Camping near Scott, Arkansas offers access to a variety of outdoor recreation along the Arkansas River. Situated at approximately 230 feet above sea level, the area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F+ and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most camping facilities in the region remain open year-round, though winter brings reduced occupancy and some seasonal closures from November through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Arkansas River near Willow Beach provides prime fishing access. "This is a pretty campground with huge trees for shade. The water hyacinths were in full bloom while we were here and are beautiful," reports camper Jo E. Wildlife viewing is common, though "lots of bugs due to being near the river" according to Shiloh M.
Barge watching: From Tar Camp, visitors can observe commercial river traffic. "So happy to find a site right on the river. We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by," notes Angela G. The Arkansas River serves as a major shipping channel with regular barge traffic.
Walking tours: From Downtown Riverside RV Park, access downtown Little Rock via pedestrian bridge. "You can walk across the bridge to the Clinton Library," writes Troy. The park's location puts you within walking distance of multiple museums, restaurants, and city attractions without needing to drive.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing at Rising Star campground. "We had site 15 which was at the end of the park and had a beautiful, large site with plenty of privacy," reports Steve S. The park offers both wooded and riverside options.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive high marks at several parks. At Rising Star, one camper reported, "I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CLEANER BATHROOM!!! BATHROOM/SHOWER COMBO FOR 1 PERSON OR FAMILY!!!" The attention to cleanliness extends to the campgrounds themselves, with Joseph noting, "The bathrooms were immaculate and the campground was very well maintained."
Level sites: Site preparation reduces setup time across rv parks in Scott, Arkansas and surrounding areas. At Willow Beach, Jo E. observed, "The sites are extremely level! I didn't even need to level my pop-up camper!!" This feature particularly benefits newer campers or those with manual leveling systems.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Tar Camp runs from March 1 to October 31, while others may close during flood risk periods. As Christopher T. experienced at Tar Camp, "They evacuated the park due to high water while we were there and we never received the phone call or a text."
Wildlife awareness: Snakes and insects are common throughout the region. Jennifer C. at Willow Beach cautions, "We encountered lots of snakes. I shooed a few off the road and they disappeared as soon as they slithered into the grass, so to me it's pretty risky walking around or letting kids play in the grass."
Phone connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between camping areas near Scott. At H&G RV Campground, Chris L. noted, "Lucky that my Tmobile hotspot allowed me to work, stream, Zoom on my rest day." Consider bringing signal boosters if connectivity is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campgrounds feature play areas for children. Kelly E. at Willow Beach reports, "Beautiful campsite along the Arkansas River. The sites are all very spacious with very long back in driveways." Though noting, "The playground was taped off during our stay due to covid."
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly bathroom options vary widely. At Rising Star, Stacy H. appreciated the "BATHROOM/SHOWER COMBO FOR 1 PERSON OR FAMILY!!!" This privacy feature makes managing children's needs much easier than traditional shared facilities.
Weather preparation: Summer heat requires planning for families. Temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity from June through September. Kelly E. observed at Willow Beach, "The only downside is the bathroom/shower rooms. There are four individual ones and they all feel like the heat is on in them when it is 100° here today."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Sweet Escape RV Resort, experienced RVers recommend advance planning. "Very friendly campground. Many amenities including laundry, bathhouse, very nice showers, and large dog park," notes Jessie J. The resort offers 34 sites with full hookups including both 30 and 50-amp options.
Overnight convenience: H&G RV Campground serves travelers along I-40. "Close to Interstate, Love's station at exit. Has full hookup 50/30Amp, water and sewer. Gravel pads and well maintained," shares Rod A. The owner provides personal assistance, as Tara experienced: "He answered a late night phone call, knew exactly where we were when trying to look for a spot for the night, sent us directions and met us at our spot to get us all set up."
Electrical considerations: Verify power requirements before arrival. Richard G. advises about H&G RV Campground, "Electrical hookups are 50 amp so have an adapter if you need 30 amp service." Carrying adapters is essential when visiting multiple rv parks around Scott, Arkansas, as electrical configurations vary between facilities.
