Best Campgrounds near Salem, AR
The northern Ozarks region surrounding Salem, Arkansas features a diverse range of camping experiences along waterways and forested areas. Salem RV Park provides full hookup sites with amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities within the town limits. Within a 30-minute drive, Riverside Campground and Canoe in Mammoth Spring offers water-based recreation with boat-in access and glamping options. Sullana Farm, a small private campground with just three sites, provides a more intimate setting with both tent and RV accommodations. Many Islands Campground and New Horizon RV Park round out the options with riverside locations that cater to both tent campers and those seeking cabin rentals.
Narrow, winding roads characterize much of the region's access routes, requiring careful navigation especially for larger RVs. As one camper noted, "Most of Arkansas is rural and you will find that most roads are older, narrow and farm equipment or ranching equipment uses the roads." Summer brings high humidity and insect activity, with mosquitoes and ticks being particularly prevalent. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds having limited or no coverage. Spring flooding can affect campground availability, particularly at waterfront sites. Campers should arrive with ample supplies as the nearest major shopping is often 30+ minutes away, with one reviewer advising to "carry in all the supplies you will need so you will not have to leave the area until you are ready."
Fishing opportunities rank among the top attractions for campers in the Salem area. The Spring River and nearby lakes provide excellent trout fishing, with several campgrounds offering boat ramps and fishing access. Waterfront sites tend to be the most sought-after, though they often provide less privacy than more wooded options. According to visitor reports, bathhouse quality varies significantly between campgrounds, with some featuring clean, modern facilities while others are more rustic. Several campgrounds in the region were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, giving them distinctive stone features and terraced camping areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities include eagles, particularly at riverside campgrounds where nesting pairs can often be spotted hunting along the water.
