Looking for the best campgrounds near Van Buren, AR? Van Buren is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Van Buren, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Devil’s Den includes 17 cabins with kitchens and fireplaces and 6 camper cabins. The park also offers 135 campsites (44 Class AAA, 4 Class B, 13 Class C, 24 Class D [no hookups], eight hike-in [tent only], and 42 sites with hookups in the horse camp that includes a bathhouse and access to the horse trails). The park’s cafe is open seasonally. The pool is open in summer only. Also on-site is a group camp, standard pavilion, playground, store, and meeting room.
Join park interpreters on hikes along trails including the 15-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail and for a variety of programs and special events year-round, like the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival held annually in the spring.
$20 / night
Download a Springhill park map HERE__ Springhill Park sits along John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake in the lush, rolling hills of Arkansas. Campers come here for boating, birding and relaxing.Avid mountain bikers enjoy the Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail, a 10-mile "fast" trail where experienced bikers race frequently. The trail is also a designated National Recreation Trail.
Year-round fishing for catfish, bream, crappie and white and largemouth bass is fantastic in the fertile waters of the Arkansas. From late fall until early spring, the tailwaters immediately below the lock and dam boasts some of the best sauger fishing in the country.
Year-round fishing for catfish, bream, crappie and white and largemouth bass is fantastic in the fertile waters of the Arkansas. From late fall until early spring, the tailwaters immediately below the lock and dam boasts some of the best sauger fishing in the country.
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake is on the James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River. Some campsites line the river while others sit between the lake and Massard Creek. Bottomland hardwood timber banks, steep bluffs and open agricultural fields create the scenery.
The Fort Smith Museum of History is located about 20 minutes away.
$50 - $75 / night
Welcome to Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures! We are all about getting outside! We have Full Service RV Hookups as well as tent sites.
$15 - $35 / night
$23 - $163 / night
Experience nature and adventure at historic White Rock Mountain! This National Forest Recreation Area features three unique and rustic natural stone cabins and a large natural stone lodge built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Each features a stone fireplace new, antique, and original wood furniture handcrafted by the CCC. Wind, rain and natural elements had caused the deterioration of the buildings over the years. In 1987 a volunteer group, Friends of White Rock, began a project to renovate the historic structures. With a lot of commitment and hard work, the lodge and cabins were restored to their original state in 1991. White Rock Mountain also offers nine primitive family camping sites. These easily accessible shaded campsites include tents pads, fire rings, grills, picnic tables and access to restrooms and water. Small RVs or pop-up campers can be accommodated at a few sites.
White Rock Mountain is the hub of several national forest hiking trail systems including the easy 2 mile trail around the mountain top rim, the 17 mile Shores Lake/White Rock loop trail, and the renowned 170 mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Other recreational activities include swimming, boating (non-motorized) or fishing at Shores Lake Recreation Area; swimming, floating or fishing the National Scenic Mulberry River; Mill Creek and other National Forest ATV trails; mountain biking, hunting and more.
White Rock Mountain is the hub of several national forest hiking trail systems including the easy 2 mile trail around the mountain top rim, the 17 mile Shores Lake/White Rock loop trail, and the renowned 170 mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Other recreational activities include swimming, boating (non-motorized) or fishing at Shores Lake Recreation Area; swimming, floating or fishing the National Scenic Mulberry River; Mill Creek and other National Forest ATV trails; mountain biking, hunting and more.
White Rock Mountain is 2,309 feet above sea level and received its name from the appearance of the lichen on the sheer bluffs that appear white from a distance. Guests at White Rock can enjoy incredible scenic views from the lodge, cabins, campground and bluffs. The forest is home to a large variety of wildlife including deer, bear, bald eagles, turkey and more. In the fall season White Rock Mountain offers unrivaled opportunities for taking in the bright red, orange and yellow autumn foliage that sweeps across the Ozark National Forest. The forest around White Rock is also a waterfall hunter's paradise featuring several great falls located in the surrounding area.
Ozark Highlands Trail, Shores Lake Recreation Area, National Scenic Mulberry River, Mill Creek and other ATV Trails, Waterfalls, Scenic Drives, Mountain Biking, Wineries (Altus, AR) and more.
This location is staffed. Please call (479) 369-4128 to speak with local staff.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.
$125 / night
Fort Smith-Alma RV Park has been operational since 1969. We offer water, electric, and sewer pull through sites up to 100' long with both 30 and 50 amp service. We also have 3 dry cabins for rent. We have several amenities and supplies available, including picnic tables, grills, laundromat and general store, catch and release fishing, restrooms/showers, patios, playground, and much more! Our site also sells propane.
We have friendly staff with over 20 years experience. We are the perfect place to stay during your vacation or visit, and we are always ready to give a great recommendation for surrounding activities and restaurants in the area. Give us a call today to book your stay! We look forward to serving you!
Welcome to our KOA, a green oasis only 3/4 mile off I-40, with long, level, shaded Pull-Thru RV Sites, Deluxe and Camping Cabins, a tiny house and large, grassy Tent Sites. You'll find fast, streamable, and secure free Wi-Fi and great satellite reception. Enjoy the pool, jump pad, walking trails, fishing pond, playground, gaga ball pit, box hockey, washer toss, volleyball and Kamp K9. The rec room has a kitchen, treadmill, board games, books, puzzles, and a 50-inch TV/DVD player with movies. Make this KOA your base camp while you discover all the area has to offer, including restaurants, antique stores, Native American history, casinos, farmers' markets, train rides, all while just 25 miles from Fort Smith, Arkansas. Explore the beautiful Ouachita or Boston mountains, Robert S. Kerr Reservoir or Lake Tenkiller, where hiking, biking, boating, scuba diving and fishing are plentiful. We also fill propane tanks mounted on RVs or portables from 20#-100#! Pool: May 20 - October 1. Max pull thru: 90 feet. Your hosts: the Maust family.
Download a park map HERE__ Aux Arc Campground sits on the shores of Ozark Lake in the picturesque Arkansas River Valley. "Aux Arc" is a name that originated with French explorers when they mapped the territory. The term means "the big bend," describing the bend in the Arkansas River. Over time, the name was simplified to "Ozark," thus the name for Ozark Lake.
Boating, hiking and picnicking are favorites with locals and visitors alike. Anglers find success with both boat and bank fishing, and popular fish species include catfish, bream, crappie and bass. Public land surrounding the lake yields deer, quail, squirrels, rabbits, dove, wild turkey, ducks and geese for hunting season.
Boating, hiking and picnicking are favorites with locals and visitors alike. Anglers find success with both boat and bank fishing, and popular fish species include catfish, bream, crappie and bass. Public land surrounding the lake yields deer, quail, squirrels, rabbits, dove, wild turkey, ducks and geese for hunting season.
Ozark Lake extends 36 miles along the Arkansas River. The shoreline of the lake varies from steep bluffs and tree-lined banks to open farm lands and level fields.
Two of the largest wineries in the state are located in the nearby town of Altus. Here, large grape vineyards reminiscent of the European Rhineland dot the countryside.
$50 - $75 / night
Nestled between the Ozark National Forest to the north, and the Ouachita National Forest to the south, Mount Magazine State Park boasts the highest point in the state of Arkansas: Mount Magazine at 2753 feet. Located just 100 miles northwest of Little Rock, this area has been a recreation destination since the late 1800s. Recreation at Mount Magazine really started booming in the 1930s and 40s with the construction of a lodge, campgrounds and trails. Visitors came to beat the heat of the surrounding valleys, as well as to enjoy the panoramic views, abundant wildflowers, autumn color, and numerous opportunities to play outdoors. The area finally became a state park in 1998.
Whether you prefer a posh lodge or cabin, a fully-equipped RV pad, or a rustic campsite, there’s a place for you to stay and play at Mount Magazine. The park’s campground offers 18 spacious sites with full or partial hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers and a dump station. Campers are required to store food and trash properly to minimize black bear encounters. For more luxuriant accommodations, the park’s lodge offers 60 guest rooms and spa suites with a variety of comforts, as well as 13 full-equipped cabins with up to three bedrooms. Not in the mood for hot dogs over the campfire? The large dining room at the Skycrest Restaurant serves daily meals while overlooking the Petit Jean River Valley.
When you’re ready to play on Mount Magazine, you can do it by foot, wheels or wings. Hikers have access to 14 miles of trails, ranging from 1 to 3 miles, with connecting options for going farther. The 34-mile Huckleberry Mountain Trail is great for mountain biking and horseback riding. For gravity-defying activities, the park offers more than 100 climbing routes on its southern bluff, as well as a hang gliding launch point over the Petit Jean River Valley. Less strenuous activities include bird and wildlife watching, guided ranger walks, historic site tours and various interpretive programs and outdoor skills workshops. There’s also spectacular leaf-peeping in the fall when the forest takes on its vibrant autumn transformation.
$35 / night
Devil’s Den includes 17 cabins with kitchens and fireplaces and 6 camper cabins. The park also offers 135 campsites (44 Class AAA, 4 Class B, 13 Class C, 24 Class D [no hookups], eight hike-in [tent only], and 42 sites with hookups in the horse camp that includes a bathhouse and access to the horse trails). The park’s cafe is open seasonally. The pool is open in summer only. Also on-site is a group camp, standard pavilion, playground, store, and meeting room.
Join park interpreters on hikes along trails including the 15-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail and for a variety of programs and special events year-round, like the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival held annually in the spring.
$20 / night
Download a Springhill park map HERE__ Springhill Park sits along John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake in the lush, rolling hills of Arkansas. Campers come here for boating, birding and relaxing.Avid mountain bikers enjoy the Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail, a 10-mile "fast" trail where experienced bikers race frequently. The trail is also a designated National Recreation Trail.
Year-round fishing for catfish, bream, crappie and white and largemouth bass is fantastic in the fertile waters of the Arkansas. From late fall until early spring, the tailwaters immediately below the lock and dam boasts some of the best sauger fishing in the country.
Year-round fishing for catfish, bream, crappie and white and largemouth bass is fantastic in the fertile waters of the Arkansas. From late fall until early spring, the tailwaters immediately below the lock and dam boasts some of the best sauger fishing in the country.
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake is on the James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River. Some campsites line the river while others sit between the lake and Massard Creek. Bottomland hardwood timber banks, steep bluffs and open agricultural fields create the scenery.
The Fort Smith Museum of History is located about 20 minutes away.
$50 - $75 / night
Welcome to Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures! We are all about getting outside! We have Full Service RV Hookups as well as tent sites.
$15 - $35 / night
$23 - $163 / night
Experience nature and adventure at historic White Rock Mountain! This National Forest Recreation Area features three unique and rustic natural stone cabins and a large natural stone lodge built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Each features a stone fireplace new, antique, and original wood furniture handcrafted by the CCC. Wind, rain and natural elements had caused the deterioration of the buildings over the years. In 1987 a volunteer group, Friends of White Rock, began a project to renovate the historic structures. With a lot of commitment and hard work, the lodge and cabins were restored to their original state in 1991. White Rock Mountain also offers nine primitive family camping sites. These easily accessible shaded campsites include tents pads, fire rings, grills, picnic tables and access to restrooms and water. Small RVs or pop-up campers can be accommodated at a few sites.
White Rock Mountain is the hub of several national forest hiking trail systems including the easy 2 mile trail around the mountain top rim, the 17 mile Shores Lake/White Rock loop trail, and the renowned 170 mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Other recreational activities include swimming, boating (non-motorized) or fishing at Shores Lake Recreation Area; swimming, floating or fishing the National Scenic Mulberry River; Mill Creek and other National Forest ATV trails; mountain biking, hunting and more.
White Rock Mountain is the hub of several national forest hiking trail systems including the easy 2 mile trail around the mountain top rim, the 17 mile Shores Lake/White Rock loop trail, and the renowned 170 mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Other recreational activities include swimming, boating (non-motorized) or fishing at Shores Lake Recreation Area; swimming, floating or fishing the National Scenic Mulberry River; Mill Creek and other National Forest ATV trails; mountain biking, hunting and more.
White Rock Mountain is 2,309 feet above sea level and received its name from the appearance of the lichen on the sheer bluffs that appear white from a distance. Guests at White Rock can enjoy incredible scenic views from the lodge, cabins, campground and bluffs. The forest is home to a large variety of wildlife including deer, bear, bald eagles, turkey and more. In the fall season White Rock Mountain offers unrivaled opportunities for taking in the bright red, orange and yellow autumn foliage that sweeps across the Ozark National Forest. The forest around White Rock is also a waterfall hunter's paradise featuring several great falls located in the surrounding area.
Ozark Highlands Trail, Shores Lake Recreation Area, National Scenic Mulberry River, Mill Creek and other ATV Trails, Waterfalls, Scenic Drives, Mountain Biking, Wineries (Altus, AR) and more.
This location is staffed. Please call (479) 369-4128 to speak with local staff.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.
$125 / night
Fort Smith-Alma RV Park has been operational since 1969. We offer water, electric, and sewer pull through sites up to 100' long with both 30 and 50 amp service. We also have 3 dry cabins for rent. We have several amenities and supplies available, including picnic tables, grills, laundromat and general store, catch and release fishing, restrooms/showers, patios, playground, and much more! Our site also sells propane.
We have friendly staff with over 20 years experience. We are the perfect place to stay during your vacation or visit, and we are always ready to give a great recommendation for surrounding activities and restaurants in the area. Give us a call today to book your stay! We look forward to serving you!
Absolutely beautiful from the Senic Overlook!! The trails are easy to traverse, and the nature here is breathtaking!!
Easy to get to from I-40. Arrived late on a Thursday night and was the only person there. A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out.
Nice quiet campground with a nice lake, vault toilets, no electricity or water Wildlife in the area. We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep, mature pine trees giving a lot of shade
This RV Park is amazing! The view of Black Mountain at sunset is amazing! We love the well-kept grounds and spacious back in RV sites. They also have tent camping that you can book online. The location is convenient a quarter of mile off the Highway 23/The Pig Trail that motorcycle riders love. All the sites are generously space out with plenty of room for parking. The Turner Bend Camp Store is half mile down the road for gasoline, camping supplies, ice, fresh deli sandwiches and wraps, t-shirts, pins and patches.
We love the new bathroom and shower house. Don't miss this gem of a place. The owners are super nice
Settled right in between grape fields, beautiful manacured grounds with lots of picnic tables and plenty of area to walk dogs or kids. No additional amenities but not needed really with FHU. Owner came by and personally checked on us, booking was easy with a text! Great wines right up the road
The campground is a hidden gem. The RV and primitive camping are clean and well-maintained. The bathroom/shower requires a passcode to enter and is always clean to use. It's a great escape for off-roading and overloading. Be sure to stop by the Oark Cafe in Oark, Arkansas, which is a 25-minute drive from the campground. They serve one of the best burgers in Arkansas (Wednesday-Sunday).
Very nice campground, mostly flat land for RV and primitive campground. The bathroom/shower house is very clean to use. This area is great for getaways, off-roading, or overloading.
A little older of an area. Stayed in site B10. Close to level. We have a 36' 5th wheel, tow vehicle, plus another vehicle. Easy entry into site and large enough for all vehicles. Asphalt with concrete patio. There is a picnic table and fire ring. 50/30/20A We can kind of see the river from this site. Very roomy sites in the woods with plenty of shade. Mostly dirt ground. Older but clean restrooms. We didn't use them. There are single person combined toilet and shower rooms at the front of park. There are mountain bike/hiking trails all over, even a little bike park with ramps and jumps. Playground and boat ramp. No sewer hookups, but there is a dump station. Lots of mosquitoes in the evening. Although some sites need maintenance and the restrooms are old, this is a nice park. We stayed 2 days and would definitely stay again.
Older Park. Renovations are being done... Pads, 10 ft picnic tables, playground... Right off the lake with awesome scenery. Couple who manages the place is really nice and helpful. Would stop here again.
Clean and spacious RV sites. We love the view of the mountain and the fact that we can ride our ATV to the Turner Bend Store to get gasoline and sandwiches. Mill Creek trailhead just 2 miles north from our campsite. The staff are friendly and very helpful. We got a physical ATV map. The Paradise Pizza Pub just 3 miles from our campsite!
Flat Sites, Clean, Nice Amenities, Nice Staff, Little Exposed in heat to Sun. Best shades sites rented in advance. (Site 24-27)
Family friendly camping in nature.
The scenery here is really beautiful, Geometry Dash Breeze but it is so deserted that it is a bit scary at night.
It's a beautiful spot surrounded by big rocks. The only complaint is the restrooms are quite dirty, and the shower doesn't have cold water.
Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.
Bring it in take it out, it's that easy.
21 RV spots available around a small, family lake. Water and electric hook ups and clean dump station. Small park/play area and two large pavilions. Hiking trail located at the back of the park. Lake is great for fishing and kayaking. Not a major boating or water sport lake. First come first serve spots. Camp host is helpful and friendly. Calm and quiet stay
The host meet us show where to park. And later came and check on us. And I would stay there again
Fantastic smaller campground minutes from Mount Magazine. It seems to be overshadowed by much larger, better known places like Devils Den, so it's fairly quiet even when it's 'busy.' We also learned that it has new management as of this year (2024), a young family that's extremely hands-on.
We stayed as a group (three families with 7 kiddos total, ranging from 6-15), across two adjacent sites: 1 & 3. You could see the lake from our sites, but they don't sit right over the lake like some do. With so many kids in our group, we actually wanted that. Sites are extremely spacious and well spaced from each other, and would feel even more private later in the season when the trees are full. Bathrooms are simple pit toilets, but clean and well-maintained.
Boat rentals right onsite, concessions, even a small beach area! We will 100% be back. No cell service whatsoever with Verizon.
Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.
Coordinates: 35.02422, -93.81997. Located 2 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and 1/3rd mile past the turn off to the shooting range. It is a small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road (forest road); there is very little privacy from the forest road. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. This campsite can receive dust from passing vehicles. The site can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other. The site is shaded with a level dirt surface. Small tent & hammock camping is possible near rock fire ring which is located between the pull through driveway and the forest road. Easy access into the site. There is no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; no recreation, such as hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.
Not sure if the pin location is accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.02802, -93.82913. Located 1.3 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area. It is a large site with a large rock fire ring, set back a little from Jack Creek Road (forest road). Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite has a mostly level dirt surface that can accommodate 2 vehicles - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded in the summer. There is an old undesignated track near the rear of the site; this may lead down to Jack Creek, but I was not able to verify this due to large mud puddles on the track. There was a little bit of trash at the site, but not too bad. I received no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; just a nice place to camp in for a night or two. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.
Only 1 other camper the night I stayed, but some people used the river access during the day. Access to Spy Rock trail, but the vast amount of cobwebs made it seem like it’s not used much. Actually wish it hadn’t been so empty, since I was a bit sketched out to camp alone with only 1 other person around. Clean bathroom. Hot in July, but cooler than it was on I-40 due to higher elevations.
The Petit Jean River, flowing from an outlet, divides this US Army Corp of Engineers campround into two areas. There are 38 campsites, with electricity and water hookups. This includes three multi-family sites. Fees range from $18 to $40. Reservations are made on recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. First come, first served sites may be available outside the reservation season. The campground description at recreation.gov indicates that the campground is located on Blue Mountain Lake, but there is no lake access from here. A drive to Waveland Park is required for Blue Mountain Lake recreation. Most sites are waterfront; a few are just a short walk away from the Petit Jean River. Most sites have picnic table shelters. There are 12 sites and a restroom/shower house along the north bank of the river. The remaining campsites, along with a restroom/shower house, are on the south side of the river. The sites on the north side, except site #6, are in a open area offering little shade. The sites on the south side are along a forest and are more shaded. There is no privacy between campsites; several sites, especially on the south side, are close to each other. The north side restroom/shower house was closed. The south side restroom/shower house was very clean. The roads accessing and in the campground are paved. The campground is setup to accommodate RVs and big rigs, although tent camping is possible. Fishing in the river appears to be the main recreation activity. Walking access to the river bank is provided by stairs. Two playgrounds are at the south side camping area.
Coordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.
I didn't camp here, but thought I leave an updated review. Previous review still applies. This is a free primitive campground, but a permit is required to camp here; see COE Web site for info. There is a very clean portable john with tp in the campground. It appears that the campsites themselves have not been maintained in a while, although the campgound itself looks nice, with a view of the lake. Some of the sites are close together offering no privacy. I received T-Mobile cell service. Convenient boat ramp nearby. I wouldn't make this campground a multi-day vacation destinition, but it's convenient for an overnight stay and for those using the lake for recreation.
There is not a lot to do, and it is pretty far from the city. However, there are big RV sites and amazing sunsets. There is also a lake nearby.
Dog friendly.
There are lots of nature trails, but none very long.
Lots of ticks, tricky to get good starlink connection.
#1. We paid $135 in advance for 3 days and nights for 3 adult and 7 kids. On day two our kids was accused of throwing trash on the ground at creekbank ( lie ) we didn't allow our kids out of camp with food or drinks.
#2. Was accused of being neglectful parents for not being at waters edge anytime our kids was in the water even tho our kids had floaties or life jackets on and in site the entire time.
#3. We adults Was accused of vandalizing park table because we had placed extinguished cigarettes on the table keeping them off the ground.
#4. Wasn't told any park rules when paying or after until into the second evening.
When being griped at for using the provided electric and water we was told the camp sites was equipped with. ( No mention of extra charge at the time of reservation for using it).
#5. Was going to charge us for being there Thursday -sun when we arrived on Friday morning at approximately 8:30am.
#6.Griped about two visitors showing up. One of witch was just there a few minutes to pick up a member of our paid group who had to leave early.
#7.Their website says they understand things happen and people need to cancel their reservations so they give rainchecks in regards to refunds.
On the second evening when we needed to adjust our agreed reservations and was told ( ABSOLUTELY NO ! ).
Note: At no time was we asked to or told to leave but because of all above mentioned we chose to leave that second evening of our 3 nights.
Camping near Van Buren, Arkansas, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore nature trails, there are several campgrounds to check out.
Camping around Van Buren, AR, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Van Buren, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Van Buren, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Van Buren, AR and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Van Buren, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Van Buren, AR is Devil's Den State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 82 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Van Buren, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Van Buren, AR.
What parks are near Van Buren, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Van Buren, AR that allow camping, notably John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and Tenkiller Ferry Lake.
