n
nate S.
Scout
ScoutDowntown Riverside RV Park
Cool spot
This place is right off the river, with a huge bike trail. It’s nice.
Best Campgrounds in Arkansas
Arkansas features a robust network of established campgrounds across its diverse landscapes, from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi River valley. Petit Jean State Park and Devil's Den State Park represent some of the highest-rated camping destinations, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Lake Ouachita State Park and Lake Catherine State Park provide water-oriented camping experiences with boat-in access options. Many campgrounds maintain year-round operations, with several locations supporting both primitive camping and full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. While many established sites provide amenities like showers, toilets, and electric hookups, primitive and dispersed camping areas typically offer more basic facilities. Roads leading to remote camping areas can present challenges, especially after rainfall. One visitor noted of Mt. Hersey campground: "The ride in is a long one with steep grades and rugged terrain. Definitely don't bring a camper down here. This road isn't made for smaller vehicles so bring an SUV or pickup."
Waterfront camping locations consistently rank among the most sought-after sites in Arkansas, with several state parks featuring lakeside or riverside camping options. Visitors frequently mention the peaceful setting of waterside campsites, with one camper describing their experience at Woolly Hollow State Park: "I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing." Hot Springs National Park's Gulpha Gorge Campground provides convenient access to both natural features and urban amenities. For those seeking more remote experiences, the Buffalo National River area offers primitive camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility. Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails, while maintaining reasonable site spacing for privacy.
Best Camping Sites in Arkansas (760)
1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
105 ReviewsAdona, ARWebsite+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. Devil's Den State Park Campground
88 ReviewsWinslow, ARWebsite+1 (479) 761-3325$20 / night
"Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. "
"The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way."
3. Lake Catherine State Park Campground
84 ReviewsJones Mill, ARWebsite+1 (501) 844-4176$15 - $25 / night
"Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean! Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. "
"We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."
4. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
78 ReviewsHot Springs National Park, ARWebsite+1 (501) 620-6715$34 / night
"There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."
"With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."
5. Tom Sawyer's RV Park
60 ReviewsWest Memphis, ARWebsite+1 (870) 735-9770"This campsite is in West Memphis, Arkansas right across the river from Memphis Tennessee. The sites are right on the river bank, beautiful. Sunrise over the river was perfect."
"This place is a 6 star park next to Ms river close to Memphis,TN quite, great spots, clean and a lake oand ponds on the sites."
6. Maumelle Park
51 ReviewsMaumelle, ARWebsite+1 (501) 868-9477$28 - $75 / night
"Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."
"Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"
7. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
48 ReviewsMountain Pine, ARWebsite+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."
8. Village Creek State Park Campground
47 ReviewsColt, ARWebsite+1 (870) 238-9406$25 / night
"There are nearly 100 sites here at Village Creek State Park. They are Spacious, paved and well maintained."
"This park was stunning the drive though a little narrow at times was scenic from the drive to the RV site. Pull Through with own area not to close to other sites."
9. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
46 ReviewsRoyal, ARWebsite+1 (501) 991-3390$14 - $80 / night
"Site 40 water faucet is broken Showers are hot and free Arkansas is very pretty but the trash on the road sides and road kill is too much. Clean up after yourself people!!!"
"Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."
10. Mount Magazine State Park Campground
34 ReviewsBlue Mountain, ARWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos in Arkansas
807 Photos of 760 Arkansas Campgrounds
Steve S.
Cane Creek State Park Campground
Lacee G.
Crystal Springs (AR)
Rhonda L.
Kings River Falls Campground
Farar R.
Large Bell Tent on the Kings River
Kathy E.
Mississippi River State Park Campground
Kathy E.
Beech Point Campground
2SHOE S.
Shiloh
Nancy C.
182 MC 4007
Tom W.
Prominence Homestead of the Ozarks
Ozark N.
Ozark Natural Science Center
Fred S.
FR94 Dispersed Campsite
Cheri H.
Little Fir Landing
Recent Reviews in Arkansas
3360 Reviews of 760 Arkansas Campgrounds
- BBrianna H.
TravelerTurner Creek Road
Dispersed camping spot
We found this spot last minute coming out of Oklahoma – it was already getting dark so we had to settle for something quick and I’m glad we did ! Nice spot to put up a tent and shower tent ! Fire ring is available here as well ! Park next to your tent . Lots of spiders so just be careful ! You do hear animas at nights , especially coyotes, but it’s such an experience !
- DDean A.Scout
Bellah Mine
Beautiful lake
Sites on water with great views. Small, but well laid out. Four more parks close by.
- EEileen D.Traveler
Tom Sawyer's RV Park
Favorite
This is one of our favorite stops on our twice yearly cross-country trips. We always get a spot on the water so we can watch the barges on the mighty Mississippi River. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Laundry room is on the second floor, but doing laundry is free!
- MMelissa R.Scout
Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Love it here!
We camped with our new Topo Toppers camper topper. The bathhouses are super clean and providing soap and paper towels. We learned in CA that all state campgrounds do not provide this luxury! We camped on the White River side and loved to watch the fishermen and boats. The corps of engineers opened some of the gates so it was cool to watch the changing water levels. And firewood is available at the front office. The park is within an hour from our house and we will be back! Highly recommend this state park in Arkansas!
TismeeScoutFairfield Bay RV Campground & Marina
Nice, friendly.
I thought this was a nice campground. Plenty of great spaces to choose from. Beautiful lake and I thought the bathrooms were clean and spacious. Water and electric hookups were easy to use. I would highly recommend this place, wasn't crowded and good fishing spots from shore.
- HHeidi J.
GuideDowntown Riverside RV Park
Bridge view
We've stay here twice when heading West. It's an easy in and out. Has a nice view of the river & bridges. My only complaint would be that there's not much grass, and the rocks are rough on our dogs feet. If you have the time visit the ESSE Purse Museum, its really cool and for food we loved Camp Taco at lost forty brewing.
Joseph J.TravelerBeagle Club Road Pull-Off
Quick stop only
Close to the highway so there’s that ambiance. But pretty secluded. I’m sure it’s used more during hunting seasons since it’s marked for such. It was good for an overnight along the way.
- MMichael C.Guide
Goats Beard Bluff Dispersed Campsite
Gate is locked and Inaccessible
Cannot access this place.
Guide to Arkansas
Camping in Arkansas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.
What to do
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at places like Mount Nebo State Park. One reviewer said, “The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque!”
- Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Ouachita State Park, you can fish right from your campsite. A visitor mentioned, “The water is crystal clear and we could swim right from our campsites!”
- Cavern Tours: Don’t miss the chance to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns. A camper shared, “The cavern tour is a must-see; it’s one of the best around.”
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One person said about Petit Jean State Park, “I found everything to be absolutely amazing! Beautiful, stunning, and can’t wait to visit again!”
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground noted, “Cleanest shower house I've ever seen.”
- Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the room to spread out. One visitor at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
What you should know
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Petit Jean State Park noted, “Just no signal. Also a little expensive for me but others may not think so!”
- Seasonal Crowds: Some parks can get busy during peak seasons. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park warned, “This place is really popular in summer time, so expect to book a year in advance.”
- Amenities Vary: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A review for Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned, “Clean restrooms, no showers.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Catherine's Landing said, “Plenty of room for the kids to ride bicycles and a direct, private access at the campground to Lake Catherine for a little family kayaking.”
- Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing, hiking, and swimming. A camper at Lake Catherine State Park mentioned, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
- Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at dusk. One camper at Willow Beach warned, “Locals warned us to beware of mosquitoes at sunset.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review for Lake Ouachita State Park noted, “The sites are all sitting on a serene lake. The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A visitor at John F Kennedy Campground mentioned, “73 sites with electric, 13 sites with water and electric.”
- Be Ready for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have showers or sewer hookups. A camper at Gulpha Gorge Campground said, “No showers, but clean restrooms.”
Camping in Arkansas is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for you in this beautiful state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Arkansas state parks?
What camping options are available in Arkansas state parks?
Arkansas state parks offer diverse camping options with well-maintained facilities. Lake Poinsett State Park Campground features quality campsites, excellent bathhouses, a playground, and a walking trail accessible from the campground. The lake has recently been repaired and restocked with fish. Lake Chicot State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside sites with stunning sunset views over cypress-lined shores. Other notable state park options include Petit Jean State Park with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly areas; Lake Catherine near Hot Springs; and Lake Ouachita State Park offering boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. Arkansas state parks generally provide clean facilities, recreational opportunities, and affordable rates with most sites being reservable online.
Where can I find RV camping sites in Arkansas?
Where can I find RV camping sites in Arkansas?
Arkansas has numerous RV-friendly campgrounds catering to various preferences. Prairie Creek, a Corps of Engineers site on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas, accommodates RVs including smaller units like 24' Winnebagos, though some sites have slight slopes. Maumelle Park, another COE campground along the Arkansas River, offers quiet sites with good privacy (like site E7) and convenient access to walking trails while remaining close to urban amenities. For adventure seekers, Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events provides clean, well-maintained RV sites with access to off-roading trails. Additional options include Tom Sawyer's RV Park near West Memphis and Crystal Springs Campground at Lake Ouachita, both offering full hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces.
What are the best campgrounds in Arkansas for tent camping?
What are the best campgrounds in Arkansas for tent camping?
Arkansas offers excellent tent camping experiences, particularly in its natural areas. Richland Creek Recreation Area provides peaceful primitive sites ideal for tent campers who enjoy hiking, with nearby waterfalls and trails worth exploring. Download maps in advance as cell service is limited. For those seeking breathtaking views, Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers tent sites with spectacular vistas, though reservable spots can be close together. The park features hiking trails, a playground, and a swimming pool. Other great tent camping options include Petit Jean State Park and the dispersed sites at Base of North Fork Pinnacle in the Ouachita National Forest, where you can truly immerse yourself in Arkansas's natural beauty.
Are there good fishing opportunities at Arkansas campgrounds?
Are there good fishing opportunities at Arkansas campgrounds?
Arkansas campgrounds offer exceptional fishing opportunities across the state. Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground in Northwest Arkansas provides access to a gorgeous lake with many lakefront sites, perfect for fishing directly from your campsite. The Corps of Engineers maintains this campground well, with electric hookups and bathhouses. Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park offers creek fishing opportunities while being conveniently located near town amenities. Lake Ouachita, known for its clear waters, provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Many Arkansas state parks including Lake Chicot and Lake Poinsett have recently restocked lakes. For the best fishing experience, consider camping during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and fish are most active.
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