Best Campgrounds near Sims, AR

Are you in need of a campground near Sims, AR? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Sims and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Sims, Arkansas (210)

    1. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    43 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 991-3390

    $14 - $80 / night

    "Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."

    "This site also backs to the lake which is nice except that people would park their boats on the shore and walk through the site at which I was camped. This was a first for me."

    2. Denby Point

    18 Reviews
    Mount Ida, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4475

    $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."

    3. Crystal Campground

    10 Reviews
    Norman, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "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."

    4. Tompkins Bend

    10 Reviews
    Story, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4476

    $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."

    5. Washita Primitive Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Story, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2101

    "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."

    6. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    17 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    7. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 287-2757

    "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."

    8. COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground

    9 Reviews
    Story, AR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-4472

    $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."

    9. COE Lake Ouachita Little Fir Campground

    5 Reviews
    Story, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2101

    $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."

    10. Charlton Campground

    13 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 867-2101

    $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."

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Recent Reviews near Sims, AR

984 Reviews of 210 Sims Campgrounds



Guide to Sims

Camping near Sims, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're into tent camping, RVs, or glamping, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Swimming and Water Activities: Lake Ouachita State Park Campground is a great spot for swimming and kayaking. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and all tent sites have access to the water," making it perfect for a refreshing dip.
  • Hiking: Mount Magazine State Park Campground has several nature trails. A camper noted, "There are lots of nature trails, but none very long," which is ideal for a quick hike with the family.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like the COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground, are known for good fishing spots. One reviewer said, "The water was clear and you could see small fish swimming below."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Daisy State Park Campground remarked, "Clean bathroom and showers!" which is a big plus for many.
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. One camper at Brady Mountain said, "Gorgeous campground. Quiet. Peaceful. Great views of the lake."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Treasure Isle R.V. Park shared, "The Office has been kind and helpful," which makes for a welcoming experience.

What you should know:

  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially the crows at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The only thing to beware of is the crows. They are relentless."
  • Site Accessibility: Some sites can be tricky to access. A camper at Denby Point mentioned, "Only problem is some sites are hard to get to," so check the layout before booking.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Charlton Campground has no showers, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and swimming areas. One camper at COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground noted, "Beautiful views and a great playground for young children."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A family at Daisy State Park Campground enjoyed kayaking and swimming, saying, "If you have a boat, jet ski, kayaks it’s a great spot."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. One camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store had decent wood for sale," which means you can find some essentials on-site.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Brady Mountain said, "The site was slightly sloping but easy to level our 24’ Itasca Navion."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds only offer electric hookups. A visitor at COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground noted, "Water and electric at site," which is something to keep in mind.
  • Stay Connected: Check cell service availability. One camper at Charlton Campground mentioned, "There is no cell signal to speak of in the loop C tent sites," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Sims, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sims, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sims, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 210 campgrounds and RV parks near Sims, AR and 33 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 4.4-star rating from 43 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sims, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.