Z
Zach D.
Guide
GuideFR 1509 Dispersed
Decent amount of camp spots at the top of the mountain. Good views an low traffic
Camping near Blue Mountain, AR
16 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Blue Mountain (198)
1. Mount Magazine State Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
2. Waveland Park
"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."
"Showed us a nice spot in the back away from everyone else. Probably because of the steep road to back down. But worth it. Wonderful spot."
9 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $24 - $60 / night
3. Cove Lake Complex
"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."
4. Cameron Bluff
"Steep and fun drive to get to this campground. Sites are big and spaces are wide creating a very nice experience. Short hike from the campground is the overlook road and the views are incredible!"
"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"
5. Ozark National Forest Cove Lake Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $35 / night
6. Jack Creek Recreation Area
"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."
7. Ashley Creek Recreation Area
"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"
8. Magazine Arkansas Eclipse Camping
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $150 / night
9. Aux Arc
"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."
21 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $16 - $75 / night
10. Brown Springs Picnic Area (Overflow camping)
Check Availabilityfrom $17 - $46 / night
Drive Time
- 55 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 42 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 42 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 48 min from Little Rock, AR
Recent Camping Photos near Blue Mountain, AR
288 Photos of 198 Blue Mountain Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Magazine Arkansas Eclipse Camping
Waveland ParkA
Mount Magazine State Park Campground
Cove Lake Complex
Ozark National Forest Cove Lake Campground
Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
Eickleberry Rd Dispersed, Ozarks NF, AR
Spring Lake Recreation Area
Shoal Bay
Cane Creek
Cane Creek Recreation Area
Aux Arc
Recent Reviews near Blue Mountain, AR
970 Reviews of 198 Blue Mountain Campgrounds
- ZZach D.Guide
Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed
Really cool Mountain View’s. A decent amount of campsites that tents, overlanders and small trailers can make it up to. The road isn’t that bad up. Only downside is there’s a good amount of side by side traffic.
Cameron L.GuideTurner Creek Road
Not too bad of a place! We were the only people there. It’s nice and fairly secluded, only a little road noise from the highway. Will definitely be adding to our list of campsites if we’re ever back in the area.
Marilyn B.
RangerSpringhill
Beautiful Park!
We stayed in the a loop, a 11. Honestly, the pads look brand new, level, convenient to power and water hook up. The table is on a separate gravel pad all nice and clean. We loved watching the birds over the water, took a nice walk and watched our neighbor fish! It was very quiet at night and peaceful. A few people mentioned planes flying over and around 4 o’clock on arrival day we did hear quite a few planes, but that was it. The bath houses were very nice and clean and efficient. A large room with shower, sink and toilet. We felt safe and relaxed! The only thing I didn’t like is that I only booked one night and it’s time to go… We will definitely camp here again.
Kimberly L.RangerPiney Bay
Beautiful, clean park with huge sites and a friendly host who obviously takes pride in her work. I only booked for 2 days for a break while traveling through the area and I wish I had a week or more. It's so peaceful and my dog loved being here.
- TTom A.
ScoutWashita Primitive Camping Area
Very quiet with direct lake access.
- JJohn L.Guide
Riverfront RV Resort
I’m rating 5 stars as it fits the bill for RV Park Vs campground. Very spacious sites and very clean as it is only 3 years old. Easy to reserve, easy access, nice staff. Facilities are all clean and connections are layed-out properly. There are trees in the park which are still small but will eventually grow taller. Pull through Sites have concrete pad and fire ring. Fires were allowed and wood is available for $10 per bundle. There is a beautiful river walk trail that is wide and paved and will actually lead into downtown Fort Smith about 1 mile away. Massive shade tress along the river walk trail. Wildlife spotted along the river and occasional barge traffic on the river. Fort Smith has some unique history like the hanging judge Parker. Plenty of stores and restaurants in and around the town. Easy access to I-40. Had no problem driving travel trailer through city streets to get around. I plan to visit again and will make sure it’s in a cool season. We were here in October and it was quite warm.
Samantha L.ScoutOuachita Campground at Edendell
Sites are closer together than what appears online—overall clean and well maintained. A hike to the bathhouse but there is one!
Bonnie M.GuideForest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
Beautiful, secluded spot. The vantage point faces the wrong way for the sunset, but if you enjoy watching the sunrise, this is the spot to do it. Sat in my chair and enjoyed my coffee and the show. Not much level ground, but plenty of rocks to level your vehicle if you're sleeping in or on it. Probably room for 3 rigs comfortably. A little bit of traffic on the dirt road, so expect a little dust as this site is right off the road. I think we saw about 4 vehicles, some slowed to reduce dust, some didn't. Some reviews said the road in was impassable, but I didn't even have to use 4wd, so they must have fixed it.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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