- Ouachita National Forest
The best camping in Ouachita National Forest, AR
96% (26)
The Ouachita mountains may become your new go-to for hiking, fishing, and camping in Arkansas.
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Zach
6 days ago
25 ft campervan
With pets
The park was very clean and hosts were very friendly. The hosts went above and beyond to serve Thanksgiving dinner to all of the campers. Great spot to stop while in town visiting Hot Springs National Park.
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Graciella
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
Absolutely loved our stay at Fox Nook!!!
Charles was such a good host. Checked in on us and made sure to have plenty of firewood for us. The campsite felt very secluded. It was a short walk to the lake and was the most perfect spot! Would definitely recommend! And can’t wait to pass through Arkansas again because we will definitely be coming back to stay!
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Scott
2 weeks ago
Tent
I loved tent camping on Shelley's land. It is a working cattle ranch, zip line course and concert venue. I camped at site 1 right at the ponds edge. Only 10 minutes to Mena. Very quiet. Very friendly pups. Fishing was fantastic. Lots of stars and a few falling ones too!
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Kim
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
With kids
Amazing spot. They really made sure there’s everything you could need at the site. The river is beyond beautiful. The pavilion had all the extras one could need and more. We had an amazing time and will be back as soon as possible in Spring. I even had a dead battery in my car as we were trying to leave and Daniel came to the rescue to give me a jump start. Best Hipcamp we’ve been to yet!
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Taylor
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Great experience! Beautiful and peaceful. Our three-year-old loved his first time camping :)
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Adelh
2 weeks ago
Tent
I stayed in site #14 this past weekend and I loved it! It's by the river, it was secluded. You can still see some of your neighbors but it still felt private. You have your own driveway to your spot. I arrived friday but the next few days I had the place basically to myself. I had my own portable potty and shower so I didn't really use the bathroom the campgrounds had but if you needed to use it, coming from site 14, it'd be a bit of a walk up. Make sure you have adequate light with you. They kept the campground bathroom lit up but going to it, bring your light cz the area is dark at night. It was so peaceful. 2 dogs and a cat came to visit me, each at seperate times but stayed with me for a bit and they were the sweetest pets! You won't regret staying here. At night and waking up you just hear the river. Definitely coming back here!! Thank you.
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Ashkan
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Sacred Pines
We loved the vibe and our cabin. It might look a bit expensive, but you would get more than what you need.
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Dana
2 weeks ago
Tent
We loved camping here! The land is beautiful and we felt very secluded in our spot. We forgot to bring a lighter for our fire, and Casey was quick to help us! Thank you!!
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Kara
2 weeks ago
21 ft campervan
With pets
Johnny was a very responsive host and I Absolutely loved this spot!! It was so peaceful and has such a great view. It’s nice having steps to get down to the water too. I found myself thinking, if I owned this land I’d want to build a house here! So glad the owner is instead sharing the spot for others to enjoy too :)
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Jessenia
3 weeks ago
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
Clean and great place to stay for a few days. I was happy with how close it was to the local attractions and Hot Springs National Park.
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Sally
3 weeks ago
25 ft Class C
With pets
This is absolutely a beautiful spot. I was right next to the water. There are 3 sites all with great views surrounded by beautiful trees. You won’t be disappointed if you stay here.
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Chance
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Very nice little campground. Bathrooms were close and very clean.
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Justin
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
This campground was nothing short of amazing! The owners were incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful despite us staying during Scary Pines Fall Festival. The said festival gave our group plenty of things to do, but even without that the kayaking and hiking that my group did was amazing. All around this place is amazing and I couldn’t recommend it enough!!
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Amber
3 weeks ago
22 ft toy hauler
With pets
We absolutely loved our stay here! Our three dogs had the best time exploring and going on endless “snifaris” (aka sniffing safaris) — so many new smells, trails, and riverside adventures to enjoy.
The campsite itself is stunning — the flowing river is perfect for swimming or just relaxing beside, and we spent the evenings by the firepit grilling and listening to the water. The open-air pavilion with lights and power made cooking and hanging out super comfortable, and the hammocking area overlooking the river was an unexpected favorite.
Daniel, the host, was amazing — incredibly responsive and friendly. When we messaged about grabbing a little extra firewood (we’d packed light, knowing some would be available) and mentioned that one of the water faucets wasn’t shutting off fully, he replied right away and had it sorted quickly.
Between the peaceful scenery, the great amenities, and how close it is to both trails and a convenience store, this place truly has everything — adventure, comfort, and calm. We can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re coming to unwind by the river or explore the surrounding trails, this is one Hipcamp you don’t want to miss!
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Christa
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
We had an absolute blast camping out here this past weekend! Three of us came from St. Louis with two dogs, and met up here with our other two friends driving from Fort Worth. We had two cars, three tents, a ton of chairs and had MORE than enough space. The place was beautiful, primal, and Charles was a very helpful and responsive host. Our pups had the best time running around and rolling in the leaves, and us humans had a great time chilling by the fire and enjoying the view of the changing fall leaves and star-filled night sky! We didn’t have the chance to check out the lake, but we are going to try to make this meet-up a yearly thing at the amazing Fox Nook Campsite! If you are looking for a serene, primal camping experience, look no further than Charles’ place. 1 hour from Hot Springs NP, 10/10 experience, 100% FUN
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Brittany
3 weeks ago
Tent
We absolutely loved camping at Ouachita River Haven! The campsites were very well maintained and easy to get to while also being secluded! The bathrooms and showers were great. The stars were so bright and the nights were so peaceful. Our whole group the entire time were raving about what a great campground this was. Truly 11/10
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Ashley
3 weeks ago
Tent
Site 14 was exactly what we wanted. It was right on the bluff of the river, private, and near rapids that made for a wonderful sound machine. We had a truck bed tent and the site was great for it. We were pleasantly surprised there was a water hydrant there along with a picnic table and fire ring (rocks) and even a concrete slab with a hinged grill grate. Beautiful land all around. There was no soap in the bath house either day we went- that’s the only complaint!
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Eric
November 2025
22 ft travel trailer
We loved this place. In our top 3 of campsites that we have ever visited. Loved the privacy, lot size, large firepit, being on the river, and so much firewood to use. We seen bald eagles, turtles, a owl, 2 fox, and so many different kinds of water birds along with many just general birds. I guarantee we will come back.
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Devin
November 2025
Tent
The camp site was great with plenty of choices of where to set up. Amanda and Jordan were amazing hosts and I can't recommend this site enough. So if your wanting to camp in the hot springs AR area consider supporting Jordan and Amanda.
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Ralph
October 2025
1 night at Starlight Haven Hot Springs
The location and asthetics were amazing! We loved how clean the place was but also how organized! It was cozy and modern. The hot tub was ready and clean. The windows finally the bubbles and cabinets were positions so that they couldn't face each other or see inside each other. It was a smart way to keep it private. Also, the hosts were very quick to respond with any request and helps us quickly resolve a booking snafu caused by us. I would definitely recommend this place!
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Stay at a public campground in Ouachita National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Ouachita National Forest, AR guide
Overview
About
This National Forest delivers year-round. Spring and summer mean lush vegetation and wildflowers, and fall brings you fiery leaves and bright colors everywhere. You’ll find killer views of mountain ranges, places to paddle on the rivers, solid camping options, and good times for all.
Water seekers should check out Shady Lake recreation area, a 25-acre lake with ample swimming options. There’s even a dam that forms a scenic waterfall. Wilderness junkies will find sweet thru-hiking opportunities, and multi-use trails for all modes of transport, so you can lose yourself in the wild. The 192 mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail spans every type of terrain. For those with a little less time on their hands, there are plenty of shorter trails to choose from.
When you’ve had your fill of recreating, head over to the town of Hot Springs to soak off the day’s activities.
96%
26 ratings · 5 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
14 ft travel trailer ·
Lake Sylvia Campground
This campground is incredibly well maintained. The campsites almost all have access to power and water which would make it super easy to be out there with a trailer for an extended period of time. The area is beautiful. We brought our trailer and standup paddle boards to get around the lake. There’s also a really pretty hike with a trailhead at the back of the campground.
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Lindsey C.
6 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
The Natural State
Great trails. Cold Little Missouri River for all the fun, bathing and dishes.. usually in that order.. best camping close to home.
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Alex B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2022
Just a fantastic get-away camp for all ages with spring fed lake nestled down into the surrounding hills. Used to go on memorial day fat tire mtb festivals each year for next to free, 3-5 days of blissful peace and nonstop recreation in a mess camp setting with folks from all over to enjoy and suffer slightly with on the many bike adventures. Folk from nearby Ark. would organize, plan for and provide so much joy for so little in asking they quit after 5-6 yrs. Dallas-Ft. Worth people took it up to reserve the weekend for many more.. a little out of the way but alot of good times to be had hiking, trekking, digging crystals and boating, fishing or paddling only a stone throw, great places to discover by bicycle and clean spring waters abound
Tony T.
3 years on Hipcamp
July 2019
We had a wonderful time here last year! Our grandchildren loved playing in the creek by the bridge and swimming in the dammed off area! Chasing lightning bugs was a big hit! We saw several deer right outside the door of our camper. Very peaceful and serene area (after the grands went home). Plan on coming back here every year!
Christi W.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
The best swimming hole around! Complete with solitude, fireflies and a huge rainstorm!
Sarah G.
2 reviews