Texarkana sits at the junction of Arkansas and Texas with elevations ranging from 275 to 325 feet above sea level. The region features East Texas piney woods habitat transitioning into the Ouachita Mountains, creating diverse camping experiences within short driving distances. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows can dip into the 30s, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Watercraft rentals: Beavers Bend State Park Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the Mountain Fork River. "We had a great time canoeing on the river. Deer were everywhere in the evening," notes Sherry S. The calm waters provide excellent practice for beginners.
Diamond hunting: At Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground, visitors can search a 37-acre plowed field for real diamonds they can keep. "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," advises Prospector J. The park provides rental equipment for serious prospecting.
Night sky viewing: The reduced light pollution at several campgrounds creates opportunities for stargazing. "Good night sky viewing in BIG PINE," reports Napunani about Daingerfield State Park Campground, where the tall pines create natural framing for constellation spotting.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Several campers mention the privacy and cleanliness of bathroom facilities. "They have great bathrooms. They are large and extremely well taken care of. The shower, sink and toilet are all in one locked room," reports Holly D. about Texarkana RV Park.
Wildlife encounters: The wooded settings attract abundant wildlife. "We were woken up a couple of times throughout the night by a Great Horned Owl, but no complaints," writes Hannah B. about Daingerfield State Park, while another camper noted frequent deer sightings at dusk.
Lake activities: Atlanta State Park Campground provides access to Wright Patman Lake with multiple swimming beaches and boat ramps. "Great for sup/kayaking!! The park is meticulously maintained with several hiking trails, minimally busy on the lake," says Jennifer C. The quiet coves provide peaceful paddling environments.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Some parks have limitations for larger vehicles. At Daingerfield State Park, "Most FHU sites (other than BIG PINE) are extremely short in length. Barely room for single axle TT, so need to review site details carefully," warns Napunani.
Weather impacts: Campgrounds in this region can become muddy after rain. "Rains cause the soil to cake up on shoes and make it difficult to walk in the field," notes Patricia C. about Crater of Diamonds, where the diamond field becomes especially challenging after precipitation.
Security variations: Safety concerns differ between campgrounds. At White Cliffs Park, reviews mention "clean and cozy" sites with good security, while other facilities have reported issues with gate maintenance and monitoring.
Varied shower quality: Water quality can be inconsistent. "Shower water smells funny but it will take your first layer of skin off," reports Anita about one campground, highlighting the mineral content common in local water sources.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play structures for children. "Very clean and a lot of activities for families!" notes Kaitlynn B. about an RV park, while other campers mention dedicated children's areas at state parks.
Swimming options: Murfeesboro RV Park provides access to local swimming spots just minutes from the campground. "Nice place. The staff was extremely nice and helpful. The sites were well maintained and spaced nicely," reports Lacy M. The proximity to town makes supply runs convenient.
Budget-friendly options: Tent sites with electricity are available at several campgrounds. "20.00 a night for two people in tent camping. I'm in van and they allowed me to van camp. Tent sites have electric," shares Jeanne A., noting the value compared to more expensive glamping close to Texarkana.
Educational opportunities: The region offers hands-on learning experiences. "We got to rent out equipment for free to go diamond mining and the woman on staff was very friendly," explains natalie G. about Murfeesboro RV Park, where staff help beginners understand diamond hunting techniques.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should research specific site dimensions. "We were in site 12 which was a group site but it was all they had. We were tent camping and had plenty of flat area for our tent," shares Will B. about White Cliffs Park, highlighting the importance of checking site specifications.
Hook-up locations: Placement of utilities can vary significantly between sites. "We drove in this time with a longer rental unit with a trailer attached and found ourselves in a couple of tough turns trying to get to our spot. Wider lanes and intersections would be appreciated," cautions Kaitlynn B. about navigating one park.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared with leveling equipment at some campgrounds. "No leveling required from side-to-side" at Daingerfield State Park's Big Pine area according to Napunani, but "Site 8 had an extreme amount of above ground roots causing tripping hazard," showing the variation between sites even within the same campground.
