The best camping near
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, ARKANSAS

Toad Suck is temporarily closed. June 2019 flood deviated it and looks to remain closed thru 2020.

Drove through a rough part of town n roads, to get to park, a bit confusing to get there w GPS, arrived w no reservation definitely need one or arrive very very early in day. 

Was full, not able to enter, turned around to find alternate park for night.

I grew up in Arkansas but had never been here until this past winter. It's an absolutely beautiful place.

I can't wait to return here for summer activities. Awesome lodge with great food, the best view I have seen in ages. The park staff was also great and very helpful. One day we were there the visibility was nil, turns out we were in low clouds, not fog. Pretty cool.

$12 a night, full hookup potential AND you are walking distance to the mine!!! For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don’t think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems. Ok bathrooms and laundry… serves the purpose you’d expect from a $12 a night place. The REAL draw here is the mine and we had a blast! I do recommend. We took the spot up top the hill [upper left corner] and found crystals in our campsite around the fire pit :)))

Large sites, Not piled in on each other like RV parks. it’s a clean campground outside the city, can’t beat it for the price. Waterfront. Covered picnic benches. 50amp + water.

Petit Jean is the oldest state park in Arkansas and it has it all. Our family makes a trip to Petit Jean at least twice a year. So many trails, recreational areas and breathtaking views to enjoy. It is one of the best FAMILY state parks we’ve been too.

The sites in A and B loop are often booked a year in advance so plan your trips strategically. C and D loop are accommodating but will be a tighter fit for most rigs >30’.

The visitor’s center is being completely redone to enhance the experience. If you haven’t been, make the trip.

Quick info on alcohol. Petit Jean is in a dry county (yes that exists). If you aren’t bringing your own alcohol, make sure and stop at Petit Jean Liquor right off I-40.

It’s hard to believe this little campground is on the farside of the touristy Hot Springs. A nice little stream runs along the backside of the campground and it’s actually quiet. You can hike up and over the hill to see the springs. Not a lot of space to put a bunch of toys but a well maintained area.

If you want an overnight place to park your rig this is convenient place in town. Otherwise….. Clean , well maintained, convenient.

We visited for Easter and even with the chill it was a good trip. We were on the hill top, the view was limited but the night sky awesome. It was busy with many families but we had more then enough space to set up and plenty of privacy. The facilities were older but in good shape and well maintained. Plenty of activities to do around the park and on the water. Excellent family get away. Hot Springs is within easy driving distance.

Perfect lakeside camping. Peaceful and relaxing. Geese, ducks, birds and squirrels are your visitors.  Very quiet on the banks and convenient to the restroom and bathhouse. Loved the sunset and sunrise on the lake. Hiking to the waterfall was crowded and places difficult to maneuver.  Worth the hike though. 

Camping for all ages and area is clean. Enjoyed this park and will stay here again.