The best camping in Lake Ouachita State Park, AR

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Petit Jean Farm Orchard

99%
(438)
65km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
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from 
$25
 / night

FHU Resort in Hot Springs Nat Park

98%
(50)
19km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 55 sites · RVs, Lodging · Hot Springs, AR
Bike to bathhouse row or the National Park. Walk to Oaklawn Casino or Greenway trail. Gated Park with concrete pads, full hook-ups. Splash pad and water slide onsite. (Closed after Labor Day) Call your friends, leash up the pup, and get ready to enjoy a unique stay in the heart of Hot Springs! At Finish Line RV Park, we offer a premium camping experience with: 🌟 Upscale, Concrete RV Pads 🛁 Immaculate, Spa-Like Bathhouse 🎯 Outdoor Pavilion with Horseshoes & Cornhole 🔥 Fire Pits & Picnic Tables at Every Site 🐶 Large Dog Park with Shade & Room to Run 💦 Splash Pad and Water Slide to Cool Off (closed after Labor Day) 💻 Free Wi-Fi 🧺 Modern Laundry Facility Enjoy curbside trash pickup, and let our team deliver ice, firewood, and yard games right to your site! Our friendly concierge will greet you and escort you to your weekend getaway. 📍 Just 1 block from Oaklawn Horse Track & Casino 🚶‍♂️ Only 2 miles to Bathhouse Row and a 5-minute walk to Greenway Trail 📌 Close to 3 mines for digging diamonds, crystals, and gems! Please Note: 🚫 No tents or car camping permitted. ✅ RVs must be in good condition. 🛑No homemade RV’s OR Schoolies (owner will not accept them)
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$20
 / night

Southwinds on the Arkansas River

100%
(52)
64km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Atkins, AR
Located on the Arkansas River and just minutes from Interstate 40 in Atkins, this RV/camping site backs right up to a gorgeous view of the Arkansas River and Petit Jean mountain. Water and electricity are located at each site! Just minutes away you have boat access to the Arkansas River at Sweeden Island Park AND Lake Atkins through the Lucky Landing launch site. This site is a sportsman's paradise as it is also conveniently located to the Galla Creek Wildlife Management Area, also just minutes away. Also, we are located right across the river from Petit Jean State Park and a few minutes from quaint downtown Atkins. Whether you're looking for great fishing and hunting or a peaceful respite from the world with a million-dollar view, this is the site for you! The 10 acres are open to explore and include three RV/campsites with water at each location and a gorgeous gully that empties into the Arkansas River. When the river is at a normal level a rock shelf lines the entire length of the river to make fishing and sunbathing, a breeze! If you want to venture out a bit, may we recommend the many offerings of Mount Nebo, Petit Jean Mountain, Mount Magazine, Altus, Russelville, and Conway; all located within 30 minutes to an hour from the campgrounds. While swimming in the river is not advisable, here are some swimming holes you and your family might check out while staying with us: -Atkins City Pool (has a day rate) -Lake Dardanelle -Illinois Bayou -Old Iron Bridge Swimming Hole -Long Pool Bayou -Falling Water Falls
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$28
 / night

Spa City HipCamp Now

95%
(47)
20km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 5 sites · RVs · 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. 
Pets
Trash
from 
$30
 / night

Ouachita River Haven

98%
(269)
48km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.
Pets
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from 
$26
 / night

Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

100%
(116)
49km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Caddo Gap, 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, playing in the river, or just spending quiet one-on-one time with your spouse or significant other. The last 1/2 mile of dirt road is a little rough, so cars with very low ground clearance are not recommended. Campers on Thunder Mountain enjoy the entire property by themselves - including the unique outdoor bathhouse with outdoor tub and shower, impressive multi-level decks, kayaks, grill, trails, hammocks, and tubes - without the cost of the cabin. The cabin on the property will be vacant during camping stays, but you can still enjoy the WiFi and other amenities outside. Pricing: $30-90/night camping; $190-280/night cabin - listed separately. Last minute bookings may have discounted rates. Camping bookings for 1 to 2 nights are sometimes available even if the calendar does not show availability (due to cabin cleaning days). We'll try to move our cleaning days around to help you out if possible. If the price looks really high (like $999), that is a date that is available at a low price ($30-50) but will have a later check-in or earlier check-out time. Just ask first before booking it and I'll lower the price!
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from 
$45
 / night

Sunsets on the Arkansas River

98%
(154)
67km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 2 sites · Tents · Fourche, AR
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.   Navigate to the entrance here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GyC2mifqGSaosHSm7) and you will find the main entrance to both sites: 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.   NOTE: Site 2 can only support tents and small popups. The site 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. 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 Trailpasses 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
Pets
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from 
$25
 / night

Jubilee Farms Campground/& Rentals

98%
(96)
67km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Leola, AR
.Jubilee Farm offers 5 spacious RV sites with water and electric hookups, 10 peaceful tent campsites, and two lodging options: The Yachov, a cozy 2-bedroom tiny home, and The Cottage, a comfortable 3-bedroom farmhouse. Now under the ownership of Court and Jennifer Callahan, Jubilee Farm continues the Berryhill family’s beloved tradition of providing a quiet, wholesome, family-friendly place to enjoy God’s creation. With over 300 excellent reviews earned over the past eight years, the spirit of community, respect, and country living remains at the heart of this farm. Guests can enjoy ducks, chickens, guineas, goats, and two gentle cows who love attention. Summer highlights include catch-and-release fishing, shaded hiking trails, a refreshing dipping pool, playground, game court, and a large shared firepit by the pond. Additional firepit areas are located near the RV sites, tent sites, The Yachov, and The Cottage. Picnic tables and charcoal grills make family meals easy and enjoyable. Surrounded on three sides by timber, and with campsites set back from the road, Jubilee Farm is a quiet and restful place where families can slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the simple joy of country life.
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from 
$19
 / night

Cedar Creek Farms Camp

100%
(30)
30km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Lonsdale, AR
Welcome! We want to note on the front hand that if you decide to stay with us you will be staying in a pasture behind a gate. This is especially important if you are tent camping, because your things will be safe while you explore Hot Springs and surrounding areas unlike a State Park or regular campground! Our land is home to a plethora of animals that you can visit with or just watch during your stay. There are our cattle (their names are on their ear tags), horses, goats (working on getting collars with names), Pickles the mini donkey, and our chickens (when they go out to free range). We also have a stocked pond that you can bring your fishing gear and fish! There are bass, catfish and bream! The horses names are Vivian and Bonnie and they normally stay in the pasture with our campers. Vivian is the larger of the two white horses and she loves attention. Bonnie is also white, but she is a bit smaller. She is Viv's sister! There is also the opportunity to see several species of wildlife while here. Part of our land is cleared for pasture and the rest is undisturbed forest. Two 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.
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from 
$25
 / night

Crystal Camp

86%
(36)
43km from Lake Ouachita State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 fire rings, 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

Other options near Lake Ouachita State Park

The best camping in Lake Ouachita State Park, AR 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

  1. 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.
  2.  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.
  3. 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.
100%
5 ratings · 1 review