The Arkansas River Valley surrounding Van Buren features a diverse range of camping environments within a 30-mile radius. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites like Springhill Park in Barling and Clear Creek Recreation Area in Alma offer waterfront camping with electric hookups and boat access. State parks such as Devil's Den and Lake Fort Smith provide year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins with modern amenities. Private facilities like Riverfront RV Resort and Fort Smith-Alma RV Park cater primarily to recreational vehicles with full hookups. The region's camping options typically feature proximity to water, with many sites situated along the Arkansas River or its tributaries.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though some Corps of Engineers facilities like Springhill Park operate from early March through late October. Summer brings high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring often brings thunderstorms and occasional flooding along riverfront sites. As one camper noted about Springhill Park, "You have two options in the A section where you are right on a small river, and on the B side it's more of the wooded option, but most sites have the Arkansas River close by with mountain biking trails and hiking trails." Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with Devil's Den State Park having minimal coverage while sites closer to Fort Smith generally maintaining reliable connections.
Riverside camping locations receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic value and recreational opportunities. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds are particularly well-regarded for their spacious sites and natural settings. According to one visitor at the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground, "We stayed in site B1 and loved the privacy and tall trees surrounding the site and the large grassy field next to us." Mountain biking trails are prevalent throughout the region, with Springhill Park featuring a 10-mile "fast" trail popular with experienced riders. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, various bird species, and occasional bear sightings in more remote areas. Campers should note that many sites, particularly in Lake Fort Smith State Park, are situated on grades that may require leveling equipment for RVs or careful tent placement.
$16 - $75 / night
"Really nice campground you have two options in the A section you are right one a small river and one the B side it’s more of the wooded option but most sites have the Arkansas rive close by with mountain"
"It’s in between the Arkansas river and Massard creek. You can launch a boat or you can go kayaking in Massard creek. There’s Cat fish, Perch and, Bass."
$20 / night
"Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. "
"The trails are great and our campsite had a path right down to the river. The water hookup was a bit tricky, it leaks all over the place until you turn it all the way."
"It’s just far enough away from the highway so you have a quiet nights rest without hearing the traffic. The pond on the property has soothing sounds of peepers to fall asleep too."
"Was headed to Lake Fort Smith but area was booked so we stopped here and was pleased with our stay. Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere."
$15 - $35 / night
"Simply put, this is a great little rustic place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The sites offer 20/30/50A hookups with water and septic."
"Very close to off-road trails and river float activities .. the owners are super nice and we liked hanging out with them. We’ll be back!"
"Only one year old on Arkansas river great location if you like being close to restaurants staff very friendly"
"Campground is adjacent to the Arkansas River (thus the name) and less than 2 miles from the Fort Smith National Historic Site."
$23 - $163 / night
"Lake Ft. Smith State Park is a beautiful park in the Boston Mountains. We drove over from Memphis to meet my brother’s family (who lives in Tulsa)."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
"The campground is set among tall trees adjacent to the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River."
"Nice area with many spots that back up to an outlet of the Arkansas River. Great bank fishing! Friendly staff. Highly recommend."
$16 - $75 / night
"This park is located on the Arkansas River. There’s a boat ramp, so bring your boat and enjoy the beautiful Arkansas River. Pets are allowed, there is a leash law. Bring your own firewood."
"What it does offer is a level parking pad that is quiet and dark which is surprising given it is surrounded by Fort Smith. It also has a decent view of the Arkansas River."
$22 - $25 / night
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
GuideI got there with Google maps at no problem. I found a small camp site with a rock fire ring . Which was perfect for my compact suv and 6 person tent. The signal for Verizon was really good and I got 5g. There's alot of little trails that you can walk. And getting there was a lot of twists and turns so I'd say drive slow at that point. But, its not that bad.
TravelerIt’s by a noisy highway. Pretty place though.
ScoutNot a bad spot. Lots of room and shade. Plenty of space to turn a truck and trailer around. Had full cell service. No water access and a fair amount of traffic during the week due to road repairs further down the road. Good views, you can actually see spy rock from the site.
TravelerThis is an abandoned former campsite in a beautiful location. It's free and quiet, which is nice, but the camper next to us gave us such bad vibes that we moved to another site to get a bit of space from them. Overall it's good with little to no litter, but take obvious safety precautions.
TravelerThis is an abandoned former campsite in a beautiful location. It's free and quiet, which is nice, but the camper next to us gave us such bad vibes that we moved to another site to get a bit of space from them. Overall it's good with little to no litter, but take obvious safety precautions.
TravelerFirst come first serve camping. This area is meant for daytime picnics, but the park rangers at the state Park office allows camping here for a cheaper rate, if you ask. It's great for a quiet camping, if you're okay with practically no amenities. They have a glorified outhouse there with no power. No running water. Individual camp sites each with a fire pit and picnic table. If you're lucky, there are two camp/picnic spots with an amazing view.
ScoutHog Valley RV Park is a solid place to stay, especially for families. The amenities are nice, particularly if you have children, with parks, basketball courts, and pickleball courts available. The two pools were closed for the season during our stay, so keep that in mind depending on when you visit.
The front staff was very welcoming and even escorted us to our spot, which was a nice touch. The park was quiet at night, and the sites were level with full hookups, which made setup easy. There are also plenty of spots available throughout the park.
A few downsides kept it from being a 5-star stay. The grass was extremely damp, and our dogs got soaked just from laying down. There is also only one trash area, located near the front entrance, which is pretty far from many of the sites. The dog parks were just average, possibly a little below average.
Overall, it was a good stay with great family-friendly amenities and friendly staff. I’d recommend it, especially for families, but there are a few areas that could be improved.
GuideSmall campground with picnic tables, fire rings and a boat launch. Its has a restroom building but the doors have plywood over them. I don't know if its this way because they haven't opened it yet for the season or if its permanent. Be prepared! No water or dumpster. Civilization is only a few miles up the road.
TravelerThis spot is right outside of city limits so it's a quiet spot that feels private but is also just a couple minute drive to the middle of downtown.
The Arkansas River Valley offers excellent dispersed camping areas within 30 miles of Van Buren. Elevations range from 400 to 2,600 feet throughout the region, creating diverse microclimates. Winter temperatures typically remain above freezing, making year-round camping viable at most sites, though summer humidity levels regularly exceed 80%.
**Mountain biking access: Close to Springhill Park, a 10-mile trail system accommodates riders of various skill levels. "Right off the highway, this is a clean and convenient spot to camp," notes Jenny about Springhill. The trails are maintained year-round with limited closures after heavy rain.
**Cave exploration: Devil's Den State Park features accessible cave systems with guided tours available April through October. "4 days of camping with the guys, exploring caves and trails, and overall having a blast!" shares Brian E. about his experience at Devil's Den State Park Campground. The main caves require a free permit obtained at the visitor center.
**River activities: The Mulberry River offers Class I-III rapids depending on water levels and season. "Right on the river where there is a natural pool. Nice size camp sites with good cover, nice camp pavilion with games and other things to keep busy," reports John F. about Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures. Kayak and tube rentals start at $20 per day.
**Waterfront access: Many sites provide direct river or lake views with fishing opportunities. "Site is still charging campers full price for extended camping (14days)... They have all the amenities you'll need," reports Penny T. about Clear Creek - Ozark Lake, though she notes some issues with other campers.
**Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural barriers. "Spots have plenty of room between sites with lots of trees. Had a great time, hope to go back again soon," writes Rose about Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures. Most premium riverfront sites should be reserved 3-6 months in advance.
**Clean facilities: Bathhouses and amenities at state parks receive regular maintenance. "The state of Arkansas has put in a real effort to make the outdoor experience as nice as possible in their state parks. All sites were level for both campers and tents. Each site had a good table, fire pit and lantern pole," notes Chad K. about Lake Fort Smith State Park.
**Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds, even within the same area. "Cell service was excellent with AT&T and Verizon," reports Laura M. about COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground. However, Devil's Den has almost no service, requiring drives to higher elevation points.
**Site leveling challenges: Many campsites throughout the region sit on grades requiring equipment for RVs. "Some sites are a little uneven. And some sites are tough to get a 41ft 5th wheel into," notes Gordon D. about Springhill Park.
**Seasonal closures: Several facilities reduce services during winter months. "Campground is currently (April 7) closed for maintenance and flooding. Call before you go!" advises Jo about Devil's Den State Park Campground. Most Corps of Engineers sites maintain limited winter operations.
**Playground proximity: Consider sites near recreation areas to minimize walking for children. "We drove over from Memphis to meet my brother's family (who lives in Tulsa). We stayed in campsite 9 which was a pull through site and had stunning views of the lake," shares Ryan S. about Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground, though he cautions about multilevel sites with small children.
**Bug preparation: Pack appropriate repellent as mosquitoes and ticks remain active nine months of the year. "The bugs were out of control," warns Kat M. about Clear Creek. Permethrin-treated clothing provides the most effective protection.
**Swimming options: Several parks offer alternatives to river swimming. "Pool is cold but clean and well maintained," notes Julie B. about Riverfront RV Resort, which provides safer swimming for younger children than the Arkansas River.
**Site selection strategy: Research individual site dimensions and features before booking. "This campground is only about a year old and everything seems to still be in good shape. Most sites are concrete pads and even the gravel sites have a concrete pad for the picnic table," shares Joseph B. about Riverfront RV Resort.
**Water quality consideration: Water hookups vary in mineral content between campgrounds. "30 Amp hook up with some of the best water I have ever had. Only 35 ppm on my zero water tester. Bottled water has had more than 75 ppm," reports Beverley D. about Springhill.
**Reservation timing: Book 6-12 months ahead for premium waterfront sites during peak season. "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov. The park is adequate but nothing fancy. The restrooms/shower facility was clean," advises Greg R. about Springhill, noting the minimum stay requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Van Buren?
Van Buren offers a diverse range of camping options within a short drive. Devil's Den State Park Campground provides beautiful wooded sites with river access and excellent hiking trails. For those seeking mountain views, Cove Lake Complex offers a scenic location at the base of Mount Magazine with decent facilities including clean bathrooms and a camp host. The area also features primitive camping, developed campgrounds with full hookups, and riverside options. Many campgrounds in the region provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.
Are there tent camping facilities in Van Buren?
Yes, the Van Buren area has excellent tent camping facilities. Springhill offers spacious tent sites with two distinct camping sections - one along a small river and another in a more wooded setting. Most sites provide proximity to the Arkansas River, with mountain biking and hiking trails accessible from the campground. Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events also features primitive camping options in a clean, well-maintained setting near the Mulberry River, making it ideal for those seeking a more natural experience. Many tent sites in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water.
What RV parks can I find in Van Buren?
The Van Buren area offers several RV-friendly options. Riverfront RV Resort is a relatively new facility located along the Arkansas River with a friendly staff and convenient access to local restaurants. For those seeking a more natural setting, Park Ridge RV Campground is situated on a creek bend on the outskirts of Fort Smith with amenities including a market and shop. Additionally, William O. Darby RV Community provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces for larger vehicles.
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