Best Tent Camping near Ouachita Lake

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Ouachita Lake (41)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ouachita Lake

1015 Reviews of 41 Ouachita Lake Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Fourche Mountain Campground

    Free Overnight Stay in the Ouachita National Forest

    Stayed here on June 11, 2024. Small 5-site primitive campground. No water. No electric. Clean vault toilets with tp, and a trash barrel. Clean campground & campsites. Sites are small with reasonable separation, but no privacy. Sites have clean picnic tables, fire ring/grill. Some have lantern plies. Gravel drive. Sites nearly level. No tent pads, but tents can be set up. Sites may be able to accommodate a truck camper & smaller. Lots of highway noise from nearby Hwy 27, but not too bad overnight. There was logging activity elsewhere in the national forest, so log haulers were driving by during the day. Campground is located at eastbound turnoff onto Forest Road 83W - a well maintained gravel road. Pine & oak trees in the campground. Probably a beautiful view of distant mountains during the winter. This campground is good for an overnight stay when exploring the national forest or passing by on Highway 27. There is no recreation in this recreation area; no water access, no hiking trails. Good T-Mobile cell service. Despite some of the road noise from nearby Highway 27, I really liked this campground.

  • T
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Small free for all tent sites

    Small open Campground with no specific sites (Tent Only Area). There is a small lot nearby to park then you must walk everything in. This can be anything from right next to your car to a few hundred feet away depending on where you want to set up. Picnic tables, fire rings and campground grills located throughout but again nothing is marketed as far as site numbers. The area allows for up to six camp permits per night. Could be good for smaller groups. It’s up away from the lake unlike the rest of the campgrounds in the park. There are restrooms nearby with flushing toilets and sinks. Also a playground is located close to the campsite. Overall it was clean but felt cramped among other campers and parking away from the tent made for multiple trips back and forth.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    Spring Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful Family Campground

    Camped here mid-week on May 28, 2024, just after Memorial Day weedend. The Spring Lake Receation Area is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The recreation area is gated between 10pm and 6am. It has a day use area, and a campground which is a long walk or short drive away from the day use area. The day use area has picnic tables, grills, beach and a central restroom/shower facility. Day use fee is $4. The small campgound is situated in the woods along Spring Lake across from the day use area. Camping fee is $15 ($7.50 for federal pass holders). Sounds from folks enjoying the day use area can be heard in the campground during the day, but it's very quiet during the night when the day use is closed. The campground has 13 sites. All of the sites can accomodate tent camping. Each site is unpaved and has a level tent pad, table, metal fire ring and lantern pole. Most of the sites are small with little privacy between sites. The sites are in the woods and have a view of the lake, with some actually on the lake shore. Our site, #8, has a short walking path to the shoreline - good for bank fishing. The campground has two single unit vault toilets which were reasonably clean. For showers and flush toilets, campers will have to use the central restroom/shower facilites in the day use area. The campgound has two water spigots, and trash reeceptacles. There is also a playground with swings and a group pavilion in the campground. There are no hookups at the campsites. I don't recommend this campground for RV camping; Cove Lake Recreation Area is a better choice. Because of the campsite sizes, levelness and ability to access, I believe sites 1, 5, 7 and 8 can accomodate van, RTT or SUV camping, and possibly small towables such as a pop-up or tear drop campers. In my opinion, all of the other sites are too small with tight access and not level enough for anything other than tent camping. Our site, #8, had a level pad which accomodated our camper van, plus a smaller seperate tent pad. The camp host was very friendly and provided good information. There is an iron ranger with payment envelopes at the campground entrance; cash and checks are accepted. There was no AT&T and T-Mobile reception, although cell reception may be possible at other locations around the lake. I came across three possible disperse camping spots around the lake (see separate listings). Overall, this is a beautiful campground. It was quiet and peaceful during the night. I would stay here again, especially in the Fall.

  • Richard
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    One of the best in Arkansas

    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. There’s a nice hiking trail to explore. Also, the bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen at a state park. All the tent sites have a gravel pad, grill, picnic table and fire ring. There are also walk in tent sites on the peninsula which are nice and quiet. If you get one at the end I’d say it’s probably 200 meters to the parking lot and bathrooms. I peeked into one of the cabins and they look really nice. They also have camper cabins that have heat/air but no bathroom. In all there are 93 RV/tent sites, 8 cabins and 4 camper cabins. The park is also near Hot Springs so there is lots to do.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2020

    Big Fir Primitive Camping

    Free and beautiful

    Pit toilets, no water. Only about 6 sites. Fire rings, picnic tables, lantern poles, and standing BBQS. Not many flat sights for tents, but doable. Road in is part gravel and some paved. Only 4 stars because people leave trash on the ground even though there are bins. Trees are plentiful and shady. Many paths down to the river/lake. Boat motor noise, but not too bad.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2019

    Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop

    Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop + Fish!

    The Long Creek Primitive Campsite is located in the Ouachita National Forest along the Little Missouri Trail on the eastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop. The only way to access this site is by entering at a trailhead and hiking in to the site. The nearest trailhead is at Albert Pike Recreation Area. This is a primitive dispersed campsite, but the ground has been cleared. The site is located alongside a creek.

    On your hike into this site you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak. You'll also see a variety of plants and forest creatures. The campsite is along Long Creek so you will have access to water. Perhaps 100 feet up river from our campsite I found a nice fishing hole and caught and released 7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour. 

    There is adequate clear space to set up a tent or numerous trees to string up a hammock. There are no facilities nearby. You can collect and filter water from the river and dig a hole to poop in the woods. Please practice Leave No Trace in this area. 

    Trekking poles are recommended to aid in tackling the various inclines and declines of the trail.

    If you need any supplies before entering the Ouachita National Forest stop off in the town of De Queen where there are various grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations. 

    During the spring and summer the insects can be intense. I advise treating clothing and gear with permethrin to prevent ticks and pacaridin for other insects.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Fabulous Water-Edge Campsite

    PROS 

    Senior discount 

    Reserved on-line 365 days prior to arriving 

    Site #68 allowed parking RV 12 feet from water edge which was fabulous 

    Totally level site 

    Asphalt campsite pad 

    Pea gravel and grass around asphalt 

    Good night sky viewing 

    Squirrels ate from our hand 

    Saw ranger patrolling campground frequently 

    Waste containers every other campsite 

    Metal picnic table on concrete slab 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    Clean restroom/shower and adequate TP and hand soap. Women had 2 showers, 2 sinks, 3 toilets 

    Weekend campground nearly filled to capacity 

    4 bars Verizon LTE 

    Hike to waterfall a bit tricky, but worth the effort 

    Hot Springs National Park 15 miles from campground; nice to watch the crowds from Superior Bathouse Brewery 

    Free water from the springs next to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center- must have your own containers to fill 

    Enjoyed Red Oak Fillin’ Station so much we dined there twice 

    Diamond Head 19th Hole Restaurant, open to the public and very close to park entrance 

    CONS 

    Damn Canadian geese crap everywhere 

    Fire pit was filled with oversized logs and once removed there was unburned charcoal and lots of ash 

    Unable to move picnic table 

    Site#68 no shade what so ever 

    No privacy from other sites 

    Lots of speed boat and jet ski noise, even after sunset 

    Morning train noise 

    Power plant lights and humming noise 

    No security gate closure overnight 

    No WIFI

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2021

    COE Lake Greeson Star of the West

    Camping

    DATES: MAR 1 TO OCT 31 

    FEE:$8.00 PER NIGHT 

    LIMITS: 14 DAYS 

    ALERT: WATER SUBJECT TO SUDDEN RISE 

    Potable water, pit toilets, trash, picnic table, lantern pole, pedestal grill, fire ring, Campground is right off the highway and the sites right next to the road will be noisy. Drive further in and you will find nice flat sites and they are quieter. Good for tent or small trailer as sites are small. Beautiful shade with mature trees. 

    LNT 

    AIS 

    BTYFI 

    Travel safe

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2021

    Daisy State Park Campground

    Great Lake Activites

    When visiting Arkansas you quickly can get a sense of just what makes the Natural State so spectacular.    But with over 50 state parks each one is very distinct.   Daisy State Park is one which has a large focus on the lake activities.     

    But while the lake might be a large part the camping offered here in the wooded forest areas along with the hiking and biking trails can really set it apart from other camping areas nearby.

    I opted to check out the various camping looking and noticed a few common occrances.   Each is equipped with a picnic table, lantern hook, grill and fire ring.   However there is a vast difference for those who choose to stay in the improved camping loops and the primitive loops.   Improved camping is elevated and includes both electricity and water at the site.  

     Many of these sites still have water access although some of them are a bit more steep.  The primitive sites all are equipped with tent pads which are very large 12x12 elevated gravel pads but they share water spigots with other sites.   These sites are all walk-in and have nice parking only a short distance from the sites.  IN addition they do have Yurts available in one camping area.   These were available for 2 day rentals only at the time of my visit.

    The restrooms at camp are in very good shape and include flush toilets, a full sink and vanity area and well taken care of showers.   Additionally there are water stations at the restrooms which have drinking fountains and bottle fill areas.

    The campground has rental equipment for those looking to enjoy the lake ranging in price from a single hour to a full day of usage, but they also have boat ramps near the campsites with some trailer parking, this could get a bit crowded during summer however.


Guide to Ouachita Lake

Tent camping near Ouachita Lake in Arkansas offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out Hickory Nut Mountain

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Hickory Nut Mountain, where you can find plenty of spots and a bathroom, all while being close to Hot Springs National Park.
  • This campground allows pets and features picnic tables and fire pits, making it ideal for a cozy camping experience.
  • With no permit required and free camping, it's a great choice for those looking to explore the Ouachita National Forest.

Activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • At Fourche Mountain Campground, you can enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding nature, with clean vault toilets and picnic tables available for your convenience.
  • The nearby Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest offers easy access to the Ouachita Trail, perfect for hiking and enjoying the serene forest surroundings.
  • For those interested in water activities, South Fourche provides a canoe/kayak ramp for easy access to the South Fourche la Fave River.

Tips for tent camping near Ouachita Lake

  • When camping at Irons Fork Primitive Camping, be prepared for a more rustic experience with pit toilets and no trash services, so pack out what you bring in.
  • If you're looking for a quieter spot, consider Rabbit Tail Primitive Camping, which offers a secluded environment perfect for tent camping away from the crowds.
  • Always check for local regulations regarding fires and pets, especially at sites like COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground, where certain amenities may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ouachita Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ouachita Lake is Hickory Nut Mountain with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ouachita Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Ouachita Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.