121 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Springhill Park welcomes pets at all campsites with water and electric hookups along the Arkansas River. The campground features concrete pads, picnic tables, and access to hiking and mountain biking trails where dogs can join their owners. Devil's Den State Park Campground and Lake Fort Smith State Park both accommodate pets at their tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins, providing opportunities for dogs to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining standard leash requirements. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park and Riverfront RV Resort cater to campers with animals, offering full hookups and designated pet areas. The park is generally quiet with spacious sites and adequate separation between campers, creating a peaceful environment for pets.
Riverfront RV Resort's riverside location provides excellent walking opportunities for dogs, with a trail along the Arkansas River that pet owners frequently use. Situated less than 2 miles from Fort Smith National Historic Site, the campground offers convenient access to nearby veterinary services in Fort Smith. Clear Creek Recreation Area on Ozark Lake accepts pets at both tent sites and cabins, though specific pet policies vary between campgrounds. William O. Darby RV Community permits pets with standard leash requirements and includes grassy areas for dog walking. During summer months, the concrete pads at Springhill can become quite hot for pets' paws, particularly in exposed sites. The mountain biking trails throughout the area double as excellent dog walking paths with varied terrain and shade options.
"It’s in between the Arkansas river and Massard creek. You can launch a boat or you can go kayaking in Massard creek. There’s Cat fish, Perch and, Bass."
"Really nice campground you have two options in the A section you are right one a small river and one the B side it’s more of the wooded option but most sites have the Arkansas rive close by with mountain"
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Very pet friendly. And close to so many attractions in Northwest Arkansas!"
"Devil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Was headed to Lake Fort Smith but area was booked so we stopped here and was pleased with our stay. Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere."
"It’s just far enough away from the highway so you have a quiet nights rest without hearing the traffic. The pond on the property has soothing sounds of peepers to fall asleep too."
"Simply put, this is a great little rustic place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The sites offer 20/30/50A hookups with water and septic."
"He greeted us with his precious dogs and hung out with us until we were settled in, telling us all about the property, trails, and nearby waterfalls."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Beautifully maintained, sits right on the Arkansas river. Pool is cold but clean and well maintained. The park was not even 1/4 full while we were there. I hope business picks up because it’s nice."
"Only one year old on Arkansas river great location if you like being close to restaurants staff very friendly"
"Lake Ft. Smith State Park is a beautiful park in the Boston Mountains. We drove over from Memphis to meet my brother’s family (who lives in Tulsa)."
"This is a nice modern park on the shore of the man made Lake Fort Smith."
from $23 - $163 / night
Check Availability"The campground is set among tall trees adjacent to the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River."
"Nice area with many spots that back up to an outlet of the Arkansas River. Great bank fishing! Friendly staff. Highly recommend."
"This park is located on the Arkansas River. There’s a boat ramp, so bring your boat and enjoy the beautiful Arkansas River. Pets are allowed, there is a leash law. Bring your own firewood."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability"What it does offer is a level parking pad that is quiet and dark which is surprising given it is surrounded by Fort Smith. It also has a decent view of the Arkansas River."
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
Check Availability
RangerDevil’s Den SP had a great campground with full hookups available. The natural beauty of this area is breathtaking! Plenty of hiking opportunities and tons of activities. Very pet friendly. And close to so many attractions in Northwest Arkansas!
TravelerThis park is located on the Arkansas River. There’s a boat ramp, so bring your boat and enjoy the beautiful Arkansas River. Pets are allowed, there is a leash law. Bring your own firewood. Campsites are both Electric and primitive. Flush toilets and Warm Showers are available. Good cell service. Very clean and peaceful.
LegendWebbers Falls is a very small community in Muskogee County Oklahoma with a population of just over 600 people. on the Arkansas River. The park is located right next to the river. Wonderful views of the river and the bridge spanning the Arkansas. The campground is dotted with large mature trees. The grass provides a soft carpet for parking any size rig. There is a circle drive and you will pull thru All sites are good sites with view of the river.
Hunting, fishing, and wild flowers and colors to keep you entertained. Directions off US 64 turn off at the Webber Falls exit; continue straight onto E1040(Weatherly Drive; keep left to continue on Commercial; turn right onto S. River Road; turn left onto Commercial Street
ScoutHog Valley RV Park is a solid place to stay, especially for families. The amenities are nice, particularly if you have children, with parks, basketball courts, and pickleball courts available. The two pools were closed for the season during our stay, so keep that in mind depending on when you visit.
The front staff was very welcoming and even escorted us to our spot, which was a nice touch. The park was quiet at night, and the sites were level with full hookups, which made setup easy. There are also plenty of spots available throughout the park.
A few downsides kept it from being a 5-star stay. The grass was extremely damp, and our dogs got soaked just from laying down. There is also only one trash area, located near the front entrance, which is pretty far from many of the sites. The dog parks were just average, possibly a little below average.
Overall, it was a good stay with great family-friendly amenities and friendly staff. I’d recommend it, especially for families, but there are a few areas that could be improved.
LegendThis is KOA, not my favorite place to stop, but they have good, basic facilities, sort of like Motel 6. They are just off I-40, so it was convenient for a one night stop. The sites were level, and were Pull-Thru so we didn’t even unhook. Full hookups, Some shade, a dump station. The shower/bathroom was clean. There is a small store. They also have cabins and tent sites; Free Wi-Fi, cable tv, a pool and playground, and a pond for fishing. There is a small Kamp K9 (dog park). When we were there everything was wet, and the smell of wet creosote from the log yard next door was terrible.
LegendAddress 801 S. Main Street, Gore, OK
PROS Free
CONS Lonely
ADA Compliant Pets allowed Picnic tables Basketball goal ADA porta pot Water Boat ramp(steep) Patrolled by police nightly
In the early 1900’s there was a ferry that crossed the Arkansas River and now there is an extremely high bridge that you may view from this quaint small park. This are is where the picnic tables and grill are located.
The parking area is paved and we pulled up next to the grassy wooded area to park.
This park is located just before the town of Gore and we felt safe but you would need to use your judgement. Great cell service. Just down the road at Love’s you will find a dump station.
Directions: Going north on Highway 100 as soon as you cross the bridge turn to the left at the first road. The park is a short distance located in a nice wooded area.
TravelerSimple, but nice. No frills. Quiet. If you are looking for a peaceful, quiet place, away from the city, this is a great place. I love it. Have stayed several times in several different sites. Will stay again. About 13 campsites, all gravel. Has a wooded trails for walking and a big open are for walking and playing with pets. Water, sewer and 30/50amp electric are easy access and to hook up. James the owner is great and has a U-Pick orchard as well.
RangerWe found this quiet spot with a small waterfall on Mountain Fork Creek that has a fairly large (semi-level) gravel parking lot right next to the natural waterfall which gives good noise cover for the road nearby. There are a few small trails along the creek and a few small bluffs with climbing spots for those who like some verticality.
Not great for solar panels but we had a good view of the north sky so Starlink works great here!
Also, a few stray dogs and cats came to see us a couple times.
ScoutAnimals! Turtles, deer that like to be petted, frogs croaking at night, owls talking, beavers splashing in the lake and turkeys eating snakes!
Camping near Van Buren, Arkansas centers around the Arkansas River system and Ozark foothills region at elevations ranging from 400-1,500 feet. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, creating a camping season that runs strongest from March through October. Most campgrounds offer concrete pads or gravel sites due to the region's clay-heavy soil conditions.
River access activities: At Springhill Park, the Arkansas River and Massard Creek provide multiple water recreation opportunities. "I tent camp and the view is amazing. It's in between the Arkansas river and Massard creek. You can launch a boat or you can go kayaking in Massard creek. There's Cat fish, Perch and, Bass," notes one visitor who frequently utilizes this access point.
Mountain biking trails: The region offers extensive trail systems particularly around Fort Smith. A camper staying at COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake notes, "There are great trails on site for mountain biking or hiking. I saw deer, a snake, and what looked like a coyote on the trail." These multi-use trails range from beginner-friendly paths to technical routes.
Historic site exploration: Riverfront RV Resort provides convenient access to local historical attractions. As one reviewer mentions, "Campground is adjacent to the Arkansas River and less than 2 miles from the Fort Smith National Historic Site." The U.S. Marshal's Museum is also nearby, offering educational exhibits about western frontier law enforcement.
Quiet, spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the adequate separation between sites at many area campgrounds. One visitor to Devil's Den State Park Campground commented, "The sites are generally spacious. If you want the best experience - grab one of the sites along the ridge (83, 85, 87) - these have a great view off the back and offer incredible space."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. A Lake Fort Smith camper noted, "Absolutely the cleanest and most beautiful campground we've been in - in this part of the county yet. Sites spread far enough apart for privacy, full hook ups, cleanest bathhouses, and beautiful scenery!"
Water quality: Several campgrounds receive high marks for their water supply. A camper at Springhill remarked, "30 Amp hook up with some of the best water I have ever had. Only 35 ppm on my zero water tester. Bottled water has had more than 75 ppm."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov. The park is adequate but nothing fancy. Minimum 2 night stay when I reserved it (Friday Night). I only needed 1 night but paid for both - $26/night," explains one Springhill Park visitor.
Site levelness concerns: Some campgrounds have uneven sites that can create challenges. At COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground, a reviewer observed, "One major downside of this park is that only about half the sites (in Loop B) were not flat enough for us to get level without having the wheels off the ground."
Limited cell coverage: Several area campgrounds have spotty or nonexistent cell service. A Devil's Den reviewer mentioned, "There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park. Make sure to stock up on supplies beforehand - there are not many options within that area as far as food and services."
Kid-friendly water features: Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground offers multiple water recreation options suitable for children. "There is a pool at the park as well. Lake Fort Smith also has cabins which offer a lake view. Group lodging is available. Marina rents canoes, party barges, fishing boats, kayaks, etc," explains one camper who found plenty to keep children entertained.
Playground accessibility: When choosing a campground for families, note that playground locations vary. One reviewer observed, "The playground requires that you drive to it which is inconvenient" at Lake Fort Smith, while Springhill Park has playgrounds within walking distance of campsites.
Pet friendly considerations: For families camping with dogs near Van Buren, Arkansas, most campgrounds accommodate pets but have specific policies. Fort Smith-Alma RV Park provides designated pet areas and a reviewer noted, "It's a former KOA campground with all those amenities but older. Nice pond along the tent camping area."
Access routes: When driving larger rigs to Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures, use main routes. The campground is "Right off I40, on the Mulberry River" according to one RVer, making it easily accessible for larger vehicles without navigating challenging mountain roads.
Site selection for large rigs: Many area campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs but require careful site selection. A visitor to William O. Darby RV Community mentioned, "This was a great little park and stay at while we were in fort Smith. The price was right and operated by a family and the whole family chips in to run the park."
Utility considerations: Most pet friendly camping near Van Buren, Arkansas offers varied hookup options. At COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, a camper explains, "The park has 44 total sites divided into two loops– one with 30 amp electric (A loop) and the other with 50 amp (B loop). Water is available at some sites and at the centrally-located dump station."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Van Buren, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Van Buren, AR is Springhill with a 4.1-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Van Buren, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 121 dog-friendly camping locations near Van Buren, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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