Best Camping Sites in Arkansas
The number one claim to fame for Arkansas is the State’s staggering Natural beauty. It is home to some very densely wooded forests like the 1.3 million acres of the Ozark forest, Peak Mountains like Mount magazine, lakes, rivers, national, and state parks which make Arkansas the ideal destination for camping. The state also experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year meaning you can go and enjoy some secluded RV or tent camping almost all year round. To help you choose the perfect spot to pitch your tent o park your RV, check out the top 15 Best Camping Sites in Arkansas.
1. Petit Jean State Park
Inspired by the ancient geology of the famous petit jean mountain, this state park is the first-ever state park to be created in the state of Arkansas. It is located about 90 minutes from Little Rock and features 127 individual campsites, which include 38 pull-through sites. Petit Jean offers a variety of amenities to campers such as clean water, electrical hookups, and four bathhouses to be shared between the campers. They not only offer individual facilities but group facilities as well. This an ideal destination for families as they can get to enjoy the array of sporting activities which include playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, boat rentals, and fishing.
2. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
This state resort park is one of its kind in this state. It is located near Bismarck, in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, along the north shore of the 13,800 acres DeGray Lake. This resort state park features 113 campsites that offer clean fresh water and electric hookups. Some of the campsites are located along the lakeshore while some are nestled deep in the woods. If you intend to spend a lot of time camping at this state park, consider renting the permanent yurt, which resembles a tent and has everything a camper might need including electricity. This is an ideal destination for fishing and water-based sports activities. You can also get to watch the protected wildlife and birds that don the area.
3. Lake Quachita State Park
Located at 5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956-9706, Lake Ouachita is a vast State Park, featuring 1106 campsites and 21 recreational areas. This park offers 150 picnic sites, 13 swimming beaches, 25 boat ramps, as well as over 200 islands. The best camping spot on this island is the Denby point located on the southern side of Lake Quachita and offers 67 sites, 59 of which have electrical hookups. With 975 miles of coastline, you are sure to find all sorts of water sports that you can fathom.
4. Buffalo National River Park
Located at Buffalo National River, Calf Creek Township, AR 72675, this river park is part of the National Park service. It offers 13 campsites, both primitive and modern with electricity hookups. If you intend to visit the river park, be sure to take the float trip along the 135 miles of Buffalo River, which stretches, on the southern side of the Ozark. At the park, you can rent float equipment at the river shores fish, swim, go hiking on the forest trail, or go wildlife watching. You can also visit the lost valley campsite for the scenic views of the waterfalls, cliffs, bluff shelter, and a natural bridge.
5. Lake Sylvia Recreational Area
If you are looking for a premier family camping destination in Arkansas, look no further than the Lake Sylvia Recreational Area. Located at 810 AR-324, Perryville, AR 72126-8178, this area is highly recommended for family-friendly activities such as barbeque fishing, hiking, and swimming. The area may lack the scenic views common in this state but it is a great starting point for the serious backpackers hoping to explore the Quachita trails. The lake does not permit motorboats but you can take a day trip to Little Rock located an hour away.
6. Greers Ferry Lake
Located about two hours from the famous Little Rock, the Greers ferry recreational area attracts thousands of campers due to its crystal clear waters and lovely shorelines. This lake area features 1200 parks with over 1300 campsites. While the lake has vast stretches of deep and clear waters for sailing, boating, scuba diving, and waterskiing, it also offers camping and hiking facilities. While at the Greers Ferry Lake, be sure to visit the Choctaw campsite as it overlooks the beautiful lake and offers two boat ramps, 30 picnic sites, and a swimming area.
7. Maumelle Park
Located on 9009 Pinnacle Valley Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223, Maumelle Park is the only public campground in the area. The proximity of the park to little rock makes it an ideal destination for city families working on a budget and limited time. It features an array of amenities for its visitors which include, flush toilets, showers, fishing pier, and a playground. It also offers 139 reservable camping areas complete with clean water, electricity boat ramp, and a picnic area.
8. The Ozark National Forest
With over 1200 million acres of land in the Ozark Mountains, north Arkansas, This is one of the most sought after travel destination for serious campers. It is located at Russellville, AR 72801. At the campgrounds, you will be treated to scenic views of the Mount magazine- the tallest mountain in the state and the amazing living underground cave found at Blanchard Spring Caverns. The campgrounds at the area are developed by the US Forest Service and situated in the rugged mountain terrain, cleverly designed to blend into the environment, thus preserving the lush green forest atmosphere.
9. Millwood Lake State Park
If you are looking for a great camping experience, which involves fishing and bird watching, be sure to visit this lake state park. It features a lake with 26000 acres of partially submerged trees at an average depth of seven feet. This makes the Millwood Lake state park the best fishing spot in the state of Arkansas. The largemouth and white bass are the main fish found in this area. To make the best off this park, pitch your tent at the Saratoga and white cliffs campsites situated near the lake. They feature a wooded area with a playground, boat camp, and a fishing pier. The white cliff area is ideal for angling.
10. Devil’s Den State Park
Are you a spelunker looking for caverns and coves to explore in the state of Arkansas, be sure to visit the Devil’s Den State Park. Despite the rather ominous name, this state park offers some of the most picturesque scenes of the state of Arkansas. Nestled in a lush green valley in the impressive Ozark Mountains, the state park is a popular camping destination for its oak-hickory forest and its natural beauty. It offers 143 campsites, some primitive for tents only, and some modern with electricity hookups. It features various caverns, caves, hiking trails, a forest and hiking trails that campers can explore. The horse camp is the favorite for many as it offers group camp area, hookups, bathhouse and access to horse trails. You can rent canoes and paddleboats as well.
11. Francis National Forest
Located in 605 W Main St, Russellville, AR 72801, this campground covers over 22,600 acres of land on the eastern side of Arkansas. It is considered the smallest yet most diverse forests in the USA. A favorite for many campers, the Long Pool recreational area offers various outdoor activities such as swimming, camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Some of the campsites overlook the Big Piney Creek natural pool with scenic hiking opportunities. The campgrounds are nestled among the pine and hardwood forests and offer amenities such as 8 picnic grounds, canoe launch site, change shelter and a picnic pavilion.
12. Burns Park and Riverside Park
Located in North Little Rock, AR 72118, the Burns Park and Riverside Park offer visitors some of the smallest campsite areas in Arkansas. As part of the largest municipal park in the state, this campground has 1700 acres with amenities such as two 18-hole disc golf courses a tournament golf course and a champion golf course. Other amenities you can expect are a baseball and softball complex, a playground, a dog park, a tennis center, and camping sites. While at the park, be sure to explore the covered bridge, pre-civil war log amusement park, and the archery range. This area permits RV camping only.
13. Richland Creek Recreation Area
Enjoy a long relaxing hike at picturesque hiking trails in Arkansas State from this recreational area. Located in Ben Hur, just 3 hours from Little Rock, the Richland Creek Recreation Area is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in this state. It is located 10 miles from any paved roads but features lovely hiking trails and swimming spots.
14. Lake Greeson
If you are the kind of person that enjoys fishing and watersports while camping, this 12-mile long lake is an ideal destination for you. Located just two hours from Little Rock, this campground is great for water-based activities such as swimming, fishing or kayaking whether alone, guided or tandem. Angling is also popular at the lake and campers are likely to catch black bass, stripers, bream catfish, and smallmouth.
15. Lake Dardanelle State Park
Looking for the premier fishing grounds in the state of Arkansas, be sure to visit Lake Dardanelle State Park. This 34,300-acre reservoir is located at 100 State Park Dr, Russellville, and AR 72802-8546, on the Arkansas River. It offers 83 campsites with amenities such as a bathhouse with hot water and restrooms. Frequently in the spotlight as the ultimate bass fishing tournament area, it also offers launch ramps, pavilions picnic tables, and a visitor’s center.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Arkansas state has natural beauty which can be staggering to those who have never been there. The mountainous region with pristine shores, Clear River and lake waters make for the ideal camping ground that the whole family would enjoy. The 15 aforementioned camping sites are well built and designed to provide you with a memorable camping experience. Have a great time exploring this beautiful and natural state.
