When it comes to the ultimate outdoor experience, Arkansas delivers with its rich diversity of landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains and serene lakes to dense forests and winding rivers. Seeking family bonding time under the stars or craving peaceful solitude surrounded by nature, the wide variety of Arkansas camping spots makes the state a top-tier destination.
Lets described in detail the best camping destinations that cater specifically to families and solo travelers, with added insights on nearby activities, camping tips, and what makes each place unique.
List of Top-Rated Arkansas Camping Spots
1. Petit Jean State Park – Family Favorite with Endless Activities
Location: Morrilton, Arkansas
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall for mild weather and colorful foliage
Ideal For: Families, Nature Enthusiasts, First-Time Campers
Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas’ first state park and continues to be one of the most beloved. This expansive park spans over 2,600 acres and offers multiple well-maintained campgrounds suitable for RVs, tents, and even yurts. Families can spend their days hiking more than 20 miles of trails that wind through canyons, caves, and rock formations. The Cedar Falls Trail is especially popular, leading to a 95-foot waterfall that’s stunning year-round.
Beyond hiking, kids and adults alike can enjoy interpretive programs, paddle boats on Lake Bailey, fishing, and wildlife spotting. The park is also home to the Petit Jean Gravesite Overlook, offering one of the best sunset views in the state. For parents who want added comfort, the park’s lodge and cabins offer modern amenities without sacrificing the camping vibe.
Tip: Book early during weekends and holidays—Petit Jean is one of the busiest Arkansas camping spots due to its accessibility and wide appeal.
2. Buffalo National River – Wilderness Dream for Solo Travelers
Location: Northern Arkansas (Jasper, Ponca, Tyler Bend)
Best Time to Visit: Late Spring through Early Fall
Ideal For: Solo Campers, Kayakers, Backpackers
The Buffalo National River is a 135-mile stretch of natural beauty and was the first river in the U.S. to be designated as a National River. It is among the top Arkansas camping spots for solo travelers who want to escape civilization. With dozens of primitive campgrounds and opportunities for dispersed camping, adventurers can find secluded spots along the riverbanks.
You can kayak or canoe along the river while passing massive limestone bluffs, waterfalls, and untouched forest. Popular access points like Steel Creek, Kyles Landing, and Tyler Bend offer toilets, picnic tables, and water access. Hikers will find joy in the Lost Valley Trail and Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls—the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians.
For solo travelers, the solitude here is unmatched, and the chance to see wildlife such as elk herds, bald eagles, and river otters adds to the magic of the experience.
Tip: Water levels vary by season. Check float conditions if planning to paddle or fish.
3. DeGray Lake Resort State Park – Lakefront Luxury with Camping Comfort
Location: Near Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Early Fall
Ideal For: Water Activity Lovers, Family Vacations
DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers a rare blend of luxury and natural beauty. This is one of the only Arkansas state parks that includes a full-service lodge, offering families the flexibility to enjoy nature while having access to resort-style amenities. The 13,800-acre DeGray Lake is a centerpiece of the park, ideal for swimming, sailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
There are 113 campsites ranging from Class AAA to basic tent sites. The park also features a full-service marina with boat rentals, a golf course, and interpretive nature programs for kids. For active families, the hiking and biking trails offer scenic views of the Ouachita Mountains.
Tip: DeGray is perfect for beginner campers, offering access to creature comforts like hot showers, on-site food, and park rangers.
4. Mount Magazine State Park – Sky-High Views & Cooler Temperatures
Location: Logan County, near Paris, Arkansas
Best Time to Visit: Spring, Fall, or Summer to escape valley heat
Ideal For: Scenic Photography, Solo Hikers, Cool-Weather Campers
Mount Magazine, sitting at 2,753 feet, is Arkansas’ highest point and one of the most breathtaking Arkansas camping spots for both solitude seekers and scenic lovers. The views from the top span across the Arkansas River Valley and surrounding mountains, making it an ideal retreat for photographers and hikers.
The park includes 18 campsites with water and electric hookups, and there are cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs perched right at the bluff edge. Solo travelers can enjoy quieter trails like Signal Hill or the Will Apple’s Loop Trail, which offer solitude without being too far from safety.
For the more adventurous, rock climbing and hang-gliding are allowed on designated bluffs—adding a thrill to your mountain stay. The cooler temperatures here offer relief during the hot summer months, making it ideal for camping year-round.
Tip: The on-site Skycrest Lodge restaurant offers local cuisine with sweeping views—perfect for a scenic meal after a long hike.
5. Lake Ouachita State Park – Tranquility and Island Camping
Location: Near Hot Springs, Arkansas
Best Time to Visit: Summer for water activities; Fall for peaceful solitude
Ideal For: Quiet Nature Retreats, Kayakers, Solo Fishermen
Lake Ouachita is Arkansas’ largest lake, encompassing more than 40,000 acres of crystal-clear water and over 100 uninhabited islands. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking solitude or a family wanting a peaceful weekend, this destination offers some of the most serene Arkansas camping spots available.
Campsites are well-maintained with full hookups and lake access. For those with boats or kayaks, camping on the remote islands provides a unique experience away from crowds. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the lake’s abundant bass and crappie populations, while snorkelers and swimmers can explore underwater rock formations and reefs.
Tip: Plan your island camping trip with navigation maps—many spots are first-come, first-served.
6. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area – Rugged & Wild Camping
Location: Wickes, Arkansas
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall for best river conditions
Ideal For: Experienced Campers, Whitewater Kayakers, Wilderness Lovers
The Cossatot River is not for the faint of heart. Recognized as one of the most challenging whitewater streams in the southern U.S., this park attracts hardcore adventurers and solo travelers who crave off-the-grid experiences. It offers primitive camping at Cossatot Falls and Sandbar Campgrounds, with walk-in sites near the riverbanks.
The park also features a modern visitor center with exhibits, classrooms, and observation decks that educate visitors on the area’s geology and biodiversity. While swimming holes are popular during the summer, many come for hiking along the River Corridor Trail, which showcases the Cossatot’s rugged terrain.
Tip: This is not a beginner-friendly park. Cell service is minimal, and conditions can be unpredictable—so plan and pack carefully.
7. Lake Catherine State Park – Hidden Place with Waterfalls and Horses
Location: Near Hot Springs, Arkansas
Best Time to Visit: Spring for waterfalls; Summer for swimming
Ideal For: Families with Young Kids, Relaxing Nature Walks
Lake Catherine is one of the most underrated Arkansas camping spots, offering a quieter and more intimate setting compared to nearby Hot Springs National Park. With 70 campsites and 20 cabins, it’s well-suited for both campers and glampers. The park’s hiking trails are short and scenic—especially the Falls Branch Trail, which leads to a charming waterfall.
Families can enjoy swimming at the designated beach area, fishing from the shore or pier, and participating in ranger-led programs. Horseback riding tours along designated trails add a unique experience that kids especially love.
Tip: This park is a great alternative if nearby campgrounds are booked during the peak season, offering the same natural beauty with fewer crowds.
If searching for a destination that will give you lasting memories, transformative experiences, and the beauty of the outdoors, these Arkansas camping spots offer it all—and then some.
FAQs
1. What are the best Arkansas camping spots for families?
Petit Jean State Park, DeGray Lake Resort State Park, and Lake Catherine State Park are top-rated Arkansas camping spots for families. These parks offer kid-friendly hiking trails, clean restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming zones, and ranger-led educational programs. Many also provide cabins and full RV hookups, making them comfortable for family stays.
2. Are there any Arkansas camping spots suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers can enjoy peaceful solitude and scenic beauty at places like Buffalo National River, Cossatot River State Park, and Mount Magazine State Park. These locations offer more remote and quiet environments, ideal for hiking, kayaking, photography, journaling, or meditative solo retreats.
3. Do Arkansas camping spots offer both RV and tent sites?
Absolutely. Most Arkansas state parks—including Lake Ouachita, Petit Jean, and Mount Nebo—offer a combination of RV and tent campsites. RV sites typically include electrical and water hookups, while tent sites offer level ground, fire rings, and access to nearby restrooms and water sources.
4. Can I camp near a lake or river in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas is known for its beautiful lakes and rivers, and many camping spots are located right along the water. Lake Ouachita, DeGray Lake, Lake Catherine, and Buffalo National River are prime examples where you can camp near the shoreline, enjoy water sports, and wake up to serene views.
5. Are there camping spots in Arkansas with modern amenities like restrooms and showers?
Most Arkansas state parks and developed campgrounds provide modern restrooms, hot showers, dump stations, picnic tables, and even Wi-Fi in some areas. Petit Jean, DeGray Lake, and Mount Magazine have particularly well-maintained facilities that cater to campers who enjoy comfort along with nature.
6. What is the best time of year to camp in Arkansas?
Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) are considered the best times to camp in Arkansas due to mild temperatures, colorful foliage, and fewer bugs. Summer is great for water-based camping but can be hot and humid, especially in low-elevation parks.
7. Are pets allowed at Arkansas camping spots?
Yes, most Arkansas camping spots welcome pets as long as they are kept on a leash and under control. Be sure to clean up after your pets and check individual park rules, as some trails or beaches may have restrictions.
8. Do I need a reservation to camp in Arkansas state parks?
While walk-in sites may be available, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak seasons. You can book campsites, cabins, and RV spots online through the Arkansas State Parks website or by calling the park directly.
9. Are there any free or low-cost camping spots in Arkansas?
Yes, the U.S. Forest Service and Corps of Engineers lands in Arkansas offer primitive or dispersed camping for free or at low cost. Places like the Ozark National Forest and Ouachita National Forest allow dispersed camping, though amenities will be minimal. Always check regulations and practice Leave No Trace ethics.
10. What gear should I pack when camping in Arkansas?
It depends on the season and park, but general essentials include:
- Tent or RV gear
- Sleeping bags or air mattresses
- Food & cooking supplies
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Rain gear (Arkansas weather can change quickly)
- Flashlights or lanterns
- Water or a filtration system
- Maps and trail guides
If camping near rivers or lakes, bring life jackets, water shoes, and dry bags. And always pack a first aid kit, especially if heading into backcountry areas.
