Best Tent Camping near Pocahontas, AR

Tent camping options near Pocahontas, Arkansas include several primitive sites along the Eleven Point River in Missouri, just north of the Arkansas border. Greene Road Camp offers dispersed tent camping with minimal amenities, while locations like Turner's Mill and Boze Mill Float Camp provide established tent sites within the Mark Twain National Forest.

Most tent campgrounds in this region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with primitive facilities. Several sites feature concrete or wooden picnic tables and established fire rings, but campers should bring their own water and supplies. Vault toilets are available at Turner's Mill, Whitten River Access, and Boze Mill Float Camp, but no shower facilities exist at any of these primitive tent areas. The gravel access roads to many sites can be rough, especially after rain, making high-clearance vehicles advisable for reaching tent camping areas like Whitten River Access.

The region offers unique opportunities for tent campers seeking solitude and natural experiences. McCormack Lake Recreation Area provides free lakeside tent sites surrounded by forest, while Irish Wilderness offers backcountry tent camping with access to the 20-mile Whites Creek Loop trail. Many tent campsites are positioned near water access points, making them ideal for kayakers and anglers. The Eleven Point River provides clear, cold water and excellent fishing opportunities adjacent to several tent camping areas. A review noted that "the sites were empty, totally alone with a gorgeous lake" at McCormack Lake Recreation Area, highlighting the seclusion available to tent campers in this region.

Best Tent Sites Near Pocahontas, Arkansas (17)

    1. Greene Road Camp Dispersed

    1 Review
    Pocahontas, AR
    11 miles

    "Two pull in spots with concrete picnic tables in the woods. Quiet, rural area."

    2. Boze Mill Float Camp

    6 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Several dedicated camp sites that each have fire ring, shepherds hook, picnic table. There is one pit toilet building."

    "Great place to go primitive if the weather is right and no matter the weather, the water is beautiful. Our favorite time to go is in the fall when the leaves begin to change."

    3. Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Doniphan, MO
    28 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "There’s a nice river next to the campground for swimming and boating. The whole place is a nice quiet setting. The sites themselves are not on top of each other. I’ve had good Verizon signal here."

    4. Jessica's Garden

    Be the first to review!
    Cherokee Village, AR
    21 miles

    5. Turner's mill

    4 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    38 miles

    "I grew up going here and it is great , there is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice , the only issue is the restroom is a"

    "River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!"

    6. Whitten River Access

    2 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    36 miles

    "There's a vault toilet. It's otherwise primitive camping. Our group kayaks in during trout fishing trips and have never had a problem finding a place to camp."

    "No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough."

    7. Irish Wilderness

    2 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    35 miles

    "Plan around hitting the two springs on both legs of the 20 mile loop. car camping available at the camp 5 pond trailhead (no water available). BRING A GPS!"

    8. Whitten acces

    1 Review
    Alton, MO
    37 miles

    9. McCormack Lake Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "We had a local with his hounds running around with a flashlight looking up trees for about an hour around 9PM. I'm guessing he was raccoon hunting...?"

    "Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."

    10. Barn Hollow Float Camp

    1 Review
    Alton, MO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pocahontas, AR

1 Photos of 17 Pocahontas Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Pocahontas, AR

177 Reviews of 17 Pocahontas Campgrounds


  • S
    May. 26, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Dry camping dispersed NF campground

    There are 15 paved sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring and a pole to hang a lantern. Some sites are double width. There are two (nice & clean) vault toilets, one in the campground near the entrance and the other at the day use/boat launch site, no electric, water, dumpster or garbage. Pack it in and pack it out. There's a 1.3 mile paved trail along the lake and a dock. There is some noise from 60 but it's hardly noticeable. My time here has been quiet except for some drunken yahoos one night.

    The only negative is there are a lot of ticks! They are easy to spot on my white dog but I have to do a tick check every time he goes outside, and I always find some. Avoid the vegetation and you'll see less. Make sure you check yourself.

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Peaceful

    Just off highway, it is dispersed camping in a park that no longer charges, blacktop pad, lantern hook, picnic table, fire ring w cooking grate at ea site, vault toilets.

    There was a fire a few years ago so some burned out areas, lots of firewood, small lake for fishing no motorized boats, great hike/walk around lake.  There is a gas station/truck stop near.   Great stop to regroup on a long road trip.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Memories of Days Gone By

    The people of Missouri gave a wonderful gift to the people of the United States.  A gift I did not know about or had never heard of till we made the decision to camp in Missouri.

    Big Springs was Missouri's first state park.  The CCC did a lot of construction on the park and so much of the buildings are still there.  In much need of repair and I do hope the federal government will restore.  Big Spring is off of Missouri Highway 160.  Turn onto State Route 103 to Big Spring.  The spring has a wheelchair accessible pathway that will lead right to the spring.

    The campground is large and open.  Tent sites along with with RV sites but the RV sites are small and very close together.  Some RV sites had electric but no water or sewer.  There is a dump site.  During the summer I think I would get a reservation for the RV sites if you need electric.  If you have the ability to generate your own electric stay in the open tent site area.  The tent site area is large and open to the sun.  Big Springs has flush toilets and hot showers.

    There are picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park along with two group shelters.

    The Ranger programs are well worth checking out.  Take advantage.

    The Current River makes a wonderful backdrop for nature lovers.  You have the options of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, floating, kayaking, and all sorts of boating with a ramp in the park.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Deer Leap

    Leaping Lizards, it's Free

    Five miles north of Doniphan, MO on State Hwy 160 Hwy Y head north for about five miles take a left on Forest Road 4349.  Continue down and veer to the left to go to the boat ramp and day use area.  Go right to the Deer Leap Campground.

    ON the east bank of the Current River you will find dispersed camping.  There are seven campsites with fire ring, table and lantern post.  No trash service but there is a pit toilet and water.  Campsites are First Come, First Served.  No fireworks allowed.

    The campground and boat launch is located in the Mark Twain National Forest under the Eleven Point Ranger District.  The district is named after the Eleven Point River which was designated a National Scenic River in 1968.  The Eleven Point District provides a plethora of fishing, tubing and all kinds of boating options.

    Take the time to float some of the rivers for a vision of rocky bluffs, springs, birds, wildlife and local vegetation.  You are permitted to camp on the gravel bars found along the rivers and there are several primitive float camps while you are floating.

    There are so many activities that go hand in hand with fishing and tubing such as horseback riding, hiking, hunting, mountain biking and just gazing at the stars.

    At the launch site there is limited parking for floaters.  You can launch tubes, motorized and non motorized boats here.  There is also a pit toilet.  Be very careful because on the fourth the area was very crowded.  There is a vendor in the area to rent tubes and kayaks and provide shuttle service.

    The water is so beautiful, clear and moving along.  The clear, green water has the power to entice just about anyone to dip their toes in.  Remember that during the summer this river will be very crowded but even with the crowds there was more than enough room.  During the spring or fall this would be a great to kayak.  Floater access in the campground is from 4/1 - 10/1.  Boat ramp is open all year.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Needs some State government love

    For Labor Day we stayed at Big Spring State Park CG, near Van Buren, Missouri which is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. 

    We arrived Friday afternoon and set up camp in the 100 loop, which are primitive campsites with fire ring, picnic table and lantern hook. Nice shady outer ring with plenty of room to set up your area. The inner ring is less private and lacking in shade. There are trails from the back sites to the river and the wading/swimming was nice. Where your hiking shoes to get there, and pack your water shoes you’ll probably want them for the rocky river bottom. 

     In May 2017 the area had major flooding. ( A Park Ranger put on a very informative slide show about it Friday evening) The park is still in the process of rebuilding many of its structures. That being said there are porta pots in two of the campground loops and some of the trails are closed still. The actual showerhouse was extremely busy and not well maintained. Spiders galore, three claustrophobic shower stalls (one was inoperable) with questionable cleanliness and the configuration is just weird. I’ve said it before , it’s unfortunate that the state does not keep these awesome areas maintained. 

    The campground was full but we still had privacy and the noise was never intrusive on our activities. 

    Big Spring is pretty awesome. There is a trail that circles up around the spring to the far side and several areas to take pictures from. It’s worth the visit to see the spring. We will visit again but I think I will take my field shower!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2018

    Craighead Forest Park

    Chilly Camping

    Excellent weekend camping at Craighead Forest State Park outside Jonesboro, Ar.

    The park offers four trails, one gravel pedestrian only, one paved multi-use with excercise equipment, a forest trail and one dirt trail for bikers and runners. Three large playgrounds, pavilions and several small playgrounds. A dog park/beach access area and dog dock. Fishing and watercraft access. Camping and a nature center.

    When we arrived at the campground we had the choice of several primitive campsites. There is limited parking in the small gravel lot. There are three sites near the lot and then several others about 200 to 300 ft down the gravel trail.

    This is the same gravel trail, approximately 3 miles long, that circles the lake. Needless to say there is a lot of foot traffic on it.

    There was plenty of room at the site. We set up two tents and a hammock plus had the picnic table, fire pit and gravel pad which is right on the lake. If you bring your fishing gear or water craft it’s easy to tie off right at your campsite.

    Directly across from primitive camping are two very large , active playgrounds a pavilion and restroom. There’s a snow cone vendor with loud music who frequents that parking area too. In addition the park is not closed during the night so we got to listen to several loud conversation, music blaring from a car stereo until about 1:30am and a rather colorful argument at one point.

    You drive through the RV area on your way in to the primitive area. There is a nice new bathroom facility with uncomfortably warm cranking heat, the metal fixtures were warm to the touch. One drawback to there being only one restroom about 1/4 mile from the primitive area, you know people aren’t walking that far at night when the need to go…, just saying.

    So Pros: centrally located, water access, nice trails, good size sites, a lot to do

    Cons: foot traffic, noise, no privacy, noise, not limited access

  • T
    Sep. 19, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Quiet off the road stay

    We stopped at a dollar general in town and picked up all the supplies and food we’d need. Camp was 3 minutes down the road. We found a spot right the water - nice and level - and got set up really quick. Good view of the water and plenty of walking trails. Sites have nice metal fire pits and nice metal picnic tables. There are no showers or running water in the bathrooms, nor any trash cans. A really good primitive place to camp right off of route 60.

  • J
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Easy access, private sites

    Stopped here while passing through Missouri on a Saturday on 4th of July weekend and there were only 3 other campers when we arrived late afternoon. The sites are nice and big with picnic tables and fire rings, even a few “doubles” that would fit two big rigs side by side. The trail around the lake makes for a nice short walk with the dogs and it was surprisingly not terribly buggy for July. No hook-ups, which was the only downside since it was so hot and my Husky demands AC in the summer!

  • Jason F.
    May. 9, 2022

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    A great intro to the Ozarks

    Big Spring is a great, quiet spot to take in some hiking with access to the Current River. The campground offers 29 electric sites and many more with level pads, picnic tables, lanterns hooks, and fire pits. Loop 200 offers a restroom with flush toilets. Hot showers are less than 10 minute walk. We enjoyed the trail the follows the river right behind the campground. Be sure to check out the Slough trail which takes you right to Big Spring!


Guide to Pocahontas

Tent camping options in the Pocahontas area concentrate along the Eleven Point National Scenic River corridor, with most sites positioned between 400-600 feet elevation in the Ozark highlands. The region receives approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions but occasionally challenging access roads. Primitive camping predominates, with most sites located within Mark Twain National Forest boundaries.

What to do

Fishing access points: Turner's Mill provides excellent trout fishing opportunities along the Eleven Point River. "There is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice," notes camper Glen T.

Spring exploration: Visit the unique geological features at Boze Mill Float Camp where a blue spring emerges from underground. "There is a beautiful blue spring coming out of the bottom of a pool formerly used to power Boze Mill," explains William M., highlighting the historical elements alongside natural features.

Hiking trails: Irish Wilderness offers backcountry camping with extended hiking options. Tony R. advises, "Plan around hitting the two springs on both legs of the 20 mile loop. BRING A GPS! The trail is very easy to lose and after 20+ miles you'll want the comfort of knowing where you have been/are going!"

What campers like

Natural water features: Campers consistently mention the clear springs and river access points. At Turner's Mill, Kaylee D. shares that "water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!"

Solitude and quiet: McCormack Lake Recreation Area offers peaceful lakeside camping. According to Meghan B., "Had the whole place to ourselves on a Thursday night... the spot was peaceful and full of chirping birds and frogs."

River access for boating: Whitten River Access provides convenient river entry points for paddlers. "It has river access via a boat ramp and 'dock'. There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for RVs," reports Ralph S., making it ideal for best tent camping near Pocahontas, Arkansas for those also bringing kayaks.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require high-clearance vehicles. Ralph S. warns about Whitten River Access: "The road in is rough gravel and a big RV will be slow going."

Limited amenities: Greene Road Camp provides minimal facilities. Kevin S. describes it as "Two pull in spots with concrete picnic tables in the woods. Quiet, rural area."

Weather considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. Linda C. shares her experience at Whitten River Access: "Arrived after dark. Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night."

Water treatment: Despite the clear appearance of springs and rivers, all water should be treated before consumption, as none of the sites provide treated drinking water.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Several campsites feature child-friendly water access. Jared G. reports from Turner's Mill that "The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in," making it suitable for supervised children.

Wildlife viewing: Float Camp Recreation Area offers nature observation opportunities. Jeff C. notes, "There's a nice river next to the campground for swimming and boating. The whole place is a nice quiet setting."

Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential during warmer months near Pocahontas tent camping areas. Charlotte B. warns, "I highly suggest this place, but I do suggest lots of bug spray. For some reason, I always get eaten up by mosquitos in this area."

Seasonal planning: Visit during fall for optimal conditions and fewer insects. Charlotte B. suggests, "Our favorite time to go is in the fall when the leaves begin to change. The water may be chilly, but the views and the fishing are perfect."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Most primitive tent camping near Pocahontas requires preparation for uneven terrain. At Whitten River Access, Ralph S. notes, "There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for RVs," though access remains challenging.

Dump station locations: No on-site dump facilities exist at primitive campgrounds. Jeff C. advises, "The only dump station is in town at the Rocky River Resort, $10."

Electric hookup options: Float Camp Recreation Area offers limited electrical access. "Currently has 8 electric only sites, and 12 tent sites. All are first come, first serve," explains Jeff C., providing one of the few options for powered camping in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pocahontas, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pocahontas, AR is Greene Road Camp Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pocahontas, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Pocahontas, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.