Devil's Den State Park, nestled in the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks at an elevation of 1,500 feet, offers diverse camping options within a 2,700-acre terrain. The area features limestone bluffs and sandstone caves with moderate humidity levels from May through September. Campgrounds near Prairie Grove maintain open status year-round except during occasional seasonal maintenance periods.
What to do
Hike Yellow Rock Trail: At Devil's Den State Park Campground, visitors can explore this moderately challenging trail with unique rock formations. "The large rock 'mountain' it leads you too are so much fun to play on. They have tiny caves and are incredibly easy to craw around on. P.S make sure and bring lots of bug spray," advises Cj C.
Fish at Beaver Lake: Hickory Creek Campground provides direct access to fishing opportunities along the shoreline. "Kids Fished from the shore, didn't catch anything but had fun," notes Justin M. about their winter visit, highlighting the year-round recreational possibilities.
Play disc golf: Natural Falls State Park Campground features an extensive course popular with pet owners. "Loved the falls, big campsites, hiking trails and 18 hole disc golf," reports Christy W., noting the multiple activities available in a compact area.
Explore biking trails: Near Lookout Tower Road dispersed camping area, mountain biking trails offer off-road experiences. "Bike trails are worth using," confirms Bud D., while also mentioning "less trash than most free camps" for those concerned about site conditions.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: At Horseshoe Bend Rec Area, campers appreciate the lake accessibility despite some terrain challenges. "Beautiful spot, lots of waterfront spots," notes Chelsea B., though warning that "some of the camping pads are pretty steep so longer rigs will have trouble leveling if you're camping close to the water."
Well-maintained facilities: Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness and upkeep. "Absolutely the cleanest and most beautiful campground we've been in - in this part of the county yet. Sites spread far enough apart for privacy, full hook ups, cleanest bathhouses, and beautiful scenery!" reports Jennifer O.
Affordability: Corps of Engineer campgrounds offer reasonable rates, especially with passes. "Was half price with our America, the beautiful senior pass," mentions Lisa M. about Hickory Creek, making it budget-friendly for longer stays.
Level sites: Campers at The Creeks Golf & RV Resort appreciate the consistently flat terrain. "The sites are all paved and have full hookups," explains Paul F., noting the limitation that there's "no tent camping or motorhomes under 25'" for those with smaller setups.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary widely: From basic to well-maintained, bathroom quality differs between campgrounds. At Natural Falls State Park, "Bathrooms were clean and had flush toilets and a shower," reports Richard, while at Hickory Creek "bathrooms were not kept up" according to Sara B.
Limited hookups at some sites: Water access points should be verified before arrival. "No hookups. Sites are small for campers. Scenic as it is on the lake," Julian C. explains about Lake Wedington, highlighting the tradeoff between scenic location and amenities.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak times. "They are full most weekends and its best to reserve online," advises Beth M. about Lake Wedington, suggesting planning ahead for weekend stays.
Weather preparedness: Winter camping requires additional preparation. "We were not prepared for below-freezing conditions so we had to gear up to keep the water lines from freezing," shares Brian C. about their stay at The Creeks Golf & RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Choose level, safe sites: When traveling with children, site selection becomes critical. "We had 5 children <6 years of age and the sites were somewhat perilous. If you are a parent with small kids, sites 17-20 and sites 2-3 are better," recommends Ryan S. from Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground.
Consider shower proximity: For families, clean and convenient facilities matter. "The shower house was clean and the water was hot. Just know that you will need to push the water button several times to get a good rinse as it only seemed to run the water for about 2 minutes a push," notes Annie C. from Lake Wedington.
Look for recreational options: Parks with diverse activities keep children engaged. "My favorite camping spot yet. Aside from the extreme humidity this was a great family getaway. Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!" shares Melissa M. about Devil's Den State Park.
Verify playground access: Not all play areas are conveniently located. "Last, the playground requires that you drive to it which is inconvenient," mentions Ryan S. about Lake Fort Smith, highlighting the importance of checking facility layouts.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Check campground maps and specifications before arrival. "Spaces 33 through 43 I would recommend only if you have a small bumper pull that is maybe less than 21 feet long or a class A or class C that's probably less than 25 feet long," warns Lisa M. about Hickory Creek.
Best route guidance: Approach directions can significantly impact arrival experience. "If you have a large rig - make sure to take the West Fork exit off I-49 vs. the south exit (Winslow). There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park," advises Gonzo A. from Devil's Den.
Pet exercise areas: For pet friendly camping near Prairie Grove, Arkansas, look for unofficial spaces. "The spacious field behind Southgate RV Park of Fayetteville provides an unofficial pet exercise area where campers frequently play with their dogs," notes TJ W., adding the benefit that "They have monthly spots available and also weekly/nightly rates."
Stock up on supplies: Limited shopping options exist near many campgrounds. "Bring what you need the nearest store is about 20 minutes out and the restaurant is not that good," advises Tiffany H. about Devil's Den, emphasizing the need for adequate provisions.
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