10 Hot Spots to Camp in the Scenic Arkansas

When you pitch your tent beneath the towering bluffs of Petit Jean State Park, you’ll understand why it became Arkansas’s first state park in 1923. The Natural State’s diverse camping landscape offers everything from lakeside retreats to mountaintop adventures, many costing less than $30 per night. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, these ten locations showcase the state’s most remarkable features, from hidden caves to crystal-clear waters. Let’s explore where you should set up camp next.

Take Aways

• Mount Magazine offers Arkansas’s highest elevation camping at 2,753 feet with cooler temperatures and luxury accommodations year-round.
• Lake Ouachita provides crystal-clear waters for scuba diving and diverse camping options across three major campgrounds.
• Petit Jean State Park features 20+ miles of trails, historic Mather Lodge, and the stunning 95-foot Cedar Falls.
• Devil’s Den State Park combines unique sandstone caves, extensive trail systems, and diverse camping options in the Boston Mountains.
• Village Creek State Park spans 7,000 acres with equestrian facilities, multi-use trails, and Arkansas’s top-rated public golf course.

Petit Jean State Park: Arkansas’s First Natural Wonder

Nestled in the heart of Arkansas, Petit Jean State Park serves as the state’s first designated state park, welcoming over 800,000 visitors annually with its abundant blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage.

You’ll discover over 20 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, including the popular Cedar Falls Trail leading to a spectacular 95-foot waterfall. The iconic Mather Lodge, built in 1930, showcases the park’s rustic charm with its native log and stone construction.

The park’s lavish history dates back to Native American settlements and includes the romantic tale of Petit Jean, a French woman who disguised herself as a boy to follow her love. The diverse types of camping offered in the park provide accommodations for different budgets.

Don’t miss the Seven Hollows Trail‘s unique rock formations or Lake Bailey’s excellent fishing spots.

The CCC-built facilities and Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center offer insights into the park’s geology and wildlife, while various camping options accommodate different budgets.

Lake Ouachita’s Crystal Waters and Forest Views

Three stunning campgrounds – Denby Point, Crystal Springs, and Lake Ouachita State Park – anchor the outdoor experience at Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’s largest man-made lake.

You’ll find diverse camping options, from walk-in tent sites to fully equipped RV spots with electric and water hookups. Budget-conscious travelers can choose from 93 sites at the state park or opt for Crystal Springs’ group camping area. Essential tips for a great RV camping experience can help ensure your RV trip is a success.

The lake’s crystal-clear waters make it a prime spot for scuba diving and swimming, while anglers appreciate the convenient fish cleaning stations. The Ouachita National Forest creates a pristine backdrop for outdoor recreation.

You can explore unique geological formations by boat or hike the scenic forest trails around Denby Point. For added convenience, Hot Springs is just a short drive away via Highway 270, offering urban amenities when you need them.

Year-round accessibility means you can plan your visit any season.

Mount Magazine: Camping at Arkansas’s Highest Peak

While Lake Ouachita draws water enthusiasts, Mount Magazine calls adventurers to Arkansas’s highest peak at 2,753 feet.

Towering at 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine beckons thrill-seekers to conquer Arkansas’s majestic summit while Lake Ouachita entertains water lovers below.

You’ll find this natural wonder in the Ozark National Forest, just 17 miles south of Paris, where sandstone cliffs and a flat-top plateau create a dramatic landscape.

You can pitch your tent amid a remarkable ecosystem that’s home to 94 butterfly species, including the rare Diana fritillary.

The mountain’s trails offer opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding, while history buffs can explore areas containing Native American artifacts.

Whether you’re scaling Signal Hill or setting up camp under the stars, you’ll share the terrain with local wildlife like black bears, whitetail deer, and bobcats.

The state park provides both basic campsites and luxury accommodations to suit your budget. Thanks to its elevation, visitors enjoy ten degrees cooler temperatures than the Arkansas average, making summer camping particularly pleasant.

Devil’s Den’s Hidden Caves and Rugged Landscapes

Hidden within the rugged Boston Mountains, Devil’s Den State Park showcases a mesmerizing network of sandstone caves and crevices formed by ancient geological events.

You’ll discover diverse camping options, from tent sites to RV facilities and cozy cabins, all strategically positioned near scenic overlooks. Essential tips for a memorable family camping trip can help ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.

The park’s extensive trail system leads you through dramatic landscapes, where you can hike, mountain bike, or backpack while exploring Lee Creek Valley and Lake Devil’s pristine waters. The unique caves maintain a constant 54 degrees, providing a natural refuge for visitors during extreme weather.

Don’t miss the annual Bat-O-Rama event celebrating the park’s brown bat colony. While Big Ear Cave remains off-limits to protect endangered Ozark big-eared bats, you can still explore numerous other geological formations throughout the park.

Remember to book your accommodations through Arkansas State Parks, and check the cafe’s hours for convenient dining options during your stay.

Village Creek: Where History Meets Natural Beauty

Perched atop the unique Crowley’s Ridge in northeast Arkansas, Village Creek State Park spans nearly 7,000 acres of forested hills and pristine streams.

Rising dramatically from Arkansas’s Delta plains, Village Creek State Park offers 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness along historic Crowley’s Ridge.

You’ll discover 33 miles of multi-use trails that wind through historically significant lands, including segments of the Trail of Tears and Old Military Road. Family camping is a popular activity for visitors to the park.

The park’s equestrian campground offers stable facilities and class B campsites, while ten cabins provide comfortable lodging alternatives. The campgrounds stay open year-round with restroom facilities available from March through December.

If you’re a golf enthusiast, don’t miss The Ridges at Village Creek, Arkansas’s #1-rated public golf course.

The park’s quick-draining soil means you won’t face many trail closures after rain.

Between exploring the visitor center’s local history exhibits and enjoying the day-use facilities, you’ll find Village Creek perfectly balances outdoor recreation with cultural significance.

Blanchard Springs: Underground Marvels and Forest Retreats

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark National Forest, Blanchard Springs offers a remarkable combination of above-ground and underground wonders. Essential camping gear is important to ensure a comfortable and safe outdoor adventure.

You’ll find 32 campsites and 2 group sites accommodating tents and RVs up to 25 feet, all operating on a first-come basis.

At 866 feet elevation, you’re surrounded by rolling hills and hardwood forests, with North Sylamore Creek’s crystal-clear waters flowing through the grounds.

Don’t miss touring the famous Blanchard Springs Caverns, a living cave system that’s become a major attraction.

The area’s extensive trail network leads to impressive features like the Blanchard Springs water emergence.

While the campground stays open year-round, you’ll need to check conditions before visiting, as the low-water bridge access can close during heavy rains.

Basic amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. The hot showers available are fully handicap accessible for all visitors.

Eureka Springs: Victorian Charm Meets Outdoor Adventure

With its Victorian architecture and outdoor allure, Eureka Springs serves as a unique camping destination where 19th-century charm meets modern adventure.

You’ll find diverse accommodation options, from full-hookup RV sites to cozy cabins and unique lodgings like converted buses and containers. Recent visitor reviews show an impressive 96% satisfaction rate among campers in the area.

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, you’re just minutes from downtown while enjoying the rugged beauty of Lake Leatherwood City Park’s 1,600 acres and Withrow Springs State Park’s forested trails. Essential gear for your next camping adventure can help ensure a successful trip.

The Farm Campground’s 160 acres feature an 18-hole disc golf course, while KOA offers modern amenities including air-conditioned shower houses and cable TV.

Whether you’re seeking water activities at Beaver Lake, hiking the varied trails, or enjoying on-site recreation like basketball and horseshoes, you’ll find camping options to match your outdoor interests and budget.

Bull Shoals Lake: Paradise for Anglers and Nature Lovers

Bull Shoals Lake serves as a crown jewel in Arkansas’s outdoor recreation scene, stretching across the Ozark Mountains into Missouri.

You’ll discover world-class trout fishing in the White River, while the surrounding landscape offers a mix of cedar glades and rocky bluffs perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. The park features 109 total campsites with various amenities to accommodate all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

The lake’s campgrounds cater to various preferences, from Dam Site Park’s 33 electric hookup sites to Lead Hill’s 75 waterfront spots. Accessible RV Adventures for All Campers can find suitable accommodations at Bull Shoals Lake.

• Book your campsite through Recreation.gov for best rates and availability
• Experience the stunning “Flaming Fall Revue” during autumn months
• Access multiple marinas for boat rentals and fishing guide services
• Choose from year-round or seasonal campgrounds with modern amenities
• Enjoy stargazing opportunities and peaceful waterfront views at budget-friendly rates

Ozark National Forest’s Remote Wilderness Experience

Deep within Arkansas’s rugged terrain, Ozark National Forest delivers five distinct wilderness areas where you’ll find untamed beauty and solitude without breaking the bank.

You can pitch your tent at primitive sites like Wolf Pen or Barkshed campgrounds, where dirt roads lead to secluded spots near rushing rivers and creeks. Located near the breathtaking White Rock Mountain area, these sites offer access to stunning scenic drives and fresh provisions at check-in stations. Essential tips for camping off the grid can help ensure a comfortable and prepared adventure.

The forest’s remote locations offer unmatched stargazing opportunities and chances to spot native wildlife like deer and turkey.

You’ll discover countless hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and unexplored caves throughout the wilderness.

During spring, dogwood and redbud blooms paint the landscape, while fall transforms the forest into a canvas of lavish autumn colors.

For budget-conscious adventurers, these wilderness areas provide year-round recreational options, from summer swimming holes to winter hiking when bugs are scarce.

Lake Catherine’s Waterfront Camping Haven

Nestled along the scenic shoreline of one of Arkansas’s most beautiful reservoirs, Lake Catherine State Park offers diverse camping options to suit every outdoor enthusiast’s budget.

You’ll find everything from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with 70 total campsites featuring varying amenities and price points. All reservations require a nonrefundable first night deposit to secure your spot.

• 47 Class AAA sites with complete hookups, perfect for RV camping
• 23 Class B sites with water and electric, ideal for budget-conscious travelers
• Historic CCC-era structures showcase Arkansas’s abundant cultural heritage
• Year-round interpretive programs and guided hikes at no extra cost
• Seasonal marina access for fishing and water recreation needs
• Top family-friendly campsites around the globe can be found nearby.

Whether you’re pitching a tent at a primitive site or hooking up your RV to full utilities, you’ll appreciate the modern restrooms, hot showers, and standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings at each site.

The Last Word

Arkansas’s camping spots will take your breath away without breaking the bank. You’ll discover a million hidden gems across these diverse locations, from budget-friendly state parks to cultural hotspots like Eureka Springs. Whether you’re pitching a tent at Petit Jean or casting a line at Bull Shoals, you’re connecting with both nature and the state’s abundant legacy. Pack your gear and embrace Arkansas’s outdoor treasures.