31 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Ouachita National Forest and state parks surrounding Saratoga, Arkansas offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Cossatot River State Park, located about 45 miles northwest of Saratoga, features tent-only camping areas with six large tent pads at the Falls Campground and additional walk-in tent sites at the Sandbar Area. The Eagle Rock Loop trail in the Ouachita National Forest provides multiple primitive tent camping opportunities along its 28-mile route, including Long Creek, Viles Branch, and Straight Creek campsites. River Run East and River Run West near Ashdown offer small, quiet tent campgrounds with mature shade trees and basic amenities.
Tent campsites throughout the region vary significantly in accessibility and amenities. Many primitive tent sites require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough logging roads, particularly after rain. One camper noted that the road to Buckhorn campground "will test your suspension" but "was worth the drive" for the lakeside tent sites. Most established tent campgrounds provide pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but potable water is rarely available. Campers should bring all necessary water or equipment to filter from streams and rivers. First-come, first-served payment systems are common, with most sites charging $5-8 per night and implementing 14-day stay limits. Tent campers should prepare for insects during warmer months, with ticks being particularly problematic in spring and summer.
The tent camping experience in this region offers exceptional access to natural features. According to reviews, Cossatot Falls campsites provide "huge camping pads" that can accommodate larger tents, with "easy access to the falls and hiking trails." The primitive backcountry tent sites along Eagle Rock Loop reward hikers with "beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak, pine, maple and pecan trees." Visitors frequently mention the excellent fishing opportunities, with one camper reporting catching "7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour" near Long Creek campsite. Many tent-only areas provide greater solitude than mixed-use campgrounds, though weekend crowds can diminish privacy at more accessible locations. Cell service is sparse throughout the region, making these tent camping areas ideal for disconnecting.
from $8 / night
Check Availability"Vault toilets, no water and no electricity. Each site has enough room for three tents and has a grill, fire pit, table, and bear pole. There is easy access to the falls and hiking trails."
"We also have a large 20’ tent that makes it difficult to fit into regular square pad tent sites. These pads were huge and fit our tent, which was super nice because our original plans fell through."
"The trails to get to this rec area are for the 4wd’s and off-road vehicles. Great point to camp with great access to water. Didn’t see a boat ramp but wasn’t looking either."
"Open: Mar- Oct 31 Fee: $5.00 per night
Limit: 14 days
Sites: 5 tent
Pit toilet, picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole, pedestal grill, trash Totally amazing sites sitting right on a small finger"
"Kitty Cove was secluded, but you'll definitely want to bring a tarp or umbrella because there isn't much shade cover. There are two little islands you can swim or kayak to from Kitty Cove."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Although the campground is closed due to the flood (at least last time I checked), it's definitely worthwhile to camp a little up the trail and in the backcountry."
"This area is superb for primitive camping along the mountain road side pulloffs. Or if you're up for more of a challenge like us, you can take on the 28-30 mile Eagle Rock Loop trail."
"The Long Creek Primitive Campsite is located in the Ouachita National Forest along the Little Missouri Trail on the eastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop."
"I loved this trail!! So pretty and full of great camping spots"
LegendFee: Day use $5.00
Sites: 4 gravel (no hook ups)
Fee:$8.00 per night Open: Year round
Beware of alligator
Pit toilets, bank fishing, boat ramp, trash, lantern poles, picnic table
This is a very small campground with just 4 tent sites but is a beautiful space. Well maintained but it really is only for tents where you will find shade provided by the nice mature trees.
LNT
AIS Clean, drain, dry
Travel safe
TravelerPit toilets, no water. Only about 6 sites. Fire rings, picnic tables, lantern poles, and standing BBQS. Not many flat sights for tents, but doable. Road in is part gravel and some paved. Only 4 stars because people leave trash on the ground even though there are bins. Trees are plentiful and shady. Many paths down to the river/lake. Boat motor noise, but not too bad.
LegendFee:$8.00
No hook ups
Site: 8 gravel, no hook up
Open: Year round
This is a very small campground that is actually perfect because it is small. There are 6 sites with sheltered picnic table, fire ring, fish cleaning station, trash, NO WATER Very quiet except for some timber trucks(they sound like a helicopter flying overhead) driving across the dam.
AIS Clean, drain, dry
LNT Travel safe
Legend1152-1206
Open: Mar 1- Oct 31
Limit: 14 days
Reserve: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov (must have reservations) Sites: 24 paved
Camp host on site
Fee: $12.00 no hookups $15.00 water and electric
Bath house and flush toilets, playground, beach, boat launch, covered picnic table, fire ring, pedestal grill, trash, lantern pole electric and water hookups This is a small campground but is totally awesome. The road in heads down into the campground and it is a very good paved road. There are several sites on the water. Grab a spot and spend a couple of weeks enjoying life. There are some pull thru's. If you enjoy the quiet and intimate this is for you.
AIS Clean, drain, dry
Travel safe
LegendThe Long Creek Primitive Campsite is located in the Ouachita National Forest along the Little Missouri Trail on the eastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop. The only way to access this site is by entering at a trailhead and hiking in to the site. The nearest trailhead is at Albert Pike Recreation Area. This is a primitive dispersed campsite, but the ground has been cleared. The site is located alongside a creek.
On your hike into this site you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak. You'll also see a variety of plants and forest creatures. The campsite is along Long Creek so you will have access to water. Perhaps 100 feet up river from our campsite I found a nice fishing hole and caught and released 7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour.
There is adequate clear space to set up a tent or numerous trees to string up a hammock. There are no facilities nearby. You can collect and filter water from the river and dig a hole to poop in the woods. Please practice Leave No Trace in this area.
Trekking poles are recommended to aid in tackling the various inclines and declines of the trail.
If you need any supplies before entering the Ouachita National Forest stop off in the town of De Queen where there are various grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations.
During the spring and summer the insects can be intense. I advise treating clothing and gear with permethrin to prevent ticks and pacaridin for other insects.
LegendDATES: MAR 1 TO OCT 31
FEE:$8.00 PER NIGHT
LIMITS: 14 DAYS
ALERT: WATER SUBJECT TO SUDDEN RISE
Potable water, pit toilets, trash, picnic table, lantern pole, pedestal grill, fire ring, Campground is right off the highway and the sites right next to the road will be noisy. Drive further in and you will find nice flat sites and they are quieter. Good for tent or small trailer as sites are small. Beautiful shade with mature trees.
LNT
AIS
BTYFI
Travel safe
LegendWhen visiting Arkansas you quickly can get a sense of just what makes the Natural State so spectacular. But with over 50 state parks each one is very distinct. Daisy State Park is one which has a large focus on the lake activities.
But while the lake might be a large part the camping offered here in the wooded forest areas along with the hiking and biking trails can really set it apart from other camping areas nearby.
I opted to check out the various camping looking and noticed a few common occrances. Each is equipped with a picnic table, lantern hook, grill and fire ring. However there is a vast difference for those who choose to stay in the improved camping loops and the primitive loops. Improved camping is elevated and includes both electricity and water at the site.
Many of these sites still have water access although some of them are a bit more steep. The primitive sites all are equipped with tent pads which are very large 12x12 elevated gravel pads but they share water spigots with other sites. These sites are all walk-in and have nice parking only a short distance from the sites. IN addition they do have Yurts available in one camping area. These were available for 2 day rentals only at the time of my visit.
The restrooms at camp are in very good shape and include flush toilets, a full sink and vanity area and well taken care of showers. Additionally there are water stations at the restrooms which have drinking fountains and bottle fill areas.
The campground has rental equipment for those looking to enjoy the lake ranging in price from a single hour to a full day of usage, but they also have boat ramps near the campsites with some trailer parking, this could get a bit crowded during summer however.
LegendThere are six large, improved sites which are first come first serve cash pay only. Vault toilets, no water and no electricity. Each site has enough room for three tents and has a grill, fire pit, table, and bear pole. There is easy access to the falls and hiking trails.
GuideThis place is a beautifull forested remote area and you have to drive over 4.5 miles to get to the campsite, its a two lane dirt road, lookout for deer and other critters crossing. We stayed at the walk in campsites, they have those and a few where you can park next to your site, don’t expect very much privacy, you can’t make reservations, they are all first come first serve and you pay at your site. All are tent only. we stayed at #20 with a short walk from the parking area but a little bit too close to #21, 18 and 19 seem to be the ones with more privacy. We did have a nice shaded site with a fire ring, a barbecue grill, a picnic table and nice surface for your tent. the camping area is just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water. The bathrooms are adequate but no running water, therefore don’t expect showers. We camped with our dog Lulu, the sites are pet friendly and she had fun in the water too. There is an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and thicks!
Tent camping near Saratoga, Arkansas offers diverse options within the Ouachita Mountains, where elevations range from 400 to 2,600 feet creating distinct microclimates across campsites. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions ideal for overnight stays. Most primitive sites in this region require self-sufficiency, with limited cell service throughout the national forest areas.
Fishing opportunities: Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop provides excellent angling access. "I found a nice fishing hole and caught and released 7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour," reports one camper who visited the site.
Hiking trails: The 28-mile Eagle Rock Loop offers challenging terrain with significant water crossings. "Beautiful views. Lots of water crossings over the Little Missouri River. Area is prone to severe flash flooding so know the weather before heading out. Well worth the work. And you will work," notes a visitor to Albert Pike Recreation Area.
River activities: Cossatot River State Park features excellent water recreation during summer months. "The water is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by. The surrounding foliage is beautiful," shares a camper who enjoyed exploring the river rocks and swimming areas.
Secluded locations: Pikeville Creek Campground offers genuine isolation for those seeking privacy. "The trails to get to this rec area are for the 4wd's and off-road vehicles. Great point to camp with great access to water. If you really want to get away, this is the spot!" explains a reviewer.
Waterfront views: Buckhorn campground provides lakeside sites on Lake Greeson. "Totally amazing sites sitting right on a small finger of land that juts into the lake. The lake is beautiful and I would love to come back many times over," writes one camper who appreciated the scenery.
Star-gazing: Some sites offer exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. At Bluegill Hill, campers report spectacular celestial sights: "Bennett Cove was perfect for star-gazing... You get a wide view of the sky, and if you're lucky like we were, you'll see meteor fireball shoot completely across the sky."
Access challenges: Many campsites require high-clearance vehicles and careful driving. "I do recommend it to anyone that has a high clearance vehicle and if you are towing that your trailer be one of high clearance too. The road in starts in pretty good shape but breaks down and if it has rained then it will not be pretty," warns a visitor to Buckhorn.
Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal amenities. At Cossatot Falls Campsites, "There are 6 very large pads right by the river with 2 pit toilets. This place is pretty and offers a lot to do. Hiking trails, kayaking, swimming, fishing," but campers need to bring their own supplies.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns significantly impact camping experiences. During spring and summer, insects become problematic, with one camper advising: "I advise treating clothing and gear with permethrin to prevent ticks and picaridin for other insects" when tent camping near Saratoga.
Spacious tent sites: River Run West offers family-friendly camping areas. "This is a very small campground with just 4 tent sites but is a beautiful space. Well maintained but it really is only for tents where you will find shade provided by the nice mature trees," notes a visitor.
Swimming spots: Look for designated water areas suitable for children. "Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river. The park rangers were very nice and informative," shares a family who stayed at Cossatot Falls.
Generator noise: Consider campsite placement if seeking quiet. One family noted at Cossatot Falls that "generators which is unfortunate because the river is so close. Part of what we love about camping is being in nature and hearing the sounds around us but one person's generator use ruined the quiet."
Site limitations: Many campgrounds near Saratoga accommodate smaller RVs only. At Bluegill Hill, there's "enough room to park our vehicle" but space is limited, making this location better for smaller camping setups rather than large rigs.
Stay limits: Most Forest Service and Corps of Engineers campgrounds enforce maximum stays. River Run East enforces a "14-day stay limit" with sites costing around "$8.00 per night" according to visitor reports, providing budget-friendly options for shorter trips.
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects RV parking. "The campsites are gravel and good luck putting your tent spikes in! Ain't gonna happen," reports one camper, indicating the hard-packed surfaces that can make setting up difficult at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Saratoga, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Saratoga, AR is River Run East with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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