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The best camping near Ouachita National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ouachita adventure.

96% (24 reviews)
96% (24 reviews)

The Ouachita mountains may become your new go-to for hiking, fishing, and camping in Arkansas.  

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Community favorites near Ouachita National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Stay at a public campground in Ouachita National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Ouachita National Forest

97%
(81)

ECLIPSE Totality Arkansas Camping

43 sites ¡ Tents15 acres ¡ Caddo Gap, AR
We are surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Within an hour or less, you will find hiking and bike trails, 4-wheeling/ATV, crystal mining, diamond mining, historic Hot Springs, museums and so much more. Or, you can just put your chair in the water and hang out on the gravel bar. Arrowhead has been rated as "The Best Swimming Hole in Arkansas" by the Arkansas TimesÂŽ. Our facilities, located in Caddo Gap, include, cabin rentals, bunkhouse accommodations for 50 (w/separate quarters for boys & girls), screened pavilion with kitchen, RV sites with full-hook-ups and septic, semi-primitive campsites, bathhouse, nearby canoe and kayak rentals, swimming, fishing, basketball court, and tether ball.
from 
$30
 / night
Booked 19 times

HARBOUR IN Boat and RV

41 sites ¡ RVs, Tents60 acres ¡ Mount Ida, AR
All camp sites are 40ft x60ft. Camping is on and around a private 8 acer lake located in Mount Ida Arkansas the crystal capital of the world. Mount Ida has dozens of crystal mines where you can buy or dig your own. Real Earth Creations is at the gate to left. The largest lake in the state only 2 miles away great for any type of water sport, with 2 rivers feeding the beautiful Lake Ouachita great for paddling with dozens of fish species. Beautiful overlooks, hiking and bike trails nearby. The camp is 25 miles from Hot Springs National Park with many museums, natural hot springs bath houses and shopping. Hot Springs is home to the world-famous Oak Lawn Park Horse Racing and Casino. One camper per site There are no Vicious Breed Dogs Allowed !!! We have Privative campiness for the SOLAR ECLIPSE 4/5/2024- message in Hipcamp for more information
from 
$35
 / night
96%
(12)

Crystal Camp

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Mount Ida, AR
The Crystal Camp Campground is a rock hounding paradise and is less than two minutes from the Crystal Vista, Wegner and Avatar Crystal mines. This area of Arkansas produces some of the finest quartz crystals on earth and your chances of finding real treasure at any of the nearby mines is pretty much guaranteed. If your kids like to play in the dirt and hunt for treasure they will fill their pockets with real gems at any of the nearby mines. Please Note: This is a beautiful property and ready for your trip but guests should expect a work in progress as well. The property is newly cleared, we installed new picnic tables and have a weekly maintained porta potty on site. But that's the extent of the amenities right now. This property was basically a 2 acre blackberry patch. About half has been cleared and 4 campsites created but the rest is still in progress. Work will not be performed during your stay. You may see tools and signs of recent work etc.. Located on a paved section of Owley Road in Mount Ida Arkansas. This is a large 2 acre property with four cleared sites that offer plenty of room for any size tent(s). Generators are welcome and pets are too. The property is bordered by old growth national forest and an ice cold spring fed stream is located in the national forest behind the property. Like all wooded areas in Arkansas ticks should be expected while hiking and camping at the Crystal Camp Campground. Please bring tick defense for yourself and pets.
from 
$20
 / night
99%
(206)

Ouachita River Haven

22 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents14 acres ¡ Pencil Bluff, AR
Welcome to Ouachita River Haven! Nestled between Ouachita National Forest property and the Ouachita River, our Haven is a peaceful little slice of nature for you to take a break, catch your breath, and enjoy the outdoors! Property has 1000 ft of river access, with canoe & kayak docks, swimming hole, volleyball and tetherball, horseshoes, swings. We offer hiking, mountain biking, and river shuttles as well as canoe/kayak/tube rentals and shuttles. Such trips should be reserved in advance by messaging us or visiting our website. Our office sells firewood for $5/bundle. We also have a small array of custom woodwork items from our woodshop, freeze dried snacks and hiking restocks, food from local vendors, and souvenirs! All primitive sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and campfire grill grate. Electric sites are 30 amp, if using for tent camping you will need a 3-prong converter (we can rent one to you for $5 if you do not have your own). RV/Camper MAXIMUM length is 28 feet. Tipi rental is a camping experience only; it does not have electricity, a/c or heat. There are solar lights inside. We do have a Queen Sized outdoor bed and bedding available to add to rental for $10/night. Bunkhouse is a camping experience - bring your own bedding. A/C, heat, electricity, TV & DVDs, Microwave, and Mini fridge are inside. Guests use campground restrooms Campground restrooms and showers are a short walk from campgrounds. We are pet-friendly. Dogs must be leashed at all times that they are not in a tent or camper and friendly with other dogs and people. There is a working dog on the property-he is friendly with all people and dogs.
from 
$30
 / night
Booked 15 times

Possum kingdom farm

13 sites ¡ Tents40 acres ¡ Jessieville, AR
Open fields with horses. Trails to hike. Running creek to set along side or wade. Hill top cramping you can see pinnacle mountain from. Lake ouachita 1/2 mile down the road to the south. 30 acres of wood land to camp and have camp fires with several different wildlife creatures. In the early summer we have Chantelle mushrooms you can pick (I will show you how to identify). Several hundred acres of USFS timberland to explore I recommend bringing a portable GPS.
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(76)

Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents81 acres ¡ Glenwood, AR
80+ acres all to yourself!! This beautiful and very secluded property, with river, kayaks, trails, and creeks is offered to only one group at a time to ensure peace, quiet, and seclusion. No other guests will overlap your stay. You will enjoy the peaceful solitude in nature completely alone! It's a great location for romantic getaways, silent personal retreats, yoga, or just spending quiet one-on-one time with your spouse or significant other. Campers on Thunder Mountain enjoy the entire property, including the unique outdoor bathhouse with outdoor tub and shower, amazing multi-level decks, kayaks, grill, trails, hammocks, and tubes - without the cost of the cabin. The cabin will be vacant during camping stays, but you can still enjoy the WiFi and other amenities outside. ($30-90/night camping; $190-280/night cabin - listed separately) Last minute bookings may have discounted rates. Camping bookings are sometimes available even if the calendar does not show due to cabin cleaning days. We'll try to move our cleaning days around to help you out if possible.
from 
$50
 / night
Booked 3 times

4:17 Eclipse Ouachita River Camping

24 sites ¡ RVs, Tents68 acres ¡ Oden, AR
Campsites available in the serene back pasture along the Ouachita River, with spring creek gracefully bordering to the east. Immerse yourself in nature with two breathtaking, (that cold) swimming holes. Whether you prefer fishing, swimming, kayaking, or floating in a canoe, our site offers the perfect backdrop to explore the best of what Arkansas has to offer. Situated in Oden, Arkansas, seize the opportunity to witness the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon of the 4:17.6 totality during the 2024 Great American Eclipse. Reserve your spot now for an unforgettable experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains, Ouachita National Forests and River with this picturesque location.
from 
$80
 / night
Booked 14 times

Branching Willow Estate

25 sites ¡ RVs, Tents13 acres ¡ Bismarck, AR
Branching Willow Estate offers a tranquil escape amidst lush forests and abundant wildlife, inviting you to bask in the serenity of nature and take in the stunning mountain views. Here, you have easy access to nearby waterfalls and a plethora of exciting outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, and rafting. If you ever tire of cooking over the grill, there are also charming restaurants just a stone's throw away, ensuring you never run out of dining options. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire and enjoy moonlit nights in this idyllic natural setting. It's the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and relaxation.
from 
$37
 / night
99%
(62)

Yearling Ridge River

1 site ¡ RV, Tent37 acres ¡ Waldron, AR
This beautiful property sits on the banks of the Fourche La Fave (pronounced Foosh La Fay)  River. This 151 mile long river was once the grounds of the Caddo Native American Tribe. The river is now home to a wide variety of wildlife, and offers multiple species of fish. Scott County is over 70% public national forest, with thousands of acres of public land available for the outdoor enthusiast. Though this property has the look and feel of woods and river camping, there is actually a 24 hour convenience store less than two miles away just in case you need a midnight snack!   Learn more about this land:Beautiful flowing river for swimming, fishing, canoeing. Nice open air pavilion with power,  LED lighting and a large picnic table. Firepit with added grill for cooking right at the rivers edge.  Dedicated hammocking area overlooking the river, or have some friendly competition with a game of Bag-O game (boards provided).  This area offers a wide open space for exercising, walking/bike riding along a country road, or just relaxing by riverbank.  Want a little more adventure? This area boasts an expansive network of country dirt roads and trails for your ATV/UTV, and is less than five miles from the Ouachita National Forests' Fourche Mountain Trail. All this but still close to civilization. A 24 hour convenience store is less than two miles from the campsite. This quaint little spot has a lot to offer!  
from 
$35
 / night
99%
(158)

Bluegill Hill

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Kirby, AR
Located at the southern foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and the northwestern edge of Lake Greeson, this 6 acre plot of land is part of a gentle hillside that descends into the lake.  Enjoy two trails to Lake Greeson and easily access nearby boat launches, public beaches, parks, and much more!  Come make yourself at home on Bluegill Hill and enjoy the small lake village lifestyle!
from 
$18
 / night
Booked 5 times

Fourche Mountain Campground

70 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Boles, AR
Welcome to our 40-acre campground featuring convenient pull-thru RV sites equipped with water and electric connections (50 & 30amp), with a dump station available on exit. Our facilities include a clean showerhouse for your comfort. Choose from our 5-bedroom cabin, where you can rent the upstairs (2 bedrooms) or downstairs (3 bedrooms with a full kitchen). Enjoy the outdoor kitchen for your culinary needs. For a unique experience, we offer a glamping tent with both heating and air conditioning, accompanied by a nighttime potty. Start your day with a cup of coffee, provided for your convenience. Our location is adjacent to the Fourche Mountain ATV Trails, and the Ouachita Hiking Trail is in close proximity. Explore nearby attractions such as Hot Springs Spas, horse racing, and the renowned Mt Ida crystals. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or looking for a relaxing getaway, our campground has something for everyone.
from 
$30
 / night
Booked 1 time

Kings Court Camping On Quartz

25 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Norman, AR
Embark on a primitive camping experience in Mount Ida, Arkansas, renowned for its Crystal Quartz. Our 40-acre site is enveloped by trees and features a pristine, clear creek. While there are no electric or water hookups, we've got you covered with a small shop offering charging services, ice, wood, water bottles, and porta-potties. Water hoses are available for your water needs. Opening specifically for the eclipse from April 3-10, our nightly rental is $40, except on the 7th and 8th, which are $80 each night. The package includes complimentary glasses, a sticker, and an Arkansas crystal. As a unique offering, we have an ordained minister available for those seeking to tie the knot during the eclipse! This serene campsite, located 4 miles from town and 2 miles from the renowned Wegner crystal mine and other public mines, promises a peaceful retreat. Rest assured, we have security in place to ensure a quiet and enjoyable experience for all.
from 
$80
 / night

The best camping near Ouachita National Forest 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.

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