Dardanelle Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park
Nice quiet stay
Nice quiet place right on the lake sites are a little unlevel but not bad no sewer but there’s a dump station just like they said not much signal for AT&T
211 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Pettigrew, Arkansas ranges from developed RV campgrounds to free dispersed campsites within the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Wolf Pen Recreation Area Campground, located directly in Pettigrew, offers year-round tent and RV camping with basic amenities including drinking water and toilets. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Byrd's Adventure Center in Ozark with full hookups and glamping options, or explore White Rock Mountain Recreation Area with its panoramic mountain views and varied accommodation types. Free dispersed camping is available at Morgan Mountain Road/Spy Rock, while those seeking more developed facilities can venture to Redding Campground or Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events.
Road conditions throughout the region require careful planning, particularly for accessing remote sites. As one camper noted, "Be prepared for limited or no cell service and miles of gravel roads - download or print your driving and hiking maps ahead of time." Many campgrounds in the Ozark National Forest have uneven terrain, with several reviewers mentioning the need for leveling blocks. Summer temperatures can be quite hot, prompting many visitors to seek shaded sites or water access. Corps of Engineers campgrounds near lakes and rivers typically offer reasonable rates but fill quickly during peak season, with reservations strongly recommended from May through October.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. A camper at White Rock Mountain Recreation Area described their experience: "When we awoke, shortly after dawn, we hiked the cliffs' edge where we saw miles of inviting green landscape. As our hike around the mountain progressed we saw much vegetation and wildlife!" The area is particularly popular with off-road enthusiasts, with Mulberry Mountain described as "an off-road enthusiasts playground" with "trails directly into the outback." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common throughout the area. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many campgrounds, though some locations like Devil's Den State Park offer paid WiFi access. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with hot showers, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed sites.
"Camped near the river and had a wonderful time exploring the off-road trails near the area."
"This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
from $10 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Access to Spy Rock trail, but the vast amount of cobwebs made it seem like it’s not used much."
"Drinking water is available at spigots near the swimming hole. There is a downside here, though, and it's a big one: horseflies."
"Located beyond a perfectly canopied gravel road and surrounded by miles of mostly uninhabited forests White Rock Mountain has been the most delightful treasure of 2016."
"The views, as other reviewers have said, are impressive and the Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season."
from $15 - $215 / night
Check Availability"Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls Trail-head, and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas."
"It is one of the most beautiful spots in Arkansas. Highly recommend."
from $27 - $30 / night
Check Availability"A downed tree blocks part of the view, but still has a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains."
"There are walking trails, with Spy Rock a short distance away."
"I was looking for a quiet, small campground with minimal amenities and cool features that was driving distance to good hikes. This was perfect. Only six spots."
"Traffic drives right by the sites to explore the campground and must drive back past all the sites. Very good sized sites and probably very private (besides the road) once the leaves full in."
"Near the Mulberry River and White Rock recreation area, the facility is an off road enthusiasts playground! Trails directly into the outback from the facility."
"It's a great escape for off-roading and overloading. Be sure to stop by the Oark Cafe in Oark, Arkansas, which is a 25-minute drive from the campground."
from $30 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."
"Pros: Great location on the river and close to plenty of hiking trails! Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms were well maintained and there is drinking water available."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. "
"The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"This small State Park just outside Huntsville Arkansas has many amenities. Family friendly handicap accesible. I has 30 tent Rv and walk in tent camping."
"Great get away from 4th crowds. Was super hot & humid, but Arkansas in July!!! Lots of shade, took our fans to help keep cool. Full hookups...no cell service for T-Mobile. Used our Starlink."












Nice quiet place right on the lake sites are a little unlevel but not bad no sewer but there’s a dump station just like they said not much signal for AT&T
A beautiful place to relax, but very sketchy, wouldn't stay after dark. I've taken many pics down here, the scenery is beautiful.
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.
Clean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
We last stayed here five years ago when the park was new. Some of the areas and amenities that are now available were still under construction during our last trip. The bottom line… still a very nice park, but it's starting to show its age a little.
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 easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate, though several roads have asphalt failures that need attention. Even though it's not too far from Interstate 49, we didn't hear any traffic noise at all- very peaceful.
We were assigned to pull-thru site number 36. Most of the sites are gravel, but the pull-thru row that we were in had concrete pads. For the most part, all sites appear fairly level.
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.
Two bathroom areas also have showers and laundry facilities- one at the front of the park and one in the rear. The pool area and playground are located at the front of the park.
Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: there is Wi-Fi in the park, but the park info sheet that they provide you with notes that the Wi-Fi is spotty. We were able to get AT&T 5G with 4 bars. AT&T achieved 418 Mbps down and 21 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, and if you do need clear access for satellite reception, there are plenty of sites available with no trees. There are plenty of OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable was not available.
Dog Park: They have two nice fenced-in parks that are in great condition. The one in the front of the park is divided for big and small dogs, while the one in the back is larger but not divided. They both have benches, which are all in good shape. They also provide doggie bags and a trash can. NOTE: I've included a photo of the sign posted at the entrances to the park indicating that they might be shut down. So if having a fenced dog park is mission-critical for your stay, you might want to verify that they are still open when you make your reservation
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from Fayetteville, where you can find plenty of stores and restaurants. Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay. Although the park is starting to show its age, it still deserves a high rating, and I would not hesitate to recommend it- enjoy your stay!
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.
Very flea infested when we went. Water was really low and kinda hot. But the camp ground was pretty and well maintained.
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!
We had a wonderful time! The sites were not very big, but it’s a great spot if you like to golf and don’t need/want much room! Staff was very friendly and the restaurant was a great spot with reasonable prices! Nice view of the pond and discounted golf with stay! Would definitely come back!
Camping opportunities in Ozark National Forest near Pettigrew, Arkansas center around the Mulberry River watershed, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 feet. Most campgrounds maintain pit toilets or vault toilets that require regular servicing during peak season. Winter camping remains available at several locations, though water systems are typically winterized from November through March.
Kayaking and swimming access: Redding Campground offers direct Mulberry River access with a dedicated put-in spot. "Camp spots are nicely spaced out. Water available. No electric. Had cell service for the most part. Bathrooms well kept. Pretty secluded area. Mulberry is one of my favorite rivers I have kayaked and this campsite offers a great take out spot," notes Suzsan M.
Off-road adventures: The network of forest service roads provides extensive off-road opportunities. "Near the Mulberry River and White Rock recreation area, the facility is an off road enthusiasts playground! Trails directly into the outback from the facility. Plants of space to stretch out and enjoy the deep Forrest areas of Arkansas," according to John F. about Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events.
Hiking to panoramic views: Forest trails range from short nature walks to challenging ridge hikes. "Camped in site #6 on Nov 20, 2024. The Mulberry River had some serious flooding a few weeks ago which caused this campground to close. The campground is now open, and work is being done to restore the campground and its campsites back to its previous clean state," reports Fred S. from Redding Campground.
Riverside camping spots: Camping directly alongside the Mulberry River ranks consistently high with visitors. "This place is beautiful! Nicely spaced spots, very nice swimming hole. Only downside was the upkeep could be better. I will camp here again," says Scott G. about Redding Campground.
Dark night skies: The remote location provides excellent stargazing. "January 31-Feb 3 2025. White Rock is a great little campground. With only 8 tent camp sites it is very quaint. The cabins were packed and there were many people visiting the overlook but my partner and I were the only tent campers," shares Erin-Frannie R. from White Rock Mountain Recreation Area.
Affordable dispersed options: Free camping on forest service land provides budget options. "Coordinates: 35.69300,-93.76803. Large dispersed site with a view, especially in the winter, of the mountains to the west. Located along Morgan Mountain Road, Forest Road 1504, a little over a mile north of AR Hwy 215. The trailhead to Spy Rock is about a mile north of this site," notes Fred S. about Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed.
Road conditions: Forest service roads require caution, especially after rain. "It's a slow, beautiful drive. The reviews are correct that the last hour of the drive is only 20 miles. Make sure to stop for gas! It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other," warns Erin-Frannie R.
Bug protection essential: Summer brings significant insect activity. "This place is an amazing bargain. For just $15 a night, you get nice, big, secluded campsites, a large bathroom with running water, flushing toilets, and showers, and an awesome swimming hole. There is a downside here, though, and it's a big one: horseflies. They attacked me as soon as I got in the water, and they were relentless," reports Alex M. from Redding Campground.
Seasonal facility closures: Most campground amenities close during winter. "My best friend and I stayed October 22-25. I was looking for a quiet, small campground with minimal amenities and cool features that was driving distance to good hikes. This was perfect. Only six spots. Fire rings and low to the ground grills. Vault toilets near the entrance," shares Loura P. about Wolf Pen Recreation Area.
Kid-friendly swimming: The Mulberry River offers shallow areas for children. "The campsite is located on the Mulberry River. It has six campsites, most with elevated grills and fire rings. The campground does have 2 Vault restrooms and a place to dispose of trash. There is no water avalible so bring your own. Very quite and campsites are relativly private," notes Susan H. about Wolf Pen Recreation Area.
Bathroom accessibility: Choose campgrounds with maintained facilities for children. "Stayed here for a four wheeling trip. Was a decent location - sites were mostly dirt/gravel," says Jenny about Byrd's Adventure Center.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer wildlife observation from camp. "A downed tree blocks part of the view, but still has a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The disbursed sight is large, but only part of it is level enough to camp on in my opinion. Spy Rock overlook is down the road and the view is spectacular," mentions AMY A. from Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed.
Site leveling: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "I decided not to camp here during my visit due to a brisk, cold north-northwest wind blowing through the campsite," says Fred S. about Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock.
Limited large rig access: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. "Facility is what you would expect for an outdoor adventure facility. The sites are very spacious on the RV area, the smaller camper and primitive sites are very generous as well. The store is well stocked an has ice cream and fresh foods," shares John F. about Byrd's Adventure Center.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available. "Byrd's was awesome. They not only have their own trails on private land, but off-roaders can hit trails in National Forest territory not too far down the road. Good place for vehicles that need to hook up or primitive. They also have an area at the back of primitive where bush pilots can fly in," explains Eric L.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pettigrew, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pettigrew, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 211 campgrounds and RV parks near Pettigrew, AR and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pettigrew, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pettigrew, AR is Byrd's Adventure Center with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pettigrew, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Pettigrew, AR.
What parks are near Pettigrew, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Pettigrew, AR that allow camping, notably Lake Dardanelle and Ozark Lake.
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