Central Arkansas offers diverse yurt camping options with Roland, Arkansas serving as a gateway to elevated comfort in nature. Located in a region known for its rugged mountain landscape and lake-dotted terrain, the area features over 65 miles of hiking trails with four major state parks within a 90-minute drive. Temperatures range from mild winters (40-60°F) to hot summers (85-95°F) with moderate rainfall throughout the year, making yurt accommodations particularly valuable during seasonal transitions.
What to do
**Crystal hunting: Just outside Hot Springs, Ron Coleman Mine offers a unique activity for yurt campers exploring the area. As one visitor to Crystal Ridge RV Park noted, "We came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems... We took the spot up top the hill [upper left corner] and found crystals in our campsite around the fire pit."
**Hiking accessible trails: Many yurt locations feature well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels. At Petit Jean State Park, a visitor explained, "We spent most of our days hiking the many trails the park is known for. It was at peak Dogwood season, so the understory of the Forest was beautiful!"
**Fishing from shore: Lake access directly from yurt sites allows for convenient fishing without hauling gear long distances. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park shared, "We stayed in A35 which is a triple A site with level site with all the trimmings! Wooded campsite with adequate shade, picnic table, fire pit and raised grilling station... several [sites] back up to Ouachita Lake."
What campers like
**Accessible luxury: The yurt options near Roland provide unexpected comfort with excellent proximity to natural attractions. At Catherine's Landing, a visitor mentioned, "The yurts looked very nice from the outside. The shower rooms are large and stone tiled, however it looks like the ceiling needs some drywall attention or is amidst a construction project during my stay."
**Winter comfort: Unlike traditional camping, yurts maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. At Mount Nebo State Park, guests appreciate the elevated position: "Being on an 1800 ft elevation summit, surrounded by valley...its quiet and enjoys a constant breeze. Enjoying blue skies, the shade trees are appreciated in the camping area."
**Wildlife proximity: Many yurt locations feature regular wildlife encounters steps from accommodations. At Lake Ouachita State Park, visitors report: "Ducks and geese also made appearances that thrilled the kids... The campsites are on a small peninsula, so every site was right on the water."
What you should know
**Seasonal popularity: Yurt accommodations book quickly, especially during peak fall and spring seasons. At Lake Catherine State Park, a visitor advised, "This SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommended."
**Variable privacy levels: Not all yurt sites offer the same level of seclusion. At Hot Springs National Park KOA, a visitor observed: "The sites are close to each other, but they are stair stepped, so you feel like you have more privacy which was really nice."
**Terrain considerations: Many yurt locations require navigating steep or uneven terrain. At Mount Nebo State Park, visitors warn: "At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%."
Tips for camping with families
**Kid-friendly activities: Several yurt locations offer special programming designed for children. At Catherine's Landing, a visitor described it as "Summer Camp for the Whole Family" noting, "The climbing and ropes course is enormous and will make any kid's jaw drop in disbelief. There's an affiliated zip line just outside of the park."
**Swimming options: Multiple state parks with yurt accommodations feature swimming areas with varying amenities. A Lake Catherine visitor shared: "We took my nieces on a weekend trip in our camper to Lake Catherine State Park. Our campsite backed up to the lake, so we had a great view... We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old)."
**Safety considerations: Be aware of natural hazards specific to each yurt location. At Mount Nebo, a camper noted: "There are bear in this area, and precautions are taken by the park. Park staff informed us of numerous venomous reptilian, too...so be aware on the trails, or if you choose to wander off them."
Tips from RVers
**Site selection strategy: For those with larger rigs who want to experience yurt camping in Roland, Arkansas without bringing their RV up mountain roads, consider strategic base camping. A visitor to Mount Nebo explained: "My camper was too long for the road up so we stayed at a hike in site it was great quiet and remote the deer will walk up to you and you can pet them."
**Weather preparations: The elevated position of many yurt locations affects weather conditions. According to one Petit Jean camper: "This is a great campground back in the trees. It was raining and we didn't get that wet due to the tree coverage."
**Off-season advantages: Consider timing yurt stays during shoulder seasons for better availability. One Little Rock North KOA visitor noted: "Nice campground. Typical KOA, which was what we needed! Friendly, clean, helpful!" while another visitor mentioned, "Far enough away from highway to to be peaceful but not so far that you are going out of your way."
