Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in Arkansas (With Travel Guide)

Arkansas, known as the "Natural State," is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. With its lush forests, rolling Ozark Mountains, pristine lakes, and winding rivers, Arkansas offers some of the best camping, hiking, and water-based adventures in the southern United States.

Whether you're looking for mountain views, lakefront camping, or cave explorations, these 10 best camping spots in Arkansas will provide unforgettable experiences.

Below are the top 10 camping destinations in Arkansas, each with:
✅ Unique attractions & activities
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Nearby amenities (food, gas, lodging)
✅ Important tips & safety advice

1. Petit Jean State Park (Morrilton) – Arkansas’s First State Park
🌲 Highlights:
Arkansas’s oldest state park (established in 1923)
Towering Cedar Creek Canyon & stunning overlooks (Cedar Creek Bridge, Goat Trail)
Hiking trails (including a short hike to Caveman Restaurant for amazing views)
Waterfalls (Cedar Falls, Petit Jean Falls) & rock formations
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
March–May & September–November (mild temps 60-80°F, beautiful foliage)
Summer (June-August) = warm (85-95°F) but great for swimming
Winter (December-February) = cooler but fewer crowds
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Petit Jean has cabins, RV sites, and tent sites with basic amenities
Morrilton (15 mins) has supermarkets, restaurants, and lodging
Little Rock (1 hour) for major services & flights
⚠️ Things to Know:
Goat Trail is steep & requires caution (not for beginners)
Cedar Falls is a short hike but very popular (go early to avoid crowds)
Wildlife (deer, turkeys) is common—secure food properly

2. Buffalo National River (Boxley to Buffalo City) – America’s First National River
🌊 Highlights:
One of the few undammed rivers in the U.S. (perfect for canoeing & kayaking)
Bluff shelters, waterfalls (Hemmed-In Hollow – tallest in Midwest)
Floating the river (1-5 day trips available)
Horseback riding & camping along the riverbanks
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
March–May & September–October (best water levels, 60-80°F)
Summer (June-August) = warmer but can be crowded
Winter (December-February) = colder but fewer people
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: Steel Creek, Kyles Landing, and Buffalo Point (some with RV hookups)
Boxley (north end) & Buffalo City (south end) have basic supplies
Marble Falls (nearby) has small grocery stores
⚠️ Things to Know:
River levels change quickly—check USGS before floating
Mosquitoes can be bad in summer—bring repellent
No cell service in many areas—plan ahead

3. Mount Magazine State Park (Paris) – Highest Point in Arkansas
🏔️ Highlights:
**Arkansas’s highest point (2,753 ft) – Mount Magazine Summit
Scenic drives, hang gliding (world-famous launch point)
Hiking trails (including Signal Hill for panoramic views)
Luxury lodge & cabins with restaurant
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–June & September–October (mild temps 60-80°F, fall foliage)
Summer (June-August) = warm but great for outdoor activities
Winter (December-February) = cooler, possible snow
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: Mountain Harbor (RV & tent sites), lodge cabins
Paris (20 mins) has supermarkets & restaurants
Little Rock (1.5 hours) for major services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Hang gliding requires reservations & training
Weather changes quickly at higher elevations
Deer & black bears are common—secure food

4. Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs) – Historic Spa Town
♨️ Highlights:
America’s first national park (established in 1832)
Natural hot springs (Buckstaff Bathhouse still operates)
Garvan Woodland Gardens (beautiful botanical gardens)
Hiking trails (Gulpha Gorge, Hot Springs Mountain Tower)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–May & September–October (mild temps 60-80°F)
Summer (June-August) = hot (90-95°F) but great for spa treatments
Winter (December-February) = cooler but fewer crowds
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: Gulpha Gorge (near downtown, basic sites)
Hot Springs (downtown) has hotels, restaurants, and spas
Little Rock (1 hour) for more options
⚠️ Things to Know:
Hot springs are free but regulated—use public bathhouses
Downtown can be touristy—explore nature trails for peace
Wildlife (raccoons) may try to steal food

5. Crater of Diamonds State Park (Murfreesboro) – Dig for Real Diamonds
💎 Highlights:
Only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public
Search for diamonds in the Plowed Field (over 33,000 found!)
**Hiking trails & a beautiful volcanic crater
Gem & mineral exhibits
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
March–May & September–October (mild temps 60-80°F)
Summer (June-August) = hot but great for family trips
Winter (December-February) = cooler but fewer visitors
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: Diamond Discovery (RV & tent sites)
Murfreesboro (5 mins) has small grocery stores
Little Rock (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Diamond hunting requires patience—bring shovels & screens
Found diamonds must be registered (but you keep them!)
Summer heat is intense—hydrate well

6. Ozark National Forest (Harrison) – Deep Forest Camping
🌲 Highlights:
Vast hardwood forests & rolling Ozark Mountains
Hiking (Buffalo National River trails, Hurricane Creek)
**Fishing & swimming in Norfork Lake & Bull Shoals Lake
Scenic drives (Scenic 7 Byway)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–May & September–October (mild temps 60-80°F, fall colors)
Summer (June-August) = warm but great for water activities
Winter (December-February) = cooler, possible snow
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: Multiple Forest Service sites (primitive & developed)
Harrison (30 mins) has supermarkets & lodging
Fayetteville (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Some areas have limited cell service
Wildlife (black bears) is present—secure food
Check fire restrictions in dry seasons

7. Greers Ferry Lake (Heber Springs) – Best Lake Camping in Arkansas
🏞️ Highlights:
Clear, deep lake (perfect for boating, fishing, & swimming)
Hiking trails (Greers Ferry Dam, Little Red River Falls)
Houseboat rentals & scenic overlooks
Cooler mountain breezes (great escape from heat)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–June & September–October (best weather 60-85°F)
Summer (July-August) = warm but great for water sports
Winter (December-February) = cooler, fewer crowds
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: Multiple lakefront sites (RV & tent)
Heber Springs (10 mins) has restaurants & supplies
Little Rock (1 hour) for more options
⚠️ Things to Know:
Boating safety is important (wear life jackets)
Water levels fluctuate—check dam releases
Sunscreen & bug spray are a must

8. White River National Wildlife Refuge (Stuttgart) – Birdwatching & Wetlands
🦆 Highlights:
One of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests
**Home to alligators, bald eagles, & migratory birds
Fishing, kayaking, & wildlife photography
Scenic river views & nature trails
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
November–March (best for birdwatching, cooler temps)**
Spring (March-May) = migratory birds return
Summer (June-August) = hot & humid but lush greenery
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: Primitive sites (no hookups)
Stuttgart (30 mins) has basic supplies
Little Rock (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Alligators live here—keep a safe distance
Mosquitoes can be bad in summer—bring repellent
Best explored by kayak or boat

9. Devil’s Den State Park (West Fork) – Caves & Mountain Views
🕳️ Highlights:
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) historic structures
Cave explorations (Devil’s Den Cave – guided tours available)
Hiking trails (Yellow Rock Trail for overlooks)
Mountain biking & horseback riding
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–May & September–October (mild temps 60-80°F)**
Summer (June-August) = warm but great for outdoor activities
Winter (December-February) = cooler, possible snow
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: RV & tent sites, cabins
West Fork (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Fayetteville (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Caves require flashlights (bring your own)
Wildlife (bats, snakes) is common—be cautious
Some trails are steep—wear sturdy shoes

10. Lake Dardanelle State Park (Russellville) – River & Lake Fun
🌊 Highlights:
Arkansas River & Lake Dardanelle (great for fishing & boating)
Hiking trails (River Overlook Trail)
Bike rentals & wildlife viewing (bald eagles)
Visitor center with educational exhibits
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–June & September–October (mild temps 60-85°F)**
Summer (July-August) = warm but great for water activities
Winter (December-February) = cooler, fewer crowds
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
**Campgrounds: RV & tent sites
Russellville (10 mins) has supermarkets & restaurants
Little Rock (1 hour) for more options
⚠️ Things to Know:
Boating safety is important (wear life jackets)
Sun exposure is strong—hydrate well
Fishing licenses are required
Final Tips for Camping in Arkansas
✔ **Always check for wildlife (bears, snakes, alligators) and secure food properly
✔ **Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and plenty of water
✔ **Some remote areas have limited cell service—plan ahead
✔ **Respect nature and follow park rules

Arkansas is a nature lover’s paradise with mountains, lakes, caves, and forests. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or wildlife spotting, these 10 camping spots will give you an unforgettable experience. 🏕️🌲🐻