Hot 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.
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Petit Jean State Park houses upscale glamping accommodations surrounded by Arkansas's natural splendor. Yurts available for $55 per night blend outdoor adventure with comfort, while Mount Nebo State Park offers similar yurt experiences with stunning views. Both locations provide access to scenic trails and waterfront activities, with Petit Jean's glamping options featuring climate control, comfortable bedding, and wooden floors elevated above the elements. One guest shared, "This is very similar to a vacation resort. There are tennis courts, a swimming pool, picnic areas, and basically everything you've ever dreamed of finding in a campground."
Cedar Falls Trail and multiple scenic hiking paths surround these glamping destinations, with Lake Catherine State Park adding safari-style canvas accommodations to the region's options. Each glamping site maintains proximity to natural attractions including waterfalls, lookout points, and pristine lakes. Mount Magazine State Park provides additional glamping opportunities with higher elevation views across the Arkansas River Valley. A recent visitor noted, "If you're up for rustic backwoods camping then you might want to keep looking, but the diverse amenities offer a great experience to families looking for a fun trip." Reservations are essential as these popular glamping sites fill quickly, especially for waterfront locations and during spring and fall seasons when weather is most favorable.
"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"
"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."
from $25 - $40 / night
"The “Rim Trail” is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views."
"It was such a nice campsite and the staff was super helpful. The views were amazing. The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious."
"PROS Senior discount
Reserved on-line 365 days prior to arriving
Site #68 allowed parking RV 12 feet from water edge which was fabulous
Totally level site
Asphalt campsite pad
Pea gravel and"
"Lake Catherine is a popular spot that’s on a first come first serve basis so arrive early. Most campsite have fire pits and grills. Nice space in between campsites."
from $15 - $25 / night
"There is a loop on a peninsula that are reserved for walking in your gear to a tent site. These sites have GREAT views of the lake."
"Camping in the state park of lake ouachita in a tent. never. been. better. was on site T04 for tents and basically sites t01-t11(maybe 12) are on a small peninsula with the lake on both sides. you can"
"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."
"Extremely nice staff. Super clean facilities. We arrived late, found our spot and went to bed. Didn’t get to enjoy the area."
"Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain. It has 18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer. "
"Has fire pit with grill, separate bbq, siting area and great hook ups. Bear proof refuge container on site as well. Half off if disabled! Site 3 wasn't completely level, but quick fix."
from $35 / night
"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."
"Would like to revisit without our dogs to check out the theme park nearby next time!"
"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."
"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."
from $13 / night
"This Campground is quiet, secluded jewel in Clinton, Arkansas. Tall trees everywhere you look. Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers."
"Bathrooms and showers nice enough."
Available this weekend
from $18 - $50 / night
"There are some trails nearby, but the area and trails are really designed for ATVs."
"cafe onsite during the weekend with good breakfast and AWESOME burgers. i know many folks love to cookout when rving, but the burgers are worth a stop. "
from $20 / night
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.
Not a bad little RV park, bathrooms were close and there were plenty of spots available. We got a back in spot at the front of the campground, but there were quite a few pull through as well. The entrance area parking lot was huge. So there was plenty of room to disconnect our TOAD before backing in.
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.
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.
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!!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Mount Magazine State Park offers luxury camping at Arkansas's highest point, standing at 2,753 feet above sea level. The mountaintop location provides temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, creating comfortable conditions during hot summer months. Sites at Mount Magazine are spread out for privacy despite the limited number available.
Explore waterfall hikes: Lake Catherine State Park features several hiking trails leading to scenic waterfalls. "The waterfall was flowing a little on the low side. That's not unusual since it is the end of summer. Everyone is very friendly and helpful," shares one visitor who enjoyed the photographic opportunities along the trails at Lake Catherine State Park.
Mine for crystals: Located near crystal mines, campers at Crystal Ridge RV Park can hunt for quartz crystals. "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," reports a camper who even found crystals around their Crystal Ridge RV Park campsite.
Summit Arkansas's highest peak: The hike to the highest point in Arkansas from Mount Magazine State Park is rated family-friendly. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice," notes a visitor to the mountaintop Mount Magazine State Park.
Spacious lakefront sites: Lake Ouachita State Park provides camping right on the water's edge. "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," explains a tent camper at Lake Ouachita State Park.
Seasonal views: Spring and fall offer the best vantage points from Petit Jean State Park. "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," recommends a reviewer who rated the park highly when visiting in fall. The park's elevation provides cooler temperatures than surrounding areas.
Mountain vistas: Mount Nebo State Park campsites along the rim offer panoramic valley views. "Great campsites right on the edge of the mountain. Wonderful showers at the bathhouse. Sites are fairly close together it's wonderful with the views of the city," describes a visitor to Mount Nebo State Park.
Access restrictions: Mount Nebo has steep, winding roads with strict vehicle limitations. "Turning off I-40 at Exit 88, Mount Nebo is viewed less than 10 miles southwest…a stand-alone mountain. At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%," warns a camper about the challenging access road.
Wildlife precautions: Bears are present at several parks requiring proper food storage. "There is a pack of dogs that came through at night. So be sure to put up your trash and food at night. Especially since bears could be around," advises a visitor to the area.
Seasonal temperature variations: Mount Magazine experiences extreme temperature shifts. "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens. So unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket," suggests a camper at Mount Magazine State Park.
Book accessible sites early: Petit Jean State Park has varying campsite layouts across four loops. "RESERVE EARLY to get a spot in Loop A or Loop B. We stayed in Loop C and I felt a little too secluded. The sites in C & D appeared to be a little smaller. I noticed several sites in B & C were uneven from roots pushing the asphalt up. Beware! Loop A is full hookup while B-D have electricity & water only," advises a family camper at Petit Jean State Park.
Pack for multiple weather conditions: Morning fog and evening temperature drops require appropriate clothing. "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."
Look for recreation options: Lake Catherine offers family-friendly water activities. "We absolutely love it here. Wonderful trails, fishing, cabins and camp sites and tons of photo opportunities," shares a family who visited with children.
Check site leveling requirements: Many mountaintop sites require significant leveling equipment. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," warns an RVer at Petit Jean State Park.
Plan for limited services: Some glamping locations near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have limited supplies. "Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive," notes a visitor to Macks Pines campground.
Consider loop layout: Campground design affects ease of access for larger rigs. "B loop cons: some sites are angled differently and there is no clear indication how you have to enter the loop to be able to access your site. It can create some frustration when trying to get set up."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping 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.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 glamping camping locations near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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