If you’re looking for the perfect camping getaway, look no further than the beauty of the Natural State of Arkansas. The 25th state to join the Union, Arkansas is rich in natural wonders, archaeological and geological feats, and home to notable people such as Johnny Cash and Bill Clinton.
With tons of things to do, such as diamond mining, night sky viewing, and other outdoor activities, Arkansas has experienced a recent boom of tourists eager to learn more about this quaint midwestern state. Let’s dive in, discover how and where to find the best camping in Arkansas, and make your next trip unforgettable.
Ways to Camp in Arkansas
There are many ways to camp across the state of Arkansas. Whether you’re planning a state-wide road trip in your RV, a luxurious getaway, or planning to rough it under the stars, the Natural State has some of the best camping in the Midwest. With hundreds of sites and campgrounds in Arkansas to choose from, there is a perfect spot for everyone. Let’s dive in and discover some options for camping in Arkansas.
Best RV Camping
While Arkansas experiences mild to moderate temperatures year-round, RV camping in the Natural State means you’ll never have to worry about the weather. Get your maintenance checklist complete and hit the road to find some of the best RV parks in Arkansas. Explore the cliffs of the Ozark Mountains or take a road trip to see Blanchard Spring Caves and Mirror Lake, just a short drive north. For some great RV parks in Arkansas, check out these options.
Dogwood Springs Campground
Welcome to Dogwood Springs Campground in Jasper, Arkansas. Nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains near The Buffalo National River, we offer a variety of cabins and cottages for your stay as well as full 30/50 amp service sites along with tent sites that include electricity and water!
Wanderlust RV Park And Cabins
When you visit Wanderlust RV Park, you're staying in the best of company. We'll help you to your campsite when you arrive, and that's just the beginning of the friendly service you'll receive.We offer 90 full hookup sites, 57 pull-thrus, and 41 sites with 50 amps.
Blue Clouds RV Resort
The ideal escape from life. Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Blue Clouds RV Resort is a peaceful wooded setting for RV-owning sightseers and campers seeking an RV park conveniently located near popular local attractions.
Best Tent Camping in Arkansas
Some nature enthusiasts will argue that the best way to camp outdoors is traditional, with just a tent and the perfect campsite. Luckily, tent camping in Arkansas is easy to find, as there are many options for everyone. Spend the night atop a mountain or sleep under the big sky in certified dark zones. No matter what backdrop you choose, there are many campsites to find your perfect spot. Check out some excellent tent camping options.
Blue Clouds RV Resort
The ideal escape from life. Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Blue Clouds RV Resort is a peaceful wooded setting for RV-owning sightseers and campers seeking an RV park conveniently located near popular local attractions.
Southfork Resort
If you're looking to spend magical days on the Spring and Southfork River then Southfork Resort is the place for you! Pack up the family and get ready for a vacation full of canoeing, rafting, fishing, and much more. You'll have a variety of sites to choose from to make your stay the best it can be.
Hot Springs Off-Road Park
Visit this awesome 1,250 acre trail system, perfectly accented with tons of extras to make the wheeling life a bit easier. Offering tent pads, RV sites, full on-site shower/restroom house, group pavilion, and cabins! You'll never want to leave the thrill of Hot Springs!
Best Cabins and Glamping in Arkansas
If you want to experience nature more luxuriously, look no further than some of the best cabins and glamping in the Midwest. Glamping in Arkansas has many unique options for your next perfect getaway, from sleeping over a hot spring to resting high in the treetops. Take a look at a few of our top choices below.
Southfork Resort
If you're looking to spend magical days on the Spring and Southfork River then Southfork Resort is the place for you! Pack up the family and get ready for a vacation full of canoeing, rafting, fishing, and much more. You'll have a variety of sites to choose from to make your stay the best it can be.
White Buffalo Resort
White Buffalo Resort is a unique place in the heart of the Ozarks. Our Riverfront Cabins, RV Park and Campground, are situated along our 1/2 mile of White River frontage, at the mouth of the Buffalo River. Our location provides the most scenic landscapes imaginable and the best diversified fishing on the river.
Copper John's Resort
If you're looking for a destination where you can ease up, relax, maybe meet new people or do some fantastic trout fishing– leave the beaten path and make your way to Copper John's Resort & Tackle Outfitter, in North Central Arkansas. Small & personable, Copper John's Resort on the White River offers you a unique, tranquil setting right on the banks of the famous White River!
Best Ozarks Camping in Arkansas
There’s plenty of wild country to explore in the Ozarks. The Ozark National Forest spans 1.2 million acres, but the best part for many will be the charming mountain towns and Ozark camping options, ranging from primitive to luxury. Here are some of the best Ozark camping in Arkansas:
White Buffalo Resort
White Buffalo Resort is a unique place in the heart of the Ozarks. Our Riverfront Cabins, RV Park and Campground, are situated along our 1/2 mile of White River frontage, at the mouth of the Buffalo River. Our location provides the most scenic landscapes imaginable and the best diversified fishing on the river.
Wanderlust RV Park And Cabins
When you visit Wanderlust RV Park, you're staying in the best of company. We'll help you to your campsite when you arrive, and that's just the beginning of the friendly service you'll receive.We offer 90 full hookup sites, 57 pull-thrus, and 41 sites with 50 amps.
Kettle Campground
Escape the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, while camping waterfront and instilling the love of the great outdoors in your family at affordable rates. Rodanthe Watersports & Campgrounds, located waterfront on the Pamlico Sound, is the answer to your quiet, relaxing vacation dreams.
Best Lake Camping in Arkansas
While there isn’t a beach nearby, many lakes across Arkansas are perfect for a warm-weather camping trip. Lake Ouachita and Lake Sylvia are the two most popular recreational lakes in the area, and both have state parks with available camping. State park campsites tend to fill up quickly, but luckily there are many other campgrounds with many amenities nearby. Take a look at some of our favorite Arkansas lake campgrounds.
Beaver Dam Dive Shop & Resort
When you stay at the Beaver Dam Dive Shop & Resort, you'll feel like you’re part of the family. Enjoy a variety of accommodation options, PADI Diving Certifications and Courses, special planned events, and so much more.
Leisure Landing RV Park
Leisure Landing RV Park is a first class park catering to the visitors of Spa City and all that it has to offer. Satellite friendly with sites up to 60 feet in length and located on the shores of beautiful Lake Hamilton, the only thing we lack is pull-thru sites. But don't let that deter you.
Blue Clouds RV Resort
The ideal escape from life. Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Blue Clouds RV Resort is a peaceful wooded setting for RV-owning sightseers and campers seeking an RV park conveniently located near popular local attractions.
State and National Park Camping in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to six national and 52 state parks, so no matter your camping style, there is something for everyone in the Natural State. Whether you want to float lazily down a river or try your luck mining for precious gemstones, you can find it all in Arkansas. Let’s dive in and discover a few of the most popular parks across the state.
Best National Parks in Arkansas
While Arkansas has seven different National Park sites, a few stand out among the rest. Whether you’re looking to camp or visit for a day trip, there is a National Park within a one-hour drive of anywhere in the state. You can climb mountains, walk along winding rivers, or hike along one of the park’s hundreds of miles of trails.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is the largest and most visited national park in the Natural State. The park is home to a rich history and geological wonder that has drawn crowds for hundreds of years. The naturally thermal spring in the center of the park has been providing drinking and bathing water to residents and guests for even longer.
Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is the first river to be claimed as public land. This 135-mile free-flowing river is one of the country’s remaining undammed bodies of water. During the day, enjoy your time on the river by canoeing or kayaking through gentle rapids and large pools. Make sure you have a clear view of the sky when it gets dark because this national park is a certified dark-sky location where you can see the whole galaxy.
Amazing State Parks in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to 52 state parks, each with unique features that keep visitors coming back year after year. From pools of crystal-clear water to mining for actual crystals, there is something everyone can enjoy throughout the Arkansas State Park system. Camping in the state parks is available by reservation only, and there are sites for RVs, tents, and even some rustic cabins for rent.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Hidden in the central part of the state, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is one of the most visited Arkansas state parks. With tons of things to do, like hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming, and climbing, it’s easy to see why. Not only is Pinnacle Park on the National Historic Registry, but it also features miles of the original Trail of Tears. If a history lesson isn’t in your plans, check out a few of the many Instagram-worthy photo spots throughout the park.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
For a camping trip of a lifetime, check out the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. The Crater of Diamonds is one of the only places in the world where the public can come and dig for actual diamonds. The park, a 37-acre field, is built on an ancient volcano crater and holds tons of precious gemstones. Bring your mining equipment or rent tools from the park office. Leave your pets and electronic digging machines at home, as neither is permitted.
Best time to go camping in Arkansas
Because Arkansas experiences mild to moderate weather year-round, anytime is an excellent time for your next Arkansas camping trip. You’ll probably enjoy the warmer summer months if you want to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, or kayaking. If you’re looking for the perfect RV or glamping trip, try booking in the winter, when you’ll encounter fewer people.
What to pack for camping in Arkansas
What to pack for camping depends on which camping you plan on doing in the Natural State. RV owners should ensure regular maintenance, especially if they plan to go up into the mountains. Tent campers will want to carry bug and bear spray as the Ozarks have a black bear population. If you’re planning a glamping trip, call your destination ahead to check what type of amenities they provide.
Tips for camping in Arkansas
If you’re new to camping or need tips to help you plan your dream Arkansas getaway, check out these below to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
Check your destination’s pet policy before booking. Many parks and campgrounds allow pets, but some, including historic sites, do not. Be sure to check before bringing Fido!
Book your campsite to dark-sky areas well in advance. These sites tend to fill up quickly.
Bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray if you’re camping in the summer.
An emergency weather radio is a must if you’re camping in the colder months. Having a radio with GPS is an excellent idea if you plan to be remote.
Pack bear spray and predator-proof food storage containers to keep unwanted guests out of your campsite.
Find and book your next Arkansas camping trip
BookOutdoors makes finding and booking your next Arkansas camping trip a breeze. With no booking or registration fees, you can save time and money using BookOutdoors. What are you waiting for? Head to BookOutdoors.com and let the adventure begin!
