Queen Wilhelmina State Park sits at an elevation of 2,681 feet on Rich Mountain in the Ouachita Mountain range. The campground features 41 sites with water and electric hookups positioned on a relatively compact single road. Sites are asphalt-paved with some offering limited privacy between neighboring campers. The primitive campsites provide more seclusion for tent campers seeking a quieter experience away from RVs.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds provide access to mountain biking opportunities in the Ouachita National Forest area. At Queen Wilhelmina State Park, "There are many hiking and mountain bike trails available in the area. A few miles down the road you can find an old fire tower which is interesting and can be accessed if you are daring."
Scenic driving routes: The roads surrounding the campgrounds offer spectacular motorcycle and car routes. "The bypass is a popular destination for motorcyclists which can offer some noise during the day. The park is also approximately a mile from the Oklahoma state line. This is a nice area for the avid cyclist, hiker, and motorcyclist."
Fishing opportunities: For anglers, Cove Lake Complex offers stocked fishing in a mountain lake setting. One visitor noted, "Great place to camp, been coming here my entire life and it has changed very little in that time. Boating, fishing, swimming, cabins available, lots of trails to hike."
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: The elevation at Queen Wilhelmina provides relief from summer heat. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful vistas everywhere. Visited during summer of 2020 COVID lockdown. Small compact campground next to lodge. Pretty far from anything just a beautiful spot to sit back and enjoy."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at Mount Magazine State Park, with one noting, "The bathrooms and showers were immaculate! Hiking was right next to the campground, so this made for a very fun, relaxing weekend!"
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Waldron, Arkansas provides an alternative to traditional tent or RV camping. At Shadow Mountain Campground, their safari-style yurt accommodations offer a comfortable glamping experience. One visitor appreciated the "beautiful camp ground" with "very clean" facilities and "owners and staff were great!"
What you should know
Limited tent camping spots: Queen Wilhelmina has few dedicated tent sites. One reviewer mentioned, "There aren't many tent sites at all, especially with electric/water and only 5 primitive and 1 walk-in."
Rough terrain: The campgrounds in this mountainous region can present challenges. At Little Fir Landing, a visitor noted, "Site is very remote with little access to any stores or fuel. It is located on a hill to that is very rocky and not very level.. our 38ft RV has a hard time leveling as the camp sites are not very level to begin with."
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change quickly. "The temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below. One night we were there it got down to mid teens. So unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket."
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal activities: Some campground amenities operate only during peak season. At Shadow Mountain Campground, families can enjoy nearby attractions, but timing matters. The campground provides "very beautiful" surroundings with a "beautiful pond on the grounds that was awesome to walk around."
Kid-friendly hikes: Look for shorter trails with interesting features. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice."
Limited options for smaller children: Some parks have fewer amenities specifically for young children. "Limited activities for younger children, but we enjoyed the hiking trails. We also went on to Mena for a day and rented UTVs at Wolf Pen Gap."
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: At Cedar Lake, RVers recommend specific sites for the best experience. "Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only. Gorgeous 3 mile hike around the lake. I hear it's a fishing lake but we don't fish. Site 33 looks to be my fav."
Supply planning: The remote nature of many campgrounds requires preparation. "It's a great place. Quiet and beautiful right on Lake Ouachita. Very remote so make sure you have everything you need before you get out there because there aren't any stores even convenience stores or gas stations nearby."
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds present difficulties for larger RVs. "The spots are paved and all seemed pretty level. Spots 1-35 back up to the forest. Higher numbers back up to an open field."
