Camping in Arkansas: Best Arkansas Campgrounds 2023

Q: How do I find free camping in Arkansas?

To find free camping in Arkansas , you can explore the state's national forests, where dispersed camping is often allowed. Dispersed camping generally means camping outside of developed campgrounds, with no amenities such as water, restrooms, or picnic tables. In Arkansas , Ouachita National Forest and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are great places to start looking for free camping opportunities. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and check the specific regulations for each area before camping. You can visit Hipcamp for more information on camping in Arkansas .

United States
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Arkansas

94% (3232 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Arkansas

Star Hosts in Arkansas

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Top camping destinations

Ouachita National Forest

421 campgrounds

Mammoth Spring

381 campgrounds

Buffalo National River

511 campgrounds

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

486 campgrounds

Devil's Den State Park

484 campgrounds

Hardy

362 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds in Arkansas

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Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Greenbrier, Faulkner

With hundreds of woodland acres at your disposal, this campground 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 -- and 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, running faucet 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.c Pinnacle Springs offers riverside camping on the banks of the North Fork of Cadron Creek -- central Arkansas' premier whitewater stream -- 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 by a waterfall. Camp in a riparian jungle. Camp in total solitude or camp with 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 to November hot water showers are 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 trails to Tanner Pool and Lil' and Big B Falls are 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 race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, political views, religion, national origin, or culture is welcomed to come enjoy nature's marvelous works and wonders. So we invite you to come down to the Cadron and sit a spell. Unwind. Kick back. And enjoy!

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.

Indian Lakes Resort

19 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.

The Farm Campground and events

60 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Eureka Springs, AR

The Farm is backed up to Mark Twain National Forest. Beaver Lake, Table Rock Lake and the White River are all within 5 miles of this location. The White River offers the region’s best Trout Fishing and Beaver Lake is well known for its big Striped & Largemouth Bass. Canoeing is also popular on the White River The blue ribbon Kings River, which is a world class Smallmouth Bass fishery is 12 miles from the venue. The Farm sits about 9 miles outside of historic Victorian town of Eureka Springs Arkansas which offers a wide variety of shopping and nightlife entertainment, This venue offers 360 degree panoramic views of the heart of the Ozarks. In addition to being a campground, the venue also hosts multi-day music festivals, concerts, food competitions and more. We do have ice and firewood for sale. It is self serve and located by the barn with a payment box (video surveillance)

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Mike And Lori G.’s Land

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Flippin, AR

Our dream for the last 20 or so years has been to own a place and invite people in to reacquaint themselves with nature and relationships. This area has so much natural beauty and our land is in a great location to experience it all. Centrally located, you can go in any direction and experience the beauty of Gods Creation, and just relax and get away from the business of life for a while

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RTRV Buffalo 🐃 Kingston

21 sites · RVs15 acres · Huntsville, AR

CELEBRATE Family/ Friends ~ Near Buffalo Wilderness Rider Ranch FALL 🍂🍁 is on its way!! Make it a great camping event with family and friends, BOOK NOW! RV Electric hookups (50/30/20), water available, dump station available. There are sites available as well for off grid / generator / solar! SIDE x SIDE / Toy-hauler friendly! Then float the Buffalo or Kings River. Wide, Easy Access Entrance of AR 21 and only 5 miles to Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch. ~ Outside of Kingston Arkansas, Hwy 21 south is on the way to the Buffalo National River, we are nestled in a small valley surrounded by hills and a seasonal wet weather creek on 15 acres. Private and yet Large enough for family outing, large gatherings and even youth camp…. From canoeing, floating, zip lining, Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch with miles of trails to hike or ride your side by side, mountain bike, dirt bike, .......all await you.. The floating of the Buffalo River is superb. Also check out Kings River for canoe / Kayak Floating. Newton County. Other places nearby: Ponca Boxley Valley, Buffalo Outdoors Center, BOC, Steel Creek, or Compton Trail Head Madison County/ Newton County Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point Trail approx 10 miles Low Gap Cafe - 40 minutes Jasper - 40 minutes From Fayetteville - 1 hour From Huntsville - 30 minutes From Eureka Springs -45 min From Harrison - 45 minutes From Branson - 1 hour

Ozark RV Park and Cabins

66 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Mountain View, AR

Ozark RV Park & Cabins offers 73 sites with 50 & 30 amp back-in or pull-thru options or tent camping. Beautiful shaded-level-gravel sites offer full hook-up's (water, sewer, electric), Wi-Fi & Cable TV. We are the only RV Park next door to the Ozark Folk Center State Park and offer easy access to the shows, craft center and activities from the Park thru a shared entrance gate into the facility. Mountain View is a charming City to visit. And so much to do in the surrounding Hills. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and Craft Village is an exciting place to visit. Save at least a day for the Craft Village! Shopping with our downtown vendors will make for a fun afternoon...then stay and listen to the musicians as they casually play in the downtown parks and in front of the various businesses. We boast the cleanest bath house in town, onsite laundry facility, & community center with full kitchen, jam sessions every Wednesday, partying and entertaining. Less than a mile to downtown activities. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, water rafting, horse back riding, spelunking, kayaking and fishing on the White River are 5 minutes away. MEMORIES... live on through the generations even though the times change our world. The music that is a staple in Mountain View continues as the younger generation takes on learning the traditional music that has been part of our history in Mountain View with our Folk Music and Bluegrass musicians at the Courthouse Square and other venues. FRIENDSHIPS... made here are still going strong and many meet back at the Ozark RV Park yearly to celebrate those relationships. Visiting Mountain View, Arkansas is a step back in time to a slower way of life. Staying at the Ozark RV Park can also give you a step back in time as you slow down, breath the fresh air and relax! And remember....if you don't have an RV (recreational vehicle) - we have four (4) cabins on-site and one (1) RV Rental just waiting to be reserved! YOUR HOST... Mark and Donna invite you to come visit their little “oasis” in the trees….right next to the Ozark Folk Center State Park…come listen to some music, cast a fishing line into the famous White River just 5 minutes away from the Park and enjoy the many outdoor activities in and around the area. And when you visit the Park - be on the lookout for our giant 6 foot metal ROOSTER named "Dandy Andy". When you see him you will know you are at the RIGHT PLACE! Like we say at the Ozark RV Park and Cabins..."Stay a Day a Week or a Lifetime". Mountain View Arkansas can be addicting. So plan your stay for more than a day! AMENITIES -73 Total Sites in the Park -17 PULL-THRU sites - 60 ft. length with 50/30 AMP designed for large motor homes -56 BACK-IN sites with 30/50 AMP options -20 AMP connections in all 30 & 50 sites -Level sites with gravel base -Terraced tree cover shaded back-in spots -Picnic tables -Four (4) Cabins, Queen Beds, Kitchenette & Supplies -Glamping RV Rental with kitchen, fireplace, and the works! -Multi-purpose community center with full kitchen for large groups -Large grass areas for tent parties and gatherings -City water/sewer -Electric -Expanded CableTV -Basic & High Speed Internet -Fenced Dog Park -Bath House -Largest RV Laundromat - 6 washers 6 dryers -Dump Station -Tent Camping -Fire Pits -Next door to the Ozark Folk Center State Park with a shared entrance gate for convenience -A short walk down a wooded path from the Park to the wonderful Skillet Restaurant at the Ozark Folk Center State Park -Next door to the MV City Park; children's playground, disc golf park, swimming pool, walking path, creek, stone amphitheater, bbq pits, covered gazebos

Get Mooned: I-40 Tent Village

284 sites · Tents110 acres · Plumerville, AR

We will be open exclusively for the solar eclipse event from April 4th to April 9th, 2024. During this period, our facilities will be dedicated to accommodating guests for the purpose of observing totality (4 min. 11 sec.) during the eclipse. Please note that you are allowed to park vehicles on the site; however, RVs are not permitted. If a vehicle is parked on the site, it must remain parked for the duration of your stay.

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Nature Lovers Paradise

10 sites · Tents120 acres · Paris, Logan

This is a working and growing ranch. Guests are welcome to build fence, or whatever work needs done. Property is a remote and scenic 120 acres, just minutes from Mount Magazine, the tallest mountain in Arkansas, and a couple of hours from Crystal Bridges, one of the most premiere museums in the United States. Campers are encouraged to bring 4-wheelers :)Learn more about this land:120 Acres with beautiful views including several remote camping spots. Whether you want wide open pasture with beautiful star views, or on a mountain with bluffs and a flowing creek, it's hard to pick where you want to pitch a tent. Bring your 4-wheelers or hiking shoes, as there are lots of trails to explore. Horseback riding is also available.

Booked 1 time

Chemical free farm with greenhouses

17 sites · Lodging300 acres · Hattieville, AR

Special events for the 2024 eclipse will change the site prices for one week prior to the eclipse and for one week after the eclipse of 2024. CALL US FOR ECLIPSE EVENT ENTERTAINMENT PRICING, AND CAMPING DETAILS. 501-477-0378 Learn more about this land: Enjoy tranquility! Stay at our cabin, our tent areas or our full hookup RV GROUNDS. This is a once in a lifetime farm. We grow lots of food and can cook for you as well! We have beef, pork, Muscovy duck killed to order and a wonderful selection of in season produce. We offer cooking services and you can hunt for a nominal additional fee. On our north border we have unique geology. A spring breaks forth from the crust at our East fence and disappears back into the ground at our West fence, that's one mile of Creek that is untouched and only available here! It cuts a deep holler with two distinct landscapes, one on the southern facing slope and another on the northern facing slope. Ferns and ginseng and clay can be found here. Artist sculpture grade clay is available here and for a guides fee you can be taken to all the sweet spots here on our mighty farm. Tenting is only $30, Full power water and sewer both 30 amp and 50 amp available. Bathhouse with laundry is on site too. We provide firewood and if you camp at the cabin or at the tent sites we provide drinking water and five gallon wash buckets filled daily per person per stay. We also provide one roll of two ply toilet paper per person per stay or per week if you choose to stay for a spell. Do yourself a favor and book a spot at our one of a kind chemical free forest and farmland. Let us show you what southern hospitality is supposed to be.

Dam Site Park

35 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Bull Shoals, AR

35 site park. We are on Bull Shoals Lake and about 2 miles from the White River. We have 30 & 50 amp site and WiFi. We also offer a boat ramp next to the park. Dump station on site, playground, shower house and bathrooms. Host on site full time. Go to https://www.cityofbullshoals.org/DamSitePark.aspx or call 870-405-9619 to book or get info on park

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Under the cedars

10 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Bradford, AR

Learn more about this land:Very nice secluded camp spots for groups or individuals. There are, scenic spots for great pics, some short hiking trails and cozy areas for quiet campfires.