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 (101)

    1. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    22 Reviews
    81 Photos
    587 Saves
    Pelsor, Arkansas

    As of Oct 2021 - Haw Creek Falls—Located on Hwy 123, this newly designated Point of Interest will be accessible year-round. Removal of the gate across the low-water bridge and suspension of fees will be immediately implemented, and camping will still be allowed in designated campsites. A slow transition of amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts will be removed over time as they become unusable or unsafe. Trash services will be managed by the user as “pack it in, pack it out.” Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of current amenities, excluding trash services. Several volunteer workdays have been hosted at this site in the last several months, which have proven to be immensely beneficial to keeping this primitive area operational. Please note, this area is subject to flash flooding and visitors are responsible for monitoring conditions and taking precautionary measures. Removal of the gate does not indicate the area is always safe during changing weather conditions. Surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, this campground is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a bluff. Big Piney Wild and Scenic River are nearby. There is an accessible trail to the Haw Creek Falls. Camping - 9 family units. Camping trailers are allowed but no special facilities are available. Access to the Ozark Highlands Trail. The recreation area is closed following the 3rd week of December and reopens the 3rd week of March. Please note that the campground is closed when heavy rain is forecast. Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table

    3. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    46 Photos
    289 Saves
    Ouachita Lake, Arkansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    4. Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    10 Reviews
    38 Photos
    108 Saves
    Hector, Arkansas

    Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and day use and is now open all year. Upper loop is closed to camping and will be eliminated completely. Use of the vault toilet, large pavilion, three shelters, and a small pavilion will remain. The pavilions are managed on a first-come, first-service basis. Trash services are managed by visitors as "pack-it-in, pack-it-out," and Leave No Trace ethics are posted on information kiosks.

    Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of the current amenities, excluding trash services.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    5. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    27 Photos
    95 Saves
    Ponca, Arkansas
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $5 - $245 / night

    6. Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    68 Saves
    McRae, Arkansas

    There are 38 primitive campsites maintained by area personnel.

    There are approximately 270 acres of old beaver ponds that provide valuable habitat for furbearers and waterfowl. There are 2024 acres of old fields managed on a rotational basis by control burning, bush hogging, disking and planting. There is 14,419 acres of timber, primarily oak and hickory; 96 acres in streams and 113 acres in ponds and lakes. The main streams include; Wattensaw Bayou, Hurricane Creek, Miller Creek, Clark Creek, Barkley Branch and Bell Branch. There are numerous small ponds, 9 ponds created by removing dirt for I-40 construction and Webb and Mooreês lake which are oxbow lakes off the White River on the east side of the area

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    7. Albert Pike Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    33 Photos
    71 Saves
    Langley, Arkansas

    Nestled in the forested splendor of the rugged Ouachita Mountains, this recreation area is located in the southern portion of the national forest. Visitors are invited to hike the nature trail or experience the excitement of a canoe trip on the Little Missouri River.

    Day use/swimming only.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    8. Kings River Falls Campground

    4 Reviews
    32 Photos
    319 Saves
    Pettigrew, Arkansas

    Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls trailhead and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas. This is a remote and rugged campground with caves, bluffs, swimming holes and river a plenty. This campground has a grand exhibition of the same sandstone formation that is responsible for the Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) formation. Clovis like points have been found here, and so one might assume the bluffs and crags here have been inhabited for millennia.

    We have picnic tables and fire rings at each site. If you have a large group, please contact us before booking to ensure that we are able to accommodate your group. This 7-acre property is completely surrounded by Arkansas Natural Heritage-Natural Area. There are miles of trails and cooling waters at every turn.

    If you like Kings River Falls, get ready to fall in love with this Red Fern Campground.

    Lose yourself in a fairy-tale land. With endless places to explore and amazing natural features at every turn this experience will not disappoint.

    Most of our campsites are just yards away from a public swimming area, which is shared between our property and the Arkansas Natural Area. You should expect local traffic at the main swimming area during your stay. We have a private swimming area on our property which is just a short hike from the developed campsites (Please ask the camphost for directions).

    Please be aware that cell phone service is spotty to virtually non-existent. Also, it's a good idea to bring waterproof hiking shoes or water shoes since our camping spots may require walking across a low water creek. This campground also requires travel down miles of county-maintained dirt roads. Expect your car to get dusty. We are unable to accommodate travel trailers and RVs at this time. Parking at your campsite requires a drive across a low water creek, otherwise you will need to park and walk across. Lastly, bring tick defense for yourself and your pets.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $27 - $30 / night

    9. Rush Campground — Buffalo National River

    4 Reviews
    21 Photos
    44 Saves
    Cozahome, Arkansas

    Rush Campground is a first come, first serve campground in the lower district of the park. Rush has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities and no flush restrooms. Drinking water is available when fees are collected March 15 - November 14. It is free to camp at Rush in the winter. All sites are limited to 6 people per site and each site is $16 per night. This is a pack in/pack out facility, trash collection is not available.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    10. Ozan Point - De Gray Lake

    4 Reviews
    18 Photos
    12 Saves
    Kaweah Lake, California
    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Tent Cabin
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Recent Tent Reviews in Arkansas

2913 Reviews of 101 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.