Arkansans know that camping is a rite of passage. It’s the one outdoor activity that the entire family can enjoy, no matter the time of year. Some folks like camping in the spring and summer, where they can spend time on the water. Others prefer to cozy up during the winter and roast marshmallows by a campfire. Personally, fall is my favorite season to camp because I enjoy exploring the great outdoors when the weather is crisp outside. Plus, the hiking trails have less bugs, and the trees are illuminated with autumn colors. Regardless of when you like camping, Coyote Canyon Campgrounds in Mena is the destination for you. This year-round campground in Arkansas is great for your entire family no matter the season. 

You can find Coyote Canyon Campgrounds off Polk County Road 61 tucked inside the Ouachita Mountains, just several miles south of the Talimena Scenic Byway. It’s also just a stone's throw away from Wolf Pen Gap ATV trails. So, you’ll be camping in a very scenic area of Arkansas with lots of outdoor activities.

Whether you enjoy primitive tent camping, or the luxury of your RV, or you prefer a rustic cabin in the woods, you can find it here. My family and I don’t own an RV, so when we go camping, we always reserve a cabin. We enjoy a little bit of comfort, after all, some cabins are like home away from home. Fortunately, Coyote Canyon Campgrounds can accommodate all kinds of campers. The RV sites have full hookups and there is a bathhouse onsite for use. You can book a studio or a 2-bedroom cabin, which comes with everything you need for a comfortable stay. They’re a bit more expensive but let’s face it, comfort typically costs extra, right? 

What I love about Coyote Canyon is that this all-year campground is great for outdoor activities. In the summer, you can explore the many lakes, creeks, and swimming holes inside the Ouachitas. Little Missouri Falls is in the area, where you can easily spend a spring or summer day enjoying the water.

If you’re a leaf peeper like me, then you know that the Ouachitas come alive during the autumn season. Bring your ATV and ride the nearby trails, plan a day hike inside the mountains, or take the breathtaking drive along the Talimena Byway. No matter how you explore the scenic area, you’ll get to see some of the prettiest fall colors in Arkansas. 

Of course, winter brings its own adventure. Strap on those hiking boots and step inside the surrounding winter wonderland. And when you’re done exploring, return to your rustic cabin or your RV campground and enjoy the rest of the evening roasting marshmallows by the campsite. 

Planning seasonal camping trips can be tricky. For one, you must find the ideal location with lots of things to do and see. Whether your family loves swimming in the summer, hiking in the fall, or just snuggling by a campfire in the winter, you can do it all when you stay at Coyote Canyon Campgrounds, an amazing year-round campground in Arkansas. 

Have you ever stayed at Coyote Canyon Campgrounds? Or where is your favorite spot for all-year camping in Arkansas? Tell us about it below.

While in the area, stop by the Skyline Cafe in Mena for some delicious country cooking served with a side of Southern Hospitality.

Also, if you're looking for the perfect camping chair, we can't recommend the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair from REI enough.