Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing in nature, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails in the area. Campers love the trails at Mount Nebo State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque!"
• Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. At Piney Bay, one visitor mentioned, "Many of the campers were fishing Dardenelle lake," highlighting the fishing opportunities.
• Swimming: Enjoy the water at Woolly Hollow State Park. A camper shared, "The swimming area was crazy busy the weekend we were there," indicating it's a popular spot for a dip.

What campers like:

• Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One happy visitor at Petit Jean State Park exclaimed, "I found everything to be absolutely amazing! Beautiful, stunning, and can’t wait to visit again!"
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A reviewer at Maumelle Park noted, "The campsites are pretty spacious for tents with their own fire rings too."
• Friendly staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. At Lake Dardanelle State Park, one visitor said, "The host was very friendly however," making for a welcoming experience.

What you should know:

• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A camper at Long Pool Recreation Area mentioned, "There was only one bathhouse with a shower. It wasn’t the greatest and was pretty dirty area."
• Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. A reviewer at Little Rock North KOA pointed out, "You get a lot of road noise."
• Cell service: Expect limited or no cell service in some areas. One camper at Mount Nebo State Park Campground noted, "We had no service, but the lodge was so nice to be able to do homeschool and work."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Maumelle Park found, "Well spaced out. Not right beside your neighbor."
• Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. One visitor at Woolly Hollow State Park mentioned, "There are lots of trails, bike paths, water activities and BEAUTIFUL scenery."
• Check for kid-friendly amenities: Look for parks with playgrounds or swimming areas. A camper at Lake Dardanelle State Park said, "The information center was large and the employees were very friendly."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Piney Bay warned, "The spots also say they’re ‘big/long enough’ for a 42’ rig but in reality it’s super tight."
• Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. One camper at Petit Jean State Park appreciated the "full hook ups" available at their site.
• Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds can be cramped. A reviewer at Little Rock North KOA mentioned, "Sites are easy access but tight, not much room between rigs if both rigs have slides."

Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!