Hey there campers and welcome to my post where we will take a look at my 10 best campsites in Arkansas. Now, we all know the joys that camping can bring, from experiencing the great outdoors, to time with family and of course, just doing nothing around the campfire. But where should you go?
There are of course so many different options out there so if you looking for a good campsite in Arkansas, or have one in mind but are not sure what it has to offer, here are 10 good options below.
Let’s check them out…
10 Best Campsites in Arkansas
Arkansas, also known as the “Natural State,” is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts offering a wide variety of recreational activities, picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature and experience the beauty of Arkansas, camping is the perfect way to do it.
So to help you out here, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best campsites in Arkansas for you to consider on your next adventure.
1. Buffalo National River Campgrounds
The Buffalo National River, America’s first designated national river, offers an unforgettable camping experience in the heart of the Ozarks. There are three main campgrounds along the river: Steel Creek, Kyle’s Landing, and Tyler Bend. Each one provides a unique setting for campers, with ample opportunities for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
- Steel Creek Campground is perfect for those who want to explore the stunning bluffs and scenic views of the Buffalo River. It’s a great starting point for hiking trails, like the popular Ponca to Steel Creek trail, which offers panoramic vistas of the river valley. The campground features 26 tent-only sites and a group site that can accommodate up to 25 people.
- Kyle’s Landing is ideal for adventurous campers who want to experience the river’s rapids and float trips. With 33 campsites and easy river access, it’s the perfect base for those who love kayaking, canoeing or rafting. The campground is also near the popular Indian Creek Trail, a challenging hike with beautiful waterfalls.
- Tyler Bend offers a mix of modern facilities and serene nature. With 10 walk-in tent sites, 28 drive-in sites, and a group site, there’s something for everyone. The visitor center provides interpretive exhibits about the area’s history and wildlife, while nearby trails like the Buffalo River and Collier Homestead Trail offer excellent hiking options.
Buffalo National River Campgrounds also feature additional amenities and activities that cater to a range of interests. For history buffs, the Parker-Hickman Farmstead showcases a preserved 19th-century homestead, offering a glimpse into the area’s past. The campgrounds provide picnic areas, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet meal surrounded by nature on day visits as well.
Campsites can be booked here.
2. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park, situated atop Petit Jean Mountain, is Arkansas’ first state park and a must-visit for camping enthusiasts. The park features 125 campsites, including 26 pull-through sites, 61 standard sites and 38 tent-only sites all equipped with water and electrical hookups.
The park’s main attraction is the 95-foot Cedar Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that cascades into a picturesque pool. Hikers can enjoy the Cedar Falls Trail, a two-mile round trip that takes you to the base of the falls. Other popular trails include the Bear Cave Trail, Rock House Cave Trail, and Seven Hollows Trail, offering a variety of terrains and difficulty levels.
Petit Jean State Park also offers several recreational activities, including boating, fishing and picnicking and there is also a boathouse where you can rent pedal boats, canoes and kayaks. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the well-stocked Lake Bailey, home to Largemouth Bass, Catfish and Bream.
Campsites can be booked here.
3. Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park is nestled along the shores of Lake Ouachita, the largest lake in Arkansas. The park offers a serene camping experience with:
- 103 campsites including 59 Class AAA sites with water, sewer and electric hookups
- 30 Class D sites
- 14 walk-in tent sites
Campers can also rent one of the park’s fully-equipped cabins for a more luxurious stay.
The lake is the main attraction, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and scuba diving and the park’s marina offers boat rentals, fishing supplies and guided tours making it easy to explore the 40,000-acre lake and its 975 miles of shoreline. Anglers will find an abundance of fish species, including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Crappie.
For hikers, Lake Ouachita State Park features the scenic Caddo Bend Trail, a four-mile loop that offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains which also passes through a variety of landscapes from dense forests to rocky outcrops as well.
Campsites can be booked here.
4. Devil’s Den State Park
Located in the Ozark National Forest, Devil’s Den State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering 143 campsites, including 44 Class AAA sites with water, electric and sewer hookups, 12 Class B sites with water and electric and 87 tent-only sites.
Devil’s Den is famous for its unique geological formations including caves crevices, and bluffs and has several hiking trails, such as the Devil’s Den Self-Guided Trail, which takes you through the park’s most intriguing features. Other popular trails include the Fossil Flats Trail and the Butterfield Hiking Trail, which provide varying levels of difficulty and scenery.
In addition to hiking, campers can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing in the park’s two lakes. The park also has a swimming pool and offers canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals as well.
Campsites can be booked here.
5. Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park, located on the state’s highest peak at 2,753 feet, offers breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities. The park has 18 campsites including 12 Class AAA sites with water, electric and sewer hookups and six walk-in tent sites. For a more luxurious stay, consider booking one of the park’s cabins or a room at the Mount Magazine Lodge.
Hiking is a popular activity at Mount Magazine with trails like the Signal Hill Trail, which leads to the highest point in Arkansas, and the Bear Hollow Trail, which offers stunning views of the Petit Jean River Valley. Mountain biking, horseback riding and rock climbing are also available for adventure-seekers.
The park also is a great destination for birdwatching and wildlife viewing as it is home to numerous species, including black bears, deer and the rare, endangered Diana fritillary butterfly.
Campsites can be booked here.
6. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests encompass over one million acres of diverse landscapes from rugged mountains to serene lakes. There are numerous campgrounds throughout the forest with a variety of camping options including developed campgrounds, dispersed camping and group campsites.
Popular campgrounds in the forest include Redding Recreation Area, which offers 27 sites along the Mulberry River, and Shores Lake Recreation Area, which has 19 sites near the picturesque Shores Lake. Both campgrounds provide access to the Ozark Highlands Trail, a 270-mile trail that traverses the Ozark Mountains.
Outdoor activities in the forest include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and canoeing. The area is also home to several scenic drives, such as the Pig Trail Scenic Byway and the Sylamore Scenic Byway.
Campsites can be booked here.
7. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is a unique destination that combines a state park with a natural area, preserving the rugged beauty of the Cossatot River. The park offers two campgrounds: Cossatot Falls Area, with six walk-in tent sites, and Sandbar Area, with five walk-in tent sites. Both of which provide a primitive camping experience, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in nature.
The Cossatot River is known for its challenging whitewater rapids making it a popular destination for experienced kayakers and canoeists. The river also offers excellent opportunities for fishing, with Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish and other species available.
Hiking is another popular activity in the park with the River Corridor Trail providing a challenging trek along the river’s edge. The Harris Creek Trail offers a more moderate hike, featuring beautiful views of the surrounding forests and river.
Campsites can be booked here.
8. White Oak Lake State Park
White Oak Lake State Park, located in southwest Arkansas, offers a peaceful camping experience surrounded by rolling hills and dense pine forests. The park has
- 45 campsites, including 28 Class AAA sites with water, electric and sewer hookups
- 14 Class B sites with water and electric
- 3 tent-only sites
The 2,765-acre White Oak Lake is the main attraction, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. Anglers will find an abundance of Catfish, Bass and Crappie in the lake and the park has a boat launch, fishing pier and swimming beach for easy access to the water as well.
Hikers can enjoy the Beech Ridge Trail, a two-mile loop that winds through the forest and offers glimpses of the lake. The park also has a playground, picnic areas and a visitor center with interpretive exhibits.
Campsites can be booked here.
9. Lake Catherine State Park
Lake Catherine State Park, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, provides a tranquil camping experience along the shores of the 1,940-acre Lake Catherine. The park has 70 campsites, including 18 Class AAA sites with water, electric and sewer hookups, 44 Class B sites with water and electric and eight tent-only sites.
Lake Catherine is perfect for fishing, swimming and boating with a marina offering boat rentals and fishing supplies. The park also has a swimming beach, playground and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
For hikers, the park features several trails, such as the Falls Branch Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall, and the Horseshoe Mountain Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Campsites can be booked here.
10. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
DeGray Lake Resort State Park, located on the shores of the 13,800-acre DeGray Lake, offers a mix of recreational activities and modern amenities. The park has 113 campsites, including 81 Class B sites with water and electric hookups and 32 Class D sites. For a more luxurious stay, the park also has a resort lodge and yurt rentals.
DeGray Lake is a paradise for boating, fishing and swimming. The park has a full-service marina, boat rentals and fishing guides available. On land, campers can enjoy hiking, biking, golfing and horseback riding as well.
The park also offers interpretive programs and guided tours, giving visitors the chance to learn about the area’s history, wildlife, and ecology.
Campsites can be booked here.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 10 best campsites in Arkansas. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
