Are you looking for the best Camping Areas in Arkansas to Enjoy Nature? Wondering where to go for the best nature experience?
Arkansas is home to many excellent camping grounds, and with its forests, hills, and valleys there’s no shortage of possibilities. Whether you’re looking for remote spots or popular camping grounds, Arkansas will not disappoint.
From Lake Ouachita State Park’s crystal-clear waters to the Mazarin Campground on the banks of the Buffalo River, here are five breathtaking camping spots in Arkansas that you should check out first.
Buffalo National River Park
Buffalo National River Park is a great camping site in Arkansas, offering activities such as kayaking, wildlife watching, swimming, hiking, and fishing. There are many campsites available at this park, with 42 at Tyler Bend, 40 at Steel Creek, and 108 at Buffalo Point Campground. Amenities such as electricity, water, showers, dump station, and flush restrooms are available during summers; Loop B campsites are open for primitive camping during winter.
The park is also an International Dark Sky Park which makes it a great spot for stargazing. Packing the best binoculars for stargazing is recommended to get the most out of your experience. The park visitor center is located at Tyler Bend which is 11 miles north of Marshall on U.S. 65. Buffalo National River is home to numerous campgrounds ranging from primitive to developed so there’s something for everyone! The park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association making it
DeGray Lake Resort State Park
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is a paradise for watersports and fishing enthusiasts. Located in Arkansas, the park offers 113 campsites with electric and RV hookups, as well as permanent tent-like yurts for rent. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the lake’s public beach areas, or take advantage of the full-service marina to rent boats and explore the lake. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, a fitness center, a hot tub, a pool at DeGray Lodge, and 81 Class B campsites.
In addition to watersports and fishing activities, DeGray Lake Resort State Park also offers other recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, pedal boating, and more. For those looking for something different to do during their stay, there is an Escape Room and the Shoreline Restaurant onsite. During winter months the resort remains open making it an ideal destination for cold-weather camping. With so many options available at DeGray Lake Resort
Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park is a beautiful destination located 20 minutes outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and amenities that remain open year-round. Anglers can enjoy fishing for stripers, walleye, catfish, bream, and bass on the lake. The park also features an amphitheater, trails, shaded picnic areas with tables, a playground, flush toilets, and showers.
The park is located in the Ouachita Mountains and offers swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and more. Visitors can explore the Three Sisters Springs which was once a private resort. For those looking to stay overnight, there are 93 campsites for tents and RVs as well as several fully equipped cabins. Lake Ouachita State Park is a great destination for camping and outdoor activities during any season!
Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in Arkansas. Located atop Arkansas’ highest peak, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding area and a variety of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, hang gliding, and rock climbing. There are over 14 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, making it a great destination for relaxation and nature activities such as bird watching.
The Mount Magazine State Park Lodge is one of the best romantic getaways in Arkansas. It has first-class facilities with beautiful surroundings, including 60+ rooms, a restaurant, conference and business centers, a heated indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a game room. Camping options in the area include 18 wooded sites with electric and water hookups at Mount Magazine State Park, as well as Cove Lake Recreation Area and Blue Mountain Lake ACOE campground. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax in nature’s beauty, Mount Magazine State Park is sure to provide
Greers Ferry Lake
Greers Ferry Lake is a popular camping site in Arkansas, located less than two hours from Little Rock. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine shoreline, perfect for swimming, water skiing, boating, sailing, and fishing. The lake was created for flood control in the 19th century and the remains of the city of Higden can be found at the bottom of the lake. The Choctaw campground offers 146 sites with 91 having water and electrical hookups, as well as amenities such as a trailer dump station, drinking water, showers, vault toilets, and flush toilets. Winter camping is also available.
The lake is stocked with native fish by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and has two boat ramps at the Choctaw campsite and 30 picnic sites/grills at the Sugarloaf Mountain recreation area. Scuba diving is a popular activity here due to its crystal clear waters and historical significance. There are more than 1,000 campsites in the 13 parks that
Charlton Recreation Area
Charlton Recreation Area is a great place to camp and enjoys the outdoors. Located in the Ouachita National Forest, it features crystal clear waters from Walnut Creek. The campground offers 46 campsites, with 10 sites having sewer, electricity, and water; 20 sites having water and electricity; and 27 primitive sites. Common amenities such as flush toilets, a bathhouse with warm showers, fire rings, grills, and leashed pets are available at the campground.
Little Pines Recreation Area is another great spot for outdoor activities in the Ouachita National Forest. It has a full-service modern campground with electricity, water, a trailer dump station, paved roads, a pavilion, hiking trails, a day-use area with a swimming beach, and boat docks. Fishing opportunities abound at this location on the banks of Lake Hinkle for bass, crappie, bream sunfish, and catfish. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore nature
Lake Sylvia Recreational Area
Lake Sylvia Recreation Area is a great destination for campers of all types. Located in the Ouachita National Forest, this area offers a variety of amenities and activities that make it an ideal spot for backpackers, families, and scout groups. There are 27 campsites available, 8 of which are tent-only and 19 with electricity and water hookups. The area also features picnic sites, bathhouses, a swimming beach, and a self-pay station (cash only).
The trails at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area offer something for everyone. From the Ouachita National Recreation Trail to the Wildcat Mountain Bike trail, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding forest. Camping facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis from mid-spring to early fall. With its abundance of amenities and activities, Lake Sylvia Recreation Area is sure to provide an unforgettable camping experience for all who visit!
Maumelle Park
Maumelle Park is the perfect destination for families looking for a close-to-home getaway. Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, this public campground offers 128 reservable camping spaces with water and electricity, a fishing pier, a playground, showers, flush toilets, a boat ramp, and a day-use picnic area. It’s an ideal choice for those on a budget or short on time who want to enjoy the great outdoors without having to travel far.
Hawn State Park is another great option for nature lovers in Missouri. This special treasure of the state park system is located in western Ste. Genevieve County features camping, picnicking, trails, and an array of birds and exposed rock types. The peaceful setting makes it a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature while enjoying some quality family time. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from the city or an extended stay in the wilderness, Hawn State Park has something
Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is a stunning natural wonder located in Arkansas. It was the first state park established in Arkansas and is only two hours away from Little Rock. The park features rustic stone and log structures from the 1930s, as well as a 100-acre Lake Bailey perfect for fishing, swimming, and pedal boating. Petit Jean State Park also boasts awe-inspiring natural and archaeological features such as Natural Bridge, Carpet Rocks, Turtle Rocks, the Grotto, Rock House Cave, Bear Cave, and more.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, biking, canoeing, and camping at Petit Jean State Park. There are 125 individual campsites available including 26 pull-thru sites with electrical and water hookups. Amenities include an amphitheater, a basketball and tennis court, a boat launch ramp, picnic areas, two swimming pools, and Rent-A-Yurts for winter camping near Canyon Creek. Don’t miss out on
Burns Park and Riverside Park
Burns Park and Riverside Park are two popular parks located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Both parks offer a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including disc golf courses, a dog park, baseball, and softball complexes, a BMX track, a soccer complex, a tennis center, playgrounds, camping sites, and trails with access to the Arkansas River Trail. Burns Park offers tent and RV camping while Riverside Park is for RV camping only.
For those looking for an outdoor adventure with the family, Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky is a great option. This park features the Natural Bridge – a 78-foot long and 65-foot high arch made of sandstone – as its main attraction. Guests can also enjoy activities such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking on the light trails around the park. Boat rentals are available for those who want to explore further out on the lake. Miniature golf and swimming pool are available for kids at Hoedown Island while Hemlock Lodge restaurant provides dining
Devil’s Den State Park
Devil’s Den State Park is a popular destination in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. It offers stunning views, coves, caves, and caverns that make it a great place to explore and camp. The park has 135 campsites available for visitors to choose from, including 8 hike-in tent-only sites, 44 Class AAA sites, 4 Class B sites, 13 Class C sites, 24 Class D sites, and 42 electric and water hookup sites at the horse camp. During winter months the cafe, pool, and trails are not open but campers can still enjoy the beauty of the park by bringing all necessary camping essentials including food.
The park also features some amazing underground attractions such as its magnificent waterfalls. Devil’s Den State Park is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience nature in all its glory. Whether you’re looking for an RV site or a hike-in site with no electricity or water hookups, there is something here for everyone. More information
Millwood Lake State Park
Millwood Lake State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas. The lake itself is 29,000 acres of submerged timber with an average depth of seven feet, making it ideal for fishing. It’s home to some of the best fishing in the state, particularly for largemouth and white bass. There are several campsites near the lake, including Saratoga which has a playground and boat ramp, and White Cliffs on the east bank of the Little River.
White Oak Lake State Park is another great year-round destination located nearby. It offers loads of amenities such as trails showcasing the state wildlife and potential sightings of Bald Eagles. Poison Spring Battleground State Park is only 8 miles away and in the summer offers amazing historical reenactments. Whether you’re looking to fish or just be immersed in nature, Millwood Lake State Park is one of the best Arkansas state parks to visit.
The Ozark National Forest
The Ozark National Forest in Arkansas is a great destination for camping and outdoor activities. With attractions such as Blanchard Springs Caverns and the 14-mi North Sylamore Trail, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The U.S. Forest Service has developed campgrounds at Blanchard Springs, Barkshed, and Gunner Pool, with the latter being the most popular. Gunner Pool offers private and shaded campsites with tent pads, lantern poles, picnic tables, grills, trash/recycling collections, fire rings, and pit toilets. Campers can choose between developed campgrounds for RV and tent camping or take advantage of the thousands of acres of lakes and streams with nine beaches available throughout the forest.
The Ozark National Forest is open year-round for travelers to enjoy all that it has to offer. The Sylamore Hiking Trail can be accessed from within the campground and offers a great experience as it is situated near the water
St. Francis National Forest
St. Francis National Forest is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a variety of recreational activities such as camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, and hiking. The Long Pool recreation area adjacent to Big Piney Creek provides scenic hiking opportunities with picnic sites, a picnic pavilion, a canoe launch site, and a change shelter. Haw Creek Falls is another favorite spot near Big Piney Creek with waterfalls, bluffs, and a mature hardwood forest but no electrical hookups or other amenities.
Campers can explore the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests and pitch tents, hang hammocks, drive RVs, or park pop-up trailers anywhere unless there is a sign prohibiting it. Fees are collected at recreation areas to pay for your stay and visitors should follow the National Forests’ policy of “leave no trace” by picking up after themselves. Enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks while taking advantage of the many trails for mountain climbs and clear
Richland Creek Recreation Area
Richland Creek Recreation Area is a beautiful and serene spot located in Witts Springs, Arkansas. It is situated within the Ozark National Forest and provides visitors with a stunning view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arkansas. The crystal-clear water is perfect for dipping your toes in and the bathrooms are well-maintained. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, such as hiking, swimming, and camping.
The campground at Richland Creek Recreation Area offers year-round sites for a $10 fee. It features a small mountain stream with waterfalls, bluffs, and solitude that make it an ideal spot for those looking to get away from it all. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend or just want to take in the beauty of nature, Richland Creek Recreation Area has something for everyone.
In conclusion, Arkansas is a great place for camping and outdoor activities. From the Ozark National Forest to Richland Creek Recreation Area, there are plenty of options for campers to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a developed campground with amenities or prefer to rough it in the wilderness, Arkansas has something for everyone. So grab your tent and head out on an adventure!
