Primitive camping areas dot the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests near Paris, Arkansas. The region sits at elevations between 500-2,700 feet with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Tent campsites near Paris, Arkansas typically have minimal facilities and require campers to be self-sufficient with water and supplies.
What to do
Creek swimming: Jack Creek Recreation Area offers a popular swimming hole during warm weather months. Daisee Mae S. noted, "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!"
Waterfall exploration: Haw Creek Falls Camping serves as a base for visiting several waterfalls in the region. Josh B. shared, "Several waterfalls in the area to explore. Drive-up, fire-ring, hook, bench, pit toilet. Hammocks are allowed if you choose."
Mountain biking: COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground has trails on site. Nancy W. reported, "There are hiking/mountain biking trails that leave from the campground. Mountain biking is a big deal here and there is a 10-mile 'fast' trail where experienced bikers race frequently."
What campers like
Stone structures: Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) features unique camping shelters. Valerie mentioned, "The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces. The walk to the river is very easy." Rachel P. called it, "Best kept secret."
Privacy options: Kings River Falls Campground offers well-spaced sites. Rachael S. wrote, "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."
Water access: Riverfield Acreage provides direct river access. Lacey T. shared, "Amazing secluded location. Kids loved having the rock bed and river right beside us. Perfect float trip back to our camp ground (free of charge to have them drop us off at a put in location."
What you should know
Weather risks: Flash flooding affects several camping areas during heavy rains. Kris J. warned about Haw Creek Falls Camping, "Great location unless there is a deluge, and you might get flooded out or stranded until the water goes down."
Limited facilities: Fourche Mountain Campground has basic amenities. Fred S. explained, "Small 5-site primitive campground. No water. No electric. Clean vault toilets with tp, and a trash barrel. Clean campground & campsites. Sites are small with reasonable separation, but no privacy."
Road noise: Some sites experience traffic sounds. Fred S. noted about Fourche Mountain, "Lots of highway noise from nearby Hwy 27, but not too bad overnight."
Water availability: Pack extra water for tent camping trips. Samantha W. emphasized about Haw Creek Falls, "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!!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer natural swimming opportunities. About Jack Creek Recreation Area, Shelia H. shared, "It's primitive but bathrooms are available. It's small and very popular with the locals. Off season it's relatively quiet."
Cleanliness concerns: Campground conditions vary greatly. Clay C. warned about Haw Creek Falls, "The place is beautiful. I've been there several times but won't be going back. There was human waste on the ground in the middle of a campsite and dirty baby diapers thrown around even tho there are plenty of garbage cans."
Digital disconnection: Buzzards Rock Dispersed offers variable connectivity. Fred S. mentioned, "There is AT&T and T-Mobile LTE service," while other sites like Bayou Bluff have limited service, with valerie noting, "There is no cell service on ATT - it showed only 'SOS'."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for sites with playgrounds and recreational facilities. Laura M. noted that COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake campground includes "showers, bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pits and a pole with a hook to keep the critters out of your stuff I'm guessing, also a dump station and water and a playground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many area campgrounds have uneven pads. Nancy W. observed about COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground, "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."
Size limitations: Most primitive tent campsites near Paris can't accommodate larger RVs. Fred S. noted about Buzzards Rock Dispersed, "The campsite is small - enough room for one truck camper or smaller. Had to use leveling blocks to level our van."
Access roads: Forest roads vary in quality. Fred S. reported about Buzzards Rock, "There are no obstacles with accessing the site on the forest roads," but other areas may require higher clearance vehicles.
