Stacie P.
Scout
ScoutLee Creek Public Use Area
A beautiful view
A beautiful place to relax, but very sketchy, wouldn't stay after dark. I've taken many pics down here, the scenery is beautiful.
Camping near Paris, AR
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The area surrounding Paris, Arkansas contains multiple camping options within the Ozark National Forest and Arkansas state park system, including Mount Magazine State Park and Cove Lake Complex. Campgrounds range from more developed sites with RV hookups to primitive areas for tent camping, with cabins and glamping accommodations available at select locations. The region's mountainous terrain shapes the camping experience, with Mount Magazine standing as the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet above sea level, offering dramatic views and cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations.
Road access varies depending on elevation, with fog and visibility issues common during mornings and evenings on mountain routes. "Words absolutely cannot describe the views here!! So many deer and the sunsets are incredible," noted one visitor to Cameron Bluff. Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with some like Waveland Park open only from March through October, while others such as Mount Magazine State Park and Cove Lake operate year-round. Temperature differences between mountain peaks and valley floors can reach 10-15 degrees, requiring additional warm clothing even during warmer months. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly at higher elevations.
Waterfront sites at Cove Lake attract families seeking swimming and boating opportunities, with boat rentals available onsite. Several campgrounds feature electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations. A camper described Cove Lake as "a good place to camp with cabins, concessions and rentals." Mount Magazine's campground, while smaller with only 18 sites, receives consistently high ratings for its spectacular views and proximity to hiking trails. Sites throughout the region tend to be well-spaced and shaded, providing privacy, though many require reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The combination of mountain vistas, lake activities, and forest settings creates diverse camping experiences within a relatively compact geographic area.
Best Campgrounds near Paris (168)
1. Mount Magazine State Park Campground
"The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."
"There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."
from $35 / night
Check Availability2. Aux Arc
"Boat launch and lovely views of the Arkansas river. Close to restaurants and shopping ."
"We used it as a base camp to visit several Arkansas state parks such as Devil’s Den and Lake Fort Smith. The camp was clean, a little crowded, but very nice and relaxed."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. Cove Lake Complex
"Boating, fishing, swimming, cabins available, lots of trails to hike. Just minutes from Mt Magazine and the town of Paris. Friendly staff."
"Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground."
4. Waveland Park
"Plenty of places to walk. Nice swim beach. All around good place to go and keepers are very friendly. Spots are kinda close together but you have lots of room. Fire pit and grill stand."
"The sites have different characteristics, dependent on where they are located."
from $24 - $75 / night
Check Availability5. Ozark National Forest Cove Lake Campground
"This lake and the trails around it were absolutely gorgeous. Not far from Mt Magazine and the water was so clean and the campgrounds were fantastic."
"We enjoyed our stay at Cove Lake. The campsite we stayed at was right on the lake with a pretty view of the nearby mountains. The swimming area is pretty large and nice."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. Grape Country RV Park
"If you are looking for a peaceful, quiet place, away from the city, this is a great place. I love it. Have stayed several times in several different sites. Will stay again. "
"Not to far off of I-40 and has beautiful surroundings. It is on the wine trail and there are vineyards across the road."
7. Cane Creek Recreation Area
"This is an abandoned former campsite in a beautiful location."
"There is a boat ramp, fishing, you can pull an RV in here right next to your camp spot. There are fire rings and hiking trails. Off leash for dogs that are voice command and friendly."
8. Cameron Bluff
"Steep and fun drive to get to this campground. Sites are big and spaces are wide creating a very nice experience. Short hike from the campground is the overlook road and the views are incredible!"
"But on cloudy days, hikes on the various trails are surreal! And it’s only a short hike to the tallest point in AR - 2753ft above sea level"
9. Mount Nebo State Park Campground
"Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by."
"A great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top."
10. Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures
"Simply put, this is a great little rustic place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The sites offer 20/30/50A hookups with water and septic."
"Very close to off-road trails and river float activities .. the owners are super nice and we liked hanging out with them. We’ll be back!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 45 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 21 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 42 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 58 min from Hot Springs, AR
Recent Camping Photos near Paris, AR
247 Photos of 168 Paris Campgrounds
Will N.
Ozark National Forest Cove Lake Campground
Taryn S.
Cove Lake Complex
Chad K.
Mount Magazine State Park Campground
Randy L.
Magazine Arkansas Eclipse Camping
David
Waveland Park
Fred S.
Eickleberry Rd Dispersed, Ozarks NF, AR
George L.
Aux Arc
Sadie P.
Cane Creek
Sadie P.
Cane Creek Recreation Area
James N.
Shoal Bay
Fred S.
Spring Lake Recreation Area
Channel O.
Piney Bay
Recent Reviews near Paris, AR
800 Reviews of 168 Paris Campgrounds
Jenny
Rangerpathfinder rv resort
New, clean RV park
New park with young trees (so not much shade yet), pond for fishing and a walking trail around it. Large clubhouse is where the bathhouses are with four individual bathrooms with showers, laundry facility, propane for sale and a nice pool.
- JennyRanger
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Beautiful and peaceful
Clean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
- J
Jon L.
GuideRiverfront RV Resort
A Hidden Gem
We needed an overnight spot on our way from Oklahoma to NW Arkansas, and I'm glad that we picked this park. It's located right next to the Arkansas River with a nice concrete walking trail along the river. Parking for registration is located right next to the office. All the park staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful.
The road from the highway to the park is fairly easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate. Even though it's not too far from the main road, we didn't hear any traffic noise at all- very peaceful. However, you will hear occasional train horns from the crossing a few miles away. You'll only hear them when outside your RV, never inside.
We were assigned to pull-thru site number 44. All the sites are concrete and appear fairly level. Our site was level side to side, and 5 inches from front to rear. There are no shade trees for the majority of the park sites. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located. There is also a picnic table located at each site.
Bathrooms, Showers, and the pool are all located near the registration office building and are in great shape. There are no trash cans by the sites- just a dumpster area near the dog park and playground. However, they do come by your site each morning to pick up any trash that you've set out.
Wi-Fi, Satellite, OTA: there is decent Wi-Fi in the park with repeater towers spaced approximately every four sites, so each site has a fairly strong signal- we achieved 9.52 Mbps down and 2.02 Mbps up. We got AT&T 5G with 4 bars and achieved 512 Mbps down and 32 Mbps up. If you need clear access for satellite reception, trees will not be an issue. Also, you can pick up plenty of OTA stations with good HD quality reception.
Dog Park: They have a nice fenced-in park that is in great condition and is well lit at night. They provide doggie bags and a trash can, both in the dog park and along the walking paths.
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website.
Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay. The park is only a couple of years old and is very well maintained. Only about 15-20 percent of the spaces were occupied. Note that sites 100- 115 are along the river. There is a concrete public walking path along the river, but those sites are elevated above the path, with a grass and tree buffer zone between them. There are a couple of covered pavilions in the park with built-in gas grills and comfortable seating areas. The park map provides a very accurate rendition of the park. See my attached photos for more details.
This park deserves its high rating, and I do not hesitate to recommend it - enjoy your stay!
Kimberly P.GuideHaw Creek Falls Camping
Really popular spot
We spent one night here. It was a little bit of trouble to get to, as I'm not a fan of driving in the mountains. It had a nice fire ring and a picnic table. There are 2 vault toilets here, not the worst we've seen. They did have toilet paper. Super cute but very shallow swimming hole, maybe 3 ft deep? Very popular too. Seemed every site was full when we pulled through to check it out, so we picked the only open spot, #1. But when we left at 10 am, only one other campsite was occupied so I think they were just daytime guests. We walked downstream a lot looking at small fish in the little pools and we "swam" in the swimming hole, it was nice bc it was hot. Beautiful scenery. No service for my phone.
- JJessie H.
TravelerWolf Pen Recreation Area Campground
It Was Ok
Very flea infested when we went. Water was really low and kinda hot. But the camp ground was pretty and well maintained.
Bryce N.GuideMount Nebo State Park Campground
Campground with the view!
Campground made for the smaller rigs. Access road has a 24 foot camper length limit. Fun drive with steep switchbacks. Some campsites are on the cliffs edge so the views are fantastic. Staff was helpful and the sites clean. Some good leveling will be required at a few RV sites but it's more then worth it!
- Bryce N.Guide
Cameron Bluff
Beautiful views
Steep and fun drive to get to this campground. Sites are big and spaces are wide creating a very nice experience. Short hike from the campground is the overlook road and the views are incredible!
- Bryce N.Guide
COE Lake Ouachita Little Fir Campground
Cute small lakeside campground
Spots have good room and most have water and electricity. Not as maintained as other campgrounds but the isolation and quiet area are nice
Guide to Paris
Camping options near Paris, Arkansas span both national forest and Arkansas state park lands within the Ouachita Mountain region. Sites range from 1,800 to 2,753 feet in elevation, creating temperature variations that affect camping conditions year-round. Most campgrounds in this area have accessible hiking trails directly from campsites, with trail difficulty varying significantly based on elevation gain.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: At Cove Lake Complex, visitors can enjoy multiple water-based activities. "Cove lake use to be my all time favorite place to go. We have a huge family and we would all meet there a few times a summer. Their food was awesome. The camping was good. But we love the lake and renting boats and tubes," reports Tina D.
Hiking to high points: The region contains multiple elevation-based hiking options. At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," according to Jeremy C. For more challenging terrain, "The trails are mostly shaded and well defined. Remember you are on a mountain so there will be elevation changes as you walk," notes Gary F.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer wildlife encounters. "We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep," reports Greg D. at Cove Lake. The region hosts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities across various elevations.
What campers like
Mountain-top temperature differences: Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers notable temperature advantages. "On a Wednesday, the 1st of August, we had our pick of beautiful and spacious sights. Very few campers on this day. So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes," writes Dave V.
Space between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Aux Arc, "Sites in all areas are well spaced apart," according to MickandKarla W. This contrasts with some mountain sites where "Campsites are close together with little privacy," as Stan G. notes about Mount Nebo.
Lakefront positioning: Water access is a priority for many campers. At Waveland Park, "There is camp spots that over look the bay and some right down on the water," reports Myra P. Waterfront sites fill quickly during summer months.
What you should know
Road challenges: Access roads present significant seasonal challenges. At Mount Nebo, "The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious," warns Rebecca P. Similarly, "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," notes Donny S.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by carrier and location. At Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures, reception allows limited communication but varies by provider. One camper at Cove Lake Complex noted "No cell service whatsoever with Verizon."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely. At Cameron Bluff, facilities remain basic while Mount Magazine maintains "The restrooms/showers are a 4.5 out of 5 for state park facilities," according to Gary F. Some locations have modern flush toilets while others maintain vault toilets.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Ozark National Forest Cove Lake Campground offers family-friendly water features. "The swimming area is pretty large and nice. I like that the beach area is just a big grassy area," notes Lindsey P. Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with varying terrain.
Campground selection by age: Not all sites suit all ages. "For anyone with kids, I would say at the outset that this isn't a very kid-friendly park. No playgrounds, very, very mountainous, and generally just not a park for kids," warns Donny S. about Mount Magazine.
Rental options: Equipment rentals reduce packing requirements. "You can rent tubes and float the river, fish or rent a buggy to off-road," mentions Sarah R. about Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures. Water equipment rentals typically operate seasonally from late May through September.
Tips from RVers
RV sizing limitations: Road access restricts larger vehicles at some campgrounds. "Limited number of sites. Full hookup. A lot of trees," notes Rob W. about Mount Magazine State Park. At Mount Nebo, signage warns "Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft," which Dave V. confirms "these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%."
Hookup variations: Utilities differ substantially between parks. At Shoal Bay, "Paved level sites with water and electricity and clean bathrooms," reports Don L. For fuller services, Aux Arc offers "50/30 AMP with water. There is no sewer here but you can use a hose connection to let your grey water drain on the ground," according to MickandKarla W.
Seasonal access: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Waveland Park maintains a March through October season, requiring advance planning for shoulder-season visits when facilities may be partially operational.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Paris, AR?
What camping is available near Paris, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Paris, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 168 campgrounds and RV parks near Paris, AR and 36 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Paris, AR?
Which is the most popular campground near Paris, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paris, AR is Mount Magazine State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paris, AR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paris, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Paris, AR.
What parks are near Paris, AR?
What parks are near Paris, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Paris, AR that allow camping, notably Lake Dardanelle and Ozark Lake.
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