Best Tent Camping near Texarkana, AR
Lakes and waterways surrounding Texarkana, Arkansas offer several tent camping options within a short drive. River Run West at Millwood Lake provides four dedicated tent sites with gravel pads and mature shade trees. River Run East, located nearby, features eight tent sites with sheltered picnic tables and fire rings. Thomas Lake Park, approximately 30 miles southwest of Texarkana, offers primitive tent camping with direct lake access. Allens Ferry at Little River provides tent-only camping on a 50-foot bluff surrounded by trees, though campers should verify camping status before setting up.
Most tent campgrounds in the Texarkana region have minimal amenities, requiring self-sufficiency. River Run West and East charge $8 per night and are open year-round, with pit toilets but no drinking water. Campers should bring their own water supply and be prepared for primitive conditions. Thomas Lake Park requires navigating a mile-long dirt road to reach the campground, with no facilities available on site. Wildlife considerations include alligators at Millwood Lake, as noted in campground warnings. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, but few offer potable water or modern restroom facilities.
Tent campers report quiet, peaceful experiences at these locations. One visitor noted that River Run West is "a beautiful space, well maintained but really only for tents where you will find shade provided by the nice mature trees." At Thomas Lake Park, campers mentioned "absolutely gorgeous views of the water" and recommended watching for mud spots in the grass when setting up. The small size of River Run East makes it "actually perfect because it is small," according to reviews, though occasional noise from timber trucks crossing the dam may disrupt the tranquility. Walk-in tent sites at Smith Lake Campground provide additional seclusion for those seeking a more backcountry tent camping experience away from drive-in traffic.
