233 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $16 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $16 - $60 / night
Check Availability"This was our second stay here, and it confirmed what we’re starting to realize: Arkansas state campgrounds are next level."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 - $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe stayed in the tini cabin because it was 98* out, and we were sun burnt from digging crystals. It had an AC, shower, full bathroom, kitchen, TV, a charcoal grill with charcoal, and the camp host brought over fire wood with no charge.
TravelerIt was a little tough coming in from the north. There was trees down and messed my brackets on my solar up. I wouldn’t suggest anything larger than an extended van. The view is awesome and really peaceful
TravelerThis is a great quiet spot to pitch a tent or bring a moderate sized camper in. Whoever was here last supplied the fire pits with kindling, there is plenty of wood from fallen trees around to build a nice campfire. Not a single person hiked or drove by in the roughly 16 hours I was here. Would recommend!
TravelerNice quiet place right on the lake sites are a little unlevel but not bad no sewer but there’s a dump station just like they said not much signal for AT&T
GuideWe liked Lake Catherine State Park. My husband tried fishing, to no avail. I chose swimming and was also a little let down. The water by camp is extremely shallow. Even 50 ft from bank youre only in 2 ft of water.. so I opted for floating and it was perfect. My husband had my float tied around his waist while he waded around trying to fish. It was honestly magical. The bathrooms, which contain a couple of stalled showers, are some of the cleanest we've seen in all our travels. A lot of the sites are directly on the water and it looks like each group of sites has its own dock, so thats really cool. The waterfall had no falls bc it hasnt rained here in some time. There was a really nice shop that had ice, wood, souvenirs, a few groceries, and practical items like sunscreen and bug spray as well as rv stuff, like pipes and hoses. There is watercraft rental here but we didnt check that out. 2 nights cost us $52 for 30 amp, water hookup, right by the bathhouse and a site on the water. It was honestly worth it. Probably would have stayed longer if it had been a little cheaper though.
TravelerThis is our go to get out of the house and enjoy the piece and quiet of the area. Of you need a break this is a great spot. Always clean, great staff. Just a good place.
GuideHere for an overnight and it was a great night at this KOA. Pool, trails, lake were fantastic. In a camper B RV so no issues navigating to the camp using the Google Maps way. If you are in a big rig RV, it’ll be tight.
ScoutReally nice spot. With good swimming hole. Flush toilets were clean. No lights though but had power. Camping only no rvs or campers. Super peaceful. Water on site. Nice Boat launch
GuideCampground made for the smaller rigs. Access road has a 24 foot camper length limit. Fun drive with steep switchbacks. Some campsites are on the cliffs edge so the views are fantastic. Staff was helpful and the sites clean. Some good leveling will be required at a few RV sites but it's more then worth it!
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 233 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 46 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.
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