In Arkansas, outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with a remarkable selection of parks and recreation areas. From the serene beauty of Lake Catherine State Park to the thrilling mountain biking trails at Ouachita National Recreation Trail, there’s something for everyone.
Is Arkansas good for camping?
Arkansas is a great destination for camping, with a diverse range of options from state parks to national forests and private campgrounds. The natural beauty of Arkansas, including its lakes, rivers, national and state parks, and forests, makes it a camper’s paradise.
With Arkansas’ moderate temperature, you can go camping almost year-round. The state offers a wide range of camping options, from state parks to national forests and private campgrounds.
Natural beauty in Arkansas
Arkansas has many beautiful lakes, such as Shady Trail Lake and Beaver Lake, and rivers, such as Arkansas River. The state is home to many national and state parks, including River Valley, which is known for its scenic beauty. Arkansas also has many forests, which provide a great backdrop for camping.
Finally, the Historic Shady Lake Dam is a popular attraction for visitors to the state. It is a great place to visit if you are interested in history or just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Arkansas is home to the Ozark Mountains, the Boston Mountains, and the Ouachita Mountains. These mountain ranges provide breathtaking views and diverse landscapes for campers to explore.
Arkansas is blessed with a mild climate that allows for year-round camping. The state’s varied terrain includes the vast Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, broad valleys, hills covered in forest, and the Ozark Mountains. This diverse landscape provides adventure at every turn.
You’ll find great campsites on top of mountains, along the shores of lakes, and in many other terrific spots that showcase the natural beauty and geological diversity of Arkansas.
Arkansas is an excellent destination for camping due to its natural beauty and diverse range of camping options. Whether you’re looking for a scenic lakeside campsite or an adventure in the mountains, Arkansas has something to offer every camper.
10 the best tent campings in Arkansas
1. Crater of Diamonds State Park
This place for a camping trip is a 911-acre Arkansas state park located in Pike County, Arkansas. It features a 37.5-acre plowed field, which is one of the few diamond-bearing sites accessible to the public.
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County, Arkansas, is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers visitors a unique experience of searching for real diamonds in their original volcanic source.
The park’s 37-acre field, which is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, is one of the few diamond-bearing sites accessible to the public. Visitors can search for a variety of rocks, minerals, and gemstones, and any rock or mineral found.
Services for tent campers
The park staff offers complimentary identification of rocks and minerals found at the park, as well as diamond mining demonstrations and other interpretive programs. The Diamond Discovery Center provides information about rocks, minerals, and various techniques for searching diamonds.
The park’s visitor center showcases real, uncut diamonds and exhibits that illustrate the area’s history and geology.
The park’s natural beauty is breathtaking, with walking trails, picnic sites, and campsites nestled under the trees with plenty of shade. Diamond Springs Water Park is a great place to cool off after a summer day of digging for diamonds.
The park also features a tree-shaded campground with 47 Class AAA campsites (with water/electric/sewer hookups) and 5 walk-in tent sites. The campground includes two modern bathhouses with hot showers and a dump station.
Visitors can also enjoy the Diamond Springs Water Park (seasonal) after a day of digging for diamonds.
2. Wanderlust RV Park & Cabins
Wanderlust RV Park & Cabins is a picturesque campsite located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It is situated just 5 minutes away from downtown Eureka Springs, making it an ideal place to stay if you want to explore the town and its surroundings.
The campsite offers a wide range of local attractions, including music shows, craft fairs, car and bike rallies, and numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to know that there are many hiking and mountain hiking trails within half a mile of the town.
Amenities at the best of RV parks
Wanderlust RV camping is perched on a hill overlooking a deep valley, providing breathtaking views of the sunset. The park has a serene atmosphere and boasts 88 full hook-up sites, 51 of which are pull-thru.
Additionally, there are well-maintained restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities available for campers’ convenience. If you prefer a more cozy accommodation, the park also offers cabin rentals.
In 2018, Wanderlust RV Park & Cabins was voted as the #1 RV camping in Arkansas by Reader’s Digest. With its beautiful location, excellent amenities, and proximity to various attractions, it’s definitely a campsite worth considering for your next camping trip through the Natural State.
3. Petit Jean State Park RV and Campground
This Arkansas camping RV and Campground is a natural and historic gem that has been attracting visitors for decades. It is located approximately an hour and a half drive from Little Rock.
The campgrounds offer a total of 125 campsites, including 26 pull-through sites. Among these, 35 sites are classified as Class AAA and provide 50-amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The remaining 90 sites are classified as Class B and offer 30-amp electrical and water hookups. All campsites can be reserved.
In addition to the campsites, the park also features substantial group facilities. If a family does not have their own camping equipment, they have the option to rent it.
Activities in the camping trip
This Arkansas camping is an ideal destination for families or groups of friends due to its numerous picnic spaces equipped with picnic tables and grills.
The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including excellent fishing, a swimming pool, playgrounds, tennis courts, a boat ramp, and paddle boat rentals. Moreover, there are great hiking trails suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
4. Gamaliel Campground on Norfolk Lake
Gamaliel Campground on Norfolk Lake is a picturesque campsite located in North Central Arkansas, just south of the Missouri Border. It offers a total of 63 sites that can accommodate RVs, trailers, truck campers, tents, and even tiny house cabins.
This US Army Corps of Engineers campsite provides visitors with a wide range of recreational activities such as swimming, hiking and biking trails, fishing, diving, and cave exploring. You can also enjoy the serene ambiance by setting up your camping site in a cool, shaded area.
The campsite offers showers and potable water. However, it is advisable to bring enough drinking water to last your entire stay. Firepits are available, but it’s important to check with local authorities before burning anything. Additionally, there are picnic tables at several sites for your convenience.
Beauty of Northern Arkansas
Norfolk Lake in North Central Arkansas, where Gamaliel Campground is located, was created by the building of a dam. The lake boasts clean and clear water, making it ideal for diving and exploring the amazing sights beneath the surface.
While driving in Arkansas can be beautiful, it’s worth noting that visibility can be hampered by the tightness of the curves and the topography. It’s recommended to plan your journey and aim to arrive at your campsite during daylight hours.
5. Blue Heron Campground
Blue Heron Campground is a picturesque campsite located on the banks of the White River, right off the highway. It offers a range of amenities and activities that make it an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts.
The campground is renowned for its fishing opportunities, particularly for White River trout. Guided fishing trips are available throughout the year, allowing visitors to fully enjoy this popular activity. In addition to fishing, you can also engage in bird watching or simply soak in the beautiful scenery of the Ozark Mountains.
Pets are allowed at Blue Heron Campground, but they must be kept on a leash and supervised at all times. The campground also features a pavilion with some amenities, providing a suitable space for larger events.
Campground offers a range of hookups, including 30/50 amp hookups and full hookups. Restrooms and a dump station are available for campers convenience.
Prices for tent campers
While Blue Heron Campground may be modest in size, its setting is truly stunning, and the staff is known for being very helpful. The main species of fish in the area is White River trout, making it an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts of all ages.
With its affordable rates, ranging from $30 to $36 per night and $180 to $250 per week, Blue Heron Campground offers great value for those seeking a memorable camping experience.
6. Hot Springs National Park KOA
Hot Springs National Park KOA is a picturesque campsite located within the Ouachita Mountains. It is situated just minutes away from this camping in Arkansas, making it an ideal place to stay if you want to explore the park and its surroundings.
One of the main attractions of Hot Springs National Park is the thermal waters that are believed to have therapeutic properties.
Visitors can relax and rejuvenate their bodies by soaking in the thermal waters of the park. Additionally, the park offers a range of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and crystal hunting.
Amenities
The campsite offers a variety of camping options, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. The RV sites feature 30/50 amp hookups, full hookups, a dump station, and restrooms. The campsite also features a swimming pool, convenience and gift store, laundry, game arcade, playground, and mini-golf course.
This camping in Arkansas is an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts who want to explore the park and its surroundings while enjoying the serene ambiance of the Ouachita Mountains.
7. Gulpha Gorge Campground
Gulpha Gorge Campground is a picturesque campsite located in Hot Springs National Park. It is situated just minutes away from Hot Springs camping in Arkansas, making it an ideal place to stay if you want to explore the park and its surroundings.
One of the main attractions of the state park is the thermal waters which are believed to have therapeutic properties. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate their bodies by soaking in the thermal waters of the park.
Additionally, the park offers a range of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and crystal hunting.
Your Gateway to Nature’s Paradise
The campsite offers a variety of camping options, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. The RV sites feature 30/50 amp hookups, full hookups, a dump station, and restrooms. The campsite also features a swimming pool, convenience and gift store, laundry, game arcade, playground, and mini-golf course.
Gulpha Gorge Campground is an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts who want to explore the park and its surroundings while enjoying the serene ambiance of the Ouachita Mountains.
8. Crystal Springs Campground
Crystal Springs Campground is a picturesque campsite located along Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. The campground consists of 68 sites, including 63 sites with electric and water hookups. There is also a reserved group campsite that includes electrical and water hookups.
The two group picnic shelters have electricity. Other amenities include a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, boat ramp, playground, and a swim beach.
Crystal Springs Campground is an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts who want to enjoy the serene ambiance of the Ouachita Mountains while being surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
The area is a great place for day hiking trips or group outings, and visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences.
Dive into Adventure
Most visitors come here to water-ski or jet-ski, and scuba diving is a must! Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities here because thanks to the clear water, visibility is at an excellent level.
Because of the popularity of this campsite, it is recommended to make a reservation ahead of time to ensure that you get to enjoy the area at its best.
9. Buffalo Point Campground
Buffalo Point Campground, nestled within the Buffalo National River Park in Arkansas, offers a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
This campground is part of the larger Buffalo National River, managed by the U.S. National Park Service, and it serves as an excellent gateway to explore the beauty and recreational opportunities of this pristine natural area.
Buffalo Point Campground is the largest and most developed campground within the Buffalo National River Park. This tent camping is one of the best tent camping in Arkansas. It offers a range of campsites, some of which can be reserved in advance while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This flexibility makes it accessible to both spontaneous travelers and those who prefer to plan ahead.
One notable feature of Buffalo Point Campground is its accessibility. It caters to individuals with limited mobility, with paved roads throughout the campground and wheelchair-accessible restroom and shower facilities. ADA-accessible sites are also available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of area.
While the campground offers a rustic experience, it does provide some essential amenities such as seasonal water, hot showers, and toilets. However, it’s important to note that cell service is limited, allowing you to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life.
For those seeking a more remote camping experience, the walk-in tent loop is available, catering to serious campers looking for a deeper connection with nature.
Discover the Tranquility of the Buffalo River
One of the highlights of Buffalo Point Campground and the Arkansas River is the opportunity to take a scenic float trip down the Buffalo River. This activity allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area while drifting along the crystal-clear waters. It’s an experience that feels like a nature lover’s playground.
In summary, Buffalo Point Campground, located within the Buffalo National River Park, offers an incredible camping experience amidst beautiful scenery, well-maintained hiking trails, and the pristine waters of the Buffalo River.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the great outdoors, this campground is an inviting destination where you can trade the noise of the city for the soothing sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves.
It’s a place where nature truly calls your name, beckoning you to explore and discover the wonders of the Buffalo River.
10. Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park is a captivating outdoor destination situated in close proximity to Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. This park is renowned for being home to the largest lake in the state, Lake Ouachita, which spans a massive 40,000 acres.
Its vast expanse of water provides visitors with an array of recreational activities, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
SCUBA diving
This camping in Arkansas is the crown jewel of the park, offering an extensive playground for water-based activities. Visitors can indulge in a variety of aquatic adventures, including swimming, fishing, water skiing, canoeing, and even SCUBA diving.
The clear and expansive waters of the lake are a paradise for anglers, with opportunities to catch a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and bream. The calm and serene ambiance of the lake makes it a perfect spot for swimming and water sports, ensuring a fun-filled day on the water.
For those seeking a unique underwater experience, Lake Ouachita’s clear waters provide excellent visibility for SCUBA diving. The lake boasts submerged forests, fascinating rock formations, and diverse aquatic life, making it a prime destination for underwater exploration.
Head to Arkansas campgrounds soon
Thus, every camping enthusiast will find a suitable place for himself in the state of Arkansas. In addition to the camping parks listed, there are others in the state.
Whether you prefer the convenience of downtown Riverside RV Park, the tranquility of Denton Ferry RV Park, or the rustic charm of Dam Site Campground and Hickory Creek Campground, Arkansas offers diverse camping experiences.
Don’t forget to explore the scenic wonders of Ozark National Forest or Francis National Forest and the water adventures at Willow Beach Recreation Area. These fantastic parks and destinations like White River State Park and Willow Beach Campground, Arkansas truly cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Read also Articles about:
- Tent camping in the Florida Keys
- Best tent camping in Missouri
- Orcas island camping
- Red Feather Lakes camping
- Yosemite camping tips
- Camping death valley
- Exploring the Best Tent Camping in Arkansas - October 26, 2023
- How to use a camping percolator and enjoy Your coffee everywhere - March 14, 2023
- How to get WiFi while camping: Easy ways to get Internet - January 4, 2023