1 campground with availability this weekend
Mount Magazine State Park Campground and Petit Jean State Park house upscale glamping accommodations amid Arkansas's scenic highlands. Both parks feature yurts with electricity and comfortable furnishings, providing a luxurious alternative to traditional camping. Lake Ouachita State Park offers similar glamping options with yurts situated on a peninsula with panoramic lake views. These accommodations typically include proper beds, climate control, and private outdoor spaces with fire rings and picnic tables. Mount Nebo State Park provides glamping yurts with spectacular mountain vistas and convenient access to hiking trails. One guest shared, "What a magical experience! We arrived and enjoyed packing light when visiting - the bed is comfortable, the pillows are snuggable, and there is plenty of space to spread out."
Visitors to these glamping resorts can explore miles of hiking trails directly from their accommodations, with Mount Magazine offering the highest elevation point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area provides glamping guests with stunning sunrise and sunset views from its rim trail, which circles the mountain top. Many locations feature on-site restaurants, including Skycrest Restaurant at Mount Magazine Lodge where visitors can enjoy meals with valley views. Petit Jean State Park includes boat rentals and swimming areas near its glamping sites, plus a restaurant at Mather Lodge. A recent visitor noted, "The unicorn experience is so completely magical. My ten year old daughter gasped when Rene led out a real-life unicorn at sunset." Most glamping accommodations remain open year-round, though some amenities may be seasonal.
"Has fire pit with grill, separate bbq, siting area and great hook ups. Bear proof refuge container on site as well. Half off if disabled! Site 3 wasn't completely level, but quick fix."
"Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it."
from $35 / night
"Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground."
"There is swimming, boating, (stocked) fishing, hiking, and pretty drives. Absolutely beautiful lake surrounded by green that would be incredible in the fall!"
"The “Rim Trail” is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views."
"It was such a nice campsite and the staff was super helpful. The views were amazing. The drive up the mountain is seriously windy though, so be cautious."
"PROS No reservation transaction fee
Senior discount
Quiet
Moveable metal picnic table on a concrete pad, pedestal BBQ grill, fire ring with cooking grate, and one hook lantern pole
Site 14 partially"
"The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower."
from $25 - $40 / night
"There is a loop on a peninsula that are reserved for walking in your gear to a tent site. These sites have GREAT views of the lake."
"Camping in the state park of lake ouachita in a tent. never. been. better. was on site T04 for tents and basically sites t01-t11(maybe 12) are on a small peninsula with the lake on both sides. you can"
"Nice fire pit/ pit toilet/ water pump access. There is a house where the campsite host family lives. They were amazing and helped up navigate the area and plan our adventures."
"I was impressed from the moment we arrived. The drive up was slow going with a narrow rutted out road but overall not bad. The staff was great and they deliver your wood to your campsite."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $215 / night
"We arrived late and in the dark, rainy ARK weather Dan provided lights so that we could hook up. Customer service is the best. We will definitely stay here again."
"We had hit a really bad storm so we were many, many hours behind schedule trying to get down into Hotsprings. It was midnight and we were exhausted."
from $35 - $38 / night
"The state of Arkansas has put in a real effort to make the outdoor experience a nice as possible in their state parks."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
from $23 - $163 / night
"The employees are ALWAYS friendly and helpful, campsites are well put together, a bathroom and showers are on site. This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
"There are a ton of trails to explore. They have a store and restaurant on site. The trip out there is amazing. They own 800 acres and have a ton of off-road trails for all."
from $10 - $22 / night
ScoutBeen camping here for a few years now. Quiet at night. Clean bathroom and showers. Campground a little rocky and hilly. Some sites need some attention, minor water dripping or damage to facets mostly great place. Wonderful hosts. Gary and Michele. Good price.
TravelerWe stayed a week at Petit Jean in one of their gorgeous cabins. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The check-in and check-out was easy. Finding the cabin was easy with the directions and map we were given. They were clearly marked, with parking for two vehicles, as they were setup like a duplex. The cabin was beautiful and clean, inside and out. There was a large, heavy, all wood porch swing on each side. Relaxing in it was a peaceful experience, listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the tall pines. Inside it was all beautifully stained wood and roomy enough for two people, much like a hotel room, except for the cathedral ceiling. In fact, the setup was better than most hotel rooms we have stayed in. There was a mini-fridge with a small freezer, microwave, coffee pot(with coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, etc,) a Keurig, blow-dryer, iron, ironing board, and broom. It had all the toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissue, cups. The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower. There were two full size beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of pillows and warm bedding, with a nightstand between. There were plugs to charge your phone and a landline. There was also a fireplace, however it was locked closed. The air unit in the room had cooling/heating that was easy to operate and sufficiently cool. We were near the highway, close to the lodge, but did not hear traffic while in the cabin. Parking at Mather Lodge is just like any other, with a short, easy walk to the entrance. Once inside, you pass the check-in desk, a small, well-stocked gift shop,(with something for every age,) an open meeting area and bar before reaching the restaurant. It is beautifully constructed from large logs stained and polished to a gleaming shine. From floor to ceiling, it is the epitome of rugged elegance. We ate breakfast and dinner exclusively at the lodge. The food was exemplary, every meal, cooked to perfection and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and we were never rushed or made to feel as if we overstayed our welcome. The service was fast, even when every table was occupied. The servers were friendly and attentive. We had only one server, one time that was"less than," maybe she was new, not sure, but we did not see her again. Tommy, Thomas, Jessie, Brad, Rebekah, and Lindsay were all so pleasant, always greeting us, even when they weren't our servers, remembering us and making us feel like family. The view of the gorge with it's tall trees and towering rock formations was incredible! There was a common area behind the lodge, just outside the restaurant with tables, chairs and benches for observing the gorge, taking photos, relaxing and socializing. You could walk right down to the edge of the huge flat rocks for photos with a stunning background. We spent every evening there, watching the exquisite sunsets. This place is a nature lovers paradise. There is a pool surrounded by loungers behind and to the side of the lodge. It was clean and well-kept with a small waterfall at one end. Thick thirsty towels are provided for your convenience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We never saw or heard a mower but the grass was cut to perfection and there wasn't a single piece of litter in the entire park. At check-in we were given a map, brochure and weekly schedule of events/tours at the park. The map was very necessary for navigating around this extensive park of which the lodge area was only a small part. The brochure described the hikes and other available activities(such as climbing and repelling) with descriptions of what could be observed, length and difficulty levels. Trust the brochure! If it says strenuous, it is. Plan accordingly. There were four ranger guided tours the week we were there. We took two of them. They were genuinely interesting and pleasurable. Baron, our ranger, was exceedingly knowledgeable about the geology, animal and plant life and history of the area. Exceptionally so, for someone who was seemingly so young. He was attentive to the needs of those attending the tours, stopping to rest if necessary and moving a bit slower for us older folks. He was so affable and easy to talk with, it seemed as if we were old friends. Willing to spend extra time after the tours, talking with us, was an indication of how much he enjoyed his job. We were very appreciative of someone of his character and enjoyed spending time with him. He is the perfect model of what one would think a park ranger is and should be! Any hike can be taken unguided and there are plenty of them. In fact, we had plans to go outside the park on other hikes, but never made it off the property for those. We actually did not have enough time to do all we wanted to do within the park. If you are looking for a phenomenal vacation, this is the trip you should take!
RangerVery nice park - clean and quiet. We did the kayak tour this morning which was nice. There’s also a kayak rental Kiosk down by the boat ramp through Whenever Watersports (download the app). There’s trails and also a pool. Pool closed down Aug 9, 2026 since lifeguards had to go back to school. Not having a pool was the only bummer this trip cause temps are still close to 100.
GuideWell maintained state park especially for its age. All sites have a picnic table, ground grill, and tent pad. Roads and campsites are paved. Nicely spaced sites. Clean bathhouse.
ScoutWe stayed in the tini cabin because it was 98* out, and we were sun burnt from digging crystals. It had an AC, shower, full bathroom, kitchen, TV, a charcoal grill with charcoal, and the camp host brought over fire wood with no charge.
RangerClean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
GuideCampground made for the smaller rigs. Access road has a 24 foot camper length limit. Fun drive with steep switchbacks. Some campsites are on the cliffs edge so the views are fantastic. Staff was helpful and the sites clean. Some good leveling will be required at a few RV sites but it's more then worth it!
GuideSpots have good room and most have water and electricity. Not as maintained as other campgrounds but the isolation and quiet area are nice
TravelerThis 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.
Mount Magazine State Park sits at Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet elevation, providing some of the most dramatic temperature variations in the state. The campground is typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, making it an attractive destination during hot summer months. Access roads to many Blue Mountain area glamping sites feature steep grades up to 18%, with Mount Nebo State Park posting warnings for vehicles over 24 feet.
Mountain hiking trails: At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, trails accommodate various skill levels. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids," notes Jeremy C. The trails are well-maintained year-round and offer unique perspectives of the valley below.
Water recreation: Cove Lake Complex provides options for fishing, swimming and paddling. "Boat rentals right onsite, concessions, even a small beach area!" writes Taryn S., who visited with multiple families. The lake attracts anglers throughout the season as it's regularly stocked.
Scenic driving routes: The Blue Mountain region features numerous mountain roads with panoramic vistas. "The experience begins with the climb: the road winds up and around the bends and crooks of the mountain," writes Charles H. about Magazine Mountain. These drives are particularly popular during fall foliage season.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk offer wildlife spotting opportunities across the region. "We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep," mentions Greg D. about Cove Lake. Bears are present throughout the region, with proper food storage required at all campsites.
Temperature relief: The elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer months. "Being on an 1800 ft elevation summit, surrounded by valley...its quiet and enjoys a constant breeze," writes Dave V. about Mount Nebo State Park Campground. This makes glamping in Blue Mountain, Arkansas particularly appealing during hotter seasons.
Sunrise/sunset viewing: Many glamping accommodations are strategically positioned for optimal sky viewing. "Sites 5-8 are smaller with smaller tent pads and the view from these sites is AMAZING!" notes Erin-Frannie R. about White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, adding that "with the view comes the wind."
Upgraded amenities: The cabins and glamping facilities throughout the region feature thoughtful touches beyond basic camping. "The entire place is beautiful and a great place for family outdoor activities," shares Steve S. about Lake Fort Smith, where glamping options include cabins with lake views.
Trail access: Proximity to trails directly from accommodations ranks highly in reviews. "Great hiking! Not really a place for a quick overnight, the road in is steep and crooked," explains kcki M. about their stay in the area, emphasizing the rewards for those willing to navigate the access roads.
Road conditions: Access to several mountains requires navigating challenging roads. "Grades are up to 18%," notes Dave V. about Mount Nebo. "I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded."
Reservation timing: Secure bookings well in advance for premium glamping locations. "It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop," advises Ryan S. about Petit Jean State Park, where glamping yurts remain in high demand.
Seasonal considerations: Winter conditions can make access difficult, but offer unique experiences. "January 31-Feb 3 2025. White Rock is a great little campground. With only 8 tent camp sites it is very quaint," writes Erin-Frannie R. Even in winter, the views remain spectacular.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present throughout the region. "Park staff informed us of numerous venomous reptilian, too...so be aware on the trails," cautions Dave V. Most glamping sites provide animal-resistant storage containers or cabinets for food.
Choose appropriate trails: Select kid-friendly hiking options. "We hiked to waterfalls and caves. Campsites are shaded and nice," shares Jason R. about his family's experience at Petit Jean State Park, where the variety of trail difficulties accommodates different ages and abilities.
Look for educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "Ranger programs, educational displays, swimming beach, cabins and traditional tent/RV camping," mentions Lynn G. about her stay at Lake Ouachita State Park, where glamping in yurts provides families with comfort while maintaining outdoor access.
Consider site location: Some campsites have hazards for young children. "Many of the campsites are on a grade. They all have multiple levels with stairs and have no railings," warns Ryan S. about Lake Fort Smith State Park. "If you are a parent with small kids, sites 17-20 and sites 2-3 are better."
Reserve recreation equipment: Boat and equipment rentals often sell out during peak periods. "Marina rents canoes, party barges, fishing boats, kayaks, etc.," notes Steve S., highlighting the importance of planning ahead for water activities during busy seasons.
Size restrictions: Several mountain access roads have strict vehicle size limits. "No trailers over 24 ft," warns Dave V. about Mount Nebo's approach road. RVers with larger rigs should carefully research which glamping areas can accommodate their vehicles.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared with leveling blocks at certain campgrounds. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," advises Ryan S. about his experience at Byrd's Adventure Center, where the terrain varies considerably across camping areas.
Hookup variations: Full-service sites are limited and in high demand. "The RV sites looked level and the facilities were clean. The sites are layout is weird and close together," notes Jackie F., emphasizing the importance of researching specific site configurations before booking luxury glamping options with RV access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Blue Mountain, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Blue Mountain, AR is Mount Magazine State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Blue Mountain, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 glamping camping locations near Blue Mountain, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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