Arkansas is known as the ‘Natural State’ because of its national parks, stretches of woodland and greenery.
All these things make it one of the best places to go camping in the United States.
Temperatures in Arkansas typically don’t fluctuate too much, so camping is enjoyable no matter the season.
That said, you’ll be spoiled for choice when choosing a camping spot in Arkansas. Below are the 10 best camping spots in Arkansas.
1. Enter The Camping Wonderland At Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park has lots of stunning greenery to explore, as well as countless other activities to help shape your visit.
There are trails, bridges, and roads for you to explore, all of them built originally by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 onwards.
Petit Jean State Park is a great way to explore the wilderness while also embracing the historic touches to everything within it, such as the amphitheater.
There is a 24-room lodge with a restaurant and gift shop, so you can spend some time indoors too.
With 125 campsites near the stunning Lake Bailey and 100 acres of open water for boating and fishing, you’ll be able to spend plenty of time onsite resting and partaking in lots of activities.
Even better, the park has two swimming pools and several playgrounds for children, so there is fun to be had for all the family.
2. Have A Wonderful Tenting Experience At Crater of Diamonds State Park
With a name as intriguing as that, you’ll be hoping for a fabulous and unique camping experience. And taking a trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park will guarantee you that!
It is one of the only places in the world where visitors can hunt for real diamonds in an original volcanic crater.
It has been reported that 237 diamonds were found between 2016 and 2020, so it is absolutely possible to discover one.
The crater is 37 acres and filled with different rocks, gems, and minerals.
The park has a visitor center to offer advice and direction on how to uncover these exciting stones, and their staffs are always happy to help identify anything you find.
When you want a break from your diamond hunt, there are walking trails and picnic sites to enjoy, as well as 47 campsites to pitch up and relax at.
The seasonal Diamond Springs Water Park is perfect for cooling off as well.
And remember, anything that you discover on your diamond hunt is yours to keep, so you’ll remember a trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park for years to come!
3. Touch The Sky At Pinnacle Mountain State Park
You can find this tremendous state park a little west of Arkansas’s capital city, Little Rock.
The entire park is organized around the eponymous mountain, giving you endless acres to explore on flat ground and up the summit.
There are more than 22 miles of trails to enjoy, including 14 miles for those who wish to go mountain biking.
A hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain poses a challenge, but it is absolutely worth it for the breathtakingly vast view.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is one of the Trails of Tears National Historic Sites, meaning that there is lots of important history to be learned on a visit.
The visitor center will help you, and staff can offer several interpretive programs too.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to camp onsite at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, but the Little Rock North campsite is just 6.75 miles away.
So, you can pitch up there and then spend all day enjoying the wonderful activities, including rock climbing and biking, at the state park.
4. Explore Endlessly In The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
This camping experience differs from those previously mentioned because it is much more rugged and less focused on a single area.
For experienced campers who want to see as much as possible, you can camp almost anywhere in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
You’ll be able to trek through endless acres of woodland and have one of the most natural holiday experiences possible.
You can pitch tents, hang hammocks, drive RVs, and park pop-up trailers anywhere, unless a sign prohibits it.
Fees are collected at recreation areas, so you can properly pay for your stay. Then, make the most of the hiking trails, mountain climbs, and clear streams of the Ozarks!
As long as you keep to the National Forests’ policy of “leave no trace” and pick up for yourself, you’ll be able to design the camping trip of your dreams.
Crowley’s Ride has some stunning scenery, as do the Ozark Mountains, so you can get lost for hours of exploring in perfectly preserved natural areas.
5. Uncover Arkansas’ Hidden Beauty At Village Creek State Park
With almost 7000 acres of forestry, hills, and streams, it’s no wonder that Village Creek State Park has been regaled as one of the most beautiful to visit in Arkansas.
You’ll be bowled over by how much there is to gaze at inside this state park.
You’ll be able to spend time on 33 miles of trails, as well as pitching a tent on one of the park’s campgrounds (which have bathhouses) or opting to stay in one of the 10 cabins.
For those who love horses, the park also has an equestrian campground with stable facilities and the opportunity to go riding.
Though you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied outdoors, you can take a break and make use of the park’s indoor facilities too.
These include a museum, a theater (there is also an outdoor theater), and a visitor center.
You’ll be able to explore Crowley’s Ridge at Village Creek State Park too, as well as a Trail of Tears route.
Unfortunately, the park’s swimming bridge is currently closed due to a falling tree. It will hopefully be rebuilt after the destruction, though that won’t be for some time.
However, there is still plenty to do and see, so add Village Creek State Park to your camping bucket list now!
6. Partake In Recreational Activities At Beaver Lake Hideaway
Arkansas also has some wonderful hidden gems, including the Beaver Lake Hideaway.
The titular lake is the centerpiece of a world of wilderness. There are 26 acres of natural environment to trek across, as well as opportunities to enjoy the lake.
You can partake in water sports, fishing, kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, or just sit by the water and have a picnic.
The ambiance of the lake is what makes this state park a true hideaway.
Besides making use of the lake, visitors can pitch a tent on one of the campgrounds, rent a sleeping cottage or stay in the cabin.
You can do laundry and take advantage of complete facilities, including a hot shower. For a day away from recreational activities, relax in the park’s own swimming pool.
7. Escape From Reality At The DeGray Lake Resort State Park
This wonderful park can be found near Little Rock, and it is another of the best Arkansas state parks to visit with a beautiful centerpiece lake.
There are plenty of options to suit any visitor’s camping preferences.
You can pitch a tent on one of 81 Class B campsites, stay in one of three Rent-A-Yurts, or stay in the 90-room lodge with first-class amenities.
But for an outdoor camping experience, DeGray Lake Resort State Park has some of the best views to surround yourself with.
You can go hiking on a range of different trails, as well as swimming, golfing, and horseback riding.
The lake is a focal point for fun too, offering the chance to go kayaking, pedal boating, and celebrating on a party barge.
This state park aims to involve visitors in a diverse experience, so you can take some time out from your vigorous activities and enjoy the Escape Room.
The park’s lodge has a restaurant called the Shoreline Restaurant too, so your every need will be taken care of.
8. Get Out And About At Blowing Springs
Bentonville also has some great camping spots to enjoy, and Blowing Springs is one such area.
The camping area (which is also a good place to park an RV) is popular with mountain bikers from all over the world.
And if you do enjoy mountain biking then the Blowing Springs trail system is perfect for you. There is also the option to hike it, so you can enjoy 30 miles of trails with beautiful views.
You can cool off in a naturally air-conditioned cave in the park, or have a picnic underneath the large pavilion.
The eponymous spring is also an attraction, so you’ll find a visit to Blowing Springs relaxing and picturesque.
The best view at all is probably the 30-foot bridge that connects a rock shelf and the trail. You’ll certainly get some fabulous photos to help remember your trip to Blowing Springs.
9. Get Lost In The Wilderness At Cane Creek State Park
It might seem that Arkansas has an endless number of great camping spots, but Cane Creek State Park is another of the absolute best.
It sits where the Coastal Plain and Mississippi Delta meet, allowing you to experience both of them in a visit to one park. You can choose to tackle the trail any way you like.
Some visitors hike it, whereas others prefer to bike it. With scenery and suspension bridges, this trail gives you plenty to experience.
Cane Creek Lake has some great opportunities for activities that include fishing and paddling.
Another nearby body of water is the Bayou Bartholomew, which is interesting because at 364 miles, it is the longest bayou in the world.
The park has several interpretive programs to interest visitors too. You can go walking, kayaking, or birding.
There are 29 campsites to relax at as well, so you can plan each day of your stay with ease.
10. Spend Days By The Water At Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Topping off the list of the 10 best camping spots in Arkansas is this scenic mirage, the Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
There are 113 campsites to choose from, most either along or close to the White River. 63 are Class AAA, 30 Class B, and 20 sites without hookups.
This state park is also famous for its world-class trout fishing, so you can partake in fishing activities and see how it lives up to expectations.
Swimming in the Bull Shoals Lake is also a great way to cool off after a day spent hiking around the park.
Other rest breaks can include spending time at the visitors center (with a phenomenal view of the entire park from high above the Bull Shoals Dam), learning about the area’s history in the exhibit hall, and exploring the marina.
You can also rent a boat to admire the river from the middle, so Bull Shoals-White River State Park is one you won’t want to miss.
Transport Tips
The easiest way to travel to Arkansas is by plane to Arkansas International Airport.
There are seven other major airports that you can also travel to, so you should try to coordinate depending on which camping spots you’d like to visit during your trip.
Then, all of the mentioned state parks can be reached by car or public transport.
Restaurant Recommendations
The majority of state parks have facilities available for food, but you can also visit nearby stores and establishments.
In Bentonville, you could try Tavola Trattoria for Italian cuisine, Table Mesa Bistro for Mexican cuisine, Sushi House for Japanese cuisine, and Tusk & Trotter American Brassiere for American Cuisine.
Little Rock also has some great restaurants, including Kemuri Restaurant, Star of India Restaurant, Lost Forty Brewing, and Bruno’s Little Italy.
Conclusion
With those tips and this list’s recommendations in mind, your camping trip to Arkansas is closer than you think!
You can never get tired of endless acres of luscious scenery and clear waters, especially when there are so many recreational activities to enjoy.
Camping is one of the best holidays for an explorer, and with endless beautiful places to pitch up and traverse, Arkansas should be the next place you choose to visit.
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