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.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Ouachita State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

100%

(5)

Lake Ouachita Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Ouachita State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Ouachita State Park

Booked 17 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.

100%

(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.

Booked 4 times

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

The Ruff Rescue Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Hot Springs Village, AR

I offer two hookup sites equipped with water and electricity. These sites come with a large fenced backyard where your furry friends can roam freely. Rules are in place, similar to ours on the opposite side. Enjoy a beautiful view along with an above-ground pool. Our location is conveniently situated approximately 15 minutes away from Lake Ouachita and only three minutes from the west gate of Hot Springs Village.

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

Booked 15 times

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.

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

95%

(28)

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.

50%

(3)

Camp Cedar Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Fountain Lake, AR

Camp Cedar Creek is on 10 beautiful acres nestled in Hot Springs National Park. We have 2 spring fed ponds stocked with feisty bass and crawdads in the creek! Paddle boats and a canoe awate in both ponds. We are approx. 10 min from Magic Springs amusement park and 15 min from all of the wonderful amenities offered by Hot Springs National Park.

Booked 2 times

Gold Nugget

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

Relax with family and friends at this peaceful little lot on Lake Hamilton. The space is nestled between two homes and makes up for its size with its quaint charm and idyllic surroundings setting it apart from the bustling RV parks and campsites. This is the ideal spot to start and end your day! Bring your boat! Watersport enthusiasts, this paradise is for you too! Jet-skiing, wakeboarding, tubing. Fishing fanatics, rejoice! Cast your lines and reel in the big catch of the day.

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.