Best Campgrounds near Plainview, AR

The Plainview, Arkansas camping landscape includes several Corps of Engineers campgrounds surrounding Nimrod Lake, with notable options like Quarry Cove, Carter Cove, and River Road offering water and electric hookups. These established campgrounds primarily accommodate tents and RVs, while some primitive dispersed camping exists in nearby Ouachita National Forest. Most developed sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilet facilities, creating a mix of camping experiences within a 30-mile radius of Plainview's town center.

Campgrounds in the Nimrod Lake area remain open year-round but experience significant seasonal variations in usage and conditions. The access roads to many sites combine paved campground loops with gravel approach roads that can develop potholes during wet weather. "Very nice clean campground. Hosts are nice and helpful. Mostly shaded. Water and electric hookups. Nice launch and has swimming area," noted one visitor about Quarry Cove. Several dispersed camping options exist along Forest Roads in Ouachita National Forest, though these often require high-clearance vehicles to access. Campsite selection varies widely, with some offering level, spacious areas while others may require significant leveling for RVs or campers.

Waterfront access represents a key attraction throughout the region, with multiple campgrounds providing direct views of Nimrod Lake. Campers consistently mention the fishing opportunities, boat launches, and swimming areas as highlights. Sites that offer shade receive noticeably higher ratings, particularly during summer months when temperatures can climb. The dispersed camping options along Forest Road 83W and other forest roads typically offer more seclusion but fewer amenities. Several campers noted that while some campgrounds can become noisy during peak summer weekends, off-season camping provides a more peaceful experience. Visitors seeking more amenities might consider the state parks within driving distance, including Mount Nebo State Park approximately 20 miles north of Plainview, which offers additional camping options with improved facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Plainview, Arkansas (212)

    1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    105 Reviews
    Adona, AR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 727-5441

    $25 - $40 / night

    "_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."

    "Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."

    2. Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Dardanelle, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 229-3655

    "Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by."

    "A great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top."

    3. Quarry Cove

    8 Reviews
    Plainview, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 272-4233

    $24 - $75 / night

    "Didn’t find any trails but nice to walk around."

    "We had a drive thru site that had a beautiful view of the lake. Our boys enjoyed a fire and the nearby views of the dam!!"

    4. Carter Cove

    5 Reviews
    Plainview, AR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 272-4983

    $24 - $75 / night

    "We took walks on the bank and around the park . Had friends over for Valentine's dinner ! Great camp for you fishing people !"

    "Trails to walk to find nice fishing spots. Bathrooms mostly clean. Electric and water. Hosts very nice and helpful. Boat launch and swimming area."

    5. Mount Magazine State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Blue Mountain, AR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 963-8502

    $35 / night

    "The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."

    "There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."

    6. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 287-2757

    "This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."

    "Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping."

    7. River Road

    4 Reviews
    Casa, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 272-4835

    $23 - $75 / night

    "Arkansas is awesome for camping. Camping right along the river below Nimrod Dam"

    "Campsite was overlooking the lake, there was a rocky area that was easy to walk down to fish at."

    8. Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain

    3 Reviews
    Plainview, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 637-4174

    "On the path offers hidden creek waterfalls, lots of one way bridge and a serenity drive."

    "It was quiet & we were undisturbed until a couple of locals parked their pickups right next to us at 7 am. But they were in their boat & gone quickly."

    9. Fourche Mountain Campground

    2 Reviews
    Plainview, AR
    9 miles
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "Gravel drive. Sites nearly level. No tent pads, but tents can be set up. Sites may be able to accommodate a truck camper & smaller."

    10. Russellville Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park

    16 Reviews
    Russellville, AR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 967-5516

    "The State Park systems in the US are some of our favorite places to find beautiful camping spots, but Lake Dardanelle State Park in Arkansas tops most of them all."

    "Pretty campground on the lake. You can see Mount Nebo in the distance. Not much in the way of hiking trails. They have a short loop trail near the visitor center that is good for small children."

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Recent Reviews near Plainview, AR

1043 Reviews of 212 Plainview Campgrounds


  • R
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Jack Creek Recreation Area

    Great, quiet place

    I have lived in the area for 12 years and this is where we always go. Primitive, but thats the best part about it. You got the creek for water play, bathrooms and picnic tables. A little further down the road is an outdoor gun range. Very peaceful and great place to recharge. Kids love it.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Cherokee Park (Arkansas River) — Arkansas River Rockefeller Lake

    Best Corps of Engineers campground

    A beautiful spot with both lakeside campsites and shaded sites. All spaced for plenty of privacy. Each site has  power and water. Bathrooms are clean and have showers. $26 per night or $13 if you have a federal pass. I used my senior lifetime pass. Strong cell: 3 bars of 5G Verizon.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    FR94 Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful site in the Quachitas

    Coordinates: 34.86190,-92.90667. Camped here Sept 9, 2025. Large dirt and grass site; very clean. May accommodate a truck camper or 2 smaller vehicles. Mostly level. Tent and hammock camping possible. No privacy from the road. The site has a rock fire ring. The site is surrounded by forest with the Flatside Wilderness Area just across the forest road. There are no hiking trails near the campsite, but there are opportunities to stroll and explore in the forest. The site is mostly shaded; Starlink connectivity may be a challenge. AT&T LTE service. Sporadic T-Mobile service. Quiet location. No one drove by during our stay. Note that there are a couple of dead trees in the middle of this site; choose the position of your vehicle and/or tent carefully. The Flatside Pinnacle hiking trailhead and parking for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail are located 3/4 of a mile north of the site along FR94. The forest roads approaching the site from the south are in good condition. In my opinion, I don't recommend anything larger that a truck camper. The approach from the north, however, is not as good. FR94 and FR805 are eroded at the higher elevations; lots of exposed embedded rocks. I believe a 2wd passenger car can very carefully get through this area with air-downed tires.

  • Benjamin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Toad Suck

    ACOE Toad Suck

    Great little campground. Decently maintained. Most of the sites have concrete pads big enough for a couple tents. Solid concrete picnic table with a roof over it was nice. Parking was not very level but our 38ft schoolie fit fine with enough room for our car.

  • Amanda F.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    Great place

    One of the best places I have camped in a while. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice trails and panoramic views.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Must visit !

    Beautiful campground! Sites are spacious. Area is clean and lots of things to do. Near Hot Springs so we did a lot of exploring there.

  • Kenneth F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Hot Springs Arkansas Finish Line RV Park Walk to Oaklawn and Bathhouse Row

    Nice little park

    This is a nice little gated park. Close to the national park in Hot Springs Arkansas. And right next door to the flat track/casino. It’s pretty new, but not really any extra amenities. 20/30/50 amp full hookups. Concrete pads, and paved streets. Laundry and bath house. Inexpensive. We’d definitely stay here again!


Guide to Plainview

Camping near Plainview, Arkansas offers several options nestled among the Ouachita Mountains at elevations ranging from 700-1,800 feet. The Fourche La Fave River and Nimrod Lake serve as key water features, with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-90s and winter lows in the 30s. Campsites in this region vary from primitive forest sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to developed campgrounds with electric hookups and boat launches.

What to do

Hiking trails: Mount Magazine State Park features numerous scenic trails with varying difficulty levels. "The hikes are worth a trip to Mt Nebo. The trails are mostly shaded and well defined. Remember you are on a mountain so there will be elevation changes as you walk," notes one visitor to Mount Magazine State Park Campground.

Water recreation: Lake Ouachita offers multiple water activities within driving distance of Plainview. "The lake was gorgeous! I wish we had more time to walk trails, but we were just stopping for the night," shares a visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park Campground.

Wildlife observation: The Ouachita National Forest provides opportunities to observe deer and various bird species. "Deer and geese also made appearances that thrilled the kids," mentioned one camper who enjoyed the proximity to wildlife.

Swimming: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas during summer months. "We had a lovely time tent camping at Lake Ouachita. Being so close to the water kept the temperature comfortable, and having direct access to the lake was perfect for swimming."

What campers like

Secluded sites: Fourche Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest offers privacy for those seeking solitude. "We were the only folks staying overnight. Most people were using site to launch boats. It was quiet & we were undisturbed," notes a visitor to Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain.

Mountain views: Elevated campsites provide scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape. "Mount Nebo reminded my a lot of Mt Mag. Both overlook the Arkansas river valley," shares a camper at Mount Nebo State Park Campground.

Fishing access: Nimrod Lake offers productive fishing spots directly accessible from campsites. "Trails to walk to find nice fishing spots. Hosts very nice and helpful. Boat launch and swimming area. Small store down the road for bait and few necessities," notes a visitor to Carter Cove.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities despite rural locations. "The bathrooms and showers were immaculate! Camping spots are spaced out pretty well. We enjoyed our visit here!" reports a camper.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful navigation. "At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%."

Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "A loop is full hookup while B-D have electricity & water only. My 1st suggestion: RESERVE EARLY to get a spot in Loop A or Loop B."

Wildlife precautions: Bears and venomous snakes inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. "There is a pack of dogs that came through at night. So be sure to put up your trash and food at night. Especially since bears could be around," advises a camper at Mount Nebo.

Site selection: Campsite layouts vary significantly throughout the region. "This campground is better suited to large RVs than to our teardrop trailer. Site number 28 was very tight. We were cramped in between two large RVs and next to a road so there was no privacy at all," notes a visitor to Lake Dardanelle State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "This park is beautiful. It has camping for all types," notes a visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park. "The park has everything you would want, a beautiful visitor's center a gorgeous lake. Top of the line facilities, beautiful campsites, fun for the whole family."

Educational opportunities: Ranger programs provide learning experiences for children. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," shares a camper.

Beach access: Sandy swimming areas provide safe water entry points for children. "This campground was a great find! We had tons of room and a direct view of the lake. There's a small, sandy swim beach and plenty of places to put in a boat or kayak," reports a visitor to Quarry Cove.

Weather considerations: Mountain elevations can create significant temperature variations. "On the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens. So unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket."

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant adjustment for proper setup. "Note, site is a little uneven, so chocks were helpful," mentions an RVer camping in the Ouachita National Forest.

Hookup arrangements: Water and electric connections may have unusual configurations. "Stayed in an RV spot with 30a and sewer. Had a polarity issue on the power but the spot was unique. Could use a bit of an update, but nothing that impacted the stay."

Turning radius: Mountain roads require careful navigation for larger rigs. "The campground is level and spaced out to have a little privacy. The cabins and lodge are beautiful and a great place to watch storms roll in and a great view of the valley below."

Site spacing: RV sites vary in privacy and positioning. "The sites were pretty close to each other, and some people might not prefer that," notes a camper at Lake Ouachita.

Dump station access: While many sites lack sewer hookups, dump stations are typically available. "There is no sewer hook up but there is a dump station. All sites are shaded and MOST are well spread out to where you are not bumping into your neighbors," advises a visitor to River Road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Plainview, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Plainview, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 212 campgrounds and RV parks near Plainview, AR and 52 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Plainview, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plainview, AR is Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 105 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plainview, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 52 free dispersed camping spots near Plainview, AR.

What parks are near Plainview, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Plainview, AR that allow camping, notably Nimrod Lake and Ouachita Lake.