Best Campgrounds near Salem, AR

Camping near Salem, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

• Canoeing and Kayaking: The Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River is perfect for water lovers. One camper shared, “If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here.”
• Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway. A visitor noted, “The trails around the spring are a must!”
• Fishing: Campers at Bull Shoals-White River State Park rave about the fishing opportunities. One reviewer said, “Husband loves the trout fishing.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-kept restrooms. A visitor at Alley Spring Campground mentioned, “The bathrooms and showers were clean.”
• Scenic Views: Campers enjoy stunning views at Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway. One camper said, “The campground is beautifully manicured and has spacious sites.”
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Bull Shoals-White River State Park noted, “The park rangers are extremely friendly and helpful.”

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A camper at Gunner Pool Recreation Area pointed out, “There are no stores in the camp.”
• Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a rustic experience, Gunner Pool Recreation Area offers a more back-to-nature vibe. One visitor mentioned, “This is a good campground for tent and light campers.”
• Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Heber Springs noted, “Not big rig friendly due to unlevel sites.”

Tips for camping with families

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Lake Charles State Park Campground, a camper said, “The park and lake are beautiful.”
• Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Buffalo Point noted, “Sites on the river side are frequented by raccoons at night and mosquitos depending on the weather.”
• Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Alley Spring Campground suggested, “Enjoyed walking on the dock and view of the water.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bull Shoals-White River State Park mentioned, “Most sites are small, feels crowded.”
• Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Heber Springs said, “Cell service (Visible) was 1 bar and 2 using the signal booster.”
• Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Old Highway 25 Campground mentioned, “The campground is older as most COE camps are but the ones in Arkansas have a great deal of charm and beauty.”