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Best Campgrounds near Mount Ida, AR

968 Reviews

Camping in the Mount Ida, Arkansas area encompasses a range of experiences from primitive sites to full-service campgrounds along Lake Ouachita. Crystal Campground offers free primitive camping with tent and small RV sites along Montgomery Creek, while Denby Point provides electric and water hookups with lake access. Established campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dominate the region, particularly along Lake Ouachita's shoreline where tent camping, RV sites, and even cabin accommodations can be found. Most developed campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with some offering electric hookups and water access.

Several mixed-use campgrounds provide year-round access, though amenities and site availability vary by season. Many Corps of Engineers sites require payment through self-service kiosks, with rangers patrolling regularly to enforce regulations. Crystal Campground's dirt access road remains well-maintained but could become problematic during heavy rain. Cellular service varies significantly throughout the region, with multiple reviews noting weak or non-existent coverage at more remote locations. According to one visitor, "Crystal campground is in the Ouachita forest... located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. Three miles down the road is Collier Spring where one can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water one wants."

The campgrounds surrounding Mount Ida receive consistently high ratings for their proximity to crystal mining opportunities, waterfront access, and peaceful settings. Lake Ouachita camping areas provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, with multiple camping areas featuring beach access. Primitive camping areas like Crystal Campground appeal to those seeking more solitude and natural settings. A recent review described Twin Creek as "a beautiful location on Lake Ouachita" that's "quiet but very convenient to the highway and about half an hour from Hot Springs." The region's camping areas balance accessibility with natural experiences, making Mount Ida a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both water recreation and crystal hunting opportunities within the Ouachita National Forest.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mount Ida, Arkansas (214)

    1. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    45 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 991-3390

    $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."

    2. Denby Point

    18 Reviews
    Mount Ida, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4475

    $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."

    3. Crystal Campground

    10 Reviews
    Norman, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "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."

    4. Tompkins Bend

    10 Reviews
    Story, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4476

    $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."

    5. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    12 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    6. Charlton Campground

    13 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-2101

    $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."

    7. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 287-2757

    "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."

    8. COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground

    9 Reviews
    Story, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4472

    $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."

    9. Washita Primitive Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Story, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2101

    "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."

    10. Tompkins Bend - Lake Ouachita

    5 Reviews
    Story, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2101

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mount Ida, AR

267 Photos of 214 Mount Ida Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mount Ida, AR

968 Reviews of 214 Mount Ida Campgrounds

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Jack Creek Recreation Area

    Great, quiet place

    I 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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    FR94 Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful site in the Quachitas

    Coordinates: 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.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Must visit !

    Beautiful campground! Sites are spacious. Area is clean and lots of things to do. Near Hot Springs so we did a lot of exploring there.

  • Kenneth F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Hot Springs Arkansas Finish Line RV Park

    Nice little park

    This 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!

  • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    Very quiet and secluded CG

    We 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.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    Diamond Mining Fun

    What 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.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Nice ACOE campground

    Nice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.

  • Makayla C.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Buckville - Lake Ouachita

    Island Camping!!!

    We 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!

Guide to Mount Ida

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.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds offer trails for hiking. At Petit Jean State Park, one visitor said, “Beautiful campground. Site was not level front to back but plenty of space.”
  • Fishing and Water Sports: If you love fishing, Lake Catherine State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Gulpha Gorge Campground have enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. One reviewer noted, “Very quiet despite being totally full with RVs.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, “The bathhouses were super clean with showers.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. One camper at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground said, “There are multiple bath ‘houses’ — single shower room style privacy, not a large room with curtains.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at DeGray Lake Resort State Park said, “The camp hosts and park rangers were nice, friendly and helpful.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Gulpha Gorge Campground, one camper noted, “Clean restrooms, no showers.”
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground pointed out, “The only downside was the trees around our particular site made it difficult but not impossible to back into.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers unique camping. One camper mentioned, “The campground has private residences dispersed throughout.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Lake Catherine State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “The park offers a lot of shade and was very well kept.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Daisy State Park Campground noted, “The lake and park were clean.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Petit Jean State Park suggested, “Enjoyed walking on the dock and view of the water.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “The sites that back up to the creek are better.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground said, “The only downsides that come to mind are the iffy WiFi.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned the nearby highway noise.

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.

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