Best Tent Camping in Arkansas

Chock-full of scenic natural beauty and breathtaking geological diversity, camping in Arkansas is an experience hard to forget. Campgrounds can be found on top of magnificent mountain ranges, sparkling lakeshores, and nearly anywhere in between. Known as “The Natural State,” Arkansas boasts two mountain ranges, three national forests, 600,000 acres of lakes, and 9,000 miles of streams and rivers. In addition to numerous camping and backpacking opportunities, Arkansas is long famous for its hunting and fishing scene. So lace up your boots and get ready for an unparalleled getaway camping in Arkansas!

Take an extraordinary escape to the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas in Eureka Springs. The entire city is on the National Register of Historic Places with its carefully preserved Victorian Buildings and unique architecture built around the city’s natural springs. Numerous campgrounds near Eureka Springs offer campers an opportunity to get up close with nature while staying within reach of the city’s curvy hills and winding streets free of traffic lights.

Just south of Eureka Springs lies the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, dedicating 459 acres to exotic cats. The sanctuary is home to tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars. Animal lovers can enjoy guided habitat tours and open discovery areas daily.

Just over an hour from Little Rock, AR, sits the largest lake in Arkansas. Renowned for its scenic beauty and clear waters, Lake Ouachita is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita provides campers with ample water sports opportunities, including swimming, scuba diving, and angling. The Lake Ouachita State Park also offers scenic trails, two swimming areas, and a marina with boat rentals and fishing supplies.

Embark on a gorgeous trip through The Natural State. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Arkansas along the way.

Best Tent Sites in Arkansas (102)

    1. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / night

    "There are toilets and water spigots around the campground, but no showers. I set up camp at site #16 which was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky."

    "The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."

    2. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "It includes hiking trails, river access and walk in camp grounds only. Tents only are highly recommended. Rough road getting there and no cell service which is fine with me."

    "Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too. Picnic tables, lantern post, and fire rings at each site. Absolutely no cell service."

    3. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    22 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    "This is a pretty nice and quite camp site there is definitely traffic through here more than we’re use to but it’s a really nice spot, it’s all primitive camping, there is vault toilets on site we keep"

    "The campground is located in the Ozark National Forest. Beware of flooding during the rainy seasons. When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground."

    4. Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    12 Reviews
    Wickes, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 385-2201

    "Vault toilets, no water and no electricity. Each site has enough room for three tents and has a grill, fire pit, table, and bear pole. There is easy access to the falls and hiking trails."

    "We also have a large 20’ tent that makes it difficult to fit into regular square pad tent sites. These pads were huge and fit our tent, which was super nice because our original plans fell through."

    5. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    Website

    "Great campsite with parking, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a restroom. Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below. Only issue was some broken glass around the picnic area."

    "This campground was located down a 3 mile gravel road (my Hyundai hatchback handled it ok), on the top of a ridge overlooking Lake Ouachita."

    6. Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    10 Reviews
    Hector, AR
    Website
    +1 (479) 284-3150

    "This campground has no water or electricity but has 4 drive-up campsites with picnic tables, fire circle, and rock shelters that overlook the beautiful Illinois Bayou."

    "The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces.  The walk to the river is very easy.  "

    7. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    Website

    $5 - $245 / night

    "Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, showers, and a trash dumpster.

    The only downside to this campground is that it can be moderately expensive."

    "Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."

    8. Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA

    6 Reviews
    McRae, AR
    Website
    +1 (877) 734-4581

    "Soft ground. Quick to get to off highway"

    "This is a Wildlife Management Area and believe this to be a fairly large spot for camping, boon docking, hunting, fishing etc...."

    9. Albert Pike Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Langley, AR
    Website
    +1 (870) 356-4186

    "Although the campground is closed due to the flood (at least last time I checked), it's definitely worthwhile to camp a little up the trail and in the backcountry."

    "This area is superb for primitive camping along the mountain road side pulloffs. Or if you're up for more of a challenge like us, you can take on the 28-30 mile Eagle Rock Loop trail."

    10. Natural Dam

    5 Reviews
    Natural Dam, AR
    Website

    "We 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"

    "A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out."

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Showing results 1-10 of 102 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Arkansas

2954 Reviews of 102 Arkansas Campgrounds



Guide to Arkansas

Tent camping in Arkansas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Experience the stunning scenery at Haw Creek Falls Camping, where you can enjoy picturesque waterfalls and swimming holes right at your campsite.
  • Explore the serene environment of Natural Dam, which features a small waterfall and quiet surroundings, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
  • Discover the beauty of Jack Creek Recreation Area, known for its scenic trails and a lovely swimming hole, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Water

  • At Ozan Point - De Gray Lake, you can enjoy a lakeside experience with ample opportunities for swimming and fishing, making it a great spot for water lovers.
  • The Fourche Mountain Campground offers a tranquil setting with nearby water access, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking.
  • For those seeking a more primitive experience, Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite provides a peaceful creekside location, ideal for tent camping and enjoying nature.

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

  • Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA is a well-reviewed spot that allows campfires and pets, making it a great choice for families and furry friends.
  • Enjoy the convenience of vault toilets and picnic tables at Irons Fork Primitive Camping, ensuring a comfortable stay in the great outdoors.
  • Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers a unique camping experience with a beautiful natural setting, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.