Mount Ida, AR is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Mount Ida. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Mount Ida, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$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."
$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."
"Located in Ouachita National Forest, this campground is easy to get to. Ideal for tent, vans, even tear drop campers. No hook ups. Some sites had really good solar potential, most were well shaded."
"It is located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. 3 miles down the road is collier spring where 1 can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water 1 wants."
$14 - $50 / night
"We arrived on Friday evening and found our site was even closer to the lake than expected. We were nearly surrounded by water and it made for a pretty view--especially at sunrise."
"The campground is nicely situated near the end of the LOViT cross country MTB/hiking trail. There are sites ranging from primitive to water and electric."
"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!"
$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."
"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."
$16 - $24 / night
"Hike in electric spot that overlooked the lake. Easy to walk down and swim in the water!"
"We enjoyed our 2 nights here on the lake. The campground is literally on a mountain in the lake. Tent sites right on the lake and so are some RV spots. Warning."
"This is our second favorite State Park in Arkansas. We had a spot overlooking the lake, which was beautiful. It's a super quiet and peaceful lake. Lots of kayaks and canoes."
"I arrived at my campground - site 68 in Loop D to realize I booked a site right next to the road."
$50 / night
"After a day of quartz mining at Jim Coleman we drove 30 minutes south to this campground on Lake Ouachita. This was our first time to this lake and it was beautiful and quiet."
"I tell everyone that Lake Ouachita is one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the US. Our sites were on the water except for 77."
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
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.
GuideWe found Pioneer Campgrounds three years ago and have come back every chance we get. It’s more than just a campground—it’s a true escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.
This place has something special every time we visit. There’s a peaceful creek, a two-mile trail for walking or biking, volleyball and basketball courts, ping pong, and a fire pit for those perfect evening hangouts. The kids have room to run and explore, and our dogs are always welcome.
The cabins are spacious, super clean, and have great A/C—perfect for relaxing after a day outside. There are spots for tent camping too if that’s your style. Each visit brings something new: upgrades, little surprises, and thoughtful touches that make it feel even more like home.
They also offer extras like a washer and dryer, coffee, cold drinks, and shirts—all for a small charge. Plus, the WiFi is great thanks to Starlink, which is a bonus when you need to stay a little connected.
Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, this place is beautiful year-round. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for our family!
Big thank-you to Matt—the owner—he’s kind, down-to-earth, and truly an awesome dude. We’re so glad we found this gem. Thanks from The Mays Family. 💚
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.
TravelerThe campground was a little hard to find, about 22 miles from I-30 but we found it. Check-in was easy, directions to our site clear. Plenty of room to back into the site. Gravel site, nice and level. We only stayed 1 night. The campground was nice and clean and quiet. Good place to rest up before continuing on with our journey.
LegendCoordinates: 34.75797,-93.24530. Large, open dispersed site along Gladstone Forest Rd (FR11) in the Ouachita National Forest. Should accomodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Easy access from the forest road onto a mostly level dirt surface. There is no privacy from the forest road. Tent camping is possible. Situated on an old, unused track that goes off into a dense forest behind the site. I believe this site can be used by a group of hunters. Very little shade; solar recharging and Starlink connectivity possible. There is a rock fire ring on the site. No T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing remarkable about this site. Should be good for an overnight stay while exploring the Forest Road 11 area of the Ouachitas.
Camping near Mount Ida, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, there’s something for everyone.
Camping around Mount Ida, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can you enjoy while camping near Mount Ida?
The Mount Ida region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. At Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground, you can dig for real diamonds in the world's only public diamond mine. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite offers access to a short 1/4-mile hike to a beautiful cascade. The area is famous for crystal mining, with numerous fee-dig sites nearby. Lake Ouachita provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail offers miles of hiking and mountain biking. Wildlife viewing is exceptional throughout the region. Hot Springs National Park is within driving distance, where you can enjoy historic bathhouses and thermal springs for a relaxing soak after a day of adventures.
What campgrounds are available near Mount Ida, Arkansas?
Mount Ida offers diverse camping options in the Ouachita National Forest area. Tompkins Bend provides scenic lakefront sites with boat-in access and full amenities. For a more rustic experience, Hickory Nut Mountain offers free camping with basic facilities and spectacular views. Other nearby options include Denby Point on Lake Ouachita and the Joplin Campground. For those seeking less developed sites, several dispersed camping areas exist along Forest Road 132, allowing for a more immersive forest experience. The area's campgrounds range from developed sites with reservations to primitive free camping, accommodating both RVs and tent campers.
What amenities do Mount Ida camping areas offer?
Camping areas near Mount Ida offer varying levels of amenities. Caddo Drive - De Gray Lake features clean bathhouses with hot showers, separate tent and RV camping areas, and beautiful lake views with swimming areas. Lake Catherine State Park Campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, and campground grills in its tent-only area. For those seeking luxury camping, upscale RV parks in the region offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and lake access. Dispersed camping options in the Ouachita National Forest typically have primitive amenities with just fire rings. Most developed campgrounds provide potable water and toilet facilities, while dispersed sites require campers to be self-sufficient.
Keep Exploring
