Best Campgrounds near Sims, AR

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Sims, Arkansas (214)

    1. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    44 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."

    "If I’m being nit-picky, the only criticism I have is that the groups sites don’t have a shower adjacent."

    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

998 Reviews of 214 Sims Campgrounds


  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Nice ACOE campground

    Nice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.

  • Makayla C.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Buckville - Lake Ouachita

    Island Camping!!!

    We decided to island camp here and boy was it an experience. Day one was perfect, despite some storms, we really enjoyed ourselves. Day two we had to pack up early, flies got so horrible and wouldn’t stop biting us!

  • Charity S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Irons Fork

    Peaceful

    We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower. I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom.

  • Darren J.
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita

    Great memory making trip

    Saw the most beautiful sunset. Caught a deliscious catfish. Spent a day in a hamock with a fantastic lake view.

  • Lauren M.
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Pioneer Campgrounds

    Peaceful, healing, and perfect in every season

    We found Pioneer Campgrounds three years ago and have come back every chance we get. It’s more than just a campground—it’s a true escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.

    This place has something special every time we visit. There’s a peaceful creek, a two-mile trail for walking or biking, volleyball and basketball courts, ping pong, and a fire pit for those perfect evening hangouts. The kids have room to run and explore, and our dogs are always welcome.

    The cabins are spacious, super clean, and have great A/C—perfect for relaxing after a day outside. There are spots for tent camping too if that’s your style. Each visit brings something new: upgrades, little surprises, and thoughtful touches that make it feel even more like home.

    They also offer extras like a washer and dryer, coffee, cold drinks, and shirts—all for a small charge. Plus, the WiFi is great thanks to Starlink, which is a bonus when you need to stay a little connected.

    Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, this place is beautiful year-round. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for our family!

    Big thank-you to Matt—the owner—he’s kind, down-to-earth, and truly an awesome dude. We’re so glad we found this gem. Thanks from The Mays Family. 💚

  • Wayne J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    5star campground 4star site

    I’ve reviewed the campground before, for other sites. Most are level and plenty of room/parking length. This site 30 is cramped and has a passenger side tilt to it. I have a 26’ (tip to tail) TT and a crew cab pickup… they will not fit in the campsite end to end, much less with some room to get in to the tailgate. Once unhooked, I had to angle the truck in to overlap the tongue of the TT. Ended up with a 3 inch riser to level the trailer side to side, which puts the first step about 17 inches up. To add to it, there is no level surface much further than the step before the site slopes off steeply with pine needles. The site just seems like the Park wanted to jam another spot in to make 45$ extra a night on busy times. I would not recommend site 30, to anyone. Tent campers would be even worse off, as the tent pad area is back closer to the road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Hot Springs National Park KOA

    NICE PLACE

    The campground was a little hard to find, about 22 miles from I-30 but we found it. Check-in was easy, directions to our site clear. Plenty of room to back into the site. Gravel site, nice and level. We only stayed 1 night. The campground was nice and clean and quiet. Good place to rest up before continuing on with our journey.


Guide to Sims

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 214 campgrounds and RV parks near Sims, AR and 36 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 44 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 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.