Campgrounds near Royal, Arkansas offer RV accommodations within 30 miles of Hot Springs National Park. The area features rolling Ouachita Mountain terrain with elevations ranging from 600-1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing, affecting campground water systems and accessibility.
What to do
Crystal hunting: 25-minute drive from Royal. Crystal Ridge RV Park provides direct access to Ron Coleman Mining where visitors can search for quartz crystals. "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don't think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up," notes one camper at Crystal Ridge RV Park.
Water recreation: Lake Hamilton access. Multiple RV sites near Royal provide water activities. "The park features pull-through sites that accommodate larger motorhomes and level gravel pads," with some campers enjoying "a nice shelter in a storm (literally a huge thunderstorm system rolled through the area) so it was nice to just hang out and relax" at Treasure Isle RV Park.
Fishing: Stream access available. J and J RV Park offers sites along a creek for anglers. "Sites along the stream have a great view and a great place to sit and enjoy nature. About 10 minute drive to the National Park/Downtown Hot Springs," according to a visitor at J and J RV Park.
What campers like
Clean bathrooms: Consistently mentioned. Many RV parks maintain well-kept facilities. At Leisure Landing RV Park, one camper noted "The bathhouse reminded me of a dayspa! The campsites are very small and tight. People and staff are friendly. They have a dogpark!" Another visitor appreciated that "the laundry room locker room fitness center and clubhouse are kept very clean and secure with a passcode."
Quiet environment: Away from urban noise. Despite proximity to attractions, several campgrounds offer peaceful settings. "The park is quiet and we even got a very friendly visit from the resident black cat, Moses," mentions a camper at Cloud Nine RV Park. Another visitor appreciated that "Even though it's along a highway, it's quite a ways up a hill and through the woods. We had no issues with road noise at night."
Helpful staff: Personal assistance. Campground hosts receive positive feedback for their service. "From the super nice owner, laundry room and dog walk. The showers and bathrooms are top notch and everything is spotless!" reports a camper at Leisure Landing RV Park. Another mentions receiving "maps of the area and daily activities locally."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly. While some parks offer spacious sites, others have limited separation. "The sites are quite close together but we enjoyed the open space at the front of the park," notes a Leisure Landing RV Park reviewer. Another mentions "your next door neighbor is about 12 to 15 ft from your door. So the sites are a little bit tight."
Access roads require attention. Some RV parks near Royal have challenging approach roads. At Cloud Nine RV Park, "Be careful on the road in. It's a little bumpy but it evident they do try to maintain it. It also has two turns that you want to take wide."
Seasonal considerations impact availability. Most campgrounds remain open year-round but with varying amenities. "The busy part of Hot Springs is about 5 minutes away by car. Electricity and water pressure are reliable," notes a long-term visitor at Leisure Landing RV Park, who stayed for four weeks during the off-season.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly parks: Multiple options. Several RV sites near Royal accommodate pets with dedicated areas. "There are a lot of long term people and a few that seem to rotate. The bathrooms were fantastic and so was the laundry room. Theres a little boat dock and good sized dog park too," according to a family at Leisure Landing RV Park.
Proximity to attractions: Consider travel time. When selecting an RV site near Royal, calculate distance to planned activities. "Located in Hot Spring proper. Easy access to everything. The Dog Park, laundry facilities, and restrooms/showers are of course new and clean. Casino and Racetrack are right around the corner," notes a visitor at Finish Line RV Park.
Swimming options: Limited on-site pools. Few RV parks near Royal feature swimming pools. At Arkadelphia Campground & RV Park, "Full hook-up sites, super clean restrooms and showers, laundry room, and an outdoor pool! Free Wi-Fi included!" This makes it suitable for summer family stays when temperatures climb.
Tips from RVers
Cellular coverage: Strong in most locations. Mobile service remains reliable throughout the Royal area. "Both AT&T and Verizon have full bars," reports a camper at Cloud Nine RV Park. Another mentions "The Wi-Fi is pretty good for streaming. I had a little trouble working on a team call but I switched to cellular and it was fine."
Site leveling: Check before setup. Many campers note varying site conditions. "Our site (and I'm assuming others) is level with well-packed aggregate. The sites are fairly spacious for this type of layout," notes an RVer at Cloud Nine RV Park, while others mention requiring leveling blocks at other parks.
Mail services: Available for extended stays. Long-term RVers can receive deliveries at select parks. "You can receive regular mail UPS and FedEx deliveries including Amazon. Regular mail is delivered late in the afternoon so you may have to wait till the next day to pick it up," explains a camper who spent four weeks at Leisure Landing RV Park.
