Camping Sites in Arkansas: Arkansas is a beautiful state that boasts some of the most picturesque camping sites in the country. With an abundance of natural beauty, this state offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences that will appeal to everyone, from the most seasoned camper to those just starting out. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best camping sites in Arkansas, highlighting what makes each location unique and special.
Best Camping Sites in Arkansas
- Mount Magazine State Park
Located in the Ozark Mountains, Mount Magazine State Park is one of the best camping sites in Arkansas. The park offers a variety of camping options, including 18 RV sites, 10 walk-in tent sites, and 13 standard tent sites. All of the camping sites are equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, and there are restrooms and showers available.
One of the highlights of Mount Magazine State Park is the stunning views. At 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas, and the views from the summit are breathtaking. There are also numerous hiking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For those who want to explore the park beyond hiking, there are also options for rock climbing, hang gliding, and mountain biking.
- Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is another must-visit camping site in Arkansas. The park offers a variety of camping options, including 125 campsites, 33 cabins, and 16 lodge rooms. The campsites range from primitive sites to full-hookup sites for RVs. All of the campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, and there are restrooms and showers available.
One of the highlights of Petit Jean State Park is Cedar Falls, a 95-foot waterfall that can be reached via a moderate hiking trail. The park also offers numerous other hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. For those interested in learning more about the park’s history, there is also a museum on site that tells the story of Petit Jean, a legendary figure from Arkansas folklore.
- Lake Catherine State Park
Lake Catherine State Park is a beautiful camping site located near Hot Springs, Arkansas. The park offers a variety of camping options, including 44 campsites, 20 cabins, and 5 yurts. The campsites range from primitive sites to full-hookup sites for RVs. All of the campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, and there are restrooms and showers available.
One of the highlights of Lake Catherine State Park is the beautiful lake itself. The lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are boat rentals available on-site. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, as well as opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. For those who want to explore the area beyond the park, Hot Springs National Park is just a short drive away.
- Devil’s Den State Park
Devil’s Den State Park is a unique and beautiful camping site located in the Ozark Mountains. The park offers a variety of camping options, including 143 campsites, 17 cabins, and 4 group camps. The campsites range from primitive sites to full-hookup sites for RVs. All of the campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, and there are restrooms and showers available.
One of the highlights of Devil’s Den State Park is the unique rock formations that are scattered throughout the park. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, as well as opportunities for fishing and swimming. For those who want to explore the area beyond the park, the nearby town of Fayetteville offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
- Ozark National Forest
The Ozark National Forest is a vast and beautiful wilderness area that spans multiple counties in Arkansas. The forest offers numerous camping options, including primitive camping, RV camping, and cabin rentals. The campsites are scattered throughout the forest and offer a true wilderness experience. Most of the campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire pit, and vault toilet.
One of the highlights of the Ozark National Forest is the numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the forest and surrounding mountains. There are also opportunities for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The forest is also home to the Blanchard Springs Caverns, a network of stunning underground caves that can be explored on a guided tour.
- Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park is a beautiful camping site located on the shores of Lake Ouachita, the largest lake in Arkansas. The park offers a variety of camping options, including 93 campsites, 30 cabins, and 4 yurts. The campsites range from primitive sites to full-hookup sites for RVs. All of the campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, and there are restrooms and showers available.
One of the highlights of Lake Ouachita State Park is the beautiful lake itself. The lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are boat rentals available on-site. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, as well as opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
- Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is a scenic and rugged wilderness area located in northern Arkansas. The river is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and canoeing. There are numerous camping options available along the river, including primitive camping, RV camping, and cabin rentals.
One of the highlights of the Buffalo National River is the opportunity to explore the river itself. Canoeing or kayaking down the river is a popular activity, and there are numerous rental companies available. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, as well as opportunities for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
- Cossatot River State Park
Cossatot River State Park is a beautiful camping site located along the Cossatot River in southwest Arkansas. The park offers a variety of camping options, including 16 campsites and 6 cabins. The campsites are primitive, but there are restrooms and showers available on site.
One of the highlights of Cossatot River State Park is the opportunity to explore the beautiful Cossatot River. The river is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, and there are numerous rental companies available. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, as well as opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, Arkansas offers some of the most beautiful camping sites in the country, ranging from rugged wilderness areas to serene lakeside retreats. Whether you’re looking for a true wilderness experience or a more family-friendly camping trip, there is a camping site in Arkansas that will suit your needs. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Arkansas!
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