Dispersed camping options near Perryville, Arkansas extend beyond the established campgrounds, with additional sites throughout the Ouachita National Forest. The region sits at elevations ranging from 300 to 2,700 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping areas. Water access varies significantly between sites, with some offering swimming beaches while others provide creek fishing opportunities.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Petit Jean State Park, trails range from easy to difficult with natural features like Cedar Falls. "The Cedar Falls hike is beautiful and a quick fun adventure. I recommend going to the Petit Jean Grave. The view is vast!" notes Sondra M.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Perryville provide access to different fishing environments. "Just a picnic table no other amenities and the view is amazing great place to stay for free," says Sara W. about Harris Brake Lake, where fishing is popular with locals.
Water activities: Some camping areas offer boat launches and water recreation. At Cherokee Park, "The views are stunning, especially at sunset. The park is well-maintained, with clean picnic areas and plenty of space for fishing, hiking, and just relaxing by the water," according to Thomas F.
What campers like
River views: Toad Suck Ferry Park offers sites with river frontage. "Just outside Conway, AR. Easy access to sites, very clean park. Plenty green areas to throw frisbee or just play with pets," reports Krashenberne.
Privacy levels: Some camping spots near Perryville offer secluded sites. "Lots of shade, easy back-in, and perfectly level. Great view of the river. Plenty of area for the kids to play," writes George L. about his experience at Toad Suck Ferry site C-07.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings support diverse wildlife. "The fireflies here are amazing! Nobody else was camping here which made for some quiet nights. The locals fish and swim in the lake so light traffic," Julian P. shares about his experience at Harris Brake Lake.
What you should know
Site reservations: Many campgrounds require advance planning. For Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, a visitor notes, "Sites are first come first served which stinks because I don't want to drive the distance to find out there are no sites. The park hosts were extremely friendly and the bathrooms were very clean."
Access challenges: Road conditions can limit site accessibility. "Make sure your car can handle the road going down to the site as it is a little rocky. Ours had no problem but some smaller cars might," advises Alec C. about the Sunsets on the Arkansas River site.
Fee structures: Costs vary between campgrounds. "Loop A $20 for full hookup, Loop B $15 for regular. Hot showers in A, cold in B; but you can use either. Price seems a little steep for a forest service campground," explains Michael M. about Lake Sylvia.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities. "The campground is divided into 4 areas - A through D. There are a total of 125 campsites. Nice playgrounds. Clean restrooms," reports George L. about facilities at Toad Suck Ferry Park.
Swimming options: Maumelle Park offers water recreation opportunities. "Made our reservations through Recreation.gov. It's a beautiful park by the AR River with lovely grounds to walk or bike. Sites are very well spaced and you can take your chairs to the river," shares Stevann H.
Campsite selection: Different loops offer varying experiences. "We stayed at Petit Jean State Park for the first time over Easter weekend. The first night we were in loop D. Unfortunately, the space was too small for our fifth wheel. So when I spoke to the visitor Center in the morning, they were able to put us in the highly desirable loop A," reports Jill B.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Campsite terrain varies significantly. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," Ryan S. warns about some sites at Petit Jean State Park's B loop.
Hookup configurations: Electric, water, and sewer connections differ between sites. "Some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. It's purely inconvenient and I'm not sure why this is this way. Pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos," advises Ryan S.
Reservation strategies: For the most desired RV sites, plan ahead. "A loop pros: it's new, it's laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer, and plenty of gravel and concrete. 'Stays booked 93% of the year' -Park Office. It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop," according to Ryan S. about Petit Jean State Park.
