The best camping near Lake Ouachita State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Ouachita State Park adventure.

100% (5 reviews)

Enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking at this Hot Springs-area park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Ouachita State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Ouachita State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Ouachita State Park

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Ouachita River Haven

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents14 acres · Pencil Bluff, AR

Welcome to Ouachita River Haven! Nestled between Ouachita National Forest property and the Ouachita River, our Haven is a peaceful little slice of nature for you to take a break, catch your breath, and enjoy the outdoors! Property has 1000 ft of river access, with canoe & kayak docks, swimming hole, volleyball and tetherball, horseshoes, swings. We offer hiking, mountain biking, and river shuttles as well as canoe/kayak/tube rentals and shuttles. Such trips should be reserved in advance by messaging us or visiting our website. Our office sells firewood for $5/bundle. We also have a small array of custom woodwork items from our woodshop, freeze dried snacks and hiking restocks, food from local vendors, and souvenirs! All primitive sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and campfire grill grate. Electric sites are 30 amp, if using for tent camping you will need a 3-prong converter (we can rent one to you for $5 if you do not have your own). RV/Camper MAXIMUM length is 28 feet. Tipi rental is a camping experience only; it does not have electricity, a/c or heat. There are solar lights inside. We do have a Queen Sized outdoor bed and bedding available to add to rental for $10/night. Bunkhouse is a camping experience - bring your own bedding. A/C, heat, electricity, TV & DVDs, Microwave, and Mini fridge are inside. Guests use campground restrooms Campground restrooms and showers are a short walk from campgrounds. We are pet-friendly. Dogs must be leashed at all times that they are not in a tent or camper and friendly with other dogs and people. There is a working dog on the property-he is friendly with all people and dogs.

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(189)

Bluegill Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Kirby, AR

Located at the southern foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and the northwestern edge of Lake Greeson, this 6 acre plot of land is part of a gentle hillside that descends into the lake. Enjoy two trails to Lake Greeson and easily access nearby boat launches, public beaches, parks, and much more! Come make yourself at home on Bluegill Hill and enjoy the small lake village lifestyle!

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Sunsets on the Arkansas River

2 sites · Tents13 acres · Fourche, AR

Sitting above the Arkansas River you have an excellent view of the river from two vantage points. With a large almost 2 acre clearing there is plenty of room to roam. Magical sunsets and more stars than you can count! When it's a full moon, you can watch it coming up through the trees as you are sitting in front of the fire. If you are really lucky, sometimes you can watch the searchlight from the river barges as they navigate the big bend in the river. If you are a nature lover this place has it all. Navigate to the entrance here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GyC2mifqGSaosHSm7) and you will find the main entrance to both sites: Is located near the bottom of the road but actually has two views of the river. It is very secluded and a little more concealed, which can be good on hot days as there are more trees for coverage. NOTE: Site 2 can only support tents and small popups. The site will allow for multiple vehicles to be parked, so no problem there. If you bring any vehicles please do not ride them on the property as they damage the grass, there are lots of good off-road riding to be had in the area. Toadsuck Lock and Dam park are about 30 minutes away, and if you need a big Walmart there is one 10 minutes past that. There is also a big Walmart about 30 minutes in the other direction at the intersection of Chenal Parkway and Cantrell Road. And if you like hiking and climbing then you cannot miss Pinnacle Mountain State Park! Climb to the top and get the best views in all the area, 360 degrees views up there. And if you want something a little less steep, the Kingfisher trail at the bottom makes a nice gentle loop next to the Little Maumelle river where you can see absolutely GIANT cypress trees. Also, the Ouachita National Recreation Trailpasses just 5 miles from our place, and it loops around the entire north side of Lake Maumelle. There is a trailhead and parking near North Shore Landing. There is plenty of mountain biking in the area too. Here's a link to some of the trails: mtbproject.com/directory/8007059/pinnacle-mountain-state-park-monument-trails

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Jubilee Farms Campground/& Rentals

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Leola, AR

James and Jimmilea Berryhill are delighted to offer 5 RV camping sites with water and electric service; 12 tent campsites; and 5 nightly rentals. Shalom Suite Guest Room, Yachov 2 br tiny house, Ahava House (1 br apt), and The Dove, luxury RV sleeps 2 adults and 1 0r 2 small children. The Berryhills have been hosting guests for 8 years with over 300 excellent reviews. They welcome respectful and happy guests to this place where Christian families enjoy the outdoors and where country life is celebrated. There are ducks chickens, and guineas. Guests receive a sample of the lovely bars of goat's milk soaps made with the finest oils and goat's milk from their granddaughter's prize-winning goats. James and Jimmilea enjoy hosting their guests and will offer as much or as little interaction as guests prefer. They welcome groups as well. Summer catch-and-release fishing, hiking, and enjoying the small dipping pool, playground, game court, and a large fire pit by the pond and three other fire-pit areas near the RV and campsites as well as by Yacht and the Cottage. These are just a few of the things that help make a stay at Jubilee Farms special. Picnic tables and charcoal grills provide for family enjoyment. The farm is surrounded on three sides by timber and the camping and lodging sites are situated away from the road making it a quiet and restful place.

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Hot Springs Campground & RV Park

55 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Hot Springs, AR

Welcome to Hot Springs Campground! Located just a 4 miles from downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, Hot Springs Campground & RV Park is the perfect destination for RV enthusiasts seeking relaxation, natural beauty, and convenient access to the city’s vibrant attractions. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Ouachita Mountains, our campground offers a serene and picturesque setting for your camping adventures. Hot Springs National Park: Situated in the heart of the city, Hot Springs National Park is renowned for its therapeutic thermal waters. Immerse yourself in the soothing hot springs, which have been enjoyed for centuries for their healing properties.

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(45)

Spa City HipCamp Now

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Hot Springs National Park, AR

Welcome to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas! Are you looking for a convenient space to rest your RV, motor home or tent for a night or two? You’ve come to the right place 😊. Let my space be your space! Welcome to my beautiful oasis with 5 acre blessed with trees, pond and creek. Conveniently located just right outside city limits. Close to everything yet secluded enough to have privacy , peace and quite. It has green grass most of the year with lots of lightning bugs at night, abundant wildlife: deers, bunnies, possums, raccoons and squirrels 😁. Very well spaced out mature trees that provides shade and fresh air. Well house for water supply in property as well but no hookups of any kind in place at the moment. Also has concrete custom made swimming hole that freshly feeds off the pond and streams but may be dry right now due to extreme heat and no rain in forecast. My space is suited best for well prepared campers as I don’t offer any amenities on site at this time. Land is close to everything Hot Springs, Arkansas has to offer. 1.3 miles away from Magic Springs 2.5 miles from Gulpha Gorge 4.9 miles from Oaklawn Racing & Gaming 6.1 miles from Hot Springs mall 3.6 miles from historic downtown Hot Springs and Arlington Hotel.

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(24)

Diamond Glamping

20 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Anaconda Deer Lodge County, AR

Welcome to Diamond Glamping, Murfreesboro, Arkansas's premier luxury outdoor retreat, nestled in the scenic beauty of nature and just a stone's throw away from the world-renowned Crater of Diamonds State Park. Here, we offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking both excitement and relaxation. 4 Cabins 4 Tents 2 Treehouses BYOT Option (Bring Your Own Tent)

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(10)

Edendell Campground

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Oden, AR

Edendell is a great place to basecamp out of. We offer 26 full hook up rv sites, tent camping, glamping deck, and guest house. We have 6 Kayaks for rent with optional shuttle service. Near by activities are ATV trails, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, boating, crystal digging, diamond mine is 1 hour away. We also have an airsoft battle ground on site for special occasions.

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Petit Jean Farm Orchard

2 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Morrilton, AR

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park your small trailer or RV in a picturesque orchard on the edge of Petit Jean Mountain. You'll have a backdrop of woods and grazing sheep, with the Petit Jean Farmer's Market barn -- offering locally sourced produce, cheese (some made on the premises), baked goods, honey, preserves, meat, and crafts -- only steps away. The market operates on Saturdays, when hot lunches are often served, but it is open on a self-serve basis the rest of the week. Petit Jean State State Park is a very short drive, with spectacular hiking trails, a CCC-built lodge and restaurant, and a lake. Campers are welcome to use the fire pit, grill, and trampoline, and they have access to the half-bath in the barn. They're also more than welcome to help Ed with the chores : ) An electric hookup is $10. Firewood is available for $10.

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(102)

Caddo River Camp: Tent, RV, Cabins

126 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Caddo Gap, AR

We are surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Within an hour or less, you will find hiking and bike trails, 4-wheeling/ATV, crystal mining, diamond mining, historic Hot Springs, museums and so much more. Or, you can just put your chair in the water and hang out on the gravel bar. Arrowhead has been rated as "The Best Swimming Hole in Arkansas" by the Arkansas Times®. Our facilities, located in Caddo Gap, include, cabin rentals, bunkhouse accommodations for 50 (w/separate quarters for boys & girls), screened pavilion with kitchen, RV sites with full-hook-ups and septic, semi-primitive campsites, bathhouse, nearby canoe and kayak rentals, swimming, fishing, basketball court, and tether ball.

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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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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 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!

The best camping near Lake Ouachita State Park guide

Overview

About

On the banks of one of the most popular fishing lakes in Arkansas, a short drive from the resort town of Hot Springs, Lake Ouachita State Park offers year-round recreation and camping, plus a marina and a lakeside visitor center with interpretive exhibits. The park’s Three Sisters Springs, famous since the Victorian era for its curative properties, are a highlight, along with a couple of hiking trails, the longest of which—the Caddo Bend Trail—spans four miles. The Lake Ouachita Campground has 93 campsites, 58 of which have full hookups, as well as eight basic cabins with heating and air-conditioning.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance of your arrival date on the Arkansas State Parks website or over the phone.
A two- or three-night minimum reservation is required on weeknights, depending on the campsite. Campers are required to book three or four nights on three-day weekends such as Labor Day and Memorial Day.
If you can't find a spot at Lake Ouachita but want to camp in the area, you may have better luck at Gulpha Gorge Campground, situated inside Hot Springs National Park, or at one of the privately run campgrounds in the area.

When to go

The most popular time to visit is the summer months—just be aware that this time of year is hot and humid. Spring and fall are great alternatives, with warm temperatures from April into October. If you visit in wintertime, you’ll likely see bald eagles building their nests in the park’s trees; eagle tours are available. Camping at select sites is available year-round.

Know before you go

You can pick up supplies or go out for a meal in the nearby city of Hot Springs, a 25-minute drive away.
You can rent kayaks and buy bait, boat fuel, and other supplies at the on-site marina.
You're welcome to swim in the lake, but no lifeguards are on duty.
County-wide fire bans are occasionally instated during periods of high fire risk. Check ahead before building a fire.
The park and campgrounds are pet-friendly.
Guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own linens.