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keith G.
Scout
ScoutHot Springs National Park KOA
Really nice cabin w/ lots of amenities. koa was flexible in letting us rent the cabin for our daughter and grandkids while we slept in the Rv out front.
Cabin Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, AR
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Cabins near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests range from basic to fully equipped accommodations at several state parks and private facilities. Mount Magazine State Park and Petit Jean State Park provide cabin rentals with modern amenities including electricity, indoor plumbing, and climate control systems. Petit Jean's cabins feature full kitchens, while some locations offer more rustic options with limited facilities. "My family and I loved petit jean. We got to stay in a beautiful cabin for 3 days. The staff was excellent. We went hiking saw water falls and went to the pool," notes one visitor. Lake Ouachita State Park and Lake Catherine State Park also maintain cabin facilities with varying levels of amenities.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Hot Springs National Park KOA and Little Rock North KOA offer furnished cabin rentals typical of KOA properties, with basic furniture and modest kitchen facilities. Sunset Farm Treehouses presents a unique alternative with two elevated cabin structures. Most properties require reservations, particularly during summer months when demand peaks. According to reviews, "We stayed at Mather Lodge for an extended weekend and loved it here. The rooms are clean and inviting." Many facilities permit pets in cabins for an additional fee, though Sunset Farm Treehouses prohibits pets entirely.
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Basic cabins typically feature minimally equipped kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves, while more deluxe options include full kitchens with stoves and cooking utensils. Several properties maintain on-site stores where basic provisions can be purchased, including firewood and essential groceries. Treasure Isle R.V. Park and Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp provide more limited cabin facilities with fewer amenities, requiring guests to bring most supplies. Visitors staying at more remote cabin locations should consider bringing all necessary food items as retail options may be limited.
Best Cabin Campgrounds near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests (25)
1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
"Our first time in Petit Jean State Park and hopefully not our last! The area is so beautiful and the park is clean. We stayed in one of the yurts."
"PROS No reservation transaction fee
Senior discount
Quiet
Moveable metal picnic table on a concrete pad, pedestal BBQ grill, fire ring with cooking grate, and one hook lantern pole
Site 14 partially"
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $40 / night
2. Russellville Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park
"The State Park systems in the US are some of our favorite places to find beautiful camping spots, but Lake Dardanelle State Park in Arkansas tops most of them all."
"The park is clean and decently maintained. Great welcome center with aquarium displays that are quite informative."
3. Lake Catherine State Park Campground
"I elected to try Lake Catherine State Park, located just 10 miles outside of Hot Springs."
"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 "
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
4. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
"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."
"This is an absolutely beautiful state park 30 minutes Northwest of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is massive with a Marina, multiple swimming beaches, RV and tent camping plus cabin rentals."
5. Little Rock North KOA
"Location good. Site: one tent camp site. Which was Off to self. Had covered picnic table (all of which was positive to us) Power and water. Bathrooms; great."
"Super friendly staff,lots of trees, little store with ice cream. Nice game room with a pool table. Laundry room and a little workout room behind the store. Small fenced in playground and a huge pool."
6. Mount Magazine State Park Campground
"All of the campsites have a large level tent pad, table, fire ring, and plenty of shade. The restrooms/showers are a 4.5 out of 5 for state park facilities. "
"Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
7. Hot Springs National Park KOA
"Stayed 2 nights in a basic one room cabin. Had a double bed and bunk bed. Heat /air and cable tv."
"It is about 20 min off the main highway. Things close up early here and once off main highway there really is nothing as you drive to the park."
8. Adam's Lake Boat Ramp and Camp
9. Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine
"We stayed in the tini cabin because it was 98* out, and we were sun burnt from digging crystals."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $13 / night
10. Sunset Farm Treehouses
Check Availabilityfrom $200 - $300 / night
Drive Time
- 46 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 23 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 27 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 52 min from Fayetteville, AR
Recent Cabin Photos near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
27 Photos of 25 Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park
Sunset Farm Treehouses
Indian Lakes Resort
Lake Ouachita State Park CampgroundW
Mockingbird Mountain Resort
Hot Springs National Park KOA
Cove Lake Complex
Greers Ferry Lake - COE/Cherokee Rec AreaN
Lake Catherine State Park Campground
Cabin Reviews near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
434 Reviews of 25 Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Campgrounds
Katie D.
GuideLittle Rock North KOA
Older, but still nice
Facilities look dated, but staff was great. Had an electrical problem on our pole after we were already set up and working. Allowed us to use neighboring site electricity, and started fixing ours. Lots of mature trees. Right off interstate so decent amount of road noise, but not a big deal.
Martha R.ScoutCrystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine
Great place does need some attention.
Been camping here for a few years now. Quiet at night. Clean bathroom and showers. Campground a little rocky and hilly. Some sites need some attention, minor water dripping or damage to facets mostly great place. Wonderful hosts. Gary and Michele. Good price.
- jjack T.
TravelerIndian Lakes Resort
Nice and quiet
We stopped to camp here on a Sunday night because it was convenient to where we were headed. It is off the beaten path so it was nice and quiet. There were only a few campers but although there is a beach that had families playing and swimming, it cleared out by 7PM. Our campsite was nice but the ground was hard and full of rocks, which made tent stakes useless, but our tent will function without them. The facilities were old and dated but they were clean and neat and the family who owns the campground were really nice and friendly. All in all, a good experience and a restful nights sleep for $30 a night.
katie D.ScoutHot Springs National Park KOA
Hot Springs
The camp ground is hilly, but all the site are flat and level, the basic site comes with a picnic table, electric, water, and a fire ring. The staff are very friendly and helpful, as we were a last minute check in. The bathroom facilities are very clean, air conditioned, and individual room that include a nice size shower. They have a very nice pool and offer shuttle service into Hot Springs!!
- Melinda E.Traveler
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Phenomenal Vacation!
We stayed a week at Petit Jean in one of their gorgeous cabins. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The check-in and check-out was easy. Finding the cabin was easy with the directions and map we were given. They were clearly marked, with parking for two vehicles, as they were setup like a duplex. The cabin was beautiful and clean, inside and out. There was a large, heavy, all wood porch swing on each side. Relaxing in it was a peaceful experience, listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the tall pines. Inside it was all beautifully stained wood and roomy enough for two people, much like a hotel room, except for the cathedral ceiling. In fact, the setup was better than most hotel rooms we have stayed in. There was a mini-fridge with a small freezer, microwave, coffee pot(with coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, etc,) a Keurig, blow-dryer, iron, ironing board, and broom. It had all the toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissue, cups. The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower. There were two full size beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of pillows and warm bedding, with a nightstand between. There were plugs to charge your phone and a landline. There was also a fireplace, however it was locked closed. The air unit in the room had cooling/heating that was easy to operate and sufficiently cool. We were near the highway, close to the lodge, but did not hear traffic while in the cabin. Parking at Mather Lodge is just like any other, with a short, easy walk to the entrance. Once inside, you pass the check-in desk, a small, well-stocked gift shop,(with something for every age,) an open meeting area and bar before reaching the restaurant. It is beautifully constructed from large logs stained and polished to a gleaming shine. From floor to ceiling, it is the epitome of rugged elegance. We ate breakfast and dinner exclusively at the lodge. The food was exemplary, every meal, cooked to perfection and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and we were never rushed or made to feel as if we overstayed our welcome. The service was fast, even when every table was occupied. The servers were friendly and attentive. We had only one server, one time that was"less than," maybe she was new, not sure, but we did not see her again. Tommy, Thomas, Jessie, Brad, Rebekah, and Lindsay were all so pleasant, always greeting us, even when they weren't our servers, remembering us and making us feel like family. The view of the gorge with it's tall trees and towering rock formations was incredible! There was a common area behind the lodge, just outside the restaurant with tables, chairs and benches for observing the gorge, taking photos, relaxing and socializing. You could walk right down to the edge of the huge flat rocks for photos with a stunning background. We spent every evening there, watching the exquisite sunsets. This place is a nature lovers paradise. There is a pool surrounded by loungers behind and to the side of the lodge. It was clean and well-kept with a small waterfall at one end. Thick thirsty towels are provided for your convenience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We never saw or heard a mower but the grass was cut to perfection and there wasn't a single piece of litter in the entire park. At check-in we were given a map, brochure and weekly schedule of events/tours at the park. The map was very necessary for navigating around this extensive park of which the lodge area was only a small part. The brochure described the hikes and other available activities(such as climbing and repelling) with descriptions of what could be observed, length and difficulty levels. Trust the brochure! If it says strenuous, it is. Plan accordingly. There were four ranger guided tours the week we were there. We took two of them. They were genuinely interesting and pleasurable. Baron, our ranger, was exceedingly knowledgeable about the geology, animal and plant life and history of the area. Exceptionally so, for someone who was seemingly so young. He was attentive to the needs of those attending the tours, stopping to rest if necessary and moving a bit slower for us older folks. He was so affable and easy to talk with, it seemed as if we were old friends. Willing to spend extra time after the tours, talking with us, was an indication of how much he enjoyed his job. We were very appreciative of someone of his character and enjoyed spending time with him. He is the perfect model of what one would think a park ranger is and should be! Any hike can be taken unguided and there are plenty of them. In fact, we had plans to go outside the park on other hikes, but never made it off the property for those. We actually did not have enough time to do all we wanted to do within the park. If you are looking for a phenomenal vacation, this is the trip you should take!
- SSherri B.Guide
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Arkansas's first state park
Well maintained state park especially for its age. All sites have a picnic table, ground grill, and tent pad. Roads and campsites are paved. Nicely spaced sites. Clean bathhouse.
tom B.ScoutCrystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine
Nicest people
We stayed in the tini cabin because it was 98* out, and we were sun burnt from digging crystals. It had an AC, shower, full bathroom, kitchen, TV, a charcoal grill with charcoal, and the camp host brought over fire wood with no charge.
Kimberly P.GuideLake Catherine State Park Campground
Cute and busy
We liked Lake Catherine State Park. My husband tried fishing, to no avail. I chose swimming and was also a little let down. The water by camp is extremely shallow. Even 50 ft from bank youre only in 2 ft of water.. so I opted for floating and it was perfect. My husband had my float tied around his waist while he waded around trying to fish. It was honestly magical. The bathrooms, which contain a couple of stalled showers, are some of the cleanest we've seen in all our travels. A lot of the sites are directly on the water and it looks like each group of sites has its own dock, so thats really cool. The waterfall had no falls bc it hasnt rained here in some time. There was a really nice shop that had ice, wood, souvenirs, a few groceries, and practical items like sunscreen and bug spray as well as rv stuff, like pipes and hoses. There is watercraft rental here but we didnt check that out. 2 nights cost us $52 for 30 amp, water hookup, right by the bathhouse and a site on the water. It was honestly worth it. Probably would have stayed longer if it had been a little cheaper though.
Guide to Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Cabins in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests region occupy elevations between 500 and 2,700 feet, experiencing temperature shifts that can vary by 10-15 degrees from nearby lowlands. Winter cabin stays often require extra insulation as mountain temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March. Most cabin rentals maintain moderate availability during weekdays but regularly reach full capacity on weekends and holidays.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Lake Catherine State Park offers multiple trails leading to impressive water features. "We absolutely love it here. Wonderful trails, fishing, cabins and camp sites and tons of photo opportunities. The waterfall was flowing a little on the low side. That's not unusual since it is the end of summer," notes a visitor to Lake Catherine State Park.
Explore visitor centers: The Lake Dardanelle facility provides educational displays about local wildlife. "Great welcome center with aquarium displays that are quite informative. The location is close to many of the region's other recreation areas, trails, and Russellville is close enough to ensure you are well stocked," according to a review of Lake Dardanelle State Park.
Rock climbing opportunities: Several locations offer technical climbing routes. A visitor to Mount Magazine State Park observed: "Magazine is one of the few parks that offers climbers great opportunities to work their skills. The park essentially sits on top of a bluff that is nearly surrounded on all sides by straight rock face. There is ample opportunity for anyone into repelling or climbing to indulge themselves."
What campers like
Seasonal timing: Spring and fall visits offer optimal temperature and fewer crowds. A camper at Petit Jean State Park remarks, "If in Arkansas, Petit Jean State Park is a must. With a ton of trails, lodge, restaurant, and waterfalls it is a nature lovers dream." Another visitor suggests, "Go Spring or Fall for the View."
Water access for recreation: Waterfront cabins provide immediate lake access. "We stayed at site 103 in Area D. The site had water and 30amp service. The restroom/shower house was clean and well maintained. The campsite itself was dated but clean," reports a visitor at Petit Jean State Park.
Privacy between sites: Many cabins feature natural spacing that creates separation. "Lake Catherine offers many different outdoor options close to Hot Springs. The camp sites are spaced for privacy and are level for both campers and tents. The facilities are updated and well maintained," notes a camper.
What you should know
Altitude considerations: Higher elevation cabins experience significant temperature variations. A visitor to Hot Springs National Park KOA shared: "The 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."
Reservation timing requirements: Most cabin facilities require substantial advance planning. "A Loop pros: it's new, it's laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer, and plenty of gravel and concrete to keep from dealing with too much dirt, mud, sand. A loop cons: 'Stays booked 93% of the year' -Park Office. It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop."
Emergency preparedness: Mountain cabins may become inaccessible during severe weather. "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening. I've included a picture to give you an idea of the type of fog I had to drive through."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly cabin selection: Not all cabins suit families with young children. A visitor to Lake Dardanelle advised: "This was a beautiful park with lots to do, especially for kids. The information center was large and the employees were very friendly. I would highly recommend for a family in an RV, but it was not appropriate for a retired couple in a little tiny camper."
Swimming opportunities: Several parks maintain designated swimming areas. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park shared: "We had a lovely time tent camping at Lake Ouachita. The campsites are on a small peninsula, so every site was right on the water. Being so close to the water kept the temperature comfortable, and having direct access to the lake was perfect for swimming. Ducks and geese also made appearances that thrilled the kids."
Educational ranger programs: Many facilities offer structured activities. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes. We will be back!" notes a visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some cabin areas also accommodate RVs with varying site layouts. A visitor to Little Rock North KOA mentions: "We stopped in for a quick overnight stay and the location was convenient- which is what we love about KOA- but it wouldn't be my top choice for a longer stay. The sites are definitely tight and amenities are very basic. We have a class A and flat tow so we needed a pull thru so we wouldn't have to unhook for the one night."
Leveling requirements: Many mountain sites require substantial adjustment. "I think it was cool how this KOA was basically carved out of the hillside and was protected by the National Forest canopy of trees. As all KOA's, it was very family friendly. There were lots of activities to keep the kiddos busy."
Utility hookup positioning: Be prepared for unconventional utility placements. "Very pretty Campground. Typical KOA amenities. Showers were clean. Laundry was a bit small especially in a world of social distancing but clean. You have to drive through the entire campground to get to the lower sites. Felt a little tight at times and we just have a 13 footer."
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests is Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 109 reviews.
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cabin camping near
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 cabin camping locations near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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