Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula offers primitive camping experiences within 20 miles of Washington, Arkansas. This free dispersed camping area sits on a peninsula extending into the lake, providing waterfront sites with minimal facilities. The terrain remains mostly flat with vehicle access via a road that passes through residential neighborhoods before reaching the camping area.
What to do
Diamond hunting at Crater of Diamonds State Park: Located within 40 minutes of Washington, this unique park lets visitors search for real diamonds. A visitor noted, "The best time to take a trip to the Arkansas diamond fields is after a heavy rainstorm, but keep in mind that you will get muddy during your visit so always wear the appropriate clothes and shoes while out in the search area."
Bird watching opportunities: The Millwood Lake area serves as a major bird watching destination. One camper at Cottonshed Park mentioned, "If birding you might even get to see the Great White Pelicans."
Water recreation: Millwood Lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming options during warmer months. The lake spans over 29,000 acres with numerous access points. A visitor commented, "There is boating of all types, fishing, birding, hiking."
Playground access for children: Most established campgrounds in the area feature playground equipment. At Beard's Bluff, "There is a sweet park for little kids to play which is great!"
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Campgrounds near Washington typically provide well-spaced sites. A visitor to Beard's Bluff Park shared, "This campground is quiet and beautiful with large spaces, perfect for our big RV set up. They offer full hook ups. Our campsite (22) overlooks the water, and the playground which is perfect for our young family."
Waterfront views: Many sites offer direct views of lakes. A camper noted about Beard's Bluff, "All sites with some lake view or on the lake. Many sites are pull thru. Concrete pads with very nice picnic table, fire pit, and separate grill."
Wildlife observation: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing beyond birds. At Millwood State Park, a camper reported, "The lake is BEAUTIFUL, we saw an alligator (I was quite excited about that)."
Reasonable pricing: Camping costs remain affordable throughout the area. Nashville City Park charges just "$12 includes electric and water," while other campgrounds offer competitive rates for their amenities.
What you should know
Alligator presence: Several lakes in the region contain alligators, requiring caution with pets and children. Signs at some campgrounds explicitly warn visitors with notices like "BEWARE OF ALLIGATORS."
Seasonal conditions: Summer brings hot temperatures and mosquitoes. A visitor to Murfeesboro RV Park shared, "Shower water smells funny but it will take your first lawyer of skin off."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have limited access roads. One camper mentioned about Beard's Bluff, "Campground has well spaced sites. All with some lake view or on the lake. Many sites are pull thru. Only downside is it is close to a moderately used road."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies throughout the region. At Millwood State Park, a camper warned, "ATT cell service SUUUUCKS here. I repeat, it suuuuuucks lol!"
Tips for camping with families
Free diamond mining equipment: Families visiting with children can access mining gear at some locations. A camper at Murfeesboro RV Park shared, "We stayed for two nights and got to rent out equipment for free to go diamond mining and the woman on staff was very friendly."
Water park access: State park campsites sometimes include extra amenities. At Crater of Diamonds, "Included with your campsite is admission to the nice water park."
Multiple playground locations: Children have access to play equipment at various campgrounds. At Fair Park RV Park, "The grounds themselves were pretty nice, looks like they probably host fairs and other events there."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Washington: Most campgrounds welcome pets but require leashing. A camper at Millwood State Park noted, "The lake is BEAUTIFUL, we saw an alligator," indicating why pet control remains important for safety.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services. At Beard's Bluff Park, sites have "full hookups" with "a great view of the lake."
Pull-through options: RVers can find easier access sites. One camper observed at Millwood State Park, "The sites are clean and well cared for. There is exactly ONE pull through site that we were fortunate enough to get. The rest are on a tight road."
Dump station access: All established campgrounds provide sanitation facilities. When selecting a site at Millwood State Park, a visitor advised, "The dump station is a pretty tight squeeze but doable if your site doesn't have a dump."
Pet-friendly RV camping: Most campgrounds in the Washington area accommodate pets. One RVer mentioned their experience at Beard's Bluff with dogs: "Spent night here mid week..only a couple of vehicles came through," noting the quiet environment beneficial for traveling with pets.
Traveler
