deserted and a ghost town. The place was run down, falling apart, boarded up windows, a mold infested pool, overgrown weeds, and duct tape on bbq pits located at the campsite. Not at all what they advertise this place to be.
Traveler
This park is well-maintained, with clean picnic areas and plenty of space for fishing, hiking, and just relaxing by the water. The views are stunning, especially at sunset. Slope Game
GuideVery beautiful place to stay!! Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off. Bugs were not bad at all. Would recommend this place to anyone.
TravelerThis is a fantastic spot with tons of amenities (including a great pool) & many activities. Also, guests and campers were extremely nice! Clean and a well planned resort! Stay if you have a chance.
Legend
We had an overnight here after visiting the hot springs national park. The euro delights food truck was a tasty treat. Loved that the pool was open until 10pm just wish the store was open past 5. Great sites. Full hook ups. Paved roads perfect for scootering.
Traveler
I keep coming back here to dig for diamonds. There are cheaper campgrounds in the area, but the State Park grounds are top notch. Very level camper pads, stable power and water and everything is well maintained. There are multiple bath “houses” — single shower room style privacy, not a large room with curtains. A playground in the sites for kids to play on also.
The only downsides that come to mind are the iffy WiFi (the reservation system is pretty accurate on which sites have “good” WiFi and which do not) that is decent for casual web browsing but not likely to be streaming possible. And then a mixed pro/com is that satellite connections (direct or Starlink) is going to be rough due to the wooded aspect of the sites — although the trees do help keep the camper cooler. 🤷🏻♂️
TravelerNice place to camp. Just no signal. Also a little expensive for me but others may not think so!
GuideFantastic smaller campground minutes from Mount Magazine. It seems to be overshadowed by much larger, better known places like Devils Den, so it's fairly quiet even when it's 'busy.' We also learned that it has new management as of this year (2024), a young family that's extremely hands-on.
We stayed as a group (three families with 7 kiddos total, ranging from 6-15), across two adjacent sites: 1 & 3. You could see the lake from our sites, but they don't sit right over the lake like some do. With so many kids in our group, we actually wanted that. Sites are extremely spacious and well spaced from each other, and would feel even more private later in the season when the trees are full. Bathrooms are simple pit toilets, but clean and well-maintained.
Boat rentals right onsite, concessions, even a small beach area! We will 100% be back. No cell service whatsoever with Verizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ouachita Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ouachita Lake is Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park with a 4.1-star rating from 72 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ouachita Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 158 dog-friendly camping locations near Ouachita Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
