The Ouachita National Forest surrounding Sims, Arkansas features multiple established campgrounds and primitive camping areas, with Lake Ouachita serving as the primary destination for most visitors. Crystal Campground offers free primitive tent and small RV sites along Montgomery Creek, while nearby Washita Primitive Camping Area provides lakeside sites with varying levels of amenities. Several Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds dot the shoreline of Lake Ouachita, including Little Fir, Twin Creek, and Crystal Springs, offering a mix of both reservable and first-come, first-served camping options.
Road conditions in this region can change dramatically with weather, especially at primitive sites and forest roads. Several campgrounds feature flush toilets and basic amenities, while others are completely undeveloped. The National Forest permits dispersed camping in many areas, though specific regulations apply. Visitors should prepare for limited cell service throughout the region and check ahead for seasonal closures. Flash flooding can affect creeks and low-lying camping areas, particularly after heavy rain. One camper noted, "Crystal Campground is right on Montgomery Creek with a few campsites alongside. The gravel road was in good shape but I believe it could be sketchy when it rains."
Lakefront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with multiple visitors highlighting the peace and solitude of waterfront sites. Campers at Twin Creek describe it as "a beautiful location right on Lake Ouachita" with "very level and spacious" sites. Areas farther from main roads generally offer more seclusion but fewer amenities. The region's primitive camping options typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets, but many lack drinking water. A recent review mentioned that Little Fir Campground is "quiet and beautiful right on Lake Ouachita. Very remote so make sure you have everything you need before you get out there because there aren't any stores even convenience stores or gas stations nearby." Visitors should note that some previously established campgrounds like Rocky Shoals and Shirley Creek have been converted to day-use areas.
$14 - $80 / night
"Site 40 water faucet is broken Showers are hot and free Arkansas is very pretty but the trash on the road sides and road kill is too much. Clean up after yourself people!!!"
"Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."
$14 - $65 / night
"I took off one star because this site, while located right on the water, is very unlevel."
"We booked late but were able to find a great spot with lots of trees surrounding us, spread out, and a lake view."
"Located in Ouachita National Forest, this campground is easy to get to. Ideal for tent, vans, even tear drop campers. No hook ups. Some sites had really good solar potential, most were well shaded."
"It is located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. 3 miles down the road is collier spring where 1 can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water 1 wants."
"This is our second favorite State Park in Arkansas. We had a spot overlooking the lake, which was beautiful. It's a super quiet and peaceful lake. Lots of kayaks and canoes."
"I arrived at my campground - site 68 in Loop D to realize I booked a site right next to the road."
$14 - $50 / night
"We arrived on Friday evening and found our site was even closer to the lake than expected. We were nearly surrounded by water and it made for a pretty view--especially at sunrise."
"The campground is nicely situated near the end of the LOViT cross country MTB/hiking trail. There are sites ranging from primitive to water and electric."
"This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."
"Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping."
"Hidden off road to the top for scenic view. If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping."
"Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below. Only issue was some broken glass around the picnic area. Please pack out all of your trash!"
$16 - $24 / night
"Hike in electric spot that overlooked the lake. Easy to walk down and swim in the water!"
"We enjoyed our 2 nights here on the lake. The campground is literally on a mountain in the lake. Tent sites right on the lake and so are some RV spots. Warning."
$20 / night
"Quiet and beautiful right on Lake Ouachita."
"Beautiful location and you can park your RV or pitch your tent right by the lake. Is a bit remote so I recommend that you make sure you have everything you need before you head out this way."
$15 - $40 / night
"We stayed in Loop C at the very back past the group campsite, which is tent camping only and a short walk from the bathroom."
"Despite being close to the main road, it was very quiet."
ScoutThe campground was beautiful and quiet. There was a very clean shower house that requires a code to get into. The spots are kind of close, but we felt like we had privacy. The grounds were immaculate. The trail system for the park is easy to access from the campground.
TravelerThis campground is in a very nice location but it definitely needs some “love”. Very reasonably priced, especially for seniors like us. Toilet was plugged and overflowing when I went to the bathhouse. Showers were very dirty. Grass doesn’t appear to have been cut this season. Pads are not the nice, clear gravel shown on recreation.gov. They are overgrown with weeds.
On the positive side, full hook-ups with good water pressure. Big, wide sites and this is a small, quiet campground.
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.
GuideThis campground is very quiet. It has beautiful surroundings and lots of nature to see. The spot we are camping in needs a little attention but it doesn't stop us from enjoying the area. A nice picnic table with grill and fire ring make this an awesome spot. Cell phone service is sketchy, thankfully we have starlink. The only bad I have found with this campground is the showers need a deep cleaning and updated (D Loop).
GuideNice campground very convenient to the Horse Track that is only a few blocks to walk to. Clean level concrete sides. Being in town makes all the local sites an easy quick drive.
ScoutExcellent free primitive parking/camping.
GuideCame into town for the Horse races. Campground was easy access in the middle of town. Area was pretty quiet and secure. Hosts were great and welcoming. Will be back again next time we are doing in town activities! Concrete sites are clean and very level so set up was a breeze.
TravelerThis site is in BEAUTIFUL spot and is well maintained! But just know that this is a popular location it seems. We reserved our spot for one night about a month ago (if not more) and there were a lot of sites booked them. I think we saw ONE open spot last night. That said, everyone was respectful of quiet hours, and it’s mostly a lot of RV camping—looks like people say for longer periods of time! There are tent sites too, but only a handful. The bathrooms have a shower and real toilets. For a campsite they are incredibly clean!
We stayed in site 21 and could walk down the hill to the bank of the lake for a beautiful view. Noting this as a place we should come back to if we are ever in the area again! So lovely.
RangerBeautiful setting in the Ouachita Natl Forest --peaceful and calm. Only a few UTVs and trucks drove by in our 5 days there. Challenging & fun UTV trails! Narrow gravel road to arrive --lots of overhanging branches in April. Amour site was approx 1/2 mile in, a pull through on the right with plenty of room. There were 2-3 other campsites farther down the road for a tent, van, or small camper. Easy access to trails.
The Ouachita National Forest campgrounds near Sims, Arkansas rest within mountainous terrain between 500-2,700 feet elevation. Weather conditions can shift rapidly, especially in spring and fall when temperatures often vary by 30°F within a single day. Most camping areas around Sims feature cold, spring-fed streams with crystal-clear water maintained at consistent temperatures year-round regardless of seasonal air temperatures.
Crystal mining excursions: Several campgrounds serve as base camps for crystal digging adventures. Denby Point campers frequently visit nearby mines. "We come down every year to go to the Crystal mines. And THIS year we watched the total eclipse as well!!" notes Jo E.
Swimming in cold creek waters: Clear, chilly streams provide natural relief during hot months. At Crystal Campground, visitors recommend "Wander to the Little Rock pool!!! It's so worth it," according to Lynzie T. The creek offers a natural swimming spot where "the water is refreshing" as Izzy T. describes.
Night sky observation: Areas with minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing opportunities. "Sunsets and views of the stars are amazing from this campsite on the lake," reports Melissa L. about Denby Point. The remote locations around Sims offer exceptional night sky viewing, particularly during new moon phases.
Waterfront camping: Most campers prize lakeside sites for easy water access. At Tompkins Bend, "Every site had a lake view and most are right on the water... The peace, beauty and spaciousness of the sites more than made up for any minor inconveniences," reports Kelli P.
Well-spaced camping areas: Many campsites offer sufficient privacy despite being in established campgrounds. "The sites are pretty big and has a shelter because it rains pretty often here," notes Jasmine L. about COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse animal populations easily observable from campsites. "We saw eagles every day and fishing was great," mentions Thomas W. about Crystal Springs. At Charlton Campground, campers report frequent raccoon activity and deer sightings in camping areas.
Remote locations require preparation: Most campgrounds have minimal nearby services. At COE Lake Ouachita Little Fir Campground, campers should note it's "Very remote so make sure you have everything you need before you get out there because there aren't any stores even convenience stores or gas stations nearby," advises Cheri H.
Seasonal closures affect accessibility: Several campgrounds close unexpectedly or operate on limited schedules. Campers reported finding Little Fir and Joplin campgrounds with "Gates locked. No one at kiosk," during off-season visits in November.
Drinking water sources vary: While some campgrounds offer potable water, others require bringing your own. "3 miles down the road is collier spring where 1 can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water 1 wants," notes Kay R. about camping near Crystal Campground.
Playground proximity matters: When camping with children, select sites near recreation areas. Charlton Campground features "a beautiful CCC dam that forms a beautiful swimming area" with easy access from campsites, according to Cheri H., though some campers note the playground is "a pretty long walk from the campsites."
Tent-specific sites for families: Some campgrounds offer dedicated tent areas better suited for families. At Lake Ouachita State Park, "We got the prime spot for tent camping. It was a haul to get all our gear to the end but they have carts available to help," shares Taylor C.
Wildlife education opportunities: The forest provides natural learning experiences. "We saw tons of deer everyday in the campground," reports Nancy C. about Denby Point, making wildlife spotting an engaging activity for children.
Site leveling challenges: Mountain terrain creates uneven pads at many campgrounds. Lynn W. notes about Denby Point, "I took off one star because this site, while located right on the water, is very unlevel. Also, the pad is narrow and higher than the surrounding ground."
Off-grid preparedness: Many RV sites lack full hookups. "It's a great place for boondockers or self contained rv camping. Only downside for me was zero T-Mobile service," explains Tam E. about Crystal Campground.
Electric service variations: Power options differ between campgrounds. At Tompkins Bend, "There are sites ranging from primitive to water and electric. Each site has a table and a fire pit and is within reasonable distance from flushing toilets," explains Vanessa M.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sims, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sims, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 230 campgrounds and RV parks near Sims, AR and 38 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Sims, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sims, AR is COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sims, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 38 free dispersed camping spots near Sims, AR.
What parks are near Sims, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Sims, AR that allow camping, notably Ouachita National Forest and Ouachita Lake.
Keep Exploring
