Dispersed camping opportunities near St. Paul, Arkansas are limited, with most options consisting of established RV parks and campgrounds within the Ozark Mountains region. These facilities range in elevation from approximately 1,000 to 2,500 feet, offering access to recreational activities along the Buffalo National River and surrounding forest areas. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer temperatures routinely exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Blowing Springs RV Park provides direct access to multiple trail systems. "This is your basic parking lot campground. Your site is all cement with full hook ups and a picnic table. No green areas to call your own, BUT you have incredible instant access to the trailhead of many singletrack bike and hiking trails," notes one camper. The Back 40 trail system connects directly to the campground, offering miles of shared-use paths.
Water activities: The Buffalo National River runs near several campgrounds, providing kayaking and swimming options from May through September. Water levels vary seasonally. "We like the location of this site. Easy to access and nestled in a valley of beautiful trees. It's also close to hiking and biking trails," shares a visitor about Blowing Springs.
Vineyard visits: Grape Country RV Park offers camping adjacent to regional wineries. "Settled right in between grape fields, beautiful manacured grounds with lots of picnic tables and plenty of area to walk dogs or kids. No additional amenities but not needed really with FHU. Owner came by and personally checked on us, booking was easy with a text! Great wines right up the road," reports one camper.
What campers like
Mountain views: Turner Bend offers scenic vistas that campers consistently mention. "Clean and spacious RV sites. We love the view of the mountain and the fact that we can ride our ATV to the Turner Bend Store to get gasoline and sandwiches," writes one visitor. The elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months.
Convenience stores: Several campgrounds feature on-site markets with camping essentials and food. "The Turner Bend Camp Store is half mile down the road for gasoline, camping supplies, ice, fresh deli sandwiches and wraps, t-shirts, pins and patches," notes a reviewer.
Clean facilities: Wanderlust RV Park maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "A well kept RV Park. Hosts were friendly, sites were clean, all hookups were in good condition. They were updating the back section of the park while we were there so several of the premier sites were not available," states a camper. The park performs regular maintenance on its facilities.
What you should know
Site sizes vary: Many RV parks have mixed site dimensions. "We pulled in at midnight. Difficult to see how to pull through some of the spaces. They have a pond. The weather was nice. Clean space and not noisy through out the night," mentions a visitor to Fort Smith-Alma RV Park.
Seasonal availability: Not all rv campgrounds near St. Paul, Arkansas operate year-round. Wanderlust RV Park runs from March through mid-November, while others remain open throughout winter.
Advance reservations: Peak seasons (spring wildflowers, fall foliage) fill campgrounds quickly. Holiday weekends often book months in advance, especially for premium sites with shade or creek views.
Environmental concerns: Insects can be prevalent in warmer months. "Only complaint was these little red mites. I looked them up and they are harmless but they were numerous and made us uncomfortable. I was especially concerned for our 2 dogs," notes one Fort Smith-Alma visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Opt for campgrounds with play areas: Some St. Paul area RV parks have dedicated recreational spaces. "RV pull through are a little tight but you pull in alternating so you backside to backside. Our site was perfect in we faced the pond and playground and didn't have any other campers in direct site when lounging outside our camper," shares a Fort Smith-Alma RV Park visitor.
Consider proximity to water features: Creeks provide natural entertainment for children. Twin Creeks RV Park offers tent sites along a stream. "They have RV spots, but they also have tent sites down by the creek that include picnic tables," notes one camper.
Check cell service availability: Coverage varies widely throughout the Ozarks. Some campgrounds offer WiFi, but signal strength differs between locations and can affect streaming services and online schoolwork.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many travelers note the importance of leveling equipment. "Flat Sites, Clean, Nice Amenities, Nice Staff, Little Exposed in heat to Sun. Best shades sites rented in advance (Site 24-27)," advises a visitor to Hog Valley RV & Treehouse Resort.
Access considerations: Some St. Paul area camping destinations have challenging approach roads. "Simple, but nice. No frills. Quiet. If you are looking for a peaceful, quiet place, away from the city, this is a great place. I love it. Have stayed several times in several different sites. Will stay again," explains a Grape Country RV Park visitor.
Space constraints: Site dimensions can impact larger rigs. "We only stayed the night passing through. It was somewhat tight getting a big rig in and out. And the parking spots are pretty close to each other. Everything was well kept up and maintained," reports a Fort Smith-Alma camper.
