Mountainous camping in Arkansas

With 52 state parks and two and a half million acres of national forest, you can soak in hot springs, hunt for diamonds, or cast a line in the Natural State.

96% (3340 reviews)
96% (3340 reviews)

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12 top mountainous campgrounds in Arkansas

98%
(1056)

Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park

99 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Greenbrier, AR
We love our guests and we love your pictures. Thank you all so very much. Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park lies within a private nature reserve of hiking trails, waterfalls, bluffs, cascading streams and wildlife -- it is all here. The campground is off the radar -- there are no highway signs or advertisements -- yet offers comfortable and safe refuge to guests whether staying in a tent, camper, RV or one of our cabins. On site you can find swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, a 6-acre foraging field, and 9-hole Frisbee golf course, a Ninja rope course with zipline and slackline, rope swing, bouldering, climbing, psicobloc and more outdoor pursuits than one has time. And Woolly Hollow State Park, Cove Creek Natural Heritage Area, and Greer's Ferry Lake all lie within biking distance. New to camping? Need a flush toilet, kitchen sink and faucet? Hate bugs, thorns or wild critters? Steep rough roads? Dust and gravel? Or simply don't like being outside in the weather and in a primitive setting? Then this is NOT the place for you!! NO! NO! NO! But if you want to sneak away and find a lovely little place to unwind and bathe in a forest under a tall canopy of standing pines and oak trees, then Pinnacle Springs is where you need to be. Pinnacle Springs offers stream side camping on the banks of the North Fork of Cadron Creek -- central Arkansas' premier whitewater stream -- and is less than an hour's drive from Little Rock (only 15 minutes from Conway and I-40). Camp by the side of a river. Camp at the foot or atop a towering bluff. Camp in a cave. Camp in a riparian jungle. Camp in total solitude or camp with all your friends and family. We offer so many choices one can select a site that perfectly fits your needs. And if you want total seclusion -- a real "wilderness experience" and are willing to "hike-in" a couple of hundred paces we can provide that too. FYI: If you are unaccustomed to STEEP dirt roads do NOT reserve a site on the island -- sites atop the ridge in Camp Toasty are much easier to access. No traffic noise here! Rather, you'll be soothed by the sound of cascading water echoing off the bluffs -- great for outdoor sleeping and keeping the air fresh and alive. Many of the camp sites are equipped with a heavy picnic table, fire pit and grill, lamp post and level tent site. And if you like to swing -- we have trees! Hammocks and slack lines are the best no trace tree things ever! And although Pinnacle Springs Campground lies in an off-the-grid wilderness setting there is good cell phone service, a water hydrant can be found near the front gate behind the store, and electrical outlets for recharging phones and such can be found on the ridge at nearby Camp Toasty. And from March through November hot water showers are even freely available. Guests are encouraged to explore any of the trails that crisscross the property especially if you like waterfalls, scenic views, cascading streams, and goat trail bluffs. The Tanner Pool Trail is especially popular after a heavy rain, Bluff Trail offers a nice perch for viewing the river below, and the 1+ mile "Circuit Trail" is a great way to start one's day. Our place is a bit rough, rugged and unruly yet we call it home -- a place where everyone regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, political views, religion, national origin, or culture is welcomed to come enjoy nature's marvelous works and wonders. We love everyone!! So we invite you to come down to the Cadron and sit a spell. Unwind. Kick back. And enjoy! CELL PHONE COVERAGE: While we recommend that you leave your cell phones at home or packed away we also understand the importance of "staying in touch". Overall cell phone coverage throughout the watershed is pretty good BUT there are a few deep bluff-lined valleys on the creek where one may lose a signal from time to time -- either walk around the bend or to higher ground and you'll usually find a signal. Nevertheless our evaluation: VERIZON - Seemingly good signal everywhere. AT&T -- Good in campground but a couple of "weak spots" both upstream and downstream (taller bluffs). T-MOBILE - Good signal atop the ridge but close to nothing on the creek, USCellular - The worst. Those camping close to store are invited to connect to our local area wifi signal -- CadronBoy. BTW#1: We don't take kindly to folks trashing our property. We are a "LEAVE NO TRACE FACILITY" thus if you bring it, you take it! Best to also leave axes, shovels and hammer and nails at home. Thanks. BTW#2: This is DIY camping! If you are one of those people that has a "hard time figuring it out on your own" we strongly encourage you to stay elsewhere. There are a lot of nice campgrounds in Arkansas that are more accessible, better staffed, and have some really nice amenities.
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$15
 / night
97%
(1108)

Red Fern

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Witter, AR
One of Arkansas' greatest treasures. Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls Trail-head, and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas. This is a remote and rugged campground with caves, bluffs, swimming holes and river a plenty. This campground has a grand exhibition of the same sandstone formation that is responsible for the Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) formation. Clovis like points have been found here, and so one might assume the bluffs and crags here have been inhabited for millennia. This 7 acre property is completely surrounded by Arkansas Natural Heritage-Natural Area. There are miles of trails and cooling waters at every turn. If you like Kings River Falls, get ready to fall in love with this Red Fern Campground. So pack your curiosity, lace up your hiking boots, and let the whispering leaves guide you. Kings River Falls awaits, ready to share its secrets with those who listen. Where time slows down and the modern world fades away. Every turn reveals a new wonder; a hidden waterfall an unnoticed cave or bluff or a moss-covered boulder. It’s not just a place; it’s an experience an invitation to step beyond the ordinary and into a world where magic still thrives and fairy tales come alive. Here, the forest whispers secrets, and the river sings a timeless song. Most of our campsites are just yards away from a public swimming area, which is shared between our property and the Arkansas Natural Area. You should expect local traffic at the main swimming area during your stay. We have a private swimming area on our property which is just a short hike from the developed campsites (Please ask the camphost for directions). There are miles of county maintained bumpy dirt roads leading to the site. Expect your vehicle to get dusty. There is a creek crossing that is required to reach the campsites. We recommend high clearance and/or 4WD or AWD vehicles. If you are unable to cross the creek, you will need to park in the parking area and walk across the creek to reach your site.
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$27
 / night
100%
(91)

Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents81 acres · Caddo Gap, AR
80+ acres all to yourself!! This beautiful and very secluded property, with river, kayaks, trails, and creeks is offered to only one group at a time to ensure peace, quiet, and seclusion. No other guests will overlap your stay. You will enjoy the peaceful solitude in nature completely alone! (Note on trails: we are re-working the trails between guests in the spring of 2025 due to forest thinning operations that were done in Dec '24. We hope to have the trails back in great shape by summer 2025.) It's a great location for romantic getaways, silent personal retreats, yoga, playing in the river, or just spending quiet one-on-one time with your spouse or significant other. The last 1/2 mile of dirt road is sometimes rough, so cars with low ground clearance are not recommended. Campers on Thunder Mountain enjoy the entire property, including the unique outdoor bathhouse with outdoor tub and shower, amazing multi-level decks, kayaks, grill, trails, hammocks, and tubes - without the cost of the cabin. The cabin will be vacant during camping stays, but you can still enjoy the WiFi and other amenities outside. ($30-90/night camping; $190-280/night cabin - listed separately) Last minute bookings may have discounted rates. Camping bookings for 1 to 2 nights are sometimes available even if the calendar does not show due to cabin cleaning days. We'll try to move our cleaning days around to help you out if possible. If you see a price of $999, that is a date that can be opened up for you at a low price ($30-50) but will have some restrictions on check-in or check-out time. Just ask!
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$45
 / night
99%
(93)

Yearling Ridge River

1 site · RV, Tent37 acres · Waldron, AR
This beautiful property sits on the banks of the Fourche La Fave (pronounced Foosh La Fay)  River. This 151 mile long river was once the grounds of the Caddo Native American Tribe. The river is now home to a wide variety of wildlife, and offers multiple species of fish. Scott County is over 70% public national forest, with thousands of acres of public land available for the outdoor enthusiast. Though this property has the look and feel of woods and river camping, there is actually a 24 hour convenience store less than two miles away just in case you need a midnight snack!   Learn more about this land:Beautiful flowing river for swimming, fishing, canoeing. Nice open air pavilion with power,  LED lighting and a large picnic table. Firepit with added grill for cooking right at the rivers edge.  Dedicated hammocking area overlooking the river, or have some friendly competition with a game of Bag-O game (boards provided).  This area offers a wide open space for exercising, walking/bike riding along a country road, or just relaxing by riverbank.  Want a little more adventure? This area boasts an expansive network of country dirt roads and trails for your ATV/UTV, and is less than five miles from the Ouachita National Forests' Fourche Mountain Trail. All this but still close to civilization. A 24 hour convenience store is less than two miles from the campsite. This quaint little spot has a lot to offer!  
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$32
 / night
100%
(109)

Enchanted Ozark Fairytale Camp

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents104 acres · AR
Enchanted Ozark Fairytale Camp is far more than your ordinary campground! This 104-acre Ozark Mountain wonderland’s biggest draw would be hard to pin down. We are offering off-the-beaten-path serenity, with huge areas for each rental space, and unmatched hospitality. Sip morning coffee while you lose your cares in the vast mountain views, enjoy the pristine natural beauty that surrounds you in the deer meadow. Hike trails that meander to the seasonal creeks and waterfalls, past ancient walnut and hickory trees, to rest on large rock formations thick with moss, or take the high trails to the top of our bluff where views and natural oddities reward you at every bend, or just lay in the hammocks by the frog pond with a good book. Wildlife abounds on this property, including fox, black bear, deer, chipmunks, groundhogs, bobcat, and tons more. We offer fantastic add-ons like creation stations where tables of art supplies can be laid out for either self-initiated projects or sample projects with instruction by hostess, Mizzy (a working artist with pieces in every continent, save Antarctica). Forage hikes, where you learn about the immense variety of edible plants, guided photo op hikes, cut and make your own walking stick ( and make it your own by wood burning, adding leather and feathers), are just a few of the options we have daily to add to your stay. Close to the Little Buffalo River and the quaint little town of Jasper, where you can shop, eat at the famous Ozark Cafe, or rent a kayak. One-of-a-kind stays include a fully off-grid container tiny house, boondock RV space, super large tent spaces, and coming soon a hippy van sleeper, cordwood log cabin, (we encourage sustainable building questions) we may be farther off the beaten track than those roadside places, but we are so very worth it. Come be Enchanted.
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$20
 / night
100%
(8)

Eden Springs

3 sites · RVs, Tents136 acres · Jasper, AR
We would like to invite you to our privately owned 136 acres where “Eden springs”. Our unique property offers scenic views that inspires personal tranquility. We have 100 foot cliffs, seasonal 60 foot water falls, hiking trails, and guided cave tour. Take a dip in the cave fed 3 feet deep pool, with limestone bottom that offers a small sandy beach. Perfect location to unplug, reconnect with your family, or to replenish your soul. Various camping sites offered for those who are new too camping or for those who are looking for a more solitude and off-grid experience. Fires are allowed when weather permits and wood is included. We do offer a charging station, water access at the main entrance, and have a communal outhouse/bathroom close to camp site. Our property is off the beaten path, so please plan your transportation accordingly. We are located 3 miles off highway 7, and 15 mins outside of Jasper, AR. We look forward to sharing our Eden with you.
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$25
 / night
94%
(263)

The Farm Campground and events

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Eureka Springs, AR
Campground virtual tour at this link: https://360.campgroundviews.com/h/thefarmeureka The Farm is backed up to Mark Twain National Forest. Beaver Lake, Table Rock Lake and the White River are all within 5 miles of this location. The White River offers the region’s best Trout Fishing and Beaver Lake is well known for its big Striped & Largemouth Bass. Canoeing is also popular on the White River The blue ribbon Kings River, which is a world class Smallmouth Bass fishery is 12 miles from the venue. The Farm sits about 9 miles outside of historic Victorian town of Eureka Springs Arkansas which offers a wide variety of shopping and nightlife entertainment, This venue offers 360 degree panoramic views of the heart of the Ozarks. In addition to being a campground, the venue also hosts multi-day music festivals, concerts, food competitions and more. We do have ice and firewood for sale. It is self serve and located by the barn with a payment box (video surveillance)
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$10
 / night
93%
(30)

Crystal Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Mount Ida, AR
The Crystal Camp Campground is a rock hounding paradise and is less than two minutes from the Crystal Vista, Wegner and Avatar Crystal mines. This area of Arkansas produces some of the finest quartz crystals on earth and your chances of finding real treasure at any of the nearby mines is pretty much guaranteed. If your kids like to play in the dirt and hunt for treasure they will fill their pockets with real gems at any of the nearby mines. Please Note: This is a beautiful property and ready for your trip but guests should expect a work in progress as well. The property is newly cleared, we installed new picnic tables and have fire rings, but that's the extent of the amenities right now. This property was basically a 2 acre blackberry patch. About half has been cleared and 4 campsites created but the rest is still in progress. Work will not be performed during your stay. You may see tools and signs of recent work etc.. Located on a paved section of Owley Road in Mount Ida Arkansas. This is a large 2 acre property with four cleared sites that offer plenty of room for any size tent(s). Generators are welcome and pets are too. The property is bordered by old growth national forest and an ice cold spring fed stream is located in the national forest behind the property. Like all wooded areas in Arkansas ticks should be expected while hiking and camping at the Crystal Camp Campground. Please bring tick defense for yourself and pets.
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$20
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountainous camping in Arkansas guide

Overview

Arkansas is full of surprises, with botanical gardens, ancient cave systems, and massive lakes that draw anglers, water sports enthusiasts, and birders. It’s also a hot spot for rockhounding, with tons of mineral-rich mines and quarries where visitors can hunt for everything from quartz to diamonds. Here you’ll also find one of the most unusual national parks in the country—Hot Springs National Park—where campers can "take the waters" in traditional bathhouses, just as people did more than a century ago. Fishing and birdwatching are popular Arkansas pastimes, and many state campgrounds sit on or near lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, who nest across Arkansas in the winter months.

Where to go

Northwestern Arkansas

Northwestern Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions of the state, offering a mix of cute towns and Ozark adventure. The largest state park in Arkansas, the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, is here, offering 54 miles of trails and campsites only reachable by mountain bike. Major geological features in the region include the Boston Mountains (part of the southern Ozarks), a forested region full of hiking trails, caves, and springs, particularly in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.

Southwestern Arkansas

Southwest Arkansas is characterized by lakes, wooded forests, and plenty of opportunities to get out and rockhound. Highlights include Crater of Diamonds State Park, where visitors can dig for diamonds and other minerals, and Millwood State Park, a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and camping.

Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas is home to the state capital and biggest city, Little Rock. About an hour away sits Hot Springs National Park, with its historic bathhouses, a couple of which invite visitors to soak to this day. Camping opportunities abound—you can rent campsites and cabins year-round at Lake Ouachita State Park or try to nab one of the first-come, first-served sites at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, celebrated for its 18-acre lake.

Northeastern Arkansas

Northeastern Arkansas offers opportunities for fishing, water sports, and learning about what life was like in this region many years ago. Highlights include the Parkin Archaeological State Park, which preserves 17 acres of what was once a Native American village, and the Hampson Archeological Museum State Park, where you can check out archaeological artifacts from the area.

Southeastern Arkansas

Southeastern Arkansas' Lower Delta Region offers a mix of historic Civil War sites, scenic lakes, and opportunities for bird- and wildlife-watching. Hit Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state, and the Arkansas Post National Memorial, a National Park Service-run living history museum showcasing life on the Grand Prairie in the late 1800s.

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