Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,900 feet in the Boston Mountains region of the Ozarks, the area around Ozone, Arkansas offers camping experiences ranging from rustic tent sites to upscale glamping facilities. The region's topography features numerous hiking trails crossing rugged terrain with significant elevation changes. Winter temperatures can drop into the teens at higher elevations, making seasonal planning essential for comfort.
What to do
Off-road adventures: Access trails directly from Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events where the terrain provides challenges for all skill levels. "This area is great for getaways, off-roading, or overlanding with lots of trails to explore," notes one visitor. Trails connect to additional routes in the Ozark National Forest.
Rock climbing: Visit Horseshoe Canyon Ranch for sandstone climbing opportunities. "Horseshoe canyon is one of the biggest climbing and bouldering locations in the southeast area," explains Luke O. The ranch offers routes for both beginners and experienced climbers with "well maintained and the sandstone rock is grippy and clean."
Hiking: The trails at White Rock Mountain Recreation Area include the Rim Trail with views across the valley. "The views are exquisite... The hiking trails are for everyone," shares Shelia H. The final hour of the drive is slow, covering just 20 miles, but the destination rewards with panoramic vistas.
What campers like
Mountain views: The elevated camping at Mount Nebo provides unobstructed vistas. "Sites on the bluff looked beautiful" according to Jackie F., who recommends "calling ahead and seeing if you can get the site on the Bluff." The mountaintop location creates natural air conditioning with constant breezes.
Waterside camping: Cove Lake Complex offers sites with lake views and water activities. "Nice quiet campground with a nice lake... We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep," reports Greg D. The campground provides boat rentals and fishing opportunities directly on-site.
Secluded spaces: Many campgrounds provide spacing for privacy between sites. At Lake Fort Smith, "Sites have gravel which limits how much dirt/mud you have to deal with," and campsites are "spread out for privacy." Ryan S. notes that "Sites 1-20 have full hook-ups with sewer" for those seeking complete amenities.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity is unreliable throughout much of the region. Amy & Stu B. report "No ATT or Verizon service there or in the general area" while camping at Macks Pines. Download offline maps before arrival.
Remote location: Supplies are limited in the immediate area. "Dry county with very few places to buy any food or groceries outside of an hour drive," according to a Macks Pines review. Stock up on necessities before arrival.
Weather considerations: Temperature variations can be significant. Donny S. warns, "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." Pack layers even during warmer seasons.
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. White Rock Mountain visitors note the "unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other" and recommend vehicles with adequate clearance.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Choose campgrounds with level sites and amenities. Petit Jean State Park offers "a pool, basketball and tennis courts. Marina with boats and kayaks," as Ryan S. describes. "This is a wonderful park and a must for all campers!"
Safety considerations: Some campsites have terrain challenges. At Lake Fort Smith, Ryan S. cautions that "Many of the campsites are on a grade. They all have multiple levels with stairs and have no railings... If you are a parent with small kids, sites 17-20 and sites 2-3 are better."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for animal sightings. At Mount Nebo, "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," reports Jackie F.
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature fluctuations. Elevation changes mean temperatures can vary significantly from daytime to nighttime, requiring appropriate clothing and sleeping gear.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Check road grades and restrictions before arrival. The Mount Magazine State Park approach road is manageable but requires caution. Gary F. notes the campground has "18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer. Two have 50 amp service with the rest having 30."
Site selection: Reserve well in advance for premium spots. At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, "All of the campsites have a large level tent pad, table, fire ring, and plenty of shade," providing comfortable amenities for longer stays.
Level sites: Ask about specific site grades when booking. Some sites require significant leveling equipment. For Lake Fort Smith, one reviewer recommends "site #11 as the most level pull-through site, although there's not a bad site in the park."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited and in high demand. For glamping close to Ozone, Arkansas, premium sites with complete amenities book quickly, especially during peak seasons when luxury camping options fill months in advance.
