Forest camping in Arkansas with fishing

With 52 state parks and two and a half million acres of national forest, you can soak in hot springs, hunt for diamonds, or cast a line in the Natural State.

96% (2826 reviews)
96% (2826 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Arkansas

Under $50

Available this weekend

12 top forest campgrounds in Arkansas with fishing

97%
(194)

Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

40 sites · RVs, Tents2500 acres · Jasper, AR
With a lifetime of love for the Ozarks Donny is anxious to share this unique opportunity to experience true wilderness with you. The trails are maintained with respect for the natural growth and inhabitants of the area. You may encounter wild elk and deer. Of course, visiting the property's herd of buffalo is a must.Your camping fees entitle you to hike the trail system.We also offer motorized recreation if you bring your 4 wheeler, side by side, Jeep, dirt bike or bicycle. Additional fees apply to wheeled trail recreation.
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$15
 / night
98%
(921)

Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park

99 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Greenbrier, AR
We are in love! With each and every guest. And nearly in tears with joy and fulfillment that our campground is so generously loved by so many people. Thank-you. Thank-you. Thank-you. 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 10% off on future reservations.
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$20
 / night
98%
(1015)

Red Fern

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · St Paul, AR
One of Arkansas' greatest treasures. Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls Trail-head, and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas. This is a remote and rugged campground with caves, bluffs, swimming holes and river a plenty. This campground has a grand exhibition of the same sandstone formation that is responsible for the Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) formation. Clovis like points have been found here, and so one might assume the bluffs and crags here have been inhabited for millennia. This 7 acre property is completely surrounded by Arkansas Natural Heritage-Natural Area. There are miles of trails and cooling waters at every turn. If you like Kings River Falls, get ready to fall in love with this Red Fern Campground. So pack your curiosity, lace up your hiking boots, and let the whispering leaves guide you. Kings River Falls awaits, ready to share its secrets with those who listen. Where time slows down and the modern world fades away. Every turn reveals a new wonder; a hidden waterfall an unnoticed cave or bluff or a moss-covered boulder. It’s not just a place; it’s an experience an invitation to step beyond the ordinary and into a world where magic still thrives and fairy tales come alive. Here, the forest whispers secrets, and the river sings a timeless song. Most of our campsites are just yards away from a public swimming area, which is shared between our property and the Arkansas Natural Area. You should expect local traffic at the main swimming area during your stay. We have a private swimming area on our property which is just a short hike from the developed campsites (Please ask the camphost for directions). There are miles of county maintained bumpy dirt roads leading to the site. Expect your vehicle to get dusty. There is a creek crossing that is required to reach the campsites. We recommend high clearance and/or 4WD or AWD vehicles. If you are unable to cross the creek, you will need to park in the parking area and walk across the creek to reach your site.
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$30
 / night
100%
(25)

Pea Ridge Bike Camp

14 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Pea Ridge, AR
The Pea Ridge Bike Camp has primitive campsites available for visitors to Northwest Arkansas and can accommodate tent campers, campervans, small and large campers and RVs. Even smaller Class A motorhomes (length isn't an issue but weight on a grassy field might be a concern should it rain) We offer large, spacious campsites along with firepits and large cable spool tables at each campsite. Potable water, outside sinks and large ADA portable toilets are centrally located to most of the areas. There is a large in-ground community firepit, 2 picnic tables, horseshoes and a bikewash station onsite. We are currently providing free firewood for each firepit. Our property consists of 10 acres of flat open areas, shady areas and wooded areas. All of the property is shaded by 7 pm. We are located on a gravel road in the country, yet only 1/8 mile to state highway 72. Pea Ridge Bike Camp is about 7 miles to downtown Bentonville and only 5 miles from Exit 88 and I-49. Restaurants, food trucks, groceries, banking and laundry facilities are only 2 miles away in Pea Ridge. This is a place where you can be very close to everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer and while still being in the country. A peaceful place that you can easily return to after exploring many of the popular bicycling and hiking trails in the area, visiting Crystal Bridges or other local museums, or attending one of the many events, such as Bikefest, Bikes, Blues, and Barbecue, the annual craft fairs, or performances at the Walmart Amp or the Momentary. We are also close to Eureka Springs and Beaver Lake. We welcome you to stay at the Pea Ridge Bike Camp. We will allow low-noise generators to be used, but have limited them to dispersed sites. * We do require you to book into a dispersed campsite in order to do so. ** Please let us know If you are planning to use a generator. We will try to accommodate those wishing to use them and those that do not want to be around them. Please call with any questions or concerns. If we appear to be booked up, please contact us and we may be able to open more campsites as we have alot of space for campers.
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$29
 / night
100%
(66)

Enchanted Ozark Fairytale Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents104 acres · AR
Enchanted Ozark Fairytale Camp is far more than your ordinary campground! This 104-acre Ozark Mountain wonderland’s biggest draw would be hard to pin down. We are offering off-the-beaten-path serenity, with huge areas for each rental space, and unmatched hospitality. Sip morning coffee while you lose your cares in the vast mountain views, enjoy the pristine natural beauty that surrounds you in the deer meadow. Hike trails that meander to the seasonal creeks and waterfalls, past ancient walnut and hickory trees, to rest on large rock formations thick with moss, or take the high trails to the top of our bluff where views and natural oddities reward you at every bend, or just lay in the hammocks by the frog pond with a good book. Wildlife abounds on this property, including fox, black bear, deer, chipmunks, groundhogs, bobcat, and tons more. We offer fantastic add-ons like creation stations where tables of art supplies can be laid out for either self-initiated projects or sample projects with instruction by hostess, Mizzy (a working artist with pieces in every continent, save Antarctica). Forage hikes, where you learn about the immense variety of edible plants, guided photo op hikes, cut and make your own walking stick ( and make it your own by wood burning, adding leather and feathers), are just a few of the options we have daily to add to your stay. Close to the Little Buffalo River and the quaint little town of Jasper, where you can shop, eat at the famous Ozark Cafe, or rent a kayak. One-of-a-kind stays include a fully off-grid container tiny house, boondock RV space, super large tent spaces, and coming soon a hippy van sleeper, cordwood log cabin, (we encourage sustainable building questions) we may be farther off the beaten track than those roadside places, but we are so very worth it. Come be Enchanted.
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$20
 / night
80%
(5)

Diamond Glamping

13 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Anaconda Deer Lodge County, AR
Welcome to Diamond Glamping, Murfreesboro, Arkansas's premier luxury outdoor retreat, nestled in the scenic beauty of nature and just a stone's throw away from the world-renowned Crater of Diamonds State Park. Here, we offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking both excitement and relaxation.
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$30
 / night
99%
(163)

Bluegill Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Kirby, AR
Located at the southern foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and the northwestern edge of Lake Greeson, this 6 acre plot of land is part of a gentle hillside that descends into the lake.  Enjoy two trails to Lake Greeson and easily access nearby boat launches, public beaches, parks, and much more!  Come make yourself at home on Bluegill Hill and enjoy the small lake village lifestyle!
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$18
 / 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.
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$30
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96%
(140)

Fresh Life at Rocky Branch

1 site · RV, TentRogers, AR
This land was purchased in the early 70's as a future family home site. It was never developed. It has been used by family and friends for various holidays and just camp outs. Now you can enjoy it as well. Learn more about this land: Primitive camping on Beaver Lake across from Rocky Branch Marina, Surrounded on three sides by this gorgeous lake. Light rolling hills with mature trees landscape this private lake front hideaway . There are a few residential executive homes nearby. This camp is hosted by Beaver Lake Outdoor Center. Kayak, jet ski rental available upon request. Close to Hobbs State Park Conservation Area, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art(from Rockwell to Warhol and everything in between); War Eagle Mill and Caverns, Museum of Native American History, The Walmart Museum, Eureka Springs, just a short 40min. drive to Bentonville airport (XNA). Please remember if you "pack it in then pack it out", and absolutely no glass.
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$30
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94%
(247)

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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$10
 / night
99%
(107)

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!
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$25
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98%
(104)

End of the Trail

5 sites · Lodging65 acres · Boles, AR
This property was once home to American Indians and arrowhead are abundant.Learn more about this land:65 acres on the Foursch La Fave river surrounded by Ouachita National Forest.. This property has access to ATV trails, horse back riding, Kayaking, hiking, along with great sunrises and beautiful sunsets. At the property entrance we have a 3 bedroom 2 bath home that is available for rent thru Evolve.
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$50
 / night

Star Hosts in Arkansas

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Forest camping in Arkansas with fishing guide

Overview

Arkansas is full of surprises, with botanical gardens, ancient cave systems, and massive lakes that draw anglers, water sports enthusiasts, and birders. It’s also a hot spot for rockhounding, with tons of mineral-rich mines and quarries where visitors can hunt for everything from quartz to diamonds. Here you’ll also find one of the most unusual national parks in the country—Hot Springs National Park—where campers can "take the waters" in traditional bathhouses, just as people did more than a century ago. Fishing and birdwatching are popular Arkansas pastimes, and many state campgrounds sit on or near lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, who nest across Arkansas in the winter months.

Where to go

Northwestern Arkansas

Northwestern Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions of the state, offering a mix of cute towns and Ozark adventure. The largest state park in Arkansas, the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, is here, offering 54 miles of trails and campsites only reachable by mountain bike. Major geological features in the region include the Boston Mountains (part of the southern Ozarks), a forested region full of hiking trails, caves, and springs, particularly in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.

Southwestern Arkansas

Southwest Arkansas is characterized by lakes, wooded forests, and plenty of opportunities to get out and rockhound. Highlights include Crater of Diamonds State Park, where visitors can dig for diamonds and other minerals, and Millwood State Park, a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and camping.

Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas is home to the state capital and biggest city, Little Rock. About an hour away sits Hot Springs National Park, with its historic bathhouses, a couple of which invite visitors to soak to this day. Camping opportunities abound—you can rent campsites and cabins year-round at Lake Ouachita State Park or try to nab one of the first-come, first-served sites at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, celebrated for its 18-acre lake.

Northeastern Arkansas

Northeastern Arkansas offers opportunities for fishing, water sports, and learning about what life was like in this region many years ago. Highlights include the Parkin Archaeological State Park, which preserves 17 acres of what was once a Native American village, and the Hampson Archeological Museum State Park, where you can check out archaeological artifacts from the area.

Southeastern Arkansas

Southeastern Arkansas' Lower Delta Region offers a mix of historic Civil War sites, scenic lakes, and opportunities for bird- and wildlife-watching. Hit Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state, and the Arkansas Post National Memorial, a National Park Service-run living history museum showcasing life on the Grand Prairie in the late 1800s.

States near Arkansas

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