Best Campgrounds near Mountain Pine, AR
Mountain Pine, Arkansas sits at the edge of Lake Ouachita, where camping options range from developed state parks to smaller Corps of Engineers sites. Lake Ouachita State Park offers 93 RV and tent sites plus cabins on a peninsula extending into the lake's clear waters. Stephens Park Campground, located directly in Mountain Pine, provides nine full-hookup sites along the Ouachita River. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, including Brady Mountain and Crystal Springs, which accommodate both tent and RV campers with varied amenities.
Most campgrounds in the Mountain Pine region remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Lake Ouachita State Park maintains three camping areas with full hookups for RVs, while walk-in tent sites occupy a scenic peninsula. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Cell service varies throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting at least minimal coverage. "The lake was gorgeous! I wish we had more time to walk trails, but we were just stopping for the night. My only complaint is that the campground was crowded and the spots were all very close together."
Waterfront camping dominates the Mountain Pine area, with sites directly on Lake Ouachita receiving consistently high ratings from visitors. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Ouachita provide excellent swimming, fishing and boating opportunities, with boat rentals available at marinas within the state park. Stephens Park Campground, though smaller, offers a quieter alternative with sites along the Ouachita River. A camper noted, "This is a small campground with 9 sites and they are huge. I believe it is site 3 that is right on the water. Water is ice cold and clear. Clearest I have seen." Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks, including paths near Blakely Dam. Proximity to Hot Springs National Park (approximately 20 minutes away) allows campers to combine outdoor recreation with visits to the historic spa city.
