Lake Fort Smith State Park offers premium glamping accommodations alongside its traditional camping options, with well-appointed cabins providing a luxurious outdoor experience within the Boston Mountains. These deluxe units feature comfortable beds with quality linens, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and climate control systems for year-round comfort. "The cabins are lovely and offer a lake view," noted one visitor, highlighting the scenic settings that combine natural beauty with resort-style amenities. The Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA also provides upscale glamping options with similar creature comforts, positioning these properties as ideal basecamp locations for exploring northwestern Arkansas' natural attractions.
Visitors exploring these glamping destinations have access to numerous recreational opportunities directly from their accommodations. Lake Fort Smith State Park boasts a marina where guests can rent canoes, party barges, fishing boats, and kayaks for water adventures on the picturesque lake. The property features an impressive swimming pool complex with a water slide, offering alternative aquatic recreation since swimming isn't permitted in the lake itself. According to a recent visitor, "The visitor's center is EXTREMELY nice and a must," referencing the educational exhibits that enhance the glamping experience. Hiking enthusiasts appreciate direct access to the western terminus of the 150+ mile Ozark Highlands Trail, making these luxury camping options particularly appealing for outdoor adventurers seeking comfort after active days exploring the surrounding wilderness.
"This was a great little park and stay at while we were in fort Smith. The price was right and operated by a family and the whole family chips in to run the park."
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
"With $12 million from Fort Smith and $10 from the state the renovation is all first class. There is a covered wagon in the new visitor center. The sites are lovely."
"We love Lake Fort Smith State Park. Lots of places to hike and explore, beautiful lake, and very nice camp sites. Peaceful!! One of our most favorite places to camp. "
from $23 - $163 / night
"This was our second stop at the KOA in Fort Smith AR. They have many improvements since out last stay. The campground is convenient to I-40. It’s far enough away to not have traffic noise."
"Super clean bathrooms with granite counter and tile. Pleasant hosts. Quiet, just a bit of highway noise but not much. Pool, hot tub, jump pad, pond with rental boats, lots of kids games."
"Nice fire pit/ pit toilet/ water pump access. There is a house where the campsite host family lives. They were amazing and helped up navigate the area and plan our adventures."
"I was impressed from the moment we arrived. The drive up was slow going with a narrow rutted out road but overall not bad. The staff was great and they deliver your wood to your campsite."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $215 / night
"Has fire pit with grill, separate bbq, siting area and great hook ups. Bear proof refuge container on site as well. Half off if disabled! Site 3 wasn't completely level, but quick fix."
"Nice shady spot with a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Was also a space for a tent. The picnic table had a few steps up to it."
from $35 / night
"The employees are ALWAYS friendly and helpful, campsites are well put together, a bathroom and showers are on site. This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
"There are a ton of trails to explore. They have a store and restaurant on site. The trip out there is amazing. They own 800 acres and have a ton of off-road trails for all."
from $10 - $22 / night
"We arrived late and in the dark, rainy ARK weather Dan provided lights so that we could hook up. Customer service is the best. We will definitely stay here again."
"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."
from $35 - $38 / night
"Trails are short but have nice views. Forest trail is overgrown once you leave the state park and go into the national forest."
"Driving through this part of Arkansas you can quickly get taken aback by the winding roads the ample beauty, but until you visit the campground and park you will only have a portion of the beauty of the"
from $23 / night
"Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground."
"There is swimming, boating, (stocked) fishing, hiking, and pretty drives. Absolutely beautiful lake surrounded by green that would be incredible in the fall!"
"We stayed in the non-electric sites (North Shore loop). Campgrounds were incredibly peaceful and quiet."
"They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren’t people partying all night long. There are tent spots and also RV."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $40 / night
RangerVery nice park - clean and quiet. We did the kayak tour this morning which was nice. There’s also a kayak rental Kiosk down by the boat ramp through Whenever Watersports (download the app). There’s trails and also a pool. Pool closed down Aug 9, 2026 since lifeguards had to go back to school. Not having a pool was the only bummer this trip cause temps are still close to 100.
RangerClean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
GuideGreat campsite. Beautiful area. The lodge is open 24 hours and park rangers are around all the time. Limited spots, so get them while they last!
RangerThe campground is beautiful and lots of trails to walk and a vintage train ride that takes you around the park. Nice lodge at the top of the hill with a store and restaurant. WiFi is decent and bathrooms are kept clean. Recommend hiking the lovers leap trail for a good scenic view. Not matter how clean I tried to keep my campsite, Ants and Flys are around the RV spots.
GuideThe campground was really nice. The sites were spread out really well for full hookup spots. Each spot had some privacy and distance between them. Bathrooms were super clean. There’s plenty of hiking trails around but other than that it’s a pretty relaxing campsite. Weather is 10-15 degrees cooler than what you’d expect in the River Valley.
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.
LegendThis place genuinely is amazing. If you want to hike, there are more hiking trails and equestrian trails than you could actually accomplish even in fourteen days. The GPS points are all over the map. Essentially, come down to Cedar Lake. And there are two group campgrounds, a spot called shady lane equestrian, campground, and then the campground right on the water, they're all terrific. Most nights there wasn't anybody here. I spent four nights in the equestrian, campground and two nights in shady lane absolutely terrific.
ScoutVery disappointed in Marval Resort. The manager is very unprofessional. We have been going there since 2019 for a family reunion. This year was 59th reunion. I get a phone call on July 7, 2025 and was told we would not be welcomed back and when I asked why the manager could not tell me why. All that she said was several reasons. If it was such a big issue, she should have come to me or someone else and addressed the issue face to face instead of waiting until we left. My cousin had called multiply times to try and get this worked out and she would never speak or call back. When no response to phone calls she was emailed and finally responded to an email. The manager didn’t even have the decency for the closing signature on the email. It’s a shame that Marval Resort has someone like this running their resort. Very poor communication. Instead of coming to my camp spot talking to me about some cars parked on the grass and gravel in front of our camp spot out of the way of others she calls me in the middle of a big gathering and tells me they need to be moved because it rained that morning and the grass was wet. No, the grassy lawn area was dry in the heat of the afternoon day. There are so many staff members driving around on their golf carts and not a word was said. She was on her golf cart right by us and could not come face to face and talk about the issue. Now, that’s pretty unprofessional. We have 96 and 86 year old aunts and some others with walking issues. That’s why cars were there. Family was coming from their cabins or campers to the central area for family gathering. And as far as the pavilion parking that we paid money to rent. Again, for some elders and a few trucks hauling fish fry supplies. You booked a band that was playing on the stage right by the pavilion(that we paid for) and people could not communicate very well due to loud music. This also happened last year as well. So, you the manager don’t know who all the cars belong to. They could have been the bands or other guest not in our family. We have a large group that stayed there for 6 years in campers or cabins and spent lots of money there. There is a lot of issues the manager needs to take care of and get off her high horse. I thought this place is supposed to be family oriented. I will miss seeing Wayne(maintenance gentleman) there with his smiling face. He is such a friendly man. And one more thing, always talking about all the improvements they’re working on or going to do. It’s been the same for 6 years now.
The Boston Mountains region near Fort Smith rises to elevations over 2,000 feet with terrain characterized by deep valleys and steep ridges. Winter temperatures in the area can drop 15-20 degrees cooler at higher elevations than in the city of Fort Smith. Luxury camping options extend beyond premium cabins to include sites with full hookups, bathhouse facilities, and direct access to trails.
Hiking extensive trail networks: White Rock Mountain Recreation Area provides access to multiple hiking routes with varying difficulty levels. "The Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season," notes a visitor who appreciated the versatility of the hiking options regardless of when they visited.
Fishing from shorelines: Cedar Lake offers dedicated fishing spots with easy shoreline access. "We brought our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning. It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on the weekends," advises one camper who recommends early starts to avoid crowds.
Off-road adventures: Byrd's Adventure Center maintains 800 acres of private off-road trails with options for various skill levels. "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," shares a reviewer who appreciated the range of trail options available.
Mountain-top accommodations: Mount Magazine State Park Campground sits at 2,753 feet, the highest point in Arkansas. "The campsites are level for both campers and tents. Each site had a good table, fire ring and lantern pole," reports a visitor who found the practical amenities convenient for their stay.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at upscale glamping locations near Fort Smith. "Sites are well spaced and even on busy weekends you aren't really ever bothering anyone," notes a Cedar Lake visitor who found the arrangement conducive to a peaceful camping experience.
Modern bathroom facilities: Cleanliness standards exceed expectations at several luxury camping options. "The bathrooms and showers were immaculate," shares a Mount Magazine visitor, highlighting the attention to maintenance that enhances the glamping experience for those seeking comfort alongside natural surroundings.
Road access challenges: White Rock Mountain Recreation Area requires navigation of unpaved roads with switchbacks. "It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other. Whenever you feel comfortable going over 15 MPH there will be a heavily rutted 180° hairpin turn," cautions a recent visitor about the approach route.
Seasonal operation variations: Some amenities close during winter months. One Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA visitor noted: "We didn't get to use the playground area this visit as pool and hot tub were closed for the year," indicating that water-based amenities have limited seasonal availability.
Elevation temperature differences: Prepare for cooler temperatures at higher elevation glamping sites. "I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket. You will probably be cold otherwise," advises a Mount Magazine camper about the temperature variation compared to Fort Smith.
Campsite selection for child safety: Certain sites better accommodate families with young children. "If you are a parent with small kids, sites 17-20 and sites 2-3 are better. The other sites are excellent, but not necessarily best for small kids," recommends a Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground visitor who noted the terrain challenges at other sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning hours offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities. "We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep," shares a Cove Lake visitor who appreciated the natural sounds that enhanced their camping experience.
Alternative swimming options: When lake swimming isn't available, seek out campgrounds with dedicated facilities. "You are not allowed to swim in the lake, but there is a pool," notes a Queen Wilhelmina State Park visitor, highlighting the importance of checking for swimming alternatives when planning water activities with children.
Site leveling requirements: Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA provides level sites that minimize setup time. "Great gravel and concrete pads. Areas for the dogs some pads and a common area for dogs," reports an RV camper who appreciated the well-maintained infrastructure for larger vehicles.
Late arrival procedures: Some campground hosts accommodate after-hours check-ins. "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. We needed a place to stay and had seen Dan's campsite on The Dyrt, he answered the phone at midnight, gave us directions and we are so grateful," shares a Dan's Riverview RV Park visitor who benefited from flexible arrival options.
Site spacing considerations: Luxury RV sites near Fort Smith vary in proximity to neighbors. "The sites are a bit close for our tastes but for a quick overnight it suited our needs perfectly," notes a Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA camper, suggesting that site spacing matters more for longer stays than brief stopovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Fort Smith, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Fort Smith, AR is William O. Darby RV Community with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Fort Smith, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 glamping camping locations near Fort Smith, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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