Campgrounds near Ozark, Arkansas provide a range of accommodations along the Arkansas River and within the Ozark National Forest. Aux Arc Campground, operated by the Corps of Engineers, offers developed sites with water and electric hookups directly along the riverfront, while Byrd's Adventure Center provides options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown. The area features both public and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with 50-amp hookups and sewer connections.
Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most sites remaining open year-round but experiencing different conditions across seasons. Water levels along the Arkansas River can impact shoreline camping, especially during spring rainfall periods when runoff affects riverfront sites. Many campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov for Corps of Engineers sites or direct booking for private facilities like Dan's Riverview RV Park. Cell service is generally reliable near developed campgrounds but may diminish in more remote areas of the national forest. A camper commented about Aux Arc: "The campground is clean and the views are good. It is by the Arkansas river, near a hydroelectric dam. You will see barges going down the river, and see the railroad that sits across the river."
Riverside camping experiences dominate the region's offerings, with several developed campgrounds positioned for views of barge traffic and water activities. Campgrounds like Aux Arc feature spacious sites with covered picnic tables and fire rings, while maintaining good spacing between neighbors. "The sites are spaced out nicely. The spots are level and easy to back in to and easy to locate," noted one visitor about Aux Arc. Occasional train noise affects riverfront properties but is generally not considered problematic by most campers. Beyond water-based camping, the surrounding mountains offer more secluded experiences at locations like White Rock Mountain Recreation Area and Mount Magazine State Park, where higher elevations provide cooler summer temperatures and different wildlife viewing opportunities than the river valley sites closer to Ozark.
$16 - $75 / night
"With so many tall trees around the site and a river right by, it's feels scenic. Sites are also well spaced out.
You'll hear trains going by periodically but wasn't a problem for us.""Boat launch and lovely views of the Arkansas river. Close to restaurants and shopping ."
$15 - $35 / night
"The mulberry river is a ridden gem the runs through the Ozarks. It’s just a quiet beautiful place to camp, ride ATVs, float the river or just hangout with friends and families."
"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."
$15 - $215 / night
"White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, in the western Arkansas Ozarks, has a campground with 9 tent sites. One of these is a large group site. 8 sites are arranged along a gravel loop road."
"Located beyond a perfectly canopied gravel road and surrounded by miles of mostly uninhabited forests White Rock Mountain has been the most delightful treasure of 2016."
$10 - $22 / night
"Took the family to Rendezvous in the Ozarks at Byrds Adventure Center. We had the best time the the scenery is absolutely beautiful."
"The facility is located on 800 acres surrounded by the Ozark National Forest and Mulberry River."
"All sites can also easily access the comfort station - which is located across from the day-use parking area. "
"Access to Spy Rock trail, but the vast amount of cobwebs made it seem like it’s not used much."
$20 / night
"It is easily one of my favorite places in the Ozarks to go for day hiking, backpacking, camping, and just getting outdoors."
"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. "
"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. "
"Not to far off of I-40 and has beautiful surroundings. It is on the wine trail and there are vineyards across the road."
$23 - $163 / night
"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."
$35 / night
"Great get away close to the Ozarks. Clean, quiet, beautiful views!"
"Magazine Mountain is the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Mount Magazine SP sits at the top of Magazine Mountain. It has 18 RV campsites of varying length, all with water and most have sewer. "
$35 - $38 / night
"We had hit a really bad storm so we were many, many hours behind schedule trying to get down into Hotsprings. It was midnight and we were exhausted."
ScoutThis was our second time coming back, and it was just as amazing as the first! I’d recommend this place to anyone of all ages. He does a great job making everything fun and fair while still letting you have control over how you want to play. He even gave us a trial of Splatterball to try, which was a really cool bonus. Great guy with tons of experience, and it definitely shows. We’ll absolutely be back again!
GuideSmall campground with picnic tables, fire rings and a boat launch. Its has a restroom building but the doors have plywood over them. I don't know if its this way because they haven't opened it yet for the season or if its permanent. Be prepared! No water or dumpster. Civilization is only a few miles up the road.
LegendWe were here the first weekend in April and the ticks were THICK. The spaces were great, lots of privacy and well maintained sites. There’s only 30 sites. I wish there was WiFi for people we have a starlink but it’s nice to have WiFi just in case.
ScoutI love the area we stayed at. Right by the water, surrounded by nature, not a lot of traffic. Felt unplugged from the hectic daily life, and connected to nature. But, the specific site we had booked was absolutely covered in trash. Like 3 full bags of trash that had been ripped open by animals. A lot of the trash was food, which caused flies. We ended up just moving to the furthest campsite away from the original site. It was obviously the previous campers fault, but I just wanted to put this out there so that 1.) the trash problem can be addressed and 2.) we wouldn’t be blamed for the massive mess. There was another set of campers there at a different site, and they noticed the problem also. Overall a really cool place, just wish people didn’t trash the spot.
TravelerThis spot is right outside of city limits so it's a quiet spot that feels private but is also just a couple minute drive to the middle of downtown.
TravelerStayed here recently and it was a really convenient spot. They offer nightly, weekly, and monthly sites, which is nice depending on how long you’re planning to stay. All the sites have electric and water, and some have full hookups with sewer. If you’re in a site without sewer, there’s a dump station and water available on the way out, which made things easy. The location is a big plus, it’s right across the road from a pharmacy, laundromat, Dollar General, and O’Reilly’s, so you don’t have to go far for anything. There are bathrooms on-site, and they even have a small coffee shop in the office, which was a nice touch. It’s really close to Tyson, so I could see it being a great option for anyone working in the area. Even though it’s in town, it was surprisingly quiet during my stay. I enjoyed sitting outside in the evenings, there’s a fire pit and picnic tables that make it easy to relax after a long day. Overall, a solid, no fuss place to stay whether you’re just passing through or need something longer term.
ScoutThis is a great free campground. No bathrooms, no hook ups, you must be self contained, or bring a bucket 😂. Anyway pack out what you pack in. There is a boat ramp, fishing, you can pull an RV in here right next to your camp spot. There are fire rings and hiking trails. Off leash for dogs that are voice command and friendly. A great place to relax, fish, boat and probably swim, when it warms up.
LegendWe took advantage of the 75 degree weather at the end of February to enjoy Mount Magazine. What a beautiful campground! All spaces have LOTS of room between them, it’s quiet, bathrooms are new and clean. A fantastic view of the region within a short walking distance. Lots and lots of hiking. 100% would visit again. I would probably stay in site 9, 15, or 17 if I had the choice again but none of the sites are bad. Full hookups.
GuideMount Magazine is absolutely gorgeous! Camping was great, bathrooms are kept very clean, campground had great sites that gave you lots of space and privacy.
Camping sites near Ozark, Arkansas span elevations from 400 to 2,700 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between river valley and mountain locations. Winter temperatures typically range 20-30 degrees colder at higher elevation campgrounds compared to riverside sites, while summer campers often seek mountain locations for relief from humidity. River levels fluctuate dramatically based on dam release schedules, affecting water recreation opportunities at riverside campgrounds.
Hike scenic trails: At White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, the Rim Trail offers panoramic views regardless of season. "The views are exquisite. The people are warm and inviting. The hiking trails are for everyone," notes Shelia H. The campground sits at higher elevation with significantly cooler temperatures than riverside locations.
Water activities: The Mulberry River provides excellent kayaking opportunities at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures. "Great place to camp and kayak. River view from our campsite, easy access to the river," explains Sheila H. Visitors can rent tubes, kayaks, or fishing equipment on-site.
Off-road adventures: For ATV enthusiasts, Byrd's Adventure Center offers private trail access plus proximity to national forest routes. "They not only have their own trails on private land, but off-roaders can hit trails in National Forest territory not too far down the road," writes Eric L. The 800-acre property includes multiple difficulty levels for various vehicle types.
Riverside swimming holes: Redding Campground features natural swimming areas along the Mulberry River. "Great small campground with showers provided and easy access to the Mulberry river," shares Lisa H. The campground maintains flush toilets and shower facilities despite its relatively remote location.
Secluded campsites: Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites with privacy. "Sites spread far enough apart for privacy, full hook ups, cleanest bathhouses, and beautiful scenery! Would absolutely stay again," reports Jennifer O. Sites 1-20 provide full hookups with lake views.
Vineyard proximity: Grape Country RV Park sits adjacent to working vineyards. "Settled right in between grape fields, beautiful manacured grounds with lots of picnic tables and plenty of area to walk dogs or kids," notes Jessica P. The campground offers easy access to local wineries along the Arkansas wine trail.
Cell service limitations: While major campgrounds maintain reliable coverage, service diminishes at higher elevations. "TMobile 3 bars at site 17, Verizon lower..." reports Heather K. at Mount Magazine State Park Campground. Coverage varies by carrier, with AT&T generally providing better service in mountainous areas.
Access road conditions: Many mountain campgrounds require navigating steep, narrow roads. "The drive up to this campsite was a slight challenge. I would recommend an SUV or other tall vehicle with 4 wheel drive. The twisty, steep, narrow dirt road makes for quite an adventure," cautions Clarissa F. about White Rock Mountain.
Weather considerations: Temperature differences between river valley and mountain campgrounds can exceed 15 degrees. "Unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket. You will probably be cold otherwise," advises Donny S. about Mount Magazine.
Best swimming locations: For safe swimming access, Redding Campground provides dedicated areas. "This place is an amazing bargain. For just $15 a night, you get nice, big, secluded campsites, a large bathroom with running water, flushing toilets, and showers, and an awesome swimming hole," shares Alex M.
Insect preparedness: Higher humidity near rivers increases mosquito activity. "One warning on the cabins though - in summer be prepared for some bugs," advises Matt B. about White Rock Mountain cabins. Ticks remain active March through October throughout the region.
Kid-friendly amenities: Devil's Den State Park Campground provides dedicated recreation areas. "Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!" reports Melissa M. The park offers both water recreation and well-marked hiking trails suitable for various ages.
Level sites: For larger rigs, Aux Arc Campground offers the most accommodating waterfront spaces. "The sites are spaced out nicely. The spots are level and easy to back in to and easy to locate," noted one visitor.
Elevation considerations: When traveling to mountain campgrounds, vehicle capability matters. "Nice campground, although they are set up to cater to RVers. The RVs are quiet because they are using commercial power and not a generator," explains Robert N. about Aux Arc's setup.
Hookup availability: Dan's Riverview RV Park provides modern full-hookup sites. "Small, but all brand new. Restrooms and showers are clean and beautiful. Full Hook Up's, firepits, and lights are great," reports Cinda R. Sites include 50-amp service and sewer connections for extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ozark, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ozark, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Ozark, AR and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ozark, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ozark, AR is Aux Arc with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ozark, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Ozark, AR.
What parks are near Ozark, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 parks near Ozark, AR that allow camping, notably Ozark Lake and Lake Dardanelle.
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