Tent camping options near Ozark, Arkansas extend throughout the Ozark National Forest at elevations ranging from 200 to 2,753 feet. The region receives approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall, creating numerous seasonal waterfalls and swimming holes. Camping surfaces vary from sandy riverbanks to rocky forest clearings, with most primitive sites offering natural terrain rather than developed tent pads.
What to do
Swimming at waterfalls: Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area offers a popular swimming hole beneath its small waterfall. A camper noted, "The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas."
OHV trail access: Buzzards Rock in Mount Magazine Wildlife Management Area serves as a staging point for off-highway vehicles. According to a visitor, "It is at the junction of designated OHV trails, and located next to a parking area for an unnamed overlook. This parking lot probably serves as a staging area for offroad rigs."
River floating: Riverfield Acreage on White River provides complimentary shuttle service for float trips. A camper shared, "Perfect float trip back to our camp ground (free of charge to have them drop us off at a put in location."
Mountain biking: The Springhill Campground area contains extensive trail networks. A review states, "There are great trails on site for mountain biking or hiking. I saw deer, a snake, and what looked like a coyote on the trail."
Stargazing: Many sites in the region have minimal light pollution. One camper at Riverfield Acreage reported, "Saw more stars than I have seen, ever. No WiFi or service so we got to completely relax and enjoy nature!"
What campers like
River access: Kings River Falls Campground provides private river frontage and swimming holes. Reviewers appreciate the spaciousness, with one noting: "We had campsite #5 and loved how much room we had! You are close enough to see your neighbor campers but we couldn't hear them at all."
Waterside camping: Many tent campers seek sites directly adjacent to water. At Natural Dam, a visitor commented, "Pulled in about 7 pm. Several cars there but no other campers. Quiet evening without disturbance. It was chilly in the morning, so the fog off the waterfall was eerily gorgeous."
Solitude: Remote locations provide peaceful camping experiences away from crowds. A Jack Creek Recreation Area visitor stated, "When the weather is nice, there's a swimming hole. I will be returning here someday. It's too beautiful to pass up while driving through the area!"
Vault toilets: Basic sanitation facilities at most developed sites are appreciated. At Kings River Falls Campground, a reviewer mentioned the campground has "direct river access" with the amenities needed for a comfortable primitive camping experience.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many top tent camping destinations near Ozark have challenging access roads. At Kyles Landing, a camper advised, "The road out can be a little slick as it is a very steep dirt road," while another noted it "should not be attempted with a real wheel drive or low profile vehicle."
Water availability: Bring your own drinking water to most sites. A Haw Creek Falls camper warned, "Something really important to note though is that there is NO WATER!! Bring your own water in to avoid making a half an hour trip to the nearest gas station!!"
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely by location. At Riverfield Acreage, a camper reported, "No WiFi or service so we got to completely relax and enjoy nature!" while at Natural Dam, another noted, "Starlink and Verizon very spotty here."
Weekend crowding: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly on weekends, especially during summer. A Kyles Landing reviewer advised, "Great spot to camp, fills up fast on fridays!"
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites: Choose areas with room for children to explore safely. A Jack Creek Recreation Area camper noted, "There is a day use area where camping is NOT permitted. But the actual camp is just fine. It's on a loop so it's hard to maneuver into a spot."
Swimming access: Locations with gentle water entry points work best for children. At Haw Creek Falls, a visitor observed it's a "Fun campground, not exactly remote but private enough. $10/night, which is more than fair considering the size of most of the sites. Swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking!"
Safer locations: Steel Creek Campground provides visibility and ranger presence. A camper noted, "Great tent camping. The sand may be a pain, but the sandy sites drain away rain water faster than the grassy sites that had standing water for a couple days after a big storm."
Flood awareness: Monitor weather forecasts, especially during spring. A camper at Haw Creek Falls advised, "Great location unless there is a deluge, and you might get flooded out or stranded until the water goes down."
Tips from RVers
Level parking: Check site descriptions for level spaces. At Springhill Campground, an RVer warned, "One major downside of this park is that only about half the sites (in Loop B) were not flat enough for us to get level without having the wheels off the ground."
Length restrictions: Many forest campgrounds have size limitations. A reviewer at Steel Creek noted that while many sites accommodate tents, the area has "easy access for swimming and wading" but is not suited for larger RVs.
Seasonal considerations: Spring access can be problematic after rain. A Haw Creek Falls visitor cautioned, "Beware of flooding during the rainy seasons. When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground."
