Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground and Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events provide distinctive glamping experiences in the Arkansas wilderness. Lake Fort Smith features well-appointed glamping accommodations with comfortable furnishings, electricity, and proximity to lake activities. Mulberry Mountain offers yurt rentals with proper beds, climate control, and convenient access to hiking trails. These eco-friendly glamping options provide a perfect balance of outdoor immersion and comfort, with sites thoughtfully positioned to maximize privacy and scenic views. Most accommodations include picnic tables, fire rings, and proximity to clean, modern bathhouse facilities. Some units feature kitchenettes and private decks overlooking the natural landscape. One visitor noted, "The cabins which offer a lake view are extremely nice and a must for those seeking a glamping experience with all the comforts of home."
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area and Mount Magazine State Park provide additional upscale glamping opportunities with spectacular mountain vistas. These eco-friendly resorts feature hiking access directly from accommodations, wildlife viewing opportunities, and seasonal activities ranging from kayaking to stargazing sessions. Mount Magazine's glamping sites sit atop Arkansas's highest peak, offering unmatched panoramic views and access to unique flora and fauna. Most locations provide firewood for purchase and well-maintained facilities including modern showers and toilets. The visitor centers offer interactive exhibits about local ecology and history. A recent guest shared, "Very Spacious sites with full hook-ups. Well maintained with spotless bathrooms and a great pool area. Lots of hiking opportunities as well as small boat use and paddle boards." Advance reservations are recommended for these popular glamping destinations, particularly during peak summer and fall foliage seasons.
"The state of Arkansas has put in a real effort to make the outdoor experience a nice as possible in their state parks."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
from $23 - $163 / night
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
"Nice fire pit/ pit toilet/ water pump access. There is a house where the campsite host family lives. They were amazing and helped up navigate the area and plan our adventures."
"I was impressed from the moment we arrived. The drive up was slow going with a narrow rutted out road but overall not bad. The staff was great and they deliver your wood to your campsite."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $215 / night
"Super clean bathrooms with granite counter and tile. Pleasant hosts. Quiet, just a bit of highway noise but not much. Pool, hot tub, jump pad, pond with rental boats, lots of kids games."
"It’s far enough away to not have traffic noise. The sites are level, there is a pool, Propane, fishing pond, and camp store. Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites."
"Has fire pit with grill, separate bbq, siting area and great hook ups. Bear proof refuge container on site as well. Half off if disabled! Site 3 wasn't completely level, but quick fix."
"Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it."
from $35 / night
"The employees are ALWAYS friendly and helpful, campsites are well put together, a bathroom and showers are on site. This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
"There are a ton of trails to explore. They have a store and restaurant on site. The trip out there is amazing. They own 800 acres and have a ton of off-road trails for all."
from $10 - $22 / night
"Hiked some of the trails here today. Good trails, fairly well marked, until the very end. No service in the woods of the trails, but T-Mobile reception through the campgrounds."
"Very quiet and felt secluded even though the campsites were about 75% full. Tent camped with electrical hook-ups which I wasn't expecting. I think it was only$14 a days."
"We arrived late and in the dark, rainy ARK weather Dan provided lights so that we could hook up. Customer service is the best. We will definitely stay here again."
"We had hit a really bad storm so we were many, many hours behind schedule trying to get down into Hotsprings. It was midnight and we were exhausted."
from $35 - $38 / night
"The bathroom/shower requires a passcode to enter and is always clean to use. It's a great escape for off-roading and overloading."
"Near the Mulberry River and White Rock recreation area, the facility is an off road enthusiasts playground! Trails directly into the outback from the facility."
from $30 - $100 / night
"Would have given 5 stars, but they are limited on sites with 50amps. Showers were in rough shape as well"
"We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us. Great place to stay, friendly staff!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $50 / night
RangerVery nice park - clean and quiet. We did the kayak tour this morning which was nice. There’s also a kayak rental Kiosk down by the boat ramp through Whenever Watersports (download the app). There’s trails and also a pool. Pool closed down Aug 9, 2026 since lifeguards had to go back to school. Not having a pool was the only bummer this trip cause temps are still close to 100.
RangerClean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
GuideThe campground was really nice. The sites were spread out really well for full hookup spots. Each spot had some privacy and distance between them. Bathrooms were super clean. There’s plenty of hiking trails around but other than that it’s a pretty relaxing campsite. Weather is 10-15 degrees cooler than what you’d expect in the River Valley.
LegendWe took advantage of the 75 degree weather at the end of February to enjoy Mount Magazine. What a beautiful campground! All spaces have LOTS of room between them, it’s quiet, bathrooms are new and clean. A fantastic view of the region within a short walking distance. Lots and lots of hiking. 100% would visit again. I would probably stay in site 9, 15, or 17 if I had the choice again but none of the sites are bad. Full hookups.
GuideMount Magazine is absolutely gorgeous! Camping was great, bathrooms are kept very clean, campground had great sites that gave you lots of space and privacy.
ScoutVery disappointed in Marval Resort. The manager is very unprofessional. We have been going there since 2019 for a family reunion. This year was 59th reunion. I get a phone call on July 7, 2025 and was told we would not be welcomed back and when I asked why the manager could not tell me why. All that she said was several reasons. If it was such a big issue, she should have come to me or someone else and addressed the issue face to face instead of waiting until we left. My cousin had called multiply times to try and get this worked out and she would never speak or call back. When no response to phone calls she was emailed and finally responded to an email. The manager didn’t even have the decency for the closing signature on the email. It’s a shame that Marval Resort has someone like this running their resort. Very poor communication. Instead of coming to my camp spot talking to me about some cars parked on the grass and gravel in front of our camp spot out of the way of others she calls me in the middle of a big gathering and tells me they need to be moved because it rained that morning and the grass was wet. No, the grassy lawn area was dry in the heat of the afternoon day. There are so many staff members driving around on their golf carts and not a word was said. She was on her golf cart right by us and could not come face to face and talk about the issue. Now, that’s pretty unprofessional. We have 96 and 86 year old aunts and some others with walking issues. That’s why cars were there. Family was coming from their cabins or campers to the central area for family gathering. And as far as the pavilion parking that we paid money to rent. Again, for some elders and a few trucks hauling fish fry supplies. You booked a band that was playing on the stage right by the pavilion(that we paid for) and people could not communicate very well due to loud music. This also happened last year as well. So, you the manager don’t know who all the cars belong to. They could have been the bands or other guest not in our family. We have a large group that stayed there for 6 years in campers or cabins and spent lots of money there. There is a lot of issues the manager needs to take care of and get off her high horse. I thought this place is supposed to be family oriented. I will miss seeing Wayne(maintenance gentleman) there with his smiling face. He is such a friendly man. And one more thing, always talking about all the improvements they’re working on or going to do. It’s been the same for 6 years now.
RangerStayed here for a four wheeling trip. Was a decent location - sites were mostly dirt/gravel.
TravelerFriendly helpful staff. Decent lots. Many are shaded. Several things for kids including a pool.
LegendAbsolutely 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! Would absolutely stay again. The hiking trails were right out of our campsite. Clean sites. Great tent pads. It was totally level we didn’t need any leveling done at all.
Lake Fort Smith State Park and several nearby recreation areas offer a range of camping options about 30 miles from Van Buren, Arkansas. The park sits at an elevation of around 800 feet in the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks, with the surrounding peaks reaching heights of 2,500+ feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing, particularly at higher elevations.
Hiking Ozark Highland Trail: Access trailheads directly from camping areas at Lake Fort Smith State Park. "Hiking trails were right out of our campsite. Clean sites. Great tent pads. It was totally level we didn't need any leveling done at all," notes Jennifer O. of the park.
Mountain biking: Trails at White Rock Mountain Recreation Area accommodate various skill levels. "The Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season," shares Matt B., who recommends early morning rides when visibility is clearest.
Water recreation: The lake at Greenleaf State Park offers fishing, kayaking and canoeing. "We had a great time tent camping here on Labor Day Weekend. Beautiful park with grassy tent sites. Nice hiking trail... There is a marina where you can rent canoes and kayaks and buy supplies," explains Richard.
Off-roading adventures: Trails at Byrd's Adventure Center connect to national forest land. "They not only have their own trails on private land, but off-roaders can hit trails in National Forest territory not too far down the road. Good place for vehicles that need to hook up or primitive," reports Eric L.
Year-round accessibility: Most campgrounds remain open through winter, though amenities may be limited. "We had a break in the winter weather this week and took three days to explore the trails around Lake Ft. Smith. As only one of four campers, we had the place to ourselves save the park keepers making their rounds to ensure our safety and the cleanliness of the park," shares Donna H.
Yurt camping options: For campers seeking alternative accommodations, Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events provides yurt camping near Van Buren, Arkansas. "Beautiful views - helpful staff - clean bathhouse - reasonable prices," notes Chris C. about this facility.
Diverse terrain: Mount Magazine State Park Campground sits at Arkansas's highest elevation point. "Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain. It has 18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer," explains Gary F.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities. "Animals! Turtles, deer that like to be petted, frogs croaking at night, owls talking, beavers splashing in the lake and turkeys eating snakes!" reports Julie O. about her experiences at Greenleaf State Park.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating steep, winding roads. "Nice, quiet place. Great hiking! Not really a place for a quick overnight, the road in is steep and crooked," warns kcki M. about Lake Fort Smith State Park.
Weather preparedness: Temperature differences between valley floors and mountain peaks can exceed 15°F. "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," shares Donny S. about camping at Mount Magazine.
Seasonal crowds: Spring through fall bring higher visitation, especially weekends. "We stayed in the tent campground. Peaceful spot, every star is visible. All of them. Beautiful sunrise in the morning viewed from the rim trail," says Steve J. about White Rock Mountain during off-peak season.
Site selection: Campgrounds often have varied terrain with some sites more level than others. "Many of the campsites are on a grade. They all have multiple levels with stairs and have no railings. We had 5 children <6 years of age and the sites were somewhat perilous," cautions Ryan S. about Lake Fort Smith.
Check splash pads: Greenleaf State Park offers water play options. "The absolute best part of this park is the splash pad. It was the best splash pad we've been too. They had a cool slide and we had a blast," says Richard.
Choose accessible sites: Look for level sites with minimal stairs for young children. "If you are a parent with small kids, sites 17-20 and sites 2-3 are better. The other sites are excellent, but not necessarily best for small kids," advises Ryan S. about Lake Fort Smith State Park.
Consider cabin options: Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA offers alternative accommodations. "We chose this campground for the Tiny House rental for our Daughter and her husband & kids. We stayed in an RV site, enjoyed the pool, bounce pad & basketball," shares Cheryl T.
Pack for variable temperatures: Weather changes can be sudden in mountain areas. "January 31-Feb 3 2025. White Rock is a great little campground... from the pictures we really wanted to set up in #5 but he insisted on #1 and recommended looking around in the morning if we wanted to move. I'm thankful for his knowledge because sites 5-8 were juicy from the previous days rains," notes Erin-Frannie R.
Full hookup availability: Lake Fort Smith offers complete services. "If you need sewer service, I would recommend site #11 as the most level pull-through site, although there's not a bad site in the park," suggests Donna H.
Access challenges: Consider vehicle requirements when selecting campgrounds. "It's a slow, beautiful drive. The reviews are correct that the last hour of the drive is only 20 miles. Make sure to stop for gas! It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other," warns Erin-Frannie R. about White Rock Mountain.
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks offer more privacy than others. "Sites were spacious and restrooms were very clean! ATV trails were great! Beautiful views..we will definitely go back," reports Andrea H. about her stay at Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events, which offers both yurt camping and RV sites near Van Buren, Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Van Buren, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Van Buren, AR is Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Van Buren, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Van Buren, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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