Camping options near Paris, Arkansas span both national forest and Arkansas state park lands within the Ouachita Mountain region. Sites range from 1,800 to 2,753 feet in elevation, creating temperature variations that affect camping conditions year-round. Most campgrounds in this area have accessible hiking trails directly from campsites, with trail difficulty varying significantly based on elevation gain.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: At Cove Lake Complex, visitors can enjoy multiple water-based activities. "Cove lake use to be my all time favorite place to go. We have a huge family and we would all meet there a few times a summer. Their food was awesome. The camping was good. But we love the lake and renting boats and tubes," reports Tina D.
Hiking to high points: The region contains multiple elevation-based hiking options. At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," according to Jeremy C. For more challenging terrain, "The trails are mostly shaded and well defined. Remember you are on a mountain so there will be elevation changes as you walk," notes Gary F.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer wildlife encounters. "We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep," reports Greg D. at Cove Lake. The region hosts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities across various elevations.
What campers like
Mountain-top temperature differences: Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers notable temperature advantages. "On a Wednesday, the 1st of August, we had our pick of beautiful and spacious sights. Very few campers on this day. So we chose site 17, directly on the Rim with unimpeded long views and unobstructed breezes," writes Dave V.
Space between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Aux Arc, "Sites in all areas are well spaced apart," according to MickandKarla W. This contrasts with some mountain sites where "Campsites are close together with little privacy," as Stan G. notes about Mount Nebo.
Lakefront positioning: Water access is a priority for many campers. At Waveland Park, "There is camp spots that over look the bay and some right down on the water," reports Myra P. Waterfront sites fill quickly during summer months.
What you should know
Road challenges: Access roads present significant seasonal challenges. At Mount Nebo, "The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious," warns Rebecca P. Similarly, "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening," notes Donny S.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by carrier and location. At Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures, reception allows limited communication but varies by provider. One camper at Cove Lake Complex noted "No cell service whatsoever with Verizon."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely. At Cameron Bluff, facilities remain basic while Mount Magazine maintains "The restrooms/showers are a 4.5 out of 5 for state park facilities," according to Gary F. Some locations have modern flush toilets while others maintain vault toilets.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Ozark National Forest Cove Lake Campground offers family-friendly water features. "The swimming area is pretty large and nice. I like that the beach area is just a big grassy area," notes Lindsey P. Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with varying terrain.
Campground selection by age: Not all sites suit all ages. "For anyone with kids, I would say at the outset that this isn't a very kid-friendly park. No playgrounds, very, very mountainous, and generally just not a park for kids," warns Donny S. about Mount Magazine.
Rental options: Equipment rentals reduce packing requirements. "You can rent tubes and float the river, fish or rent a buggy to off-road," mentions Sarah R. about Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures. Water equipment rentals typically operate seasonally from late May through September.
Tips from RVers
RV sizing limitations: Road access restricts larger vehicles at some campgrounds. "Limited number of sites. Full hookup. A lot of trees," notes Rob W. about Mount Magazine State Park. At Mount Nebo, signage warns "Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft," which Dave V. confirms "these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%."
Hookup variations: Utilities differ substantially between parks. At Shoal Bay, "Paved level sites with water and electricity and clean bathrooms," reports Don L. For fuller services, Aux Arc offers "50/30 AMP with water. There is no sewer here but you can use a hose connection to let your grey water drain on the ground," according to MickandKarla W.
Seasonal access: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Waveland Park maintains a March through October season, requiring advance planning for shoulder-season visits when facilities may be partially operational.
