With our vast landscapes that include mountains, forests, river valleys, and more, Arkansas is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, thousands of visitors flock to our state each year in search of their next adventure.

From fishing to hiking to mountain biking to rock climbing and everything in between, you can find it here in the Natural State. And of course, no outdoor adventure is complete without camping underneath the stars. Luckily, there are endless camping spots in Arkansas that range from primitive tent camping to glamping escapes.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an avid camper, or an amateur adventurer, we've got great campgrounds that will suit your needs. Here are 26 of the best campgrounds in Arkansas for all types of travelers.

Best State Park Campgrounds in Arkansas

With 32 state parks in Arkansas that offer primitive, full hookups as well as glamping opportunities, it’s guaranteed there will be a campsite that will appease any traveler. Each of these campgrounds in Arkansas offers visitors a unique experience. Pack your camping gear and let’s explore these state parks that offer some of the best campsites in Arkansas.

1. Petit Jean State Park

• Location: Morrilton, Arkansas
• Popularity: As one of the most beloved state parks that attract thousands of travelers each year, Petit Jean is a popular location for camping.
• Park Info: It features multi-use trails, two swimming pools, picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, boat launch ramp, tennis, and basketball courts, and so much more. A 100-acre fishing lake offers water recreation that includes kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating.
• Price: The average nightly rate for a Class AAA campsite is $40, while the rate for Class B water/30AMP is $25 per night.

Home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Natural State, Petit Jean State Park is a must-visit. The park features 125 campsites, a group camp area, glamping yurts, as well as a historic 24-room lodge along with 33 rustic cabins. The cabins boast modern amenities, and the campsites offer water, electrical hook-ups, bathhouses with hot showers, dump stations, and more. It’s a great campsite for both primitive and RV campers.

2. Queen Wilhelmina State Park

• Location: Mena, Arkansas
• Popularity: Cradled at the top of Arkansas' second highest peak, the scenic vistas are attractive to outdoor enthusiasts. Driving along the Talimena National Scenic Byway is the best part of the journey.
• Park Info: With over 200 miles of trails, the park is great for mountain biking and hiking. There is also a playground, volleyball court, a scenic train ride as well as interpretive programs that are great for the family.
• Price: The average rate per night ranges from $15 to $32 depending on the site.

Nestled atop Rich Mountain, Queen Wilhelmina State Park has some of the best views of the Ouachita Mountains. Home to a newly renovated 40-room lodge as well as 41 campsites, you'll have lodging options for all travelers. The campground boasts 8 Class A sites with full hookup (water/50 amp) and 27 Class B sites with water and electric service, along with 5 Class C sites with water. Tent sites are also available on a first come first serve basis. Amenities include a bathhouse with hot showers, a dump station, charcoal grill, picnic table, fire ring, and more.

3. Lake Fort Smith State Park

• Location: Mountainburg, Arkansas
• Popularity: Backpackers love visiting this park to explore the 240-mile Ozark Highland Trail. It's also a great park year-round for outdoor recreation.
• Park Info: Nestled at the foothills of the Boston Mountain Valley, the park is great for camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. Boasting a swimming pool, a marina with boat rentals, as well as access to Lake Fort Smith, this park is a playground for year-round adventure.
• Price: Average nightly rate for Class B sites is $25, Class AAA sites is $40, and the rustic cabins range between $154.00 to $171.00 per night.

Lake Fort Smith State Park offers 20 Class AAA, 10 Class B as well as 10 rustic cabins for travelers who prefer a more comfortable glamping experience. Featuring heated bathhouses with hot showers, a playground, picnic areas, a pavilion, along with a snack bar and visitor center, this park is guaranteed to be fun for the entire family.

4. Bull Shoals - White River State Park

• Location: Lakeview, Arkansas
• Popularity: Famous for its trout fishing, thousands of anglers flock to this park year-round to enjoy all that the White River has to offer.
• Park Info: Nestled on the banks of the White River, this park is a paradise for anglers as well as folks who love hiking and mountain biking. Featuring a state-of-the-art 15,744-square-foot visitor center, a marina, and boat rentals, this park has lots to keep the family busy.
• Price: Average nightly rate ranges between $15 to $40 depending on the site.

If you're visiting Bull Shoals - White River State Park, you'll have access to 113 campsites. Sites include 63 class AAA, 30 Class B, as well as 20 primitive tent sites with no hook ups. In addition, there are 3 Rent-An-RV campsites available. Amenities include waterfront campsites, grills, fire pits, picnic tables, and more. All sites except the primitive ones have water and electric hookups.

5. Village Creek State Park

• Location: Wynne, Arkansas
• Popularity: With miles and miles of equestrian trails, this park is a popular destination for horse riding.
• Park Info: Boasting 7,000 acres of forest, multi-use trails, golf course, two lakes, fishing, boating, outdoor and indoor theaters, a small museum, a visitor center, a gift shop and more, adventure await at this state park.
• Price: Average nightly rate ranges from $25 to $40, depending on the campsite.

Village Creek State Park is one of the only state parks in Arkansas that has an equestrian campground with stable facilities. With 30 available Class B sites with electric hookups, water and bathhouses, horse lovers can enjoy a comfortable stay. In addition, there are 10 cabins with modern amenities as well as 96 campsites around Lake Dunn. The campground offers hot showers, flushable toilets, sewer, barbeque grills, picnic tables, fire rings, and more.

6. Mount Magazine State Park

• Location: Paris, Arkansas
• Popularity: As one of the most popular state parks, Mount Magazine is busy all year round.
• Park Info: A haven for sightseers and outdoor enthusiasts, and home to Arkansas' highest point, this park is great for rock climbing, hang-gliding, ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, and everything in between.
• Price: Average nightly rate ranges from $35 to $40 depending on the site

Tucked inside the Ozark Mountains, Mount Magazine State Park is one of the most beloved parks in Arkansas, offering the most picturesque vistas in our state. With a 60-room lodge, 13 rustic cabins, as well as 18 campsites, this park has accommodations for every traveler. The campground has sites with full hookups as well as tent options and amenities include water, sewer, picnic tables, grills, bathhouse with hot showers and flushable toilets. Though the camp area is small, its location on Cameron Bluff makes it attractive for nature lovers.

7. Mount Nebo State Park

• Location: Dardanelle, Arkansas
• Popularity: With acres of acres of natural beauty as well as scenic vistas, travelers flock to this park year-round.
• Park Info: Cradled at the top of Mount Nebo near the Arkansas River Valley, this park offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, pavilions, and 32 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
• Price: The average nightly rate for the Class B sites is $25 and the cabins range between $172.00 to $230.0 per night

Mount Nebo State Park has 15 rustic cabins as well as 34 campsites that overlook the gorgeous river valley and are available to reserve all year long. Of the 34 spots to camp, 10 are primitive hike-in tent sites, which are perfect if you love backpacking. Please note, there are no dump stations at the park.

Best Beach Camping in Arkansas

Of course, we all know that Arkansas is a landlocked state, but that doesn’t stop our fun on the water. In fact, we are blessed with lots of lakes and swimming holes that are perfect for a beach getaway. Many of these oases rival the crystal-blue waters of the islands. So, if you’re searching for a beach getaway, here are the best campsites in Arkansas that we recommend.

8. Lake Ouachita State Park

• Location: Mountain Pine, Arkansas
• Popularity: Very popular during the warmer months for swimming, skiing, boating, scuba diving, fishing, and more
• Park Info: Located near Hot Springs, the crown jewel of the park is the 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita, which is a paradise for water enthusiasts. The lake is a haven for day users and offers tons of recreational activities. With over 200 islands on the lake, there is ample space for hiking, kayaking, swimming, water sports, and more. A full-service marina and a visitor center are inside the park as well.
• Price: Campsites range from $15 to $75/night

As the largest and most pristine lake in Arkansas, Lake Ouachita is the ideal oasis if you love spending time on the water. The lake is situated inside Lake Ouachita State Park which offers 93 campsite, some of which are lakefront spots. The campground includes 58 Class AAA, 23 Class D, 12 walk-in tent sites as well as eight fully equipped cabins. Amenities include a bathhouse with hot showers, flushing toilets, sewer hookups, picnic tables, fire pits, and more.

9. Old Highway 25 Park Beach

• Location: Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas
• Popularity: Due to its location on Greers Ferry Lake as well as its pristine blue waters, this beach is popular for day use as well as for overnight camping during peak season from March to October.
• Park Info: The recreation area is a great location for camping, fishing, boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, and more. With its crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect place for visitors to enjoy a beach day without leaving Arkansas.
• Price: Prices vary per site, but the average cost ranges from $18 to $50 per night

This popular campground has 116 sites, 80 of which offer electrical hookups. Some sites have lakefront views which is perfect for folks who love gazing out at the water. Amenities include drinking water, toilets, showers, a dump station, picnic shelters as well as a swimming beach. If you're searching for summertime fun, this is the place to be!

10. Robinson Point Park

• Location: Mountain Home, Arkansas
• Popularity: Peak season is between April and October, where guests can bask in all that Norfolk Lake has to offer.
• Park Info: As one of the most popular parks on Norfolk Lake, this campsite boasts lots of recreational activities. They include swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing, as well as hunting during the season. In addition to the lake activities, there is a playground, picnic areas, and a visitor center.
• Price: Prices range from $20 to $40 per campsite

Robinson Point Park has 106 campsites with most of them boasting lakefront views. So, campers can enjoy some dreamy spots with top tier amenities that include electric hookups, showers, water, dump stations, firepit, trash collection, and so much more. Between the waterfront views, the 20,000-acre lake as well as the Ozark vistas, this waterfront campsite is the perfect getaway for the entire family.

11. Joplin Recreation Area-USACE

• Location: Mt. Ida, Arkansas
• Popularity: Very popular with lake-goers during peak season from May 01 through September 30.
• Park Info: Situated on the banks of the pristine Lake Ouachita, this recreational park is open for day use as well as for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, biking, water skiing, fishing, scuba diving, as well as hunting during the season.
• Price: Campsites range between $16 and $24

If you're searching for the ultimate beach adventure in Arkansas, then you must visit the Joplin Recreation Area. Though all 59 campsites have electric hookups, the sites are unpaved and vary by size. So, be sure to contact the facility with questions at 870-867-4472 before you book your trip. There is no water hookups, but there is a water faucet onsite. Other amenities include a dump station, hot showers, firepits, picnic areas, a boat ramp, BBQ grills, and a swimming beach. It has everything you need for a fun weekend at the beach.

12. Crystal Springs Recreation Area

• Location: Royal, Arkansas
• Popularity: Peak season is from May 01 through September 30, and the recreation area is very popular with families who enjoy the water.
• Park Info: Located just 10 miles from Hot Springs, Arkansas, this recreation area features a boat ramp, a marina, and a restaurant. Due to its location on Lake Ouachita, visitors can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities. They include swimming, fishing, water skiing, hiking, boating, and scuba diving. During the off season, it's a haven for nature enthusiasts who love bird watching.
• Price: Campground rates vary depending on the season as well as the site. Expect prices to range between $16 and $80.

As one of the

" target="_blank">best campgrounds on Lake Ouachita, you can expect the best that camping has to offer at Crystal Springs. Of the 68 campsites, 63 of them have both electric and water hookups. Plus, there are group sites available boasting the same amenities. In addition, there are restrooms with showers, a dump station, BBQ grills, firepits, trash collection, a playground for kids, and best of all, most of the sites boast waterfront views. You won't be disappointed if you book a campsite at this recreation area in Arkansas.

Top Glamping in Arkansas

I understand that RV and tent camping is not for everyone. Some folks prefer a much more comfortable or glamorous experience. So, if that’s you, have no worries, we’ve got you covered. If you’re searching for a glamping adventure, then here are some of the best glamping sites in Arkansas that promise all the luxury and comfort.

13. DeGray Lake Resort State Park

• Location: Bismarck, Arkansas
• Popularity: Very popular during Spring break and the Summer months
• Park Info: Tucked on the banks of Lake DeGray, this island resort state park boasts first-class lodging as well as top-rated amenities. Featuring an 18-hole disc golf course, swim beaches, basketball and tennis courts, hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, and so much more. Water sports include boating, party barges, kayaks, and pedal boats.
• Price: Campsites range from $15 to $40 and the average night for the lodge is $95 to $150

DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers both campsites as well as a 90-room luxurious lodge. The rooms are equipped with a queen or king size beds and boast satellite television, Wi-Fi, coffeemaker, and mini refrigerator. Some rooms also have a microwave. Other amenities include lake views, heated swimming pool, a restaurant, sunset cruises, guided hikes, and more. This island resort state park is a great place to escape and sleep in the arms of luxury.

14. StoneWind Retreat

• Location: Chester, Arkansas
• Popularity: This couples only glampground is popular year-round for folks seeking the ultimate romantic escape. It's perfect for anniversaries, honeymoons, as well as other special occasions.
• Park Info: Located between Fayetteville and Fort Smith, this glampground features 8 elegantly decorated yurts. With its proximity to the Ozarks as well as to Lake Fort Smith State Park, there are endless opportunities to spend time in nature. The glampground also offers wellness courses as well as a relaxing space to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
• Price: Average nightly rate ranges between $150 and $209 depending on the yurt

Tucked away in the Boston Mountains, StoneWind Retreat features luxury yurts with breathtaking views of the Ozarks. Each 700 square foot yurt comes equipped with luxury king size beds, climate control, and a fully stocked kitchen. Outdoors you'll find a large deck with a hot tub overlooking the scenic mountainside. For an extra special evening opt for an in-room couples’ massage. By far, this is one of the

" target="_blank">best glamping retreats in Arkansas.

15. Catherine's Landing, an RVC Outdoor Destination

• Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Popularity: A very popular destination with extended stay options.
• Park Info: Surrounded by Lake Catherine, this 400-acre RVC resort is the ultimate playground for folks who love a more luxurious camping experience. Enjoy hiking, zip lining, a swimming pool, kayaking, boating, and more.
• Price: Rates varies based on accommodations. The average nightly rate for a luxury yurt or cabin is between $150 and $250 per night, respectively.

When it comes to luxury accommodations, you'll find just what you need at Catherine's Landing. The resort offers several different options which include RV and tent sites, cabins, cottages as well as luxury yurts. For the glamping experience you can expect amenities that include climate control, comfortable bedding, flatscreen TVs in the cottages and cabins, Wi-Fi, BBQ grill, picnic tables, and firepits. If you want to take your glamping adventure in Arkansas to another level, then book a stay at Catherine Landings today.

16. The Hideout Airstream

• Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
• Popularity: This northwest Arkansas glampground is a popular escape for trendy travelers.
• Park Info: Located just minutes away from restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and more, this glampground is perfect for folks who prefer an immersive urban atmosphere.
• Price: Average nightly rate is $117

Featuring 2 newly renovated Airstreams, the luxury glampsite boasts modern amenities that include comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, climate control, mini fridge, full bathrooms, fire pits, outside seating, and more. This glampground is perfect for couples or for a group of friends who would like to explore all that Fayetteville has to offer.

17. Iris Hill Glamping

• Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
• Popularity: These adorable pods are popular with travelers searching for a unique glamping experience.
• Park Info: As an adult-only glampground, you can leave the kids behind and escape into the serene atmosphere. Spend the day hiking or watching the local wildlife, and then at night gaze at the twinkling stars. Just minutes away from Eureka Springs, you'll have access to all the attractions in town.
• Price: Rates for the pods are $99 per night.

Located in Eureka Springs, Iris Hill Glamping is an adults-only glampground that is the perfect place to escape. The glamp pods offer one of the most unique stays in the Ozarks. Boasting queen size beds, flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi, climate control, microwaves, refrigerators, private bathrooms and more, you'll have everything you need for the ultimate glamping experience.

Best RV Camping Sites in Arkansas

If you’ve ever been camping, you’ll know that RV camping is one of the best ways to have the experience. With a fully equipped RV, camping can be a home away from home experience. That’s especially true when you rent an RV location that has all the bells and whistles. And luckily, there are several RV resorts in Arkansas that offer their guests lots of amenities and a pleasant stay unlike any other. You may even be tempted to rent an RV through our friends at RVShare to see if this style of camping is for you!

18. Crown Lake RV Resort

• Location: Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas
• Popularity: Popular during peak season between May and September
• Park Info: As one of the best RV parks in Arkansas, you'll have access to a plethora of activities. They include a sandy beach as well as 2 swimming pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, a Safari Mini Golf, a seasonal aqua park, an arcade, a playground, a restaurant/bar, and so much more.
• Price: RV rates vary depending on the season. They range between $39 to $89

At Crown Lake Resort, visitors will have access to 73 RV sites, 59 of which are pull through sites. The sites are equipped with full hookups that include electric, water, and sewer. Additionally, there are bathrooms with private showers, picnic tables, grills, camp rings, and more. This luxury RV resort is the ultimate escape for the entire family.

19. Ozarks Luxury RV Resort

• Location: Oak Grove, Arkansas
• Popularity: Tucked along the banks of the pristine Table Rock Lake, this site is popular during peak season between May and October.
• Park Info: Featuring tennis courts, pickleball courts, 2 swimming pools, lake access, disc golf course, and water sports, this luxury RV site is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas.
• Price: Rates vary by site and range between $89 to $129.

As one of the best RV luxury resorts in Arkansas, you can expect nothing but first-class amenities at Ozarks Luxury RV Resort. Along with the 164 RV concrete pad sites with full hookups, visitors can enjoy lakeview and lakefront sites, bathhouse, laundry facilities, golf cart rental, community fire pit, and more. The resort offers ownership opportunities which comes with extra perks. This well-manicured RV site promises a luxurious stay unlike any other.

20. Wanderlust RV Park & Cabins

• Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
• Popularity: Its close proximity to the attractions in Eureka Springs makes this site a popular camping location especially during peak season from April to October.
• Park Info: With stunning views of the Ozarks, as well as a swimming pool, picnic areas, free Wi-Fi, and hiking and biking trails, this RV-only site is great for a quick trip or an extended stay. Plus, there are also cabins available if you prefer a more traditional experience.
• Price: RV sites vary per site and average between $37 to $65 and subject to change during holidays or special events weekends.

Boasting exceptional customer service as well as incredible amenities, a stay at Wanderlust RV Park & Cabins is one you won't forget. The scenic campground features 88 full hookup sites that includes 51 pull-thru sites, and 66 sites with 50 amps electric hookup. Amenities include restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, firepits, full hookups, and of course, stunning views of the Ozark Mountains as well as easy access to Eureka Springs.

21. Gulpha Gorge Campground

• Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Popularity: The area is popular due to the pretty waters of Gulpha Creek that flows through the campsite
• Park Info: Nestled inside the historic Hot Springs National Park, Gulpha Gorge offers a place to escape into nature when visiting Hot Springs. Offering both day use as well as overnight stays, there are hiking trails, picnic areas, as well as a pretty creek flowing through the area.
• Price: All campsites are $34, and they require prior reservations.

If you're searching for a spot to camp in Hot Springs, then consider the Gulpha Gorge Campground. The site offers 40 spots for both RV and tent camping. Each spot is equipped with 30 and 50 amp electric, water and sewer connections and feature picnic tables, grills, a dump station, trash pickup, fire rings, along with access to water and restrooms. Plus, some sites are tucked on the banks of the creek. Also, this site is less than an hour from Little Rock, so it's a great location to camp if you want to explore both towns.

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Arkansas

For the true campers who enjoy backpacking and fully immersing themselves in nature, you’ll be delighted to know that there is no shortage of primitive camping spots in Arkansas. As the Natural State, you have the option of mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and so much more. Here are a few of the best primitive tent camping sites in Arkansas.

22. Blanchard Springs Campground

• Location: Mountain View, Arkansas
• Popularity: A very popular area due to its cave and other Ozark landscapes.
• Park Info: Marvel at the caverns, waterfalls, lakes, rock formations, flowing streams, and more, inside this picturesque natural area.
• Price: Campsite rates are $15 for primitive camping, and there are also free sites available.

After exploring the gorgeous Ozarks, pitch your tent and enjoy primitive camping at Blanchard Spring Recreational Area. There are 32 campsites available that feature grills, tables, lantern poles as well as tent pads, but there is no electrical or water hookups. Please note that cell phone service might be very limited.

23. Jack Creek Recreation Area

• Location: Booneville, Arkansas
• Popularity: One of Arkansas' best kept secrets, so it's a little-known area in the Ouachitas
• Park/Campground Info: Surrounded by towering bluffs as well as a serene creek, this site is great for folks looking to avoid the crowds. The swimming hole is one of the best in Arkansas.
• Price: FREE is the best way to camp!

At Jack Creek Recreation Area, the 5 walk-in sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are picnic tables, grills, a pavilion as well as changing rooms and restrooms with running water. There is no potable water or hookups, so be sure to bring everything you need to enjoy this primitive campsite.

24. Steel Creek Campground

• Location: Compton, Arkansas
• Popularity: A very popular area for folks floating the Buffalo National River
• Park Info: This campground is one of Arkansas' hidden gems. The campsites are within walking distance of the Buffalo River, and you'll be able to marvel at the twinkling stars from the Dark Sky Park as well as at the picturesque Roark Bluff.
• Price: Rate is $20 during peak season, but free between mid-November to mid-March

During peak season, there are 26 campsites as well as 14 horse campgrounds that are available on a first-come/first-served basis and some require reservations. Some amenities like potable water and flush toilets are offered. However, if you camp during the off season, these amenities are not available. Plus, there is no cell phone signal at this scenic campground in Arkansas

25. Richland Creek Recreation Area - Witts Spring

• Location: Witts Spring, Arkansas
• Popularity: Due to its many waterfalls, this is a popular area for nature lovers
• Park Info: Surrounded by rugged wilderness as well as natural Ozark landscapes, this campground is a paradise for folks who love backpacking in the Ozarks.
• Price: Primitive camping only, and the rate is $10 per site

If you're searching for a remote campsite while you chase Ozark waterfalls, then Richland Creek Recreation Area is one of the best. The first-come/first-based only campground has 11 primitive camping spots. Campfires are allowed inside the fire pit. There are lots of places to go swimming and to explore the beautiful terrain. Water is only available seasonally, so be sure to bring everything you need for the campsite.

26. White Rock Mountain Campground

• Location: Winslow, Arkansas
• Popularity: Popular area for folks who enjoy being in nature.
• Park Info: The best way to witness Arkansas is from 2,000 feet high above sea level and at White Rock Mountain, you can enjoy great hiking trails, witness incredible waterfalls, as well as marvel at the stunning Ozark vistas.
• Price: Tent only primitive sites costs $15 per night

White Rock Mountain campground offers lots of options for camping, but there are primitive campsites with no electric or water hookups available. You can also find a remote spot to enjoy boondock camping. If you choose to stay at the campground, you'll have access camp rings, drinking water, picnic tables, lantern poles, and more.

Well folks, are you ready to pack your gear to explore the best campsites in Arkansas? If so, which of these campgrounds are at the top of your list? Tell us in the comments below. In my opinion, they all have something unique for all travelers. So, you really can't go wrong no matter what, because these sites represent the best camping in Arkansas. As a reminder, leave no trace behind. Let's keep the Natural State beautiful for all to enjoy.

While you're out exploring the great outdoors in Arkansas, don't forget to pack all your must-have hiking essentials.