Yurt camping near Plainview, Arkansas offers unique lodging options in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, where elevations range from 600-2,700 feet. The region experiences mild winters and warm summers with average July temperatures around 93°F, making year-round camping possible. Spring and fall typically provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the numerous wilderness trails and crystal-clear lakes throughout the area.
What to Do
Waterfall hunting: 1.5-mile hike at Petit Jean State Park leads to spectacular cascades. "We spent most of our days hiking the many trails the park is known for. It was at peak Dogwood season, so the understory of the Forest was beautiful!" notes Jill B., who recommends the Cedar Falls trail.
Hammock lounging: Setup between pines for relaxation at multiple state parks. "This is a great campground back in the trees. It was raining and we didn't get that wet due to the tree coverage," shares Sondra M., highlighting the natural canopy protection at Petit Jean.
Crystal mining: Affordable adventures for unique souvenirs at Crystal Ridge RV Park, located near established mines. "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don't think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up," reports Justin M., who discovered crystals worth approximately $100.
Lake activities: Kayaking, swimming, fishing at multiple reservoir locations. "We rented a few kayaks. It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water," explains Alison C. at Lake Catherine State Park.
What Campers Like
Weather diversity: Cooler mountaintop temps at Mount Nebo State Park Campground provide relief during summer. "State park with swimming pool in summer. Playground and swings for young ones. Several hammock friendly sites. Hang gliders frequently use the bluffs to launch," notes Stan G. about the natural climate benefits.
Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common at several parks. "The deer will walk up to you and you can pet them awesome park highly recommended," shares Steve S. about Mount Nebo's approachable wildlife.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses across most state parks receive high ratings. "The restrooms/showers are a 4.5 out of 5 for state park facilities," explains Gary F. about Mount Magazine State Park Campground, noting their cleanliness exceeds typical expectations.
Private yurt accommodations: Elevated camping experience without sacrificing nature immersion. "We stayed in our camper, but there is a beautiful lodge and a good restaurant here as well," notes Jeremy C. about Mount Magazine's diverse lodging options, which include both traditional camping and elevated accommodations.
What You Should Know
Campsite selection matters: Research site layouts before booking. "It's it's a nice place to Camp RV but not for tent camping it would be better if they have places to put up a tent instead of on concrete," advises Peggy G. about Crystal Ridge RV Park.
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for premium sites. "Very few campers on this day. So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes," shares Dave V. about scoring a prime midweek site at Mount Nebo.
Weather variability: Pack for temperature swings at higher elevations. "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens," cautions Donny S. about Lake Ouachita State Park Campground, advising proper clothing even during warmer months.
Road conditions: Steep mountain access requires careful driving. "The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious," warns Rebecca P. about Mount Nebo's challenging approach road, which has significant grade changes.
Tips for Camping with Families
Easy hiking options: Choose trails marked as family-friendly. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," reports Jeremy C. about Mount Magazine's accessible summit trail that children can complete.
Lake proximity: Select waterfront campsites for convenient swimming access. "We had a site overlooking the lake. We had plenty of room to hang our hammocks and play yard games," shares Alison C. about Lake Catherine State Park Campground, noting the spaciousness for family activities.
Morning wildlife viewing: Schedule early walks to spot deer and other animals. "On the way to mount magazine there is a store ran by Mennonites. It's worth a stop to check out. They have fresh eggs and wood for sale," suggests Jackie F. about family-friendly side trips near Mount Nebo.
Yurt camping options: Consider yurts for family comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience. "Fantastic smaller campground minutes from Mount Magazine. It seems to be overshadowed by much larger, better known places like Devils Den, so it's fairly quiet even when it's 'busy,'" explains Taryn S. about Cove Lake Complex, noting its family-friendly atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring adequate leveling blocks for mountain campgrounds. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," advises Ryan S. about Petit Jean State Park, noting the terrain challenges.
Hookup planning: Check water and electric locations when selecting sites. "Many 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," shares Ryan S., recommending site photo review before booking.
Weather preparation: Plan for fog and visibility issues on mountain access roads. "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening," warns Donny S. about Mount Magazine's challenging driving conditions.
