Glamping in Sherwood, Arkansas provides access to camping within 45 miles of the city, with options ranging from established campgrounds to premium accommodations. The area sits at approximately 300 feet elevation in central Arkansas's rolling hills and forests, with hot, humid summers averaging 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. Fall camping typically offers the most comfortable temperatures with daytime highs in the 70s.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1.5 mile trails lead to scenic falls at Lake Catherine State Park Campground, particularly after rainfall. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," notes a visitor who brought children.
Fishing: Stocked lakes and rivers offer catfish, trout and bass fishing opportunities. At Greers Ferry Lake - COE/Cherokee Rec Area, anglers report excellent catches: "I pulled out so many rainbow trouts from this lake! The camp sites are close to the water, and the boat docks are easy to access."
Kayaking: Calm waters make for easy paddling at several sites. Lake Catherine campers appreciate "the lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water."
Historical tours: Military history buffs can explore Camp Robinson's past. "Camp Robinson played a very important role in various wars and continues today for training. It also housed a large German prisoner of war facility," according to one visitor.
What campers like
Shaded sites: Mature forest canopy keeps sites cool during hot Arkansas summers. A camper at Choctaw notes: "This Campground is quiet, secluded jewel in Clinton, Arkansas. Tall trees everywhere you look. Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers."
Easy interstate access: Quick on/off for travelers passing through the region. "Easy access for a KOA, we have a cyclone 4270 (44' triple axel 5th wheel) which is pushing it for most KOA's. We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in," reports a Little Rock North KOA guest.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms at most established campgrounds. A Dam Site visitor commented: "Clean bathrooms, warm showers and plenty of TP!"
Lakefront camping: Water-view sites are available but book quickly. One camper mentioned: "Our campsite backed up to the lake, so we had a great view. The campsite was a great size and well spaced out from our neighbors."
What you should know
Winter closures: Seasonal operations affect availability from November through March. "Some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. It's purely inconvenient and I'm not sure why this is this way. Pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos," warns a visitor to Petit Jean State Park.
Site angles: Pull-through configurations vary between campgrounds. Another Petit Jean camper notes: "Some sites are angled differently and there is no clear indication how you have to enter the loop to be able to access your site. It can create some frustration when trying to get set up."
Uneven terrain: Natural sites require leveling equipment. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," according to a repeat visitor.
Reservation windows: Popular sites book 6-12 months in advance, especially for premium accommodations. "'Stays booked 93% of the year' -Park Office. It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Shaded play areas keep children cool. "Pretty pond with a nicely shaded children's play area," mentions a Little Rock AFB FamCamp visitor describing the military campground.
Kid-friendly hiking: Waterfall trails captivate young explorers. One parent shared: "We took my nieces on a weekend trip in our camper to Lake Catherine State Park. Our campsite backed up to the lake, so we had a great view. The campsite was a great size and well spaced out from our neighbors. There were trees to hang our hammocks."
Site spacing: Request areas with adequate room between neighbors for games. "We had plenty of room to hang our hammocks and play yard games. There is an additional tent pad available if needed," explains a Lake Catherine camper.
Off-season visits: School-year weekends have fewer crowds and noise. "I don't enjoy camping here during summer way overcrowded but is wonderful this time of year! Enjoyed our weekend!"
Tips from RVers
Loop selection: A loops typically offer full hookups. A camper at Petit Jean advised: "A Loop pros: it's new, it's laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer, and plenty of gravel and concrete to keep from dealing with too much dirt, mud, sand."
Shade considerations: Balance hookups against tree cover. "A loop cons: very little shade. would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc," the same camper continued.
Pull-through availability: Limited numbers at most parks. "We stayed in site #30. It had a beautiful view of the lake. It was also a plus to have full hookups including 50 amp service and sewer. So unusual for a state park," notes an experienced Petit Jean camper.
Urban proximity: City conveniences remain accessible from most glamping sites near Sherwood. "This place was great. Close to all things Little Rock without feeling like you're in the middle of the city. Nice level, cement, pull through spots."
