Best Tent Camping near Story, AR
Searching for a tent campsite near Story? Find the best tent camping sites near Story. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Story, Arkansas (44)
1. Hickory Nut Mountain
11 Reviews•46 Photos•284 SavesOuachita Lake, Arkansas- Pets
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Irons Fork Primitive Camping
2 Reviews•6 Photos•19 SavesOuachita Lake, Arkansas- Pets
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- Picnic Table
3. Fourche Mountain Campground
2 Reviews•12 Photos•10 SavesPlainview, ArkansasSmall campground with a scenic view from the mountain-top. Additional information available here.
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4. Albert Pike Recreation Area
6 Reviews•33 Photos•71 SavesLangley, ArkansasNestled in the forested splendor of the rugged Ouachita Mountains, this recreation area is located in the southern portion of the national forest. Visitors are invited to hike the nature trail or experience the excitement of a canoe trip on the Little Missouri River.
Day use/swimming only.
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5. COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
1 Review•3 Photos•3 SavesOuachita Lake, Arkansas- Pets
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
6. Shirley Creek
2 Reviews•9 Photos•15 SavesOden, ArkansasThe picturesque and scenic Ouachita River is one of the most beautiful and clear rivers in the Ouachitas. Beginning in the Ouachita Mountains near Mena, AR, the Ouachita River is a popular floating and fishing river as it flows easterly through the Ouachita National Forest, eventually becoming part of Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs, before continuing its journey south towards Louisiana.
Beginning near Pine Ridge, AR, the Ouachita offers about 45 miles of floatable river until it become Lake Ouachita near AR Hwy 27. Along this stretch, there are seven landing sites, five of which are float camps. These float camps include Shirley Creek, Rocky shoals, Fulton Branch. Dragover and River Bluff. All five float camps are free to the public. These Float camps typically have openings, even on some holiday weekends when other campgrounds are full. Only rarely are these float camps filled up.
Shirley Creek Float Camp is located off of AR Hwy 88, west Pencil Bluff, and is situated right on the banks of the Ouachita River approx. 6 miles downstream from the Pine Ridge Access. This float camp offers six camping sites, as well as picnicking sites, a vault toilet and canoe access to the river.
Shirley Creek Float Camp is typically open Spring through Fall for overnight use, and is available for day use only the rest of the year.
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7. Rocky Shoals
2 Reviews•11 Photos•10 SavesPencil Bluff, ArkansasRiver access on Ouachita River.
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8. Jack Creek Recreation Area
3 Reviews•4 Photos•42 SavesBlue Mountain, ArkansasJack Creek Recreation Area is located in a picturesque setting alongside towering rock bluffs and flowing waters. The area was constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and displays several unique, historic facilities. There is a short trail that climbs a couple of hundred feet to a recently restored rock overlook vista that offers a panoramic view of whispering pine trees and colorful fall vegetation. Jack Creek offers day use and a primitive campground at no cost. Also from Jack Creek Recreation Area is a trailhead for the Hole-In-The-Ground Mountain Hiking Trail and Sugar Creek Hiking Trail. Hole-In-The-Ground Trail is not a loop trail and extends approximately four miles in length. The Sugar Creek Hiking Trail extends approximately three miles connecting Jack Creek to Knopper’s Ford Recreation Area. Click here for more information.
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9. Big Brushy
1 Review•4 Photos•17 SavesOden, ArkansasAttractive wooded setting on stream bank.
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10. Iron Springs
2 Reviews•10 Photos•17 SavesJessieville, ArkansasWooded roadside setting on stream near historic springs.
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Recent Tent Reviews near Story, Arkansas
1021 Reviews of 44 Story Campgrounds
- Shannon W.
Scout
Hot Springs National Park KOA
Close to everything!
If you’re tent camping, beware! We had a torrential downpour and all of the runoff rainwater runs right into the tent sites. They were accommodating at moving us into a cabin but obviously at a higher nightly rate.
The campgrounds are close to everything there is to do and very clean!
- Richard
Ranger
Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
One of the best in Arkansas
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. There’s a nice hiking trail to explore. Also, the bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen at a state park. All the tent sites have a gravel pad, grill, picnic table and fire ring. There are also walk in tent sites on the peninsula which are nice and quiet. If you get one at the end I’d say it’s probably 200 meters to the parking lot and bathrooms. I peeked into one of the cabins and they look really nice. They also have camper cabins that have heat/air but no bathroom. In all there are 93 RV/tent sites, 8 cabins and 4 camper cabins. The park is also near Hot Springs so there is lots to do.
- AAlison C.Ranger
Washita Primitive Camping Area
Beautiful campground!
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. We also enjoyed the hiking trails. The walk-in tent site area is amazing! There was a nice beach area for swimming as well. We rode our bikes over to the loop D tent camping area, which also looked nice and quiet for camping. We will definitely be going back here again!
Jeanne A.
Guide
Murfeesboro RV Park
Nice little Rv park
20.00 a night for two people in tent camping. I’m in van and they allowed me to van camp. Tent sites have electric. So bought an extension cord and took full advantage for a small heater. It’s by the road. So some road noise then the cows moo.. other then having to pay. This is a great spot 2miles max from crater of diamonds state park. That place was packed on top of each other. Much prefer here!
- Deborah C.Ranger
Stephens Park Campground
Beautiful tent friendly park
We tent camped here in August, 2018 and in spite of the rain we had a beautiful experience. The tent sites are a small walk from the parking lot, and the parks provide a baggage cart on wheels to bring your stuff down. The site was on a small peninsula on the lake with trails to walk down to the lake, or even set up chairs. The staff was friendly, bathrooms clean and nice. We rented a kayak for a couple of hours and it was very peaceful (cheap too!). We hiked the 4 mile hike and misjudged our time, so hiked some in darkness, but it was a nice easy hike.
Nancy F.GuideHot Springs National Park KOA
Wonderful Experience
This was our family’s second camping trip in a tent and our first Fall/cold weather experience.
We arrived well after midnight and had no trouble finding our reservation and tent site. The campground is well-lit, the tent pad was level and clean, and the bathrooms were incredibly clean. It’s also very close to the national park and Bathhouse Row.
The highlight though (especially for our kids) was the staff, especially Emmitt. He showed our kids where to find quartz (our son is obsessed with finding rocks), provided great suggestions for things to do in town, and even gifted our kids a neat piece of crystal (which was probably the highlight of the trip for them!).
We are now hooker on tent camping, in large part thanks to our great experience here. We’ll be back for sure!
- CChrisScout
Queen Wilhelmina State Park — Queen Wihelmina State Park
Well managed park in an idyllic mountain top setting
We took our first trip there Oct 4 & 5 2020 and really enjoyed it. The drive to the park is wonderful with great spots to take in the views as you drive to the top. We even spotted a bald eagle at one stop.
The Lodge is very modern and the welcoming staff were very polite and helpful. We asked if a 15amp site for tent camping was available but they had to move us after determining that they didn't give us a site with a pad. There aren't many tent sites at all, especially with electric/water and only 5 primitive and 1 walk-in.
Due to COVID many activities weren't available but we did enjoy one trail. The restaurant wasn't that great but it served the purpose for one of our meals. I would still go back and recommend to friends or family.
Roxy V.GuideHot Springs National Park KOA
Nice Campground
We stayed here only as an overnight on our trip cross-country trip, but overall nice campground. It is about 20 min off the main highway. Things close up early here and once off main highway there really is nothing as you drive to the park. Make sure you come in with all of your supplies otherwise you will be driving back out a ways for groceries, supplies, etc. Everyone there was very friendly- families, seniors, etc. We were late check-ins and they were extremely accommodating by placing our paperwork on the check-in board for us. Even in the dark our site was easy to find. They offer RV, cabin rentals, and tent sites. We tent camp and the pad was of good size with a fire ring, picnic table and pea gravel. Most all of the tent sites are located with tree shade above them (note: not enough trees that you could hang hammocks or tarps though). There is a small pond that looked as though they allow family fishing in. "Grandpa's Griddle" is a small kitchen on site that they offer home-cooked breakfast to be purchased from in the morning. Mostly simple items: biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches, eggs & bacon, etc. The restrooms / showers were all very clean. We did not go in to the National Park, but it looked very pretty from what we could see. The view of the mountains in the morning was very pretty to wake up to.
Pandemic note: Even though the pandemic was still going on (visited on 5/28/20-5/29/20), no one was really wearing masks here. We did since we were traveling but were the only ones I saw.
The photos are of the pond and some of the super cute vintage RVs that we saw there.
I would recommend staying here.
Erik F.Guide
Charlton Campground
Labor Day Getaway
My fiance and I went to Charlton Rec. Area to get away for labor day weekend. Overall the camp was nice. A creek ran through the camp with plenty of tree cover. Near the camp entrance the creek was dammed to create a swimming hole. Many visitors came during the day for the swimming.
Most of the sites were for trailers and RVs, with only a few tent campsites. The camp was clean and had bathrooms with running water. They were in good condition, but pretty far from the tent camping. Surprisingly there weren't any mosquitos, but plenty of Daddy Long Legs. Each site has a pad for parking, BBQ pit, picnic bench (bring a tablecloth), and fire ring with grittle/grill. Camp was lacking trailheads with just one starting in camp. The trail itself was much longer than anticipated; distance wasn't marked and it needed some maintaining. It took you up along the mountain ridge with wonderful views in the areas with less brush.
I'd go back and explore some more. If you're in the area check out Lake Ouachita, Crooked Creek Falls (45 min), or the Vista off Hickory Nut Mountain Rd (20 min).
- Bailey W.
Traveler
COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground
Not that great.
So I was super excited about this campground when I read about it online. It seemed perfect! The drive into the campground is very curvy and has lots of blind spots. When we arrived, there was no one on duty, so we just filled out a card and proceeded into the campground, following the map posted on the official website. That's where we ran into our first issue. The map was all wrong. We spent nearly an hour trying to find our spot. Finally, we asked the volunteer on duty. He showed us an updated map and we found out that our campsite wasn't even where we had picked it based off the old map. The tent sites are walk in only. They have electric but the closest water spigot is at the parking lot. The scenery is nice but the boats are loud, as to be expected of a lakeside campground. The bathrooms aren't very well maintained, the showers are gross, and the park goers tend to be obnoxious, revving their engines and hooping and hollering. We actually ended our trip the next day. Overall not a bad site IF you're here in a camper. Not suggested for tent camping.
- Dan M.Scout
Charlton Campground
Plenty of sites and friendly folks
A lot of RV and tent site camping sites. Nice scenery and the park host was very helpful. We stayed in area C (A, B, C are the different areas) on a super busy weekend and weren't to cramped. Spacious tent sites just off a creek with fire rings, picnic tables, and good proximity to clean toilet/shower facilities. Would visit again.
Mike V.Ranger
Mount Magazine State Park Campground
Mount Magazine State Park, Arkansas
Great state park. Checked out Arkansas high point of course. Hike some trails, enjoyed the views and rock formations. Tent camping area was very clean, with nice flat tent pad surface to set up tent on. Also ate a very nice meal on Easter Sunday at the lodge. Saw several deer while we were there. Definitely recommend this state park to others. Hope to go there again some day.
Cheri H.
Legend
Ozan Point - De Gray Lake
Quiet area not as developed and more remote
Quiet place. Clean, more primitive and not developed. Does have flush toilets. Great place to go tent camping.
- LLuke C.Traveler
Quarry Cove
Close to water
No tent sites close to water and good fishing
Momo C.TravelerLake Ouachita State Park Campground
awesome and very nice
The tent camping is so beautiful right on the lake! Very calm and peaceful. Beautiful scenery and the lake is super nice
- Peggy G.Scout
Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine
Nice place to camp with a rv or camper
It's it's a nice place to Camp RV but not for tent camping it would be better if they have places to put up a tent instead of on concrete.
- SStan G.Traveler
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
One for the bucket list!
Arkansas’ first and most popular state park. Lake with rental boats, trailer and tent site loops, lodge/hotel/cabins. Outstanding natural features, some of which are easily accessible. Very popular in the fall. Big waterfall with rugged trail to the bottom. Can’t see it all in a weekend!
Melissa W.LegendLake Ouachita State Park Campground
Great spot outside of Hot Springs
The Hot Springs NP campground was closed for the season so we stayed at Lake Ouachita SP Campground for 3 nights. We are tent camper and this was the best it gets! The tent sites are well separated from the RVs and generators. The sit right on the lake so they can get windy but are peaceful and beautiful. Each tent site has a level pad for tents, picnics tables, and fire-ring. A small down-side, you have to park and walk your gear to your site but it's not terribly far or a big deal. The lake is beautiful and all tent sites have access to the water. It's a bit of a walk to the bathrooms but they are wonderfully clean (and heated). The camp store had decent wood for sale. The only thing to beware of is the crows. They are relentless and even took a bag of sealed, in it's original container, tortilla chips and tried carrying them away and pecking the bag open. So don't leave anything unsupervised (even in closed container or bags).
Arkansas F.GuideMount Magazine State Park Campground
Mountain Paradise
We have tent camped there many times. Definitely a favorite place for gorgeous views, good Ranger-led Activities and great hiking. The lodge is amazing.
Penny A.Guide
COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
Scenic Lovely Waterview
Tent camped with a view of the lake. Facilities were well maintained. Hosts were very friendly. Easy to collect firewood. Definitely recommend even if you don’t have a boat.
.! E !.GuideHot Springs National Park KOA
Perfect!
The tent site was perfect! With fire pit, power, and water. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean.
- Mike V.Ranger
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park - Arkansas
Great place for hiking and taking in nice variety of views at Arkansas's first state park. Cabins can be rented, RV & tent camping sites available. Modern bath houses with showers and toilets were clean. Cedar Creek flows through this park and Cedar Falls is impressive. We were there in late March and the creek was flowing good after recent rains. But it can be only a trickle during dry periods. Enjoyed the trail along the creek. Another nice view was from a point looking down over the Arkansas River and valley below.
- EElise R.Scout
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Wonderful time
My husband and I tent camped here in November. Pretty cold at night but the weather was perfect for the hikes which were absolutely stunning. We had a delicious breakfast with a view at the lodge. 10 out of 10 would recommend!
- GGary M.Guide
Arlie Moore - De Gray Lake
Amazing spot to camp
Tent and RV + boating and fishing. Camping is diverse enough to be in a the forest or on the lake . Water is warm and I swim less than 20 feet from my tent. Highly recommend tent sites 74, 75 and 76. Breathtaking views of the lake.
Tommy S.Traveler
Arkadelphia Campground & RV Park
Friendly Staff
Stopped in while traveling with no reservation on my bike. The campground was full but they did find me a spot for tent camping for the night. The staff went out of their way to assist me with getting a spot, helping me with onsite facilities, and they even made phone calls to assist me with local road closings for my next days route. Very clean bathrooms and shower facilities. The laundry facility was nice and well kept. The park is set up more for RV use but once again they were very accommodating. Although I didn’t use the pool it did look nice a several kids made use of it while I was there. The only downside and only if you’re tent camping there is traffic noise due to being close to the interstate, however it is also convenient if just passing through.
- RRussellScout
COE Degray Lake Iron Mountain Campground
Nice campground
Just stayed one night passing thru for work but enjoyed my site and scenic veiws the next morning. Tent sites have pea gravel beds for tents for level ground and plenty of trees for hammock hanging. Shower houses are adequate but recommend good shower shoes.
- Shannon M.Guide
Lake Catherine State Park Campground
Great weekend getaway!
My husband, myself, our dog and two friends tent camped for the weekend. We were lucky enough to have a site on the water. It's a nice park we hiked, rented a canoe and did some swimming. Very peaceful and nice campground. We will be back for sure.
Guide to Story
Tent camping near Story, Arkansas offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Explore Local Attractions
- Enjoy the serene environment at Hickory Nut Mountain, where you can find plenty of spots for tent camping and easy access to nearby Hot Springs National Park.
- Experience the tranquility of Big Brushy, a quiet campground located near a creek, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
- Visit Fourche Mountain Campground, which offers a small primitive setting ideal for a peaceful retreat in the Ouachita National Forest.
Tent Camping Prices
- Tent camping at Shirley Creek is free, making it a budget-friendly option for campers looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
- At COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground, you can find well-maintained sites for tent camping, with no fees required.
- For a unique experience, Dragover offers a primitive camping experience at no cost, perfect for those seeking a more rugged adventure.
Amenities and Features
- Irons Fork Primitive Camping provides picnic tables and fire pits, making it a comfortable spot for tent campers looking to enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Campers at Rocky Shoals can take advantage of boat access to the river, perfect for fishing or a leisurely day on the water.
- North Shores Resort & Marina offers a scenic location with access to various water activities, ideal for those who enjoy both camping and aquatic adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Story, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Story, AR is Hickory Nut Mountain with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Story, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 44 tent camping locations near Story, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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