Best Glamping near Ponca, AR

Dogwood Springs in Jasper AR is definitely rustic and unpolished with regard to its setting.  RV sites do have full hook-ups although we had an issue with the sewer draining properly on site 31. With only one bath room each for men and women and one shower each as well, they do provide the basics. We had an opportunity to peek into a cabin and we were very impressed with the set up, having a full bath and mini-kitchen. It was well appointed and inviting.

The lay-out of the campground is a bit odd in that some sites are only accessible by driving through another. 

The view from site 31 included that of Round top mountain but also vacant, declining commercial buildings near the campground. 

Proximity to stores and restaurants in Jasper was handy.

Any stay at Table Rock State Park is a treat.   This park is one I have been staying at off and on since I was young so it has been great to see the park continue to grow and upgrade since that time.   

Camping as a tent camper in the primitive areas I have noticed that the spacing has always been just enough along the outer loops.   In the more open middle areas it tends to get a bit more chaotic especially during weekends or holidays.    I tend to stay off on the rim of the loop, which is a bit further to walk to the restrooms, but is valuable in that no one walks around your site to get to another location.

All sites primitive and improved have common features with picnic tables and fire rings.   The improved sites have both 30 and 50 amp connections to choose from.   This is handy when your rig can run off the smaller voltage because you will save a few dollars by selecting the smaller connection site.

Bathrooms have come a long way since the older days.   What once was a daddy long leg haven with open showers only divided by shower curtains and cavernous and non climate controlled restrooms, is now evolving to a more individual shower and restroom area with door closures and better climate control and venting.   It no longer smells like mildew because the moisture is not stuck inside.

A path runs along the backside of the campground which you can travel along to access the water.  This path will allow you to walk from the marina to the Branson Belle and all the way to the Dewey Short Visitor Center to learn a bit more about the lake and its creation.    Along the opposite side of the highway you will find more than a few trailheads which are great for a little departure from the typical Branson experience.

When I visited this time the waters were very high on the main side of the lake making it impossible to enjoy the shoreline which had been swallowed by the overflowing banks. Instead, I traveled to the side which is less traveled and enjoyed some quiet retreat alongside some bass fishermen on the spillway side of the water.

Quite a difference in crowds as this area with access to hiking and relaxing was mellow. To access this area I suggest taking the last turn off across the road from the Dewey Short parking into a large parking lot with a view point of the dam.   From this point take the small side road which departs the parking lot and follow it down til it dead ends and there you will find a hiking access point and a wonderful trail to the water.

No pets in yurts. Yes to Cats ❣️. My cats travel campgrounds and usually are outdoors but here I kept them in cabin because they would not like it outdoors. Cabins had AC but smelled like dust polish. Gorgeous forest views in the shower house. HOT water when shower is on Cold setting. Cold at hot. Cool affordable camp store. Nice people. Too much cinnamon spray in all indoor areas but not cabins. 24 hour rec room w AC and a wall of movies and games and books and cozy couch. Hurricane machine and fresh yummy donuts are not to be missed. My son is Big and found the camp cabin too crowded small and didn't like the leather beds even with our bedding on them. I found it cozy except the polish but couldn't open it up because we wanted the cats indoors here. Great porch swing, nice condition. Microwave and fridge. Friendly staff.

You have your choice of accommodations here: RV sites, cabins, and, of course, tree houses! Since it was the beginning of March and we didn’t know what the weather would be like, we chose a treehouse (plus I’ve always wanted to stay in a tree house!) 

It’s difficult to properly review this place outside of our specific experience since it was off-season and much of the facility was not yet operational. I imagine that in the summer, this place would be hopping with many families. As far as activities offered, there is a pool (in season), a nice and creative playground and a pirate ship, a basketball net, tether ball, and two hiking trails. You should wear hiking boots if setting off on these trails (while not long, they are hilly). They were also not always clearly marked, and I went off trail once or twice. Each of the treehouses has different features – some are good for couples while some are designed for families. We stayed in the Belle Arbes (beautiful trees) treehouse, mainly because it had a fireplace, and we didn’t know how cold it would be (we woke to snow our second morning!). It also has a deck, fire pit, swinging bridge leading to another smaller deck, outdoor shower, and a small fully stocked kitchenette. It is a bit of a splurge to stay in the treehouses, but it was a nice change of pace from camping for us. 

The office is open from 8 am-5 pm and we received a call around 3:30 on the day of our arrival letting us know the office would be closed when we arrived but giving us instructions on how to check in after hours. 

Branson Treehouse Adventures is close enough to the hubbub of Branson but even though it is located on a busy road, once you enter, it is quiet and peaceful (at least in the off-season!). We enjoyed our stay here, especially in the quiet off-season.

Over 100 sites at this campground, weren’t many people there when we were there. Stayed in site 97 which had great views over the lake. Vault toilets. Our site had electric but no water. They didn’t bother telling us until we arrived that the water had tested positive for E. coli and the swimming areas were closed. They have a sand volleyball pit near the marina and some kids playground equipment. Also have some large pavilions for large groups. Tons of deer everywhere also raccoons at night, so keep trash put away. There was only one trash area at the front of park. They could have more trash receptacles around the park. Our area was heavily wooded which provided nice shade. Our site has a picnic bench, fire pit and pad for a tent.