Home to the majestic Ozark Mountains, the Buffalo National River, and significant portions of three National Forests, AR abounds with spectacular camping opportunities. Many of the best campgrounds are located on one of the state's many lakes.
Buffalo Camping & Canoeing
Operating out of the Gilbert General Store, Buffalo Camping & Canoeing offers a primitive campground three quarters of a mile away from the Buffalo River. Both tent and RV sites are available, and restrooms and showers are available for all guests to use.
All sites have a six-person maximum, and campers must book a stay of at least two nights on weekends. The company also offers exciting float trips down the river, and due to the campground's small size, campers will sometimes be required to book a float trip in order to reserve a campsite.
Buffalo Camping & Canoeing, 1 N Frost St, Gilbert, AR 72636, Phone: 870-439-2888, FB
Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Known for being home to one of the best trout-fishing streams in the country, the Bull Shoals-White River State Park runs along the shores of both the White River and Bull Shoals Lake. More than 100 campsites can be found along the shore of the river, including both tent and RV sites, and RVs are sometimes available to rent if you don't have your own. Campers can fish, hike, and mountain bike in the park, and there's also an excellent Visitor's Center, which features a large exhibit hall and often offers nature walks, trout fishing demonstrations, and other interpretive programs.
Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Lakeview, AR 72642, Phone: 870-445-3629
Crater of Diamonds State Park
The Crater of Diamonds State Park is one of the only places in the world where visitors can search for genuine diamonds, making it a truly unique camping destination. The Visitor's Center is full of information about diamonds and why they're found here, and digging tools can be rented if needed. Most of the sites in the shady campground are suitable for both tents and RVs, and the campground offers modern amenities like a bathhouse with hot showers and campground-wide Wi-Fi. However, there are also a handful of walk-in tent sites for those who want a more rustic experience.
Crater of Diamonds State Park, 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958, Phone: 870-285-3113, Video
Daisy State Park
Encompassing almost 280 acres in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Daisy State Park is a fantastic place for all sorts of outdoor activities. Visitors can fish for trout in the Little Missouri River, go for a ride on the Bear Cycle ATV Trail, or rent a kayak and paddle around on Lake Greeson. There are more than 100 tent and RV campsites to choose from, and for a truly unforgettable experience, the campground also rents out a yurt. Other amenities in the park include a children's playground, a screened-in pavilion, and several picnic areas.
Daisy State Park, 103 E Park Rd, Kirby, AR 71950, Phone: 870-398-4487
Horseshoe Bend Campground
Sitting on the western shore of Beaver Lake, Horseshoe Bend Campground boasts shady, spacious campsites and easy access to the water. Kayaks can be launched from many of the campsites, and the lake is excellent for paddling, fishing, and swimming. Other popular activities in the area include fishing in the upper White River and hiking in the nearby Hobbs State Park. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water are available as well. If you need to stock up on supplies, there are several nearby marinas with stores and boat rentals.
Horseshoe Bend Campground, 16165 AR-94, Rogers, AR 72758, Phone: 479-925-2561
Gulpha Gorge Campground
Located in Hot Springs National Park, the Gulpha Gorge Campground offers 40 sites with full hookups, although both tents and RVs are welcome. A small creek runs through the property, and there are several walking trails leading to the historic town of Hot Springs, which is approximately two miles away. Every site is equipped with a fire ring, but if you're camping with a larger group, you can get a permit to have a fire in the fire pit at the Campground Amphitheater. All sites are available on a first-come first-served basis, and camping fees must be paid with credit or debit rather than cash.
Gulpha Gorge Campground, 305 Gulpha Gorge Road, Hot Springs, AR 71901, Phone: 501-620-6715
Hot Springs National Park KOA
Although it's not located right in the national park, the Hot Springs National Park KOA is another great place to stay, particularly if you're camping in an RV. The park is only a few minutes' drive away, and the RV sites are equipped with full hookups and cable TV. Some also have concrete decks equipped with patio furniture and brick fire pits. Other fun amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, a fishing pond, and a children's playground, and for an additional fee, you can also play a round of golf on the 18-hole mini golf course.
Hot Springs National Park KOA, 838 McClendon Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71901, Phone: 501-624-5912
Lake Charles State Park
Only half an hour outside Jonesboro, Lake Charles State Park can be found on the shore of a 645-acre man-made lake. The campsite is perched on a bluff overlooking the lake, and in addition to tent and RV campsites, it also offers a yurt and two RVs for rent. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, and bait and tackle can be purchased between March and October. Interpretive programs and nature walks are offered through the Visitor's Center in the summer, and between November and February, there's also a 3D archery range open to the public.
Lake Charles State Park, 3705 AR-25, Powhatan, AR 72458, Phone: 870-878-6595
Lake Fort Smith State Park
Nestled in the scenic Boston Mountain Valley, Lake Fort Smith State Park is an excellent destination for camping, hiking, and fishing. Pedal boats, canoes, and fishing boats can be rented from the park marina, but visitors should be aware that stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, and jet skiing are not permitted on the lake. Campground amenities include a swimming pool, a children's playground, and several picnic areas, and there are 30 campsites to choose from. One- and two-bedroom cabins are available as well, and if you're traveling with a group, there are two spacious lodges that can accommodate up to 32 people.
Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Rd, Mountainburg, AR 72946, Phone: 479-369-2469
Lake Ouachita State Park
Situated on the shore of the largest lake in Arkansas, Lake Ouachita State Park is one of the state's best fishing destinations. There are more than 90 campsites to choose from, some of which are located right on the water, and there are communal bathhouses with hot showers for campers to use. Four rustic camper cabins can be found right in the park as well, and for an even more luxurious option, there are also several fully equipped cabins with kitchens and satellite TV. Boats can be rented from the marina, and there are plenty of hiking trails near the campground.
Lake Ouachita State Park, 5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956, Phone: 800-264-2441
