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The best camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake adventure.

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

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Community favorites near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

98%
(171)

Indian Lakes Resort

60 sites ¡ RVs, Tents300 acres ¡ Austin, AR
Privately owned lake/campground. We offer tent camping with and without electric. We have a swimming area that includes slides, diving boards and swim platforms along with a roped off area for young children. Each camp site comes with a grill, a picnic table and a fire pit. Most campsites have their own dock as well. Note: The security gate to park closes at 8:00pm and opens again at 7:00am. Arrangements can be made for Hipcampers if they need to leave before 8:00am.
from 
$30
 / night
98%
(873)

Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park

93 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Greenbrier, AR
The Eclipse is coming and we're nearly dead center in the PATH of TOTALITY! Over 4 minutes of darkeness! Unlike those other campgrounds where you'll get but a "partial eclipse" here on the Cadron you get the Eclipse in all its celestial glory. Reservations for the April 2024 Solar Eclipse are now available and it is going to be SPECIAL! Over four days of music, arts and science for all. And because we are located right on the Cadron we also offer kayak and canoe rental, guided trips, and shuttle service to various observation points and natural scenic areas. FYI: You'll not find more for less -- but there will be limited availability -- and the best sites are being gobbled up! FYI: For up-to-date information regarding our celebration check out Cadron Creek Outfitters. Meanwhile, Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park lies within a private nature reserve of hiking trails, waterfalls, bluffs, cascading streams and wildlife -- it is all here. The campground is off the radar -- there are no highway signs or advertisements -- yet offers comfortable and safe refuge to guests whether staying in a tent, camper, RV or one of our cabins. On site you can find swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, a 6-acre foraging field, and 9-hole Frisbee golf course, a Ninja rope course with zipline and slackline, rope swing, bouldering, climbing, psicobloc and more outdoor pursuits than one has time. And Woolly Hollow State Park, Cove Creek Natural Heritage Area and Greer's Ferry Lake all lie within biking distance. New to camping? Need a flush toilet, kitchen sink and daily shower? Hate bugs, hate thorns, or hate wild critters? Or simply don't like being outside and in a primitive setting? Then this may NOT be the place!! But if you want to sneak away and find a lovely little place to unwind and bathe in a forest under a tall canopy of standing pines and oak trees, then Pinnacle Springs is where you need to be. Pinnacle Springs also offers riverside camping on the banks of the North Fork of Cadron Creek -- central Arkansas' premier whitewater stream -- and is less than an hour's drive from Little Rock (only 15 minutes from Conway and I-40). Camp by the side of a river. Camp at the foot or atop a towering bluff. Camp in a cave. Camp in a riparian jungle. Camp in total solitude or camp with all your friends and family. We offer so many choices one can select a site that perfectly fits their needs. And if you want total seclusion -- a real "wilderness experience" and are willing to "hike-in" a couple of hundred paces we can provide that too. No traffic noise here! Rather, you'll be soothed by the sound of cascading water echoing off the bluffs -- great for outdoor sleeping and keeping the air fresh and alive. Many of the camp sites are equipped with a heavy picnic table, fire pit and grill, lamp post and level tent site. And if you like to swing -- we have trees! Hammocks and slacklines are the best no trace tree thing ever! And although Pinnacle Springs Campground lies in an off-the-grid wilderness setting there is good cell phone service, a water hydrant can be found near the front gate behind the store, and electrical outlets for recharging phones and such can be found on the ridge at nearby Camp Toasty. And from March through November hot water showers are even freely available. Guests are encouraged to explore any of the trails that criss-cross the property especially if you like waterfalls, scenic views, cascading streams, and goat trail bluffs. The Tanner Pool Trail is especially popular after a heavy rain, Bluff Trail offers a nice perch for viewing the river below, and the 1+ mile "Circuit Trail" is a great way to start one's day. Our place is a bit rough, rugged and unruly yet we call it home -- a place where everyone regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, political views, religion, national origin, or culture is welcomed to come enjoy nature's marvelous works and wonders. We love everyone!! So we invite you to come down to the Cadron and sit a spell. Unwind. Kick back. And enjoy! BTW: Those that find our campground a good fit and leave us a welcoming review are always invited to return as a "friend of the Cadron" and receive 20% off on future reservations.
from 
$20
 / night
96%
(69)

Fishers Pond at the Treehouse

8 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Little Rock, AR
Fishers Pond at the Tree House was built as a tree house for my son. There is wildlife to view: cranes on the pond, squirrels, deer out the windows. I have seen as many as 6 at one time. Catfishing is great. We have pulled fish as big as 10 lbs. I have trails cut through the woods on my 10 acres for short nature walks
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(100)

Sunsets on the Arkansas River

2 sites ¡ Tents13 acres ¡ Fourche, AR
Learn more about this land: Sitting above the Arkansas River you have an excellent view of the river from two vantage points. With a large almost 2 acre clearing there is plenty of room to roam.  Magical sunsets and more stars than you can count!  When it's a full moon, you can watch it coming up through the trees as you are sitting in front of the fire.  If you are really lucky, sometimes you can watch the searchlight from the river barges as they navigate the big bend in the river.  If you are a nature lover this place has it all.   We try to keep fire wood stocked at the sites, but sometimes it gets used up before we can restock.  If that is the case there is TONS of dead wood all around the site.  If it's on the ground it's fair game.  We only ask that you don't take down live trees.  You guys know the deal, we all love the trees so lets show them some love, cool?  If you find there is no wood around, give us a ring and we will do our best to get some to you. Navigate to the entrance here (tinyurl.com/ArkRiverOverlook) and you will find the main entrance to both sites: Site 1 (tinyurl.com/OverlookSite1)(34.949993, -92.569705)  The first of the two that sits at the top of the hill as you enter Rock Island road (this is the name on old county maps).  The narrow entrance is just to the left, right before you start to head down the hill.  It's a bit of a tight squeeze for anything larger than a full-size pickup truck.  Secluded, with stupendous views of the river and Lollie Bottoms on the other side.  If you have a pair of binoculars you can watch the farmers working the fields and count all the cows over in the bottoms.  This site has an 8'x8' deck where you can pitch a tent or just set up some chairs and sit under the stars.  Site 2 (tinyurl.com/OverlookSite2)(34.951358, -92.569561) Is located near the bottom of the road but actually has two views of the river.  It is very secluded and a little more concealed, which can be good on hot days as there are more trees for coverage.   There are a lot more trees on this site so if you don't want to be out in the open this is the one for you.  The canopy protects you from the sun so your tent doesn't get too hot during the day.   NOTE: Site 2 can only support tents and small popups. Both sites will allow for multiple vehicles to be parked, so no problem there.  If you bring any vehicles please do not ride them on the property as they damage the grass, there are lots of good off-road riding to be had in the area. If you have 4wd, then find your way to the Million Dollar lookout (tinyurl.com/MillionDollaView).  It's been a favorite lookout for years, and I promise it will not disappoint!   If you have 4wd or at least a vehicle with decent clearance you can head down to the end of the road (tinyurl.com/DownByTheArkRiver).  At the end of Ledwedge Rd, it becomes an unmaintained road that goes all the way down to the river and crosses the railroad tracks.  If you are really lucky you will get to see a train pass by, up close and personal.  The road is pretty rocky so be warned, you really do need clearance on this road! If you want to fish on Lake Maumelle go to North Shore Landing (tinyurl.com/NorthShoreLanding), it's only 5.8 miles from the property.  North Shore Landing on Lake Maumelle is a beautiful short hike to the edge of the lake, surrounded by wildlife and greeted by an amazing view of the lake.  Set up a picnic and just hang out and fish!  The Rock Island railway is down below next to the river and there are plenty of trails you can ride around on as well.  You aren't far from two National Forests so day trips from here are a breeze.   If you are into gardening or local farm-to-table cuisine you should check out Moss Mountain Farm.  Toadsuck Lock and Dam park are about 30 minutes away, and if you need a big Walmart there is one 10 minutes past that.  There is also a big Walmart about 30 minutes in the other direction at the intersection of Chenal Parkway and Cantrell Road. And if you like hiking and climbing then you cannot miss Pinnacle Mountain State Park!  Climb to the top and get the best views in all the area, 360 degrees views up there.  And if you want something a little less steep, the Kingfisher trail at the bottom makes a nice gentle loop next to the Little Maumelle river where you can see absolutely GIANT cypress trees.  Also, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail (tinyurl.com/OuachitaNRT) passes just 5 miles from our place, and it loops around the entire north side of Lake Maumelle.  There is a trailhead and parking near North Shore Landing. There is plenty of mountain biking in the area too.  Here's a link to some of the trails:  mtbproject.com/directory/8007059/pinnacle-mountain-state-park-monument-trails There is something for everyone here!
from 
$25
 / night

Victory Garden Acres

1 site ¡ RV6 acres ¡ North Little Rock, AR
Welcome to our expansive open field, a perfect spot for a delightful short-term camping experience. Nestled in a tranquil area just beyond the city limits, my property offers a wonderful retreat for those seeking relaxation. With ample open skies providing optimal views of celestial bodies and their graceful movements, this is an ideal destination for stargazers. Picture yourself on a warm spring night, surrounded by the serenity of nature – an experience that promises to delight any admirer of the night sky.
from 
$55
 / night
100%
(23)

Tranquility on the Arkansas River

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs2 acres ¡ Mayflower, AR
Come experience the awe that we get to experience daily. The river is in our backyard and we want to share our slice of heaven with you. The river is a place for relaxation, as well as being a great place to fish or just hang out with friends. The river also provides an opportunity for learning about nature and wildlife. The sound of birds is one of the most beautiful sounds on Earth. It is a sign of life, it is a sign of hope. Birds are plentiful along the river and you are sure to enjoy the concert that they have prepared specially for you. There's no need to drive too far from Little Rock – in fact, you can find a great campsite just across the Arkansas River from P. Allen Smith's famous Moss Mountain farm. This spot is teeming with wildlife, and you may even be able to catch some fish or watch Eagles soar. Stargazing is strongly encouraged here – under a dark sky, the stars appear big and bright. Please enjoy your stay and help us keep it that way. No parties and no unsupervised minors. We are in the country and there are no fences. You may be greeted by neighborhood dogs. We have never experienced any aggression and most of them are happy to get pet by our guests. If they are bothering you, simply provide a stern, "go home" and they usually will leave you be. On the other hand if you pet and feed them they will be your new best friend. We host on Hipcamp because we love the outdoors. We love traveling across the country, exploring, and experiencing new things. We are fortunate enough to have found our slice of heaven and we're so excited to share it with other travelers from near and far. It often becomes an opportunity to hang out with like minded people and make new friends.
from 
$30
 / night
Booked 1 time

The Ponds

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents12 acres ¡ Malvern, AR
Welcome to our secluded paradise nestled on 12 acres of pristine countryside. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for your RV or a charming retreat in our Studio tiny house, our tranquil oasis offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With four RV sites to choose from, each equipped with a table, firepit, 30 amp service, water, and sewer hookup, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Our back-in sites can accommodate campers up to 26 feet in length, and tents are also welcome for those seeking a more traditional camping experience. Situated just 30 minutes from the renowned Hot Springs and 40 minutes from the vibrant city of Little Rock, our location offers the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience. Whether you're exploring the natural wonders of Hot Springs National Park, taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Little Rock, or simply unwinding amidst the tranquil beauty of our property, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Accessing our slice of paradise is easy, with just a short drive down a 4/10 mile gravel road, located 3.5 miles from I-30. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the peace and serenity of our private oasis, where the only sounds you'll hear are the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet melody of birdsong. Escape the ordinary and experience the beauty of rural Arkansas at our secluded retreat. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, you'll find it all here amidst the natural splendor of our 12-acre paradise. We can't wait to welcome you to our little slice of heaven.
from 
$35
 / night

Back 5 Fields

1 site ¡ RV, Tent19 acres ¡ North Little Rock, AR
Come campin’ down here on a 19 acre workin’ farm right up in the midst of the Little Rock metro. We can accommodate singles, couples, thruples, and groups as big as you wanna rollin with. Bees, donkeys, dogs, gardens, fields, fires, and fun! Electric onsite but not necessarily to everywhere you might post up. Water onsite but not ran to everywhere. Clean porta-potties. We have a shower trailer but I’m also working on some outdoor showers as well. No drama, no dumb stuff. Holler with any questions or to negotiate large group pricing. Thanks! -Aaron
from 
$200
 / night
Booked 7 times

Tents on Lake Atkins

75 sites ¡ Tents15 acres ¡ Atkins, AR
Located in the path of totality for the coming Eclipse in April! Nestled on the serene shores of a crystal-clear lake, this camping destination offers an idyllic setting for tent enthusiasts seeking a tranquil retreat. Surrounded by lush forests, the campsite provides spacious pitches with breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding natural beauty. Enjoy mornings filled with the gentle sounds of lapping waves and evenings under the starlit sky. With direct lake access, it's perfect for swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. This picturesque haven combines the essence of outdoor adventure with the peace of nature's embrace.
from 
$75
 / night
75%
(16)

Historic Orphanage & Farm Stand

3 sites ¡ RVs65 acres ¡ North Little Rock, AR
St Joseph Center was designed by renowned architect, Charles Thompson and completed in 1910. This beautiful 56,000 sq ft. building sits on 63 acres of land that has been farmed for more than a century. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Joseph's is also a designated Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture Century Farm (established in 1907). Over the years, St. Joseph's served as an orphanage, school, nursing home, day care, and retreat center run by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica. In 2008, the Diocese of Little Rock announced that St. Joseph's was closing and that the property would be sold. This news prompted the creation of St. Joseph Center of Arkansas, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to save and revitalize the property. Learn more about this land: Our 65 acre farm in the city of North Little Rock was started in 1908. The hill top property was a catholic orphanage. The 65,000 sqft orphanage building is the center of the property and tours are available for a small fee. We are locations just down the road from Camp Robinson, which has a large network of horse and bike trails. Burns Park is also down the road. The park has trails, golf, sports, and much more. It's the largest park in central arkansas.
from 
$20
 / night
99%
(359)

Petit Jean Farm Orchard

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents9 acres ¡ Morrilton, AR
Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park your small trailer or RV in a picturesque orchard on the edge of Petit Jean Mountain. You'll have a backdrop of woods and grazing sheep, with the Petit Jean Farmer's Market barn -- offering locally sourced produce, cheese (some made on the premises), baked goods, honey, preserves, meat, and crafts -- only steps away. The market operates on Saturdays, when hot lunches are often served, but it is open on a self-serve basis the rest of the week. Petit Jean State State Park is a very short drive, with spectacular hiking trails, a CCC-built lodge and restaurant, and a lake. Campers are welcome to use the fire pit, grill, and trampoline, and they have access to the half-bath in the barn. They're also more than welcome to help Ed with the chores : ) An electric hookup is $10. Firewood is available for $10.
from 
$25
 / night

Jds Farm

29 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Benton, AR
Welcome to JD's Farm, where we offer a wide array of awesome activities, sights, and experiences! Our expansive property spans over 50 acres, providing breathtaking views of the beautiful southern sky—ideal for witnessing the April 08, 2024 solar eclipse! In addition to our stunning celestial views, we are privileged to have the magnificent Northfork Saline River meandering through our property, offering fantastic opportunities for floating or fishing. While we don't provide tents, we offer ample space for you to bring your own and set up camp. For your convenience, we have two portable toilets and a family-size outhouse available. For those seeking an unforgettable experience, venture to the top of the hill, where you'll be greeted by a breathtaking vista overlooking the town. Complete with picnic tables and more, this spot is perfect for enjoying the mystical southern sky sunsets. Come and join us at JD's Farm for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
from 
$25
 / night

The best camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake guide

Overview

About

Not to be confused with John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake extends 26 miles along the Arkansas River in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Its shoreline is characterized by bottomland hardwood timber banks, steep bluffs, open fields, and urban developments.

There are oodles of recreational opportunities among four smaller parks, most notably fishing. The fertile waters harbor all kinds of fish native to the state, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the lake with striped sea bass and sauger. Year round catch includes catfish, bream, crappie, white and largemouth bass. Multi-purpose trails are also a popular activity.

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