Best RV Camping in Arkansas

A family RV parked in a forest clearing, with a campfire, chairs, and a picnic table set up outside. Trees and mountains in the background
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Arkansas is a haven for RV camping enthusiasts with its diverse landscapes, ranging from serene rivers and lakes to the enchanting forests of the Ouachita National Forest. As you plan your journey, the state’s natural wonders promise to deliver an unforgettable experience. At the heart of this outdoor paradise, Hot Springs National Park offers a unique blend of natural hot springs and scenic hiking trails, perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.



Petit Jean State Park

When you plan your RV camping trip in Arkansas, Petit Jean State Park should undoubtedly be on your list. This gem is nestled atop Petit Jean Mountain and offers a charming blend of nature and well-maintained amenities.

Camping:
Your camping experience at Petit Jean is enhanced by the 125 available campsites, including 26 pull-through sites for easier RV access. For the best in comfort, select one of the 35 Class AAA sites, featuring 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer hookups.

Amenities:

  • Electrical hookups
  • Water access
  • Sewer service
  • Sanitary dump stations
  • Hot showers
  • Flush toilets
  • Trash collection

Your camping spot is only minutes from a variety of activities, ensuring you are fully immersed in the natural beauty of the area.

Hiking Trails:
Don your hiking boots and explore over 20 miles of trails. Traverse diverse terrains, leading to spectacular views of the Arkansas River and the Cedar Falls.

Natural Beauty:
Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas’ flagship state park, often lauded for its captivating vistas, diverse wildlife, and unique geological features. Capture the sunrise from the overlooks or wander through the forests and meadows that are teeming with life.

As you plan your stay, remember to respect the park’s rules to preserve its pristine conditions for all to enjoy. Your adventure at Petit Jean State Park awaits, promising an unforgettable encounter with Arkansas’ natural splendor.

Hot Springs National Park

When planning your RV camping adventure in Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park should be at the top of your list. It’s a unique fusion of nature and rejuvenation, boasting the historic charm of the town of Hot Springs.

Camping at Hot Springs National Park:
At the heart of this park, you’ll find the Gulpha Gorge Campground, providing a scenic backdrop for your RV camping experience. With 40 sites available, ensure to reserve your spot early for full access to water and electric hookups.

  • Amenities You Can Expect:
    • Full hook-up sites
    • Picnic tables
    • A modern restroom facility with showers

The campground is conveniently open year-round, allowing you to connect with the park’s natural beauty in all seasons.

Exploring Hot Springs:
While staying at the park, your adventure extends beyond the campground. Over 26 miles of hiking trails beckon you to explore forested hills and steaming thermal springs. Remember to respect the natural landscape and the park’s guidelines to ensure that these treasures remain untouched for future visitors.

When you’re not hiking the trails or relaxing at your campsite, visit the town’s historic bathhouses for a spa experience unlike any other. The town’s thermal waters have drawn people for centuries, promising a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Remember to book your RV slot at KOA Hot Springs National Park or the Kampgrounds of America, where RV and camping options abound, offering more amenities and rental opportunities.

Whether seeking serene walks or indulgent spa time, Hot Springs National Park is your Arkansas RV camping haven.

Buffalo National River

When you’re looking for an RV camping experience that combines outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery, the Buffalo National River in the Ozark Mountains should be at the top of your list. This free-flowing river offers a unique camping experience for nature enthusiasts.

For RV campers, consider the Buffalo Outdoor Center, known for accommodating those who prefer the comfort of their larger vehicles with modern conveniences. It provides extended stay rates, including amenities for several guests and pets.

Kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts will find the Buffalo River a paradise. With many put-in and take-out points along the river, you have the freedom to plan a trip that fits your skill level and schedule. You’re likely to find abundant fishing spots along the river, allowing for a peaceful day waiting for a bite amidst natural beauty.

Camping Options

  • Steel Creek Campground: Offers tent and horse campsites near iconic bluffs.
  • Buffalo Point Campground: This site provides RV hookups with water and electric services.

Activities

  • Kayak and canoe rentals are available to explore the river.
  • Hiking trails for all skill levels meander throughout the park.
  • Fishing is a common pursuit, with the river teeming with smallmouth bass and other species.

Remember to respect this protected area to maintain its natural beauty for years to come. Whether you’re angling for a serene fishing spot, tackling a hiking trail, or simply reveling in the view from your RV, the Buffalo National River is an incomparable destination for outdoor recreation.

Mount Magazine State Park

Discover the wonder of Mount Magazine State Park, the pinnacle of Arkansas’s RV camping. Offering vistas from its position as the state’s highest peak, you’re surrounded by a vast tapestry of lush forests and rugged terrain.

Experience the outdoors to the fullest with various hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. Venturing through these paths, you encounter Arkansas’s diverse nature, from delicate wildflowers to soaring raptors.

Mountain Biking enthusiasts will find trails that deliver both exhilaration and challenge. Prepare for exhilarating descents and test your skills on the trails, all while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

For RV travelers:

  • RV Sites: Equipped with water, electric, and sewer hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Reserve your spot at Mount Magazine State Park.
  • Remember to abide by the ‘Pack it in, pack it out’ principle to keep this pristine environment clean.

Camping facilities are thoughtfully integrated within the park. Choose from 18 available sites and immerse yourself in a quiet, serene setting. For a more secluded retreat, you might consider the nearby cabins for a rustic yet convenient lodging choice, highlighted by The Lodge, a haven nestled within the park’s confines.

When visiting Mount Magazine State Park, create lifelong memories by engaging with nature, challenging your physical limits, and enjoying moments of peaceful reflection amongst Arkansas’s spectacular scenery.

Lake Ouachita State Park

If you’re an RV enthusiast with a love for nature, Lake Ouachita State Park should be at the top of your list for camping destinations in Arkansas. Known for Arkansas’s largest lake, Lake Ouachita provides a pristine environment for various water activities including boating, fishing, and swimming.

Your camping experience is enhanced by the well-maintained RV sites available at the park. Equipped with essential hookups such as:

  • Water
  • Electrical
  • Sewer

You will find these amenities contribute to a comfortable stay. Campground accommodations cater to your needs, ensuring that whilst in the embrace of nature, convenience is not compromised.

For those who favor land over lake, the park stands out with its alluring nature trails. You are invited to explore the scenic beauty of the Ouachita National Forest that encircles the lake. These trails offer not just exercise but a true communion with the serene wilderness.

Your engagement with the natural surroundings is near seamless, with park facilities like:

  • Marina
  • Equipment Rentals
  • Picnic Tables

These additions serve to enhance your outdoor activities, making your stay both memorable and enjoyable.

It’s important to know that Wi-Fi might not be available, ensuring a genuine escape into the splendor of Arkansas’s wilderness. By choosing Lake Ouachita State Park, you embrace the heart of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Visit the official Lake Ouachita State Park page to plan your trip.

Devil’s Den State Park

When you arrive at Devil’s Den State Park, you’re greeted by the vast beauty of the Ozark National Forest. This park is a haven for RV camping enthusiasts looking to connect with nature. Below, you’ll find information to enhance your camping experience.

Camping:

  • RV Camping: Your recreational vehicle is welcome here, with 44 Class AAA sites offering the necessary hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Equestrian Campground: For those with horses, there is a specialized camping area, but it is currently closed for renovation with an anticipated re-opening in Spring 2024.

Activities:

  • Hiking Trails: Lace up your boots to explore miles of trails woven through the park. The trails are varying in difficulty, so you’ll find a path that matches your hiking experience.
  • Mountain Biking: If you prefer two wheels, enjoy the challenge of the park’s mountain biking trails.
  • Nature & Wildlife: While hiking or biking, keep your eyes peeled for local flora and fauna that make their home in this natural sanctuary.

Caves & Creations:
Note: Cave access may be restricted to protect bat populations and other wildlife, so check the current status before planning your spelunking activities.

  • Caves: The park is famous for its caves, which are both geological marvels and key wildlife habitats.
  • Rock Formations: Marvel at the ancient rock formations that give a glimpse into the Earth’s past.

Maintenance Updates:
Be aware that traffic may be limited to one lane over Lee Creek bridge due to ongoing maintenance. Keep an eye out for any posted signs or temporary traffic lights regulating vehicle flow.

For your next RV camping trip, consider immersing yourself in the tranquility and adventure that Devil’s Den State Park offers.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

When you visit Murfreesboro, Arkansas, one of the prime destinations for RV camping enthusiasts is the Crater of Diamonds State Park. This unique park not only offers the thrill of diamond hunting, but also provides comfortable and well-equipped camping facilities for your RV.

Diamond Hunting:

Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world’s only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public for digging. You’re allowed to keep any gem you find, regardless of its value.

Camping Options:

  • 47 Class AAA campsites: These include water, electric, and sewer hookups. Most sites have tent pads.
  • 5 Walk-In Tent Sites: For a more primitive camping experience.

RV Sites:

The RV sites are spacious, level, and offer full hook-ups, ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Amenities:

  • Bathhouses: There are two modern bathhouses on-site with hot showers.
  • Wi-Fi Access: Public Wi-Fi is available to keep you connected.
  • Dump Station: There is a station available, note that no water is provided to clean the tank.

Remember, Crater of Diamonds boasts not only camping facilities but the unique opportunity of discovering your very own diamond. Whether you’re here to dig for precious stones or to enjoy a weekend getaway in your RV, this park caters to all levels of outdoorsy enthusiasts with its accommodating features.

DeGray Lake Resort State Park

Nestled on the shores of a stunning reservoir, DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. Your experience here combines the tranquility of nature with the comforts of modern amenities.

When you plan your RV camping trip, expect to find generous accommodations. The park features:

  • 93 RV sites: Complete with electrical and water hookups.
  • Amenities: Bathhouse facilities, a playground, and dedicated picnic areas.

Looking to engage in some outdoor activities? DeGray Lake Resort is your playground.

Recreational Activities:

  • Golf: Swing your clubs at the 18-hole championship golf course.
  • Boating and Fishing: DeGray Lake is ideal for boating enthusiasts. Whether it’s fishing that piques your interest or simply cruising on the water, the lake’s expansive waters cater to all boating activities.
  • Hiking and Wildlife Viewing: Explore the numerous trails that offer scenic views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

As Arkansas’s only resort state park, you have access to lodging that goes beyond tent and RV camping, should you seek more comfort.

To secure your spot at this coveted destination and for more information on their offerings, reservations can be made by calling the park or visiting their official site.

Remember to check the local guidelines for both boating and fishing to ensure you’re compliant with state regulations. The park’s Visitor Center can also assist you with details about licenses and seasonal information.

Your visit to DeGray Lake Resort State Park promises a balance of adventure and leisure in one of Arkansas’s most treasured natural settings.

Lake Catherine State Park

Nestling within the Ouachita Mountains, Lake Catherine State Park offers a serene escape with ample opportunities for RV camping. Your outdoor adventure begins at one of the park’s 70 RV sites, accommodating various RV sizes with available water and electric hookups.

Hiking Trails
For those who love a scenic trek, the park boasts several trails. Expect to traverse through diverse terrains, leading to captivating views and the park’s famous waterfall.

  • Falls Branch Trail: A moderate 2-mile loop
  • Slunger Creek Nature Trail: A short, educational path

Boating
Launch into Lake Catherine’s tranquil waters from the park’s marina, which provides fuel, bait, and snacks during summer. Year-round boat rentals mean you can enjoy the lake at your leisure, whether it’s the heat of July or the mild chill of October.

Fishing
Anglers appreciate Lake Catherine’s rich aquatic life, featuring bass, crappie, and catfish. Fishing can be a serene way to spend your dawn or dusk, with accessible areas for all.

Camping
Your RV site comes with not only the basics of water and electrical connections but also a picnic table and grill. Relish in evenings beneath the stars, just steps from the comfort of your RV.

Remember, reservations can fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons, so plan accordingly to secure your tranquil getaway at Lake Catherine State Park.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Lush forest surrounds a serene lake in Queen Wilhelmina State Park, with RVs parked in designated camping areas

Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers a serene RV camping experience nestled atop Arkansas’ second highest peak, Rich Mountain. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views and outdoor activities suitable for the whole family.

  • Location: Situated near Mena, Arkansas, it is a prime destination for campers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
  • Amenities: The park includes a modern campground with the necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable stay.
    • Electrical hookups
    • Water access
    • Comfort stations with showers
    • Picnic tables and grills at each site

The park’s campsites accommodate various RV sizes, and your stay is complemented by fresh mountain air and the option to choose your favorite season to visit. For those seeking more comfort, Queen Wilhelmina Lodge offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Adventure is never far with numerous hiking trails, including the scenic Lover’s Leap Trail. Wildlife viewing and bird watching are also popular activities among visitors. While staying at the park, you’re encouraged to travel the Talimena National Scenic Byway, which leads you directly into this cloud-capped retreat.

You can find more details and make reservations through the Arkansas State Parks official website. Remember to read reviews and tips from fellow RVers at RV LIFE Campground Reviews to prepare for your trip.

Please note: Availability, fees, and services are subject to change, and it’s advisable to confirm current conditions with the park before making your trip.

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