SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Blue Mountain, AR

194 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    The Blue Mountain, Arkansas region encompasses several mixed-use campgrounds along Blue Mountain Lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Mount Magazine State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations at Arkansas's highest point (2,753 feet), while Waveland Park provides waterfront camping with electric and water hookups along the shores of Blue Mountain Lake. The area also includes primitive sites at Ashley Creek Recreation Area and several Corps of Engineers campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering cabin rentals or glamping options for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.

    Camping is available year-round at Mount Magazine State Park, though many lakeside campgrounds like Waveland Park operate seasonally from spring through fall (typically March to October). Roads accessing most developed campgrounds are paved and accessible to standard vehicles, though some primitive areas may require high-clearance vehicles. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with T-Mobile generally providing better coverage than Verizon in certain areas. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays. A recent review noted, "The lake is a local favorite for boating, swimming and other water sports and even features an island with its own beach."

    Waterfront camping at Blue Mountain Lake receives consistently positive reviews, with multiple campers highlighting the fishing opportunities and sunset views. Campers report that most sites at Waveland Park have partial shade, clean facilities, and level camping pads suitable for tents or RVs. Mount Magazine State Park provides a completely different experience with its higher elevation offering cooler temperatures and spectacular valley views. As one visitor explained, "Mount Magazine is the state's highest point topping out at 2,753 feet and delivers sweeping views of broad valleys, lakes, winding rivers, and distant mountains." Campers should note that temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler on Mount Magazine compared to the surrounding lowlands, making it a popular destination during hot summer months but requiring extra preparation during winter camping trips.

    Hot Springs National Park Camping Guide - The Complete Guide

    Get the guide now

    View Guide

    Best Campgrounds near Blue Mountain (194)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Mount Magazine State Park Campground

      4.7(35)5mi from Blue MountainRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."

      "There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."

      from $35 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Waveland Park

      4.3(12)4mi from Blue Mountain51 sitesRVs, Tents

      "I watched three young girls go up to them and look but not sure if they could have them but in the end they picked them up and it was smiles all around . That make my day to see how happy they were."

      "Plenty of places to walk. Nice swim beach. All around good place to go and keepers are very friendly. Spots are kinda close together but you have lots of room. Fire pit and grill stand."

      from $24 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Cove Lake Complex

      4.4(11)8mi from Blue MountainRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground."

      "We stayed as a group (three families with 7 kiddos total, ranging from 6-15), across two adjacent sites: 1 & 3."

      Check Availability

      4. Ozark National Forest Cove Lake Campground

      4.0(3)8mi from Blue Mountain36 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This lake and the trails around it were absolutely gorgeous. Not far from Mt Magazine and the water was so clean and the campgrounds were fantastic."

      "We enjoyed our stay at Cove Lake. The campsite we stayed at was right on the lake with a pretty view of the nearby mountains. The swimming area is pretty large and nice."

      from $15 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Jack Creek Recreation Area

      4.7(3)10mi from Blue MountainTents

      "No bathrooms or water but there is a trail that goes directly to the day use area. There are changing rooms, no shower or running water. There was a trash can."

      Check Availability

      6. Cameron Bluff

      4.0(2)5mi from Blue MountainRVs, Tents

      "But on cloudy days, hikes on the various trails are surreal! And it’s only a short hike to the tallest point in AR - 2753ft above sea level"

      Check Availability

      7. Ashley Creek Recreation Area

      3.5(2)2mi from Blue MountainRVs, Tents

      "campground just up the hill has small standard sites with tables, campfire pits, a pavilion and some bathrooms (needed some cleaning) Really quiet spot in November - we only saw one other vehicle drive"

      Check Availability

      8. Magazine Arkansas Eclipse Camping

      5.0(1)3mi from Blue Mountain4 sitesRVs

      "Blue Mtn Lake access is literally minutes away. The town itself is quaint and charming. Loved the small thrift store and Old Town Bank Museum."

      from $150 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Brown Springs Picnic Area (Overflow camping)

      4.0(1)5mi from Blue MountainTents

      from $17 - $46 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Aux Arc

      4.7(19)24mi from Blue Mountain88 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Boat launch and lovely views of the Arkansas river. Close to restaurants and shopping ."

      "We used it as a base camp to visit several Arkansas state parks such as Devil’s Den and Lake Fort Smith. The camp was clean, a little crowded, but very nice and relaxed."

      from $16 - $75 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 194 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Blue Mountain Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Blue Mountain, AR

    285 Photos of 194 Blue Mountain Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Blue Mountain, AR

    930 Reviews of 194 Blue Mountain Campgrounds

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 24, 2026

      Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

      Lake Ouachita State Park — Arkansas Does It Again

      This was our second stay here, and it confirmed what we’re starting to realize: Arkansas state campgrounds are next level. Full hookups, free WiFi, top-notch facilities, and great rates — it’s a combination you just don’t find everywhere.

      The lake itself is unbelievable. This reservoir is a boater’s and swimmer’s dream — clear, clean water as far as you can see. The campground is large, but the sites are still wonderfully spacious — no crowding, no feeling like you’re on top of your neighbors. The whole place is clean, well organized, and clearly well run.

      The proximity to Hot Springs provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and a real town if you want a break from camp life. It’s about 15 minutes away, so you get the best of both worlds: peaceful lakeside camping with civilization just down the road when you want it.

      If you’re road-tripping through Arkansas, don’t skip this one. This campground is by far one of the best you’ll stay at.

    • Joy J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 21, 2026

      North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) Dispersed

      It Was Nice

      After driving what seemed like forever I finally reached the spot. It is a lovely spot, very shady. I did not see a river at the bottom of the steep bank. Someone who had been there before me left eggshells all over the ground and trash in the fire pit. After cleaning out the trash which included a soiled baby diaper it improved the looks a great deal. I did not pick up all the eggshells.

    • K
      Jun. 10, 2026

      COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

      Beautiful location

      I stayed 2 nights and it was a great location. I had water views on 3 sides. Site 20 is a good location for tenting, it has pretty good shade coverage. There is water and electric at the site. There are bathrooms and showers available to campers. There is a sandy beach area for swimming. The water is refreshing on a hot and humid day. The camp host is very nice and reassured me to reach out if I had any questions or problems. After dark it was surprisingly very quiet, there was a loud group camped 2 spots away from me but they were quiet after dark. The views around the lake are beautiful. I will definitely stay here again if I’m in the area. Just a side note, if the geese are troublesome, the park rangers will shoot off blanks to scare them out of the cove. This is done without warning, so it’s a bit startling.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 7, 2026

      Waveland Park

      Nice and Quiet

      I grew up around this area so Waveland is always a safe choice for some casual casual camping. We chose site 06 because it’s a bit separated from the other areas and since there was hardly anyone there, it was almost dead quiet. Very private and peaceful. My only complaint is that there was no one working the station where you’re supposed to check in— we tried three separate times thinking maybe they were on break or at lunch, but no luck. We also tried calling several times but no one picked up. It rained quite heavily and stormed in the area, and a part of me wonders if it got bad enough, would anyone have come notified us to leave? The lake is currently closed to swimming and most everything except fishing/boating and in a certain area— but it’s in an effort to improve wildlife and fish populations, which was already quite noticeable!

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 6, 2026

      Spadra Park Campground

      Nice park with view of Arkansas River

      Most sites are levelish side to side with down hill slope. There appears to be no supervision in this park. We have stopped here on our way out west then on our way back. No one has checked us in or made sure we were supposed to be there. Traffic moves from the boat ramp until late at night. Still a good stopover when traveling Verizon worked well.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 3, 2026

      Cane Creek Recreation Area

      Nice spot but poorly maintained, generator noise

      Nice spot, especially if you get one of the old campsites. However those were taken by long term folks who either just left their trailer there with no one in it, or they ran generators through the night. The remaining campsites were inaccessible by car, so we ended up staying in the bathroom parking area. Bathrooms boarded up, no trash cans, a fair bit of trash lying around.

    • dThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 27, 2026

      Rocky Shoals

      Nice private spot

      I accidentally found Rocky Shoals when I was driving through scenic, route, and I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful lake that was in front of me. It didn’t seem like it was raining, but the trees were dripping with wetness. It was nice to let my dog go for a little swim. I didn’t use the bathrooms because they were gross.

    Guide to Blue Mountain

    The Blue Mountain, Arkansas camping area features diverse terrain from lakeside flatlands to elevations of 2,753 feet at Mount Magazine. Waterfront camping along Blue Mountain Lake offers direct access to water recreation, while higher elevation sites provide cooler temperatures and valley views. Winter camping is available at Mount Magazine State Park and some year-round facilities, though seasonal campgrounds typically operate March through October.

    What to do

    Hiking diverse trails: Mount Magazine State Park Campground offers trails for various skill levels, including a family-friendly hike to Arkansas's highest point. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," notes Jeremy C. "The various trails are well marked and offer several levels of technical expertise."

    Water activities on Blue Mountain Lake: Waveland Park provides excellent access to boating, fishing, and swimming. "We were hanging out over the 4th of July weekend down here. The beach area is just great," mentions Wolfgang M. The park has "multiple boat launches and places to fish," according to Sandy H.

    Rock climbing and hang gliding: The mountainous terrain offers opportunities for adventure sports enthusiasts. At Mount Nebo State Park Campground, "Magazine is one of the few parks that offers climbers great opportunities to work their skills." Hang gliders frequently use the bluffs to launch, offering another high-adrenaline activity for visitors.

    What campers like

    Spacious, well-maintained sites: Mount Magazine State Park Campground receives high marks for its campsite quality. "The camping spaces are large and accommodating, most are level and can fit almost anything you travel in," writes Charles H. Another camper adds, "Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice. Camping spots are spaced out pretty well."

    Temperature advantage: The higher elevations provide relief during hot Arkansas summers. As one visitor noted, "due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground," temperatures can be significantly cooler. Stan G. confirms Mount Nebo is "cooler in summer" than surrounding areas.

    Swimming options: Cove Lake Complex offers swimming in the lake and has "canoe rentals on site." Several campgrounds include designated swim areas. Waveland Park features "a nice swim beach" and "The swimming area and the entire park was clean and free of trash," according to Sandy F.

    What you should know

    Road access limitations: Mountain roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. Mount Nebo has signs warning "Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft" with grades up to 18%. "The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious," advises Rebecca P.

    Varying cell service: Connectivity differs across campgrounds. At Mount Magazine, "TMobile 3 bars at site 17, Verizon lower..." reports Heather K. Ashley Creek Recreation Area offers "T-Mobile cell service" but coverage can be inconsistent throughout the region.

    Seasonal considerations: Weather can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens," warns a Mount Nebo camper. "Unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket."

    Tips for camping with families

    Accessible hiking options: Several family-friendly trails accommodate younger hikers. "This is a very nice state park that mostly offers hiking and beautiful views... The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," shares a Mount Magazine visitor.

    Kid-friendly swimming areas: Jack Creek Recreation Area offers "the creek for water play" that's popular with families. "Kids love it. Very peaceful and great place to recharge," notes Robert S. Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas appropriate for children.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campgrounds throughout the area offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Mount Nebo, "the deer will walk up to you and you can pet them," though feeding wildlife is discouraged. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for larger rigs: For RVs, carefully research campground capabilities. At Aux Arc Campground, "sites are well spaced apart" and many can accommodate larger vehicles with "50/30 AMP with water" hookups available.

    Leveling considerations: Many campsites require attention to leveling. At Mount Magazine, "most are level and can fit almost anything you travel in," but other campgrounds may require more setup work. "The sites were partially shaded for most of the day" at Waveland Park.

    Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in the region. Aux Arc offers water and electric, with a note that "there is no sewer here but you can use a hose connection to let your grey water drain on the ground." Most campgrounds have dump stations available even when sewer hookups aren't provided at individual sites.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is the best time of year to camp at Blue Mountain in Arkansas?

    Spring and fall are ideal for camping at Blue Mountain due to mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring (April-May) offers wildflower blooms and comfortable daytime temperatures, while fall (September-October) showcases spectacular foliage colors. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, though camping near Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events provides shade and river access to cool off. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cold nights. Buzzards Rock Dispersed in the nearby Ozark National Forest offers year-round access weather permitting.

    Where is Blue Mountain campground in Arkansas located?

    Blue Mountain is located in western Arkansas near Paris. It sits at the base of Mount Magazine, Arkansas's highest point. The area includes several camping options, with Cove Lake Complex situated at the base of the drive up to Mount Magazine. Nearby, you'll find Mount Magazine State Park Campground offering spectacular views. The Blue Mountain region is part of the Ozark National Forest and provides access to the Blue Mountain Lake, a reservoir on the Petit Jean River.

    What amenities are available at Blue Mountain campground?

    Campgrounds in the Blue Mountain area typically offer water and electric hookups, clean restrooms, and shower facilities. Outlet Area, a US Army Corps of Engineers campground near Blue Mountain, features 38 campsites with electricity and water hookups, including three multi-family sites with fees ranging from $18-$40. Waveland Park provides clean shower houses, well-maintained restrooms, and waterfront campsites. Most established campgrounds in the area offer picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, while some include playgrounds, swimming areas, and boat ramps for lake access.

    Keep Exploring

    5. View all Arkansas cities for camping