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Best Campgrounds near Mabelvale, AR

742 Reviews

Camping near Mabelvale, Arkansas is situated within easy reach of several established campgrounds along the Arkansas River and surrounding recreational areas. The region features a mix of Corps of Engineers (COE) parks, state parks, and urban RV facilities that accommodate both tent and RV camping. Maumelle Park, located about 15 miles northwest of Mabelvale on the Arkansas River, stands out as a highly-rated COE campground with water and electric hookups. Downtown Riverside RV Park in North Little Rock provides urban camping with convenient access to city attractions. According to campers, Maumelle Park offers "nice walking trails and close proximity to major conveniences" while maintaining a "quiet atmosphere, especially after weekend crowds depart."

Most campgrounds in the Mabelvale area are open year-round, though summer months see higher occupancy rates, making advance reservations essential. The climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions. Mosquitoes can be problematic during warmer months, particularly at waterfront sites. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Little Rock. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods, and some riverfront sites may experience seasonal flooding. Campground fees typically range from $20-30 per night for standard sites with hookups.

The camping options near Mabelvale vary in their proximity to urban amenities versus natural settings. Riverside locations like Willow Beach and Tar Camp provide waterfront sites with fishing access and boat ramps. For those seeking more remote experiences, the Ouachita National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities within an hour's drive southwest of Mabelvale. Family-friendly facilities are available at Lake Catherine State Park, approximately 45 miles southwest, which features cabins, yurts, and traditional campsites with access to hiking trails and water recreation. Big-rig friendly sites with full hookups can be found at several locations, including the Little Rock North KOA, which also offers cabin rentals for non-RV campers.

Map showing campgrounds near Mabelvale, ArkansasExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Mabelvale, Arkansas (122)

    1. Maumelle Park

    50 Reviews
    Maumelle, AR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 868-9477

    $28 - $75 / night

    "Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."

    "Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"

    2. Downtown Riverside RV Park

    23 Reviews
    North Little Rock, AR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 340-5312

    "The location is truly excellent with easy access to the Arkansas River Trail, the Clinton library, restaurants and other attractions."

    "Not a resort but right next to the foot bridge that accesses parks on the other side of the Arkansas River. Traffic noise is minimal."

    3. Willow Beach

    26 Reviews
    Scott, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 961-1332

    $26 - $75 / night

    "Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront. Showers and bathrooms were clean and in good condition. Sites were close but in good repair."

    "Beautiful campsite along the Arkansas River. The sites are all very spacious with very long back in driveways. Some of the sites had covered picnic tables, which was great."

    4. Little Rock North KOA

    21 Reviews
    Cammack Village, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 758-4598

    "We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in. Neighbors are close but nice as was the staff."

    "Location good. Site: one tent camp site. Which was Off to self. Had covered picnic table (all of which was positive to us) Power and water. Bathrooms; great."

    5. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Jones Mill, AR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 844-4176

    $15 - $25 / night

    "We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."

    "Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean!  Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. 

     "

    6. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

    75 Reviews
    Hot Springs National Park, AR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 620-6715

    $34 / night

    "There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."

    "With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."

    7. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    105 Reviews
    Adona, AR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 727-5441

    $25 - $40 / night

    "._ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."

    "Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."

    8. Tar Camp

    7 Reviews
    Hensley, AR
    21 miles
    Website

    $26 - $75 / night

    "On the Arkansas River, it’s a clean and beautiful park. Rv spots on all on the rivers edge. Plenty of room. Price for rv camping was very good."

    9. Toad Suck

    22 Reviews
    Conway, AR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 759-2005

    $24 - $75 / night

    "On the bank of the Arkansas River, great access to water. Good boat ramp, picnic tables and RV sites. Very clean, bring your mosquito repellent."

    "There's no foragable wood at the sites, but there's a quick stop type gas station very nearby that sells it cheap and locally sourced."

    10. Burns Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    1 Review
    Cammack Village, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 771-0702
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Recent Camping Photos near Mabelvale, AR

182 Photos of 122 Mabelvale Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mabelvale, AR

742 Reviews of 122 Mabelvale Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Toad Suck

    Lock & Dam

    Small clean campground. Some spots are very private Some not so much. Spots are large. Great views of lock. Multiple playgrounds and pavilions. Basketball, volleyball and store across the street.

  • chris L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    H&G RV campground

    Total hookups close to I40

    Gary. Met me as I arrived in the park, guided me to my spot and even helped connect the water while I hooked up electric and waste. Stayed 2 nights , lucky that my Tmobile hotspot allowed me to work, stream, Zoom on my rest day.

  • Christopher T.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Tar Camp

    Not much to say

    The park itself is beautiful other the the volunteer camps at the gate house they both have so much junk piled up around them and the one has a dirty old schoolly not that I have anything against schoollys but this one is dirty. They evacuated the park due to high water while we were there and we never receive the phone call or a text The only way we knew is I got a notification from the bank will they refunding those our money back.we where out and about when it happened we get back they had everything locked up and where gone now I grew up a commercial fisherman fishing the Arkansas river and took it back up after I retired from the army and have lived next to the Arkansas White and Chache river all but the 20 years I gone to the army so I know the river. The water never broke flood stage nor came close to it. So there was zero reason to evaluate us. But that being said we should have been notified

  • Christopher T.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Maumelle Park

    Great volunteers

    Love this place and the people who work there

  • Mark C.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    H&G RV park

    Nice off interstate

    Nice small campground about a mile off interstate 40. Very quiet 2 pull thru site and about 8 or10 back ins. Lots of room for boondockers.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    Camping in luxury

    So here’s the thing, me and my partner do not like fruit, fruit and frills. I’d rather be in the middle of the woods with out a bathroom in sight, then having loads of facilities. But something about this location, turns all of that on its head for us.

    The campsites were well-maintained, the bathroom facilities were clean, but the park lodges, which also function as a trailhead for one of the major hikes there are like nothing I’ve seen before

    A pool at the top of an expensive out overlook which ultimately leads down to a gorgeous waterfall. That same lodge has a fully functioning bar and restaurant attached to it and on either side of the state park there are small coffee shops, a 24 hour farmers market with some of the weirdest and most pleasant people I’ve ever met.

    It was just cool, I’ll leave it at that

Guide to Mabelvale

Camping near Mabelvale, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Lake Catherine State Park Campground, have sites right on the water. One camper mentioned, "Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off." This makes it a great spot for fishing and enjoying the water.
  • Hiking: Trails are abundant in the area. A visitor at Willow Beach noted, "Three beautiful hikes right out of the campground." This is perfect for those who love to explore nature on foot.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot various birds and other wildlife. One reviewer at Harris Brake Lake shared, "Great view. Great fishing lake," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A guest at Maumelle Park said, "The bath houses although dated are very clean and even heated which helps on cold nights."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A camper at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area mentioned, "Clean bathrooms and nice flat parking for RVs at campsites," making it easy to set up.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One visitor at Downtown Riverside RV Park noted, "The park is quiet, gated, and easy access to the highway," which adds to the overall comfort.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Willow Beach, lack certain amenities like showers and firewood. A camper pointed out, "The only thing that would have made this better is sewer at the sites."
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways can be noisy. A reviewer at Little Rock North KOA mentioned, "You get a lot of road noise," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds may close during certain times of the year. A visitor at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area noted, "Campground was closed when I tried to stay," so checking ahead is wise.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Hot Springs National Park KOA, which has a fishing pond and playgrounds. A family shared, "The highlight though... was the staff, especially Emmitt. He showed our kids where to find quartz."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring items to keep the kids entertained. One camper at Maumelle Park mentioned, "The campsites are pretty spacious for tents with their own fire rings too," making it a cozy spot for family bonding.
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have picnic tables, which are great for family meals. A visitor at Lake Catherine State Park Campground noted, "Would recommend this place to anyone," emphasizing the family-friendly environment.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Downtown Riverside RV Park appreciated the "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP)" available at the site.
  • Look for Spacious Sites: RVers often prefer campgrounds with ample space. One visitor at Toad Suck Ferry mentioned, "Great view of the river. Plenty of area for the kids to play."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Some campgrounds can get hot or rainy. A reviewer at Harris Brake Lake noted, "Solid site minus the heat and bugs this time of year," so packing accordingly is essential.

Camping near Mabelvale, Arkansas, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mabelvale, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mabelvale, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Mabelvale, AR and 25 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mabelvale, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mabelvale, AR is Maumelle Park with a 4.6-star rating from 50 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mabelvale, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 free dispersed camping spots near Mabelvale, AR.

What parks are near Mabelvale, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Mabelvale, AR that allow camping, notably Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam and Arkansas River - Pool 5.

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