Camping in Arkansas state presents all kinds of pure settings to take pleasure in. The western half of the state is mountainous, together with Magazine Mountain at practically 3,000 ft.
The Boston Mountains are north of the Arkansas River, as is the Ozark Plateau. South of the river there are the Ouachita Mountains and among the most exceptional drives you could find within the Midwest.
Eastern Arkansas borders the mighty Mississippi and options Crowley’s Ridge, an important stretch for hikers who aren’t in search of a mountain to climb.
Arkansas is bordered by Louisiana to the south, Tennessee, and Mississippi to the east, Missouri to the north, and Oklahoma and Texas to the west.
While summers will be scorching, the nights will quiet down properly, significantly within the mountains. If you may, plan a drive via the Ouachita Mountains within the fall.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Phone: 870-285-3113
- Address: 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958
Located in Murfreesboro, Crater of Diamonds State Park is really considered one of a sort. Its identify clearly says why – you may seek for actual diamonds and gems on this eroded crater and, in fact, you may preserve them.
You can carry your individual mining tools (be aware that solely guide instruments are allowed) or you may lease it from the park.
But it’s not solely the dear stones that make this state park identified worldwide. It additionally presents a really good campground with 47 Class AAA campsites and 5 primitive walk-in websites.
Facilities embody scorching showers, a dump station, an info heart with a present store, an educative Diamond Discovery Center, and a water park.
Denton Ferry RV Park & Luxury Cabin Rental
- Phone: 870-435-7275
- Address: 740 Denton Ferry Rd, Cotter, AR 72626
Set in a riverside meadow within the Ozark Mountains, Denton Ferry RV Park & Luxury Cabins is a spot to chill out and benefit from the lovely surroundings of the White River whereas simply passing via or visiting the realm.
The park presents 17 riverfront websites and 27 in-land pull-thru websites. All websites have a grassy garden house, whereas a few of them have their very own fireplace pit entry. There can be a group fireplace pit for all of the company to take pleasure in. For a bit extra consolation, you may lease the two-bedroom trip cabin proper on the banks of the White River.
Amenities embody fashionable bathe services, a hospitality room, video games, eating areas, and a library.
This campground is a superb selection for many who want to spend time in a quiet setting with the choice of mountain climbing, biking, and fishing.
Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground
- Phone: +1 501-961-1332
- Address: Park, 11690 Willow Beach Rd, Scott, AR 72142, United States
The peak season at Willow Beach Campground has already began nevertheless it doesn’t imply you shouldn’t discover a place to remain at this pure leisure park. Located very near the David D.Terry Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River, this campsite is a spot to carry your RV and even your tent and benefit from the sounds of nature, the gorgeous views, and the straightforward entry to the river.
Only just a few steps from the Arkansas River, you could find 21 particular person campsites and three group websites, though these can solely be used through the day. Willow Beach Campground has separate sections away from the camp space with good coated picnic tables, grills, and electrical and water hookups at every spot.
The campsite is comparatively small however, usually, not crowded. Great for a getaway week, and -this is considered one of our favorites- it’s pet-friendly!
Activities you may’t miss:
- Fishing
- Boating
- Sightseeing
Downtown Riverside RV Park
- Phone: 501-340-5312
- Address: 250 S Locust St, North Little Rock, AR 72114
Downtown Riverside RV Park is uniquely situated on the banks of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock. Its proximity to the town heart in addition to nature gives guests with a myriad of issues to do.
From buying and eating to museums, dwell music, and comedy exhibits at The Joint. Outdoor lovers will respect the 15 miles-long Arkansas River Trail, nice for each strolling and biking.
The RV Park options 72 websites with water and 50 amp electrical energy service, a few of which even have sewer. A dump station is on the market too. For your safety, the park is gated.
Downtown Riverside RV Park is an ideal spot for many who wish to benefit from the metropolis of Little Rock and its environment from their campers.
Gulpha Gorge Campground
Address: 305 Gorge Rd, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, United States
Phone: +1 501-620-6715
Just minutes away from historic downtown Hot Springs is Gulpha Gorge, considered one of Arkansas’ top-rated campgrounds.
The park has attractive mountain climbing trails in addition to a meandering brook that passes proper via the campground.
It accommodates tents and RVs and contains 30 and 50-amp full electrical hookups, in addition to water and sewer. Sites should not have “pull-through.”
A picnic desk, a stand-up grill, and water are supplied at every location. It presents restrooms, nevertheless, there are not any showers. The most occupancy is eight folks/two automobiles (one RV and one tent OR two tents) per web site.
Sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served foundation. Click right here for additional info on this Campground.
Ozark Campground
Set deep in Buffalo National River, Ozark Campground is a quaint spot excellent for some good old style tenting.
It presents 31 drive-in and tent websites managed on a first-come, first-served foundation. Each of them has a picnic desk, fireplace ring, and a lantern hook supplied. There are not any electrical facilities, however flush restrooms and water can be found through the tenting season. In winter, there’s a vault rest room, and no tenting charges are charged.
Right by the campground, there’s a swimming gap, an important place to chill off on a scorching summer time day. The space additionally options quite a few mountain climbing and biking trails, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Wanderlust RV Park & Cabins
- Phone: (479) 253-7385
- Address: 468 Passion Play Rd, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Located about 5 minutes from downtown Eureka Springs, Wanderlust RV Park & Cabins is the place to remain in the event you’re seeking to uncover the city and its environment.
Visitors will respect the number of native points of interest, together with music exhibits, craft gala’s, automotive and bike rallies, and a plethora of eating places and buying alternatives. You will even discover many mountain climbing and mountain biking trails simply half a mile from the city.
The RV park is overlooking a deep valley the place you may watch breathtaking sunsets. It has a restful ambiance and presents 88 full hook-up websites, 51 of that are pull-thru. There are additionally restrooms, showers, and laundry services. Cabin leases can be found, too.
Voted because the #1 RV Park in Arkansas by Reader’s Digest in 2018, Wanderlust RV Park undoubtedly shouldn’t be missed in your subsequent tenting journey via the Natural State.
Buffalo National River Park – Lost Valley Lodging
- Phone: 870-8611-5522
- Address: State Road 43 at State Road 74, Ponca, AR 72670
If you’d like to get outside however aren’t in a position to tent camp or don’t have an RV, Cabin Camping will be splendid. The Lost Valley Lodging Campground presents non-public cabins alongside the Buffalo National River.
This park is a part of the Ozark National Forest, a hiker’s haven loaded with superb views.
No matter the place you keep within the Buffalo National River Park, you’ll discover entry to chill water to soak your ft, a stupendous path with nice views, and the reward of a panoramic vista on the summit. You can journey mild and nonetheless love tenting!
Greer’s Ferry Lake – Cliff Jumps
- Phone: 800-774-3237
- Address: 10714 Highway 92 East, Bee Branch, AR, 72013
Greer’s Ferry Lake is situated in North Central Arkansas. This stretch of water runs from Choctaw within the west to Hill Creek within the north, Tumbling Shoals to the east, and Cove Creek on the southern tip. If you want being on the water, whether or not it’s to fish, swim or dive, Greer’s Ferry can be considered one of your favourite Arkansas Campsites.
There are 12 campsites on the water complicated. You can discover house to your RV in addition to pitch a tent at a primitive cease. This waterway was created by the Greer’s Ferry Dam, devoted by President John F. Kennedy.
It needs to be famous that this lake is taken into account to be one of many cleanest within the nation, so in case your scuba gear is feeling lonely, carry it to Arkansas.
Bring a very good map of the realm and retailer it in a water-resistant bag. Greer’s Ferry contains over 32,000 acres of water, and the shorelines provide lots of selection. Do your greatest to get to your campsite within the daylight; the topography right here will be tough. We’re glad that can assist you discover your spot!
Lake Ouachita National Forest
- Phone: 501-767-9366
- Email: (advisable) lakeouachita@arkansas.com
- Address: 5451 Mountain Pine Road
Whether you’re tenting in a gaggle or simply have to be by your self. you could find loads of choices within the Lake Ouachita National Forest campground choices.
If you’re in search of some laborious climbing and nice views, go to Jack Creek. For those that need a bit extra consolation, think about renting one of many State Park cabins, situated on the
RVers will discover a snug spot on the Charlton Recreation Area, simply 20 miles west of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It needs to be famous that not all tenting websites have areas for RVs, so make sure to verify with every web site supervisor earlier than driving down any slender highway.
If you’re in search of quiet, search out a campsite on Shady Lake. There are 96 models for tents, showers, and consuming water out there as wanted. Best of all, there are not any motors allowed on Shady Lake. Pack in your kayak and go for a paddle within the calm and stillness.
Petit Jean State Park RV and Campground
Phone: +1 501-727-5441
Address: E Boat House Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, United States
Petit Jean State Park is a pure and historic gem that has attracted guests for many years. the park is roughly an hour and a half drive from Little Rock.
“The campgrounds feature a total of 125 campsites (including 26 pull-through sites). Thirty-five of the sites—the Class AAA sites—have 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The 90 Class B sites offer 30 amp electrical and water hookups. All sites are reservable,” based on the park
They additionally function substantial group services. If a household doesn’t have their very own tenting tools, they’ll lease it.
The park is good for households or teams of associates, resulting from its quite a few picnic areas geared up with tables and grills. There is superb fishing, in addition to a swimming pool, playgrounds, tennis courts, and paddle boat leases. There can be nice mountain climbing for folks of all ages and health ranges.
Gamaliel Campground on Norfolk Lake
- Phone: 870-425-2700
- Address: 324 West seventh Street, Mountain Home, AR
Gamaliel Campground on Norfolk Lake is situated in North Central Arkansas, simply south of the Missouri Border.
There are 63 websites complete with areas for RVs, trailers, and truck campers in addition to tents, and there are tiny home cabins out there for rental as properly.
This US Army Corps of Engineers campsite presents guests the possibility to swim, hike, fish, dive, and even go cave exploring. You may even arrange your tenting web site in a cool, candy shade and simply chill out!
There are showers and potable water, however make sure to herald sufficient consuming water to final you the total size of your keep. There are firepits out there (verify with native authorities earlier than burning something, ever) and picnic tables at a number of websites. Like lots of mountain lakes, this lake was created by the constructing of a dam. The water is clear and clear and the diving is superb, so be able to get low and see the sights.
The driving in Arkansas is gorgeous, however the visibility will be hampered by the tightness of the curves and the topography. Do your greatest to get to your web site within the daylight.
Mount Nebo State Park
- Phone: 479-2209-3365
- Address: 16728 West State Hwy. 155, Dardanelle, AR 72834
Mount Nebo is a superb spot for these with small RVs (lower than 24 ft), truck campers, tents, and anybody who desires to lease a cabin. It’s nestled within the west of Arkansas, simply north of the Ouachita Mountains.
There are 14 miles of mountain climbing and biking trails at Mount Nebo State Park. Cabins and campsites provide views of the river valley from the bluff. In addition to cabin leases, campers will discover 24 websites for Class B RVs and 10 hike-in tent websites.
This campsite additionally presents a swimming pool, picnic benches and pavilions, and a customer’s heart. P
Please remember that the highway right here is a technique, has a number of switchbacks, and contains at the very least one 18% grade. Do NOT try to get to this campground at nighttime.
Lake Catherine State Park – Best for Kids
- Phone: 501-844-4176
- Address: 1200 Catherin Park Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Lake Catherine is likely one of the smaller lakes southwest of Little Rock. This non-public and comfy campground presents guests all kinds of choices, together with 70 RV websites in addition to yurts, cabins, and cottages. Finally, there are 70 tent websites you may take pleasure in as properly. Laundry services and scorching showers will cut back your labor on the finish of your keep too!
There’s a playground for the children and loads of mountain climbing for grownups who want a nature break. If you take pleasure in time on or within the water, try the kayaking and canoeing choices.
Highway 171 approaches the lake from the west and is a less complicated drive than most of the extra mountainous roads of Arkansas.
If you’ve bought a ship to tow, your drive to the boat ramp can be a bit simpler in the event you keep on Lake Catherine.
Hickory Creek Campground on Beaver Lake
Arkansas lakes provide lovely seashores in addition to household enjoyable, and Hickory Creek is a superb spot for volleyball, swimming, and sunbathing. This campground presents 61 websites for RVs and 55 tent websites.
Hickory Creek is situated within the northwest nook of Arkansas and is simply southwest of the Hobbes State Park Conservation Area.
Because you’ll be on the southern finish of the lengthy water complicated that’s Beaver Lake, you may take pleasure in a quiet stick with quick access from the west.
Hickory Creek has the advantage of very stage websites, house for Class A RVs, and superb views!
Lake DeGray – Alpine Ridge
- Phone: 501-865-5850
- Address: 757 Alpine Ridge Landing Road, Amity, AR 71921
If you’re in search of peace, quiet and quick access, Alpine Ridge is a superb choice. This state park is simply southwest of Little Rock. In relation to the opposite campgrounds on Lake DeGray, this one presents loads of privateness and quiet.
For RVers, you’ll be glad to know that entry is pretty easy on paved roads, and discovering a stage web site can be fairly fast. Tent campers will benefit from the keep among the many bushes.
Like all US Army Corps of Engineers, this space is closely wooded and presents loads of shade.
There’s an important swimming seashore and a ship ramp for getting on the water. If you wish to hike right into a campsite and tough it, you could find a spot among the many bushes away from everybody. For those that like a scorching bathe and a bit extra consolation, there are restrooms with showers and recent consuming water.
Hot Springs National Park
- Phone: 501-624-5912
- Address: 838 McClendon Road, Hot Springs, AR
The Hot Springs National Park is a KOA campground that gives loads of choices for campers of all preferences.
If you need a tent web site, you could find one. Get out, go for a very good hike, stretch your muscle tissue and soak within the scorching springs. What might be higher?
RVers will discover an excellent setup on this KOA web site. In complete, there are 75 RV websites, and 13 of them are pull-thru. You’ll discover 66 full hookup websites and 15 extended-stay suites. If you wish to keep in a country cabin and journey mild, Hot Springs presents a number of non-public, free-standing little properties only for you.
Each web site has its personal picnic desk and loads of house. You’ll discover an important playground and quick access to mountain climbing. Lake Hamilton is simply down the highway in the event you’ve bought an itch to fish, too!
Blue Heron Campground
Phone: +1 870-453-4678
Address: 150 Blue Heron Dr, Flippin, AR 72634, United States
Forget about driving for hours on again roads to search out the right campground. This RV park is correct off the freeway, on the banks of the White River. This web site is known for its fishing alternatives. Guided fishing journeys are provided all year long.
Not solely you may fish, but additionally go fowl watching or simply benefit from the surroundings of the Ozark Mountains.
Pets are allowed, however should be on a leash and supervised always. A pavilion with some facilities can be out there for bigger occasions.
There are 30/50 amp hookups, full hookups, a dump station and restrooms on the RV websites.
It is a modest campground, however the setting is gorgeous and the workers may be very useful. White River trout are the primary species of fish within the space and it’s an important exercise for youths and an genuine tenting expertise.
This web site prices about $30 to $36 per night time and $180 to $250 per week, with month-to-month choices out there, making it a wonderful worth for some nice fishing.
Camping in Arkansas FAQs:
Most of the State Parks in Arkansas have a tenting payment however you too can discover some FREE tenting websites.
Peak season: from March 01, 2022 – October 31, 2022, Non-Peak Season: from November 01, 2022 – December 31, Out of Season (No Booking Available): from January 01, 2022 – February 28, 2022.
RV campgrounds in Arkansas are on common between $20 USD to $80 USD. Price depends upon the placement, dimension of RV spot, and kind of connection.
Conclusion
Your time in Arkansas can be distinctive and enjoyable. Whether you’re concerned about fishing, swimming, kayaking, or diving, the water will preserve you guessing and funky.
Climbers will take pleasure in their keep on Mount Nebo, and hikers will discover nice trails in each park within the state.
No matter your out of doors targets, Arkansas is able to play!