There’s no better pastime in Arkansas than enjoying the outdoors. We’re called the Natural State for a reason, and it’s because Arkansas is full of incredibly beautiful places. What better way to enjoy those places than to spend a few days camping out. We’ve compiled a list of rustic spots where you can camp, play, and delight in all the Natural State has to offer.

1. Lake Poinsett (near Harrisburg)

There are 29 campsites overlooking Lake Poinsett. Each is complete with water and electrical hookups, a table, and a grill. There is also a bathhouse available. Fees begin at $12.

2. Haw Creek Recreation Area (near Pelsor)

Located 12 miles west of Pelsor, set beside the gorgeous Haw Creek with access to the Ozark Highlands Trail, the Haw Creek Recreation Area is a perfect place to set up camp. There are nine units and the cost is $4 per day per campsite. Beware the weather though, for your safety this campground is closed during periods of heavy rain.

3. Mount Magazine (near Paris)

Mount Magazine’s campground comes with amenities: electric, water, and sewer hookups, and a barrier-free bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. The cost to camp here starts at $28 per night and there are 18 campsites.

4. Long Pool Recreation Area (near Dover)

Long Pool Recreation Area is beside Big Piney Creek, which is a nationally recognized Scenic and Recreational River. From your campsite you can swim, canoe, hike, or fish. The recreation area has twenty sites with electric and water hookups. The campsites start from $7 a night.

5. Mississippi River State Park (near Marianna)

There are 17 campsites at Mississippi River State Park, and fees begin at $11. Near the campground you’ll find picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a swim beach.

6. Blanchard Springs Campgrounds (near Fifty-six)

With proximity to great locations for hiking, biking, camping, and caving, Blanchard Springs Campgrounds are near lots of outdoorsy entertainment. You can also grab a hot shower there. The cost is $10 per day and there are 31 campsites.

7. Lost Valley Recreation Area (near Ponca)

All of the campgrounds are directly adjacent to the Buffalo National River, where you can canoe, hike, fish or swim. There are limestone bluffs lining the river, and just so much beauty to behold. Eden Falls (pictured above) is also located there.

8. Shady Lake (near Mena)

Located in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest, Shady Lake Recreation Area is a great place to set up for the weekend. There’s a swimming area with a diving platform, warm-water showers, and a fishing dock. All told, there are 66 campsites. The fees start at $10 per night.

9. White Rock Recreation Area (near Mulberry)

There’s pretty much nothing better than the view from White Rock, and you can stay the night at the recreation area there so you can catch the sunrise from the overlook. There are eight family campsites complete with raised tent beds and fire rings. You can camp here for $10/night.

10. Dam Site Campground (Beaver Lake)

The campsites are just feet away from the lake, and there are fire rings and picnic tables at every one. The peak season rate for campsites begins at $20.

11. Bellah Mine (near De Queen)

Located on the northern end of De Queen Lake, the Bellah Mine Recreation Area has 24 shaded campsites, a boat ramp, and a place to take a hot shower. Campsite fees start at $14 per night.

12. Richland Creek (near Russellville)

Here you’ll find a mountain stream with bluffs, rocks, and waterfalls. There are 11 family campsites.

What’s your favorite camping spot?