Best Tent Camping near Royal, AR
Are you planning a tent camping trip to Royal? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Royal. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Royal's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Royal, AR (36)
1. Hickory Nut Mountain
Ouachita Lake, Arkansas11 Reviews•46 Photos•272 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
Kaweah Lake, California4 Reviews•18 Photos•11 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
3. Irons Fork Primitive Camping
Ouachita Lake, Arkansas2 Reviews•6 Photos•19 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
4. COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
Ouachita Lake, Arkansas1 Review•3 Photos•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
5. Iron Springs
Jessieville, Arkansas2 Reviews•10 Photos•17 SavesWooded roadside setting on stream near historic springs.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
7. Erwin Estate High Point
Jones Mill, Arkansas1 Review•3 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$80 - $100 / night
8. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
Jessieville, Arkansas3 Reviews•12 Photos•63 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
9. Fourche Mountain Campground
Plainview, Arkansas2 Reviews•12 Photos•10 SavesSmall campground with a scenic view from the mountain-top. Additional information available here.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
10. South Fourche
Nimrod Lake, Arkansas2 Reviews•20 Photos•29 SavesConvenient roadside picnic area and campground located on Scenic Highway 7 Byway. This campground also provides floating access to the South Fourche River
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews in Royal
889 Reviews of 36 Royal Campgrounds
James B.
Ranger
Twin Creek Campground
Nice stay for one night
We decided to stay here for an overnight after being in Hot Springs area.
There was only one other camper. The fee is $14 a night, not the $12 listed on sign. There is a pay kiosk that takes cards The campground was very clean and had many many trash cans.
Bathrooms clean and had running water and flush toilets. Cell signal was poor with Verizon. Found an opening and Starlink worked great.
Logan R.
Scout
Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
Overland site
First off the coordinates are 34.80858, -93.07552 This campsite has amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises. A bit rocky for tent campers but should have no trouble finding a spot for a 4 man tent. There is also limited level ground but not bad. This site has room for 2-3 rigs. If ya needed to squeeze 4 you definitely could. There is a good breeze as it is on the top of the ridge which would be great in summer but can get a bit nippy in the colder seasons so keep that in mind. Nice sound of the breeze in the trees to put you right to sleep and extremely rare traffic so minimal reminders of society!!! I’ve rambled a bit but this site genuinely ticked all the boxes for me. Made for a beautiful evening.
Forest K.
Traveler
Cox Creek Lake Campground
Quite little campground
Nice little campgrounds, quiet, and peaceful. You'll enjoy the lake on your kayak while you fish and watch the sunset or sunrise. Not all campsites are level, only about 4 of them, but the other won't take much to level out your camper. There are 4 pavilions, and most sites have picnic tables. Clean bath and showers area, also handicap accessible.
- Forest K.Traveler
Buckville - Lake Ouachita
Nice boon-docking area
Our family has camp here the last 4 years, sometimes twice a year. We like it for the family and grandkids because of the swimming area and pit toilets, which allows us to stay for about 3-4 days at time, you need to bring your own toilet paper and water. There used to be a store a couple of miles up the road from here, but the last time we camp, it was closed due to the spouse passing away. If you like boon docking, Kayaking, and fishing in a quite area, this is the place for you. Bring your Kayak and go Island hoping!
little B.Scout
Lake Catherine State Park Campground
I love the tranquility
I really love this place because it’s so peaceful. This is why I like places with forests and lakes. I work in cities, block blast always so noisy there…
- CChris A.
Guide
Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
Great State Park
Lots of Space, Shade, and access to mountain bike trails and downtown hot springs
Jeff P.Ranger
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Our new favorite camping grounds
This state park is one of the hardest to book a camping site for a last-minute camping trip. After we finally secure our spot, it’s easy to see why it’s so hard to secure at a moment's notice.
Please be sure to visit the Petite Jean Coffeehouse which is located before the entrance to the park.
Twyana S.Guide
Bear Creek
Primitive beauty
This park is a wooded area beside a lake. Campsites have a picnic table & grill. No electricity or water. No concrete parking pads. However almost all sites have a view of the lake. Beautiful views. Two pit toilets were clean & smelled ok.
Alice S.
Legend
COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground
Wooded With View of Lake
This site was difficult to find. It is listed on the highway with a sign but on GPS it wasn't listed. The proper address is 4101 US-70, Kirby, AR 71950.
You book through recreation.gov but it is actually listed under Self Creek campgrounds. When booking just lok for sites listed on LOOP JW.
This is a good site for tents, campervans, and smaller rvs. There are sites for larger rvs but not many. It may be difficult to find a level spot if you're in a larger vehicle. There is only one site directly on the water. The remainder are on the wooded hill but still have a beautiful view of the lake.
The bathhouse has flush toilets and showers but is very old. They maintain it well and it is cleaned regularly. The toilets are perfectly fine but the showers are just old and a bit icky. I would suggest for showers going to the Daisy State Park. They have newer and nicer showers.
- Twyana S.Guide
COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground
Unable to Locate
The GPS coordinates are wrong for this one but I couldn't locate the correct site. Tookus down a gravel road that wasn't bad until it turned to mud.
- Twyana S.Guide
Self Creek
Lots of Choices
Large campground with lots of different areas to camp. They have sites in the woods, next to the water, and out in the open.
The bathrooms were clean and well maintained.
- Twyana S.Guide
COE Lake Greeson Star of the West
Arkansas Beauty
Amazingly beautiful and cheap. Bathrooms are vault toilets. They smell bad but the room is clean.
- Alice S.Legend
Daisy State Park Campground
Very Nice but Busy
They have a lot of campgrounds but most are very close. Not a bad thing for those social butterflies but a little tighter than I like. Their bathrooms and showers are really nice. Clean and spacious.
It's definitely worth a visit but make sure to book well in advance. They sell out quick.
- Alice S.Legend
COE Lake Greeson Star of the West
Good Location But Better Options Available
The price here is now $10 per day but if you have America the Beautiful Pass it's half price.
Couple downsides are that the bathrooms are pit style bathrooms and kind of nasty and unless you snag one of the sites far back in the woods you are pretty close to the highway so some noise.
It is my understanding that they are scheduled to update the bathrooms in the next year or two but until then I'd definitely suggest going to Arrowhead Point. It's right down the road, same price, quieter, and nicer bathrooms.
- Alice S.Legend
Arrowhead Point — Lake Greeson
Affordable and Comfortable
This location is right on the lake with quite a few camp sites available. The only down side is they have only one site available with electric and hookups. Everything else had no electric or hookups.
The electric site is $22 and all the rest are $10. If you have a senior pass they are half off though. It's first come first serve.
A nice boat ramp is on site as well as a swimming beach. The beach isn't really big and I visited in October so not sure how nice it is or deep but still a good option to have.
The bathroom has flush toilets and are decently clean. No showers but the state park right down the road has showers you can use for free.
Overall, I really like this place. It's quiet and peaceful. And most important, doesn't hurt my pocketbook too bad.
Brian G.GuidePetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Wonderful place!!
We had a great weekend at Petit Jean. The hiking was great and the campsite is beyond beautiful. There is also a nice coffee shop that is conveniently close to the campsites.
- Alice S.Legend
Miners Camping & Rock Shop
Good For Primitive Camping Terrible Bathrooms
My first impressions of this site were terrible. The Bathrooms are extremely old and honestly seem like they're rotting down. The playground area is small but jot terrible. The area for rvs is pretty cramped with no privacy. Luckily while talking to some folks there they directed us on down the road. There are two more sections specifically for primitive camping that are really nice. There are a couple picnic tables and fire rings. There is also a nice pond. The cell signal isn't terrible but it's a bit hit and miss for internet.
Overall, I would suggest it but don't expect to use their showers or bathroom. Go a couple minutes down the road and use the state parks showerhouse. It's really nice.
- Alice S.Legend
FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed
Super Simple But Has Signal
WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.
The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.
Jennifer O.LegendPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Beautiful park with tons of overlooks!
What a beautiful park, although it’s really spread out and you’ll need you an e-bike or bike to ride around. Lots of bouldering, hiking, overlooks, and tall pine trees! There’s something for everyone. I would recommend loop a for the best views and most spaced out spots. Very friendly hosts, clean bathrooms, visitors center is new and outstanding.
Susan L.LegendDaisy State Park Campground
Definitely worth a stay!
I never start a review like this, but this park had the cleanest bath house/restrooms I've ever experienced! 2 stalls in the shower in this loop and they each had a clean shower curtain, a bench, hooks to hang stuff. Immaculate. Better than some hotels!
Stayed in site 104 in the loop by the boat ramp. Nice shade and long parking pad. Sense of privacy. The sites that back to the cove had terraced areas, so if stairs aren't good for you then skip, but the arrangement made for a large area to spread out relax. This site had an additional parking pad next to it that was right next to the tent pad. Handy for ent campers to unload or boaters for boat, plus there were extra parking spots in the cul-de-sac leading down to the boat ramp.
The lake is sometimes smooth as glass. Kayaks for rent and this is a must do. Visitor center was being remodeled at the time of visit. 2 short hiking trails. Great state park!
- Susan L.Legend
Tompkins Bend
COE Lake Ouachita camping
I tend to like COE campgrounds. However, this one was a different experience for me. It's laid out in a way that it seemed like there was no space between sites and no berms or green cover to give the feeling of some privacy. The site next to me parked their truck about 10 feet from my site on the dirt between us. Boats on trailers are parked in between sites on diagonal or however to make them fit.
Narrow, windy road into park is nicely paved. Nicely shaded, almost level gravel/asphalt site (not very wide with a tree on one side that would obstruct a rig with slide, awning side is tight too) with picnic bench, fire ring, lantern pole and BBQ.
Also, the lake is very low right now. I was told that the state is drawing down the lake for hydro power and because there hasn't been any rain in awhile it's starting to show. It was fun to walk the lake bed and look for rocks and minerals that are usually covered by water. Not much else to do if here if you don't have a boat. Otherwise, a nice place to sleep while visiting the area.
Lindsey M.Traveler
Hot Springs Offroad Park
Cheap, Convenient, & Fun!
Car camped at tent site to visit HSNP and trail ride. Staff were plentiful and friendly. My only issues were noise from a fast road near my site, walking distance from sites to restrooms, and most sites seemed quite tight for SUVs/trucks to park within. Even so, I highly recommend checking out this place. I really enjoyed my nights here and hours in the woods!
Nick N.ScoutPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
The trail was okay, but they need to do better.
The trail was okay, but showing signs that it wasn't being maintained properly anymore. From litter found all along the trail to parts of the trail not being maintained. Even some of the stones placed to make walkways are coming out of place.
But inside was worse...
The old white lady working the giftshop was absolutely horrible. While we were still shopping, this woman embarrassed us asking loudly çare yall planning to pay for that, while we were looking at the stuffed animals, and making us look like shoplifters. I absolutely recommend against spending a single dollar at that store, and I've previously spent decent amount of money there, but no more. I recommend avoiding the main building entirely, and that will me my recommendation until they fix this problem
.! E !.Guide
Hot Springs National Park KOA
Perfect!
The tent site was perfect! With fire pit, power, and water. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean.
- WWendy M.Traveler
Edgewood
Sites 21-24 are very close together
We stayed in tent site 22 for a weekend camping trip. You can’t tell by looking at the Recreation.gov reservation site but tent pad 22 is one of 4 in a grouping of tent sites. 21-24 are so close together. If you are with friends or a large family group then it would be ideal but if don’t want people right on top of you then pick another site. Thankfully, we had some cool neighbors but it was a very noisy and bright spot to camp. Also, your neighbors have to walk through your campsite to get to either of the two water spickets that serve all 4 campsites. There is no where to park your boat unless you rent an RV spot and there is no boat ramp in the camp ground. All of the spots were very shady and cool. We had a good time but we wanted to warn others so you know what you are getting into.
Thomas F.Traveler
Cherokee Park (Arkansas River) — Arkansas River Rockefeller Lake
10/10
This park is well-maintained, with clean picnic areas and plenty of space for fishing, hiking, and just relaxing by the water. The views are stunning, especially at sunset. Slope Game
- Arthur S.Traveler
Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
Nice weekend
Didn’t have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person. Bring a chair if you want a comfortable seat, also hard to find decent wood to burn, had to walk a bit to find. Not many cars drive down the road, saw some people hiking, also Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp. All in all though it is good to be with nature and I’d go back to this spot or find another one on the road. I didn’t go very far down the road have more to explore!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Royal, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Royal, AR is Hickory Nut Mountain with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Royal, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Royal, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.