Best Tent Camping near Story, AR
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Best Tent Sites Near Story, AR (42)
1. Hickory Nut Mountain
Ouachita Lake, Arkansas11 Reviews•46 Photos•282 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Irons Fork Primitive Camping
Ouachita Lake, Arkansas2 Reviews•6 Photos•19 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
3. Fourche Mountain Campground
Plainview, Arkansas2 Reviews•12 Photos•10 SavesSmall campground with a scenic view from the mountain-top. Additional information available here.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
4. Albert Pike Recreation Area
Langley, Arkansas6 Reviews•33 Photos•71 SavesNestled 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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- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
5. COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground
Ouachita Lake, Arkansas1 Review•3 Photos•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
6. Shirley Creek
Oden, Arkansas2 Reviews•9 Photos•15 SavesThe 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.
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
7. Rocky Shoals
Pencil Bluff, Arkansas2 Reviews•11 Photos•10 SavesRiver access on Ouachita River.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
- Alcohol
8. Jack Creek Recreation Area
Blue Mountain, Arkansas3 Reviews•4 Photos•42 SavesJack 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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- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Big Brushy
Oden, Arkansas1 Review•4 Photos•16 SavesAttractive wooded setting on stream bank.
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- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
10. Iron Springs
Jessieville, Arkansas2 Reviews•10 Photos•17 SavesWooded roadside setting on stream near historic springs.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews in Story
1017 Reviews of 42 Story Campgrounds
Fred S.
Legend
Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed
Large creekside dispersed site
Coordinates: 34.82029,-92.82184. Large creekside dispersed campsite located on a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179 (aka Wildcat Mountain Rd). If going southbound on FR179, the track is on the left immediately after crossing a bridge. The track may look sketchy to some drivers, but I drove down it okay in my Subara. Good spot for car camping. The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping. There are trees for hammock camping. There are 3 large rock fire rings. This site is prone to flooding. The site appears to be popular and well used. There are no hiking trails, but the access track passes the site and continues along the creek - good for an easy stroll. Tried fishing here, but no luck. I do know from previous experience that there is fish in the creek. The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high. The site is mostly shaded; may be difficult to get a Starlink connection. I received no cell service. This is a pretty nice site, offering some privacy from the forest road and a wonderful sound of the creek.
- Fred S.Legend
Forest Rd 179 Dispersed
Large Dispersed Site by Beautiful Forest
Coordinates: 34.84016,-92.82538. Located along unpaved Forest Road 179 (Wildcat Mountain Road), about 3/4 miles south of junction with Forest Road 132. The forest road was in good condition during my visit. A 2-wheel drive passenger car should be able to reach this site. It is a large campsite, close to forest road; no privacy from the road. The site is a dirt surface with a very large rock fire ring. Mostly level. Tent and hammock camping possible. No T-Mobile service. Has AT&T 5G service. Shaded; connection to Starlink will be a challenge. Beautiful forest with a very small pond behind the site in the woods. May be able to back a truck camper into the site; I don't recommend anything larger. Pretty area; nice area for a stroll in the woods. There is a hiking trailhead near FR132 with a dirt parking space. This is a really nice, clean site if one doesn't mind the lack of privacy from the forest road.
Charles H.
Traveler
Mount Magazine State Park Campground
Flying High
The experience begins with the climb: the road winds up and around the bends and crooks of the mountain. The entrance and welcome center is grand and very accepting of anything from small vehicles to large diesel pushers. The camping spaces are large and accommodating, most are level and can fit almost anything you travel in. The amenities were clean and - while dated - all in good working conditions. The various trails are well marked and offer several levels of technical expertise. At the top you can camp or stay at The Lodge - which offers a myriad of services from food to catered events.
But the views ARE the reason to experience this park! They are simply delicious!
Forest K.Traveler
Big Fir Primitive Camping
Wrong coordinates
The directions/ coordinates are wrong. Go to contact info or look it up on Google Maps.
James B.
Ranger
Twin Creek Campground
Nice stay for one night
We decided to stay here for an overnight after being in Hot Springs area.
There was only one other camper. The fee is $14 a night, not the $12 listed on sign. There is a pay kiosk that takes cards The campground was very clean and had many many trash cans.
Bathrooms clean and had running water and flush toilets. Cell signal was poor with Verizon. Found an opening and Starlink worked great.
Logan R.
Scout
Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
Overland site
First off the coordinates are 34.80858, -93.07552 This campsite has amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises. A bit rocky for tent campers but should have no trouble finding a spot for a 4 man tent. There is also limited level ground but not bad. This site has room for 2-3 rigs. If ya needed to squeeze 4 you definitely could. There is a good breeze as it is on the top of the ridge which would be great in summer but can get a bit nippy in the colder seasons so keep that in mind. Nice sound of the breeze in the trees to put you right to sleep and extremely rare traffic so minimal reminders of society!!! I’ve rambled a bit but this site genuinely ticked all the boxes for me. Made for a beautiful evening.
- Forest K.Traveler
Buckville - Lake Ouachita
Nice boon-docking area
Our family has camp here the last 4 years, sometimes twice a year. We like it for the family and grandkids because of the swimming area and pit toilets, which allows us to stay for about 3-4 days at time, you need to bring your own toilet paper and water. There used to be a store a couple of miles up the road from here, but the last time we camp, it was closed due to the spouse passing away. If you like boon docking, Kayaking, and fishing in a quite area, this is the place for you. Bring your Kayak and go Island hoping!
little B.Scout
Lake Catherine State Park Campground
I love the tranquility
I really love this place because it’s so peaceful. This is why I like places with forests and lakes. I work in cities, block blast always so noisy there…
- CChris A.
Guide
Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
Great State Park
Lots of Space, Shade, and access to mountain bike trails and downtown hot springs
Jeff P.Ranger
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Our new favorite camping grounds
This state park is one of the hardest to book a camping site for a last-minute camping trip. After we finally secure our spot, it’s easy to see why it’s so hard to secure at a moment's notice.
Please be sure to visit the Petite Jean Coffeehouse which is located before the entrance to the park.
Twyana S.Guide
Bear Creek
Primitive beauty
This park is a wooded area beside a lake. Campsites have a picnic table & grill. No electricity or water. No concrete parking pads. However almost all sites have a view of the lake. Beautiful views. Two pit toilets were clean & smelled ok.
Devin R.Traveler
Cane Creek Recreation Area
Beautiful Sunset
Be sure to catch the sunset here. This has a beautiful setting even though it has been basically abandoned by the COE. The people who stay here must really care about the place because my site was very clean. Do not. I repeat DO NOT think you can use the pit toilets here. Be self contained and you’ll be fine. There seemed to be some long-timers camped there together and their dogs barked quite often during the day, but they must have taken them in at night or my van did well with blocking out the noise. My site wasn’t 100% flat but I just slept with my feet going on the downhill slope. Also, be aware if you use a flashlight, you WILL see eyeballs looking back at you from the other side of the water
Alice S.Legend
COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground
Wooded With View of Lake
This site was difficult to find. It is listed on the highway with a sign but on GPS it wasn't listed. The proper address is 4101 US-70, Kirby, AR 71950.
You book through recreation.gov but it is actually listed under Self Creek campgrounds. When booking just lok for sites listed on LOOP JW.
This is a good site for tents, campervans, and smaller rvs. There are sites for larger rvs but not many. It may be difficult to find a level spot if you're in a larger vehicle. There is only one site directly on the water. The remainder are on the wooded hill but still have a beautiful view of the lake.
The bathhouse has flush toilets and showers but is very old. They maintain it well and it is cleaned regularly. The toilets are perfectly fine but the showers are just old and a bit icky. I would suggest for showers going to the Daisy State Park. They have newer and nicer showers.
- Twyana S.Guide
COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground
Unable to Locate
The GPS coordinates are wrong for this one but I couldn't locate the correct site. Tookus down a gravel road that wasn't bad until it turned to mud.
- Twyana S.Guide
Self Creek
Lots of Choices
Large campground with lots of different areas to camp. They have sites in the woods, next to the water, and out in the open.
The bathrooms were clean and well maintained.
- Twyana S.Guide
COE Lake Greeson Star of the West
Arkansas Beauty
Amazingly beautiful and cheap. Bathrooms are vault toilets. They smell bad but the room is clean.
- Alice S.Legend
Daisy State Park Campground
Very Nice but Busy
They have a lot of campgrounds but most are very close. Not a bad thing for those social butterflies but a little tighter than I like. Their bathrooms and showers are really nice. Clean and spacious.
It's definitely worth a visit but make sure to book well in advance. They sell out quick.
- Alice S.Legend
COE Lake Greeson Star of the West
Good Location But Better Options Available
The price here is now $10 per day but if you have America the Beautiful Pass it's half price.
Couple downsides are that the bathrooms are pit style bathrooms and kind of nasty and unless you snag one of the sites far back in the woods you are pretty close to the highway so some noise.
It is my understanding that they are scheduled to update the bathrooms in the next year or two but until then I'd definitely suggest going to Arrowhead Point. It's right down the road, same price, quieter, and nicer bathrooms.
- Alice S.Legend
Arrowhead Point — Lake Greeson
Affordable and Comfortable
This location is right on the lake with quite a few camp sites available. The only down side is they have only one site available with electric and hookups. Everything else had no electric or hookups.
The electric site is $22 and all the rest are $10. If you have a senior pass they are half off though. It's first come first serve.
A nice boat ramp is on site as well as a swimming beach. The beach isn't really big and I visited in October so not sure how nice it is or deep but still a good option to have.
The bathroom has flush toilets and are decently clean. No showers but the state park right down the road has showers you can use for free.
Overall, I really like this place. It's quiet and peaceful. And most important, doesn't hurt my pocketbook too bad.
Brian G.GuidePetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Wonderful place!!
We had a great weekend at Petit Jean. The hiking was great and the campsite is beyond beautiful. There is also a nice coffee shop that is conveniently close to the campsites.
- Alice S.Legend
Miners Camping & Rock Shop
Good For Primitive Camping Terrible Bathrooms
My first impressions of this site were terrible. The Bathrooms are extremely old and honestly seem like they're rotting down. The playground area is small but jot terrible. The area for rvs is pretty cramped with no privacy. Luckily while talking to some folks there they directed us on down the road. There are two more sections specifically for primitive camping that are really nice. There are a couple picnic tables and fire rings. There is also a nice pond. The cell signal isn't terrible but it's a bit hit and miss for internet.
Overall, I would suggest it but don't expect to use their showers or bathroom. Go a couple minutes down the road and use the state parks showerhouse. It's really nice.
- Alice S.Legend
FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed
Super Simple But Has Signal
WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.
The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.
Jennifer O.LegendPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Beautiful park with tons of overlooks!
What a beautiful park, although it’s really spread out and you’ll need you an e-bike or bike to ride around. Lots of bouldering, hiking, overlooks, and tall pine trees! There’s something for everyone. I would recommend loop a for the best views and most spaced out spots. Very friendly hosts, clean bathrooms, visitors center is new and outstanding.
Susan L.LegendDaisy State Park Campground
Definitely worth a stay!
I never start a review like this, but this park had the cleanest bath house/restrooms I've ever experienced! 2 stalls in the shower in this loop and they each had a clean shower curtain, a bench, hooks to hang stuff. Immaculate. Better than some hotels!
Stayed in site 104 in the loop by the boat ramp. Nice shade and long parking pad. Sense of privacy. The sites that back to the cove had terraced areas, so if stairs aren't good for you then skip, but the arrangement made for a large area to spread out relax. This site had an additional parking pad next to it that was right next to the tent pad. Handy for ent campers to unload or boaters for boat, plus there were extra parking spots in the cul-de-sac leading down to the boat ramp.
The lake is sometimes smooth as glass. Kayaks for rent and this is a must do. Visitor center was being remodeled at the time of visit. 2 short hiking trails. Great state park!
- Susan L.Legend
Tompkins Bend
COE Lake Ouachita camping
I tend to like COE campgrounds. However, this one was a different experience for me. It's laid out in a way that it seemed like there was no space between sites and no berms or green cover to give the feeling of some privacy. The site next to me parked their truck about 10 feet from my site on the dirt between us. Boats on trailers are parked in between sites on diagonal or however to make them fit.
Narrow, windy road into park is nicely paved. Nicely shaded, almost level gravel/asphalt site (not very wide with a tree on one side that would obstruct a rig with slide, awning side is tight too) with picnic bench, fire ring, lantern pole and BBQ.
Also, the lake is very low right now. I was told that the state is drawing down the lake for hydro power and because there hasn't been any rain in awhile it's starting to show. It was fun to walk the lake bed and look for rocks and minerals that are usually covered by water. Not much else to do if here if you don't have a boat. Otherwise, a nice place to sleep while visiting the area.
Lindsey M.Guide
Hot Springs Offroad Park
Cheap, Convenient, & Fun!
Car camped at tent site to visit HSNP and trail ride. Staff were plentiful and friendly. My only issues were noise from a fast road near my site, walking distance from sites to restrooms, and most sites seemed quite tight for SUVs/trucks to park within. Even so, I highly recommend checking out this place. I really enjoyed my nights here and hours in the woods!
Greg D.Guide
Cove Lake Complex
Quiet and wooded
Nice quiet campground with a nice lake, vault toilets, no electricity or water Wildlife in the area. We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep, mature pine trees giving a lot of shade
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 42 tent camping locations near Story, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.