The Ozark National Forest near Pelsor, Arkansas spans elevations from 1,000 to 2,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically range 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, with overnight temperatures in higher elevations dropping significantly even during July and August. Most campgrounds in the area maintain pit or vault toilets rather than full facilities, with access roads ranging from paved to primitive forest roads requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Creek swimming: Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area offers excellent swimming opportunities in clear water. "The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas," notes one visitor to Haw Creek Falls Camping.
Waterfall hiking: Several campgrounds connect to waterfall trails of varying difficulty. A visitor to Richland Creek Recreation Area reports, "Lots of hiking in the area plenty of waterfalls nearby usually very peaceful." Many trails require creek crossings that become impassable after heavy rain.
Rock climbing: The sandstone bluffs provide established climbing routes for various skill levels. "Sam's Throne Recreation Area really is a hidden gem, even for the non-climbers out there," explains one camper. "There is a climbable route that is fairly easy to moderate and allows you to access the throne and all it's glory."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing times for deer, armadillo, and occasionally elk. "Saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over," mentions a visitor to Steel Creek Campground. Early morning hours provide the best opportunities for birdwatching throughout the region.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation between campsites. A camper at Sam's Throne Campground noted, "Sites are separated by trees, so some privacy." At Sam's Throne, "There are quite a few established sites... The sites are spread out."
Historic stone structures: Some campgrounds feature unique CCC-era construction. According to one visitor at Bayou Bluff Point of Interest, "The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces." These structures provide shelter during unexpected rain while maintaining an open-air camping experience.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky," reports one camper about Sam's Throne. Ozark Campground is designated as a "star gazing park, meaning park does not light up during night, if they do they are yellow lights not bright."
Weekday solitude: Most campgrounds experience significant crowds on weekends but remain nearly empty midweek. "Camped here with 3 teenagers and a 3 year old... It was during Spring Break week but there were still spots," reports a visitor to Richland Creek. Another camper noted, "Stayed here Monday afternoon to Wednesday morning. Everyone cleared out by Tuesday and I had Tuesday-Wednesday to myself."
What you should know
Water availability: Many campgrounds lack reliable drinking water. At Sam's Throne, a visitor notes, "No water access, so bring your own." Similarly, at Haw Creek Falls, a camper warns, "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!!"
Road conditions: Access roads can become challenging during wet weather. "The road is kinda sketchy on the way up," reports one visitor to Sam's Throne. Another cautions, "Four wheel drive is highly recommended. The road is steep, has sharp, blind curves and is very narrow. But SOOO worth it!"
Digital disconnection: Cell service remains unavailable in most camping areas. A visitor to Ozark Campground explains the experience as "Off the grid for two days, no phone service! Loved it." Another notes, "Need bug spray, worth the ride out but no cell service at all!"
Toilet facilities: Most campgrounds feature pit or vault toilets with variable maintenance. "Bathrooms are cleaned every other day, no running water or showers just two vault toilets," reports a Sam's Throne visitor. At Bayou Bluff, "The vault toilets are clean, and the campground grounds appear to be reasonably maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Choose sites near safe water features for children. At Long Pool Recreation Area, "The big draw is the charming swimming area with its imposing trio of rocks that swimmers love to jump off of." Another camper notes it's a "Good Spot for Families" because "it's well developed without being overdone, with spacious plots."
Field games: Some campgrounds provide open areas for active play. "There is a huge grassy field in the middle of the campground which is great for families to play sports and other games," reports a visitor to Ozark Campground. Similarly, Steel Creek features "a big grassy field which I love."
Fire ring variations: Campgrounds offer different fire setup options. A Richland Creek visitor notes, "The past few times (in 2020) the fee had been reinstated and was $10 per day. An additional vault toilet had been added as well as other upgrades like very nice fire pits." Consider bringing small portable fire rings as backup if sites have deep barrel-style pits.
Flash flood awareness: Keep children away from creeks during rainy periods. "Beware of flooding during the rainy seasons. When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground," warns a visitor to Haw Creek Falls.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. At Steel Creek Campground, "There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer." Bayou Bluff recommends "only tent camping here, as well as car/truck/van camping. Sites appear to be too small for RVs & trailers."
Utility hookups: Electric connections are extremely limited in the region. At Long Pool, "20 have electric and water and the remaining are primitive." One visitor explains, "No sewer hookups, but there is a dump station."
Generator policies: Regulations vary by campground. A visitor to Richland Creek advises, "We planned to go to Haws Creek but it was closed due to flooding, so we got in late in the evening... We didn't pick the best one (inside the loop) because it was dark when we got there, but even so it was still flat and enough space from neighbors."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling. "Our spot was perfectly level," notes a rare exception at Fairview Recreation Area, while most campgrounds require blocks or leveling systems for comfortable overnight stays.
