The best camping near Lake Ouachita State Park

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

100% (5 reviews)

Enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking at this Hot Springs-area park.

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Community favorites near Lake Ouachita State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Ouachita State Park

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(5)

Lake Ouachita Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Ouachita State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Ouachita State Park

94%

(33)

Spa City HipCamp Now

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Hot Springs National Park, AR

Welcome to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas! Are you looking for a convenient space to rest your RV, motor home or tent for a night or two? You’ve come to the right place 😊. Let my space be your space! Welcome to my beautiful oasis with 5 acre blessed with trees, pond and creek. Conveniently located just right outside city limits. Close to everything yet secluded enough to have privacy , peace and quite. It has green grass most of the year with lots of lightning bugs at night, abundant wildlife: deers, bunnies, possums, raccoons and squirrels 😁. Very well spaced out mature trees that provides shade and fresh air. Well house for water supply in property as well but no hookups of any kind in place at the moment. Also has concrete custom made swimming hole that freshly feeds off the pond and streams but may be dry right now due to extreme heat and no rain in forecast. My space is suited best for well prepared campers as I don’t offer any amenities on site at this time. Land is close to everything Hot Springs, Arkansas has to offer. 1.3 miles away from Magic Springs 2.5 miles from Gulpha Gorge 4.9 miles from Oaklawn Racing & Gaming 6.1 miles from Hot Springs mall 3.6 miles from historic downtown Hot Springs and Arlington Hotel.

Booked 14 times

Wooded spot close to downtown

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Hot Springs National Park, AR

Have owned since 2019Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in our semi wooded area. Close to downtown hot springs. This property is close the the road & sits beside my sons driveway. There is also some highway construction going on during the weekdays. Pets are allowed, just please keep them close & clean up after them. We have an area with a few basic cooking supplies. We have a charcoal BBQ grill, & chairs on site. There is a trash can & private camping toilet/sink. Although the neighbors are close, This area is wooded and has all the outdoor bugs. Although we treat the camp area. Bring your repellants for fleas, tics, chiggers, mosquitoes, ect. Just in case.

100%

(10)

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.

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(3)

Old Bear Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Royal, AR

Open just in time for the solar ecolpse, 95% blackout Primitive camping, no electricity or restroom facilities. Campers must bring their own camping toilet or self contained camper Nestled on 9 acres bordering the Ouachita National forest. Spring fed pond. Minutes away from Lake Ouachita 10 miles from Hot Springs Very secluded and wooded Plenty of Deer and other wild life Owls hoot in the evenings Firewood available

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(3)

Camp S'more Fun

5 sites · Tents8 acres · Jessieville, AR

Solar Eclipse 2024 Camping Experience the celestial wonder of the solar eclipse from our site, boasting clear sky views and an expansive open pasture. Enjoy an uninterrupted spectacle with an impressive 4 minutes and 16 seconds of totality! Located just 17 miles outside of Hot Springs, our campsite offers easy access to nearby attractions. Within 2 miles, you'll find Coleman's Crystal Mine, where you can try your hand at crystal digging and keep your discoveries. For water enthusiasts, Lake Ouachita is a mere 11 miles away, providing opportunities for boating and water sports. Our campground is family and pet-friendly, welcoming all to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities. Feel free to bring bikes, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and more, as there's plenty of space for hiking and recreational fun. Families with children will appreciate the onsite swing set, providing hours of entertainment. To top it off, we provide S'more materials upon your arrival, ensuring a cozy and memorable camping experience.

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(21)

Royal Berry Farm

1 site · RV32 acres · Royal, AR

Along the foothills of the Ouachita National Forest, the acreage has been a working farm and homestead since the 1960s and was the site of an 1800s homestead. The farm later came to UPick blueberries and remains so today as the Royal Berry Farm. We have beautiful sunsets from your site , no city lights so you can see the night sky of stars! Owl calls can often be heard in the evening, as well as red shouldered hawks. Turkeys are nearby in the forest. Bluebirds, cardinals and many other are farm residents, along with woodchuck, road runner, rabbit and deer. Park your RV under our old oak trees on a working berry farm located along a pine covered Ouachita Mountain ridge. This private camp with water/electric is a 5 minute walk to the main house, and you will enjoy views of pasture, forest and walks to the creek or National Forest. Walking access to the Ouachita National Forest. We are dog friendly. Woof 💕 Close by are marina, boat launch, fishing, swimming and paddling on Lake Ouachita. Historic Hot Springs National Park is a unique must see sightseeing destination 20 minutes away.

97%

(18)

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.

87%

(15)

Camp Geneva

1 site · RV1 acre · Hot Springs, AR

I purchased this property for a nice getaway camp and it is a nice place to getaway to with the live creek its very relaxing. And I would like to share that with othersLearn more about this land:Nice flowing creek with primiatave camping available as well as a full hook up spot for a rv. Not far from town nice country setting. Lake and boat ramp closePrimitive camping is $12.00 a night

99%

(215)

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.

Booked 2 times

Carpe Diem Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Piney, AR

We’re located just 7-10 min drive from Hot Springs, Arkansas, inside Hot Springs National Park. With 1.75 acres, lots of tall trees offering shade and 125 feet of lake front, you will find all you need for a fun time by the lake! There are neighbors on either side of the property. There is a private boat ramp and year-round water views. No boat dock. Situated outside the city limits. No utilities on the property. Campers will need to bring water

100%

(7)

Cedar Creek Farms Eclipse Camping

5 sites · Tents30 acres · Lonsdale, AR

Our land is home to a plethora of animals along with my husband and I. During your stay you can visit with or just watch our cattle, horses, goats, donkeys, chickens and turkeys along with several species of wildlife. Also, the camping area is behind a gate so you don’t have to worry about your things if you decide to explore the area, unlike a state park or other campground! Part of our land is cleared for pasture and the rest is undisturbed forest. Three different creeks and hundreds of cedars adorn the land, hence the name "Cedar Creek Farms." Come enjoy the sounds of Ouachita Mountain nature and farm life with us.

50%

(5)

Branching Willow Estate

17 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.

The best camping near Lake Ouachita State Park guide

Overview

About

On the banks of one of the most popular fishing lakes in Arkansas, a short drive from the resort town of Hot Springs, Lake Ouachita State Park offers year-round recreation and camping, plus a marina and a lakeside visitor center with interpretive exhibits. The park’s Three Sisters Springs, famous since the Victorian era for its curative properties, are a highlight, along with a couple of hiking trails, the longest of which—the Caddo Bend Trail—spans four miles. The Lake Ouachita Campground has 93 campsites, 58 of which have full hookups, as well as eight basic cabins with heating and air-conditioning.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance of your arrival date on the Arkansas State Parks website or over the phone.
A two- or three-night minimum reservation is required on weeknights, depending on the campsite. Campers are required to book three or four nights on three-day weekends such as Labor Day and Memorial Day.
If you can't find a spot at Lake Ouachita but want to camp in the area, you may have better luck at Gulpha Gorge Campground, situated inside Hot Springs National Park, or at one of the privately run campgrounds in the area.

When to go

The most popular time to visit is the summer months—just be aware that this time of year is hot and humid. Spring and fall are great alternatives, with warm temperatures from April into October. If you visit in wintertime, you’ll likely see bald eagles building their nests in the park’s trees; eagle tours are available. Camping at select sites is available year-round.

Know before you go

You can pick up supplies or go out for a meal in the nearby city of Hot Springs, a 25-minute drive away.
You can rent kayaks and buy bait, boat fuel, and other supplies at the on-site marina.
You're welcome to swim in the lake, but no lifeguards are on duty.
County-wide fire bans are occasionally instated during periods of high fire risk. Check ahead before building a fire.
The park and campgrounds are pet-friendly.
Guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own linens.