The best waterside camping in Arkansas

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Arkansas does waterside camping right. With over 8,400 campsites tucked along rivers, lakes, and creeks, you’ll find everything from quiet fishing spots to swim-friendly shores. Most sites sit near classic Arkansas water—think clear Ozark streams, deep swimming holes, and long stretches perfect for casting a line or spotting herons. Nightly prices run from just $5, but most campers pay around $35. Showers, pet-friendly rules, and toilets are standard at many sites, so you won’t have to rough it. Local favorites include Bentonville Bike Camp (663 reviews), Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park (619 reviews), and Red Fern (518 reviews). Bring your rod and binoculars—fishing, swimming, and wildlife-watching are part of the package here.

97% (5.8K) 107 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Arkansas

Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

1. Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

100%
(117)
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Riverdream Camps

2. Riverdream Camps

95%
(62)
6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Berryville, AR
RiverDream Camps is a small quiet Campground on the Kings River, near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Featuring Riverside Campsites & Accommodations RV's, Tents, Cabins & Campers Climate Controlled Bathrooms 🚻 Hots Showers 🚿 Pet Friendly 🐕‍🦺👍 And PRIVATE ACCESS to the Kings River! 👌🛶🏊‍♂️🎣🏕🌠
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$30
 / night
Creekside Camping at Rocky Acres

3. Creekside Camping at Rocky Acres

99%
(68)
8 sites · Tents, RVs · Eureka Springs, AR
We are a small family ranch nestled in the beautiful hills of Eureka Springs, Arkansas! The Homestead at Rocky Acres, PMA has a variety of offerings, including "Creek-side Camping" in an open grass field with plenty of shade trees (including a few mulberries...yum!) along side our spring fed creek. The creek offers small swimming holes with fish, crawdads, tadpoles, and frogs, oh my! There is plenty of nature to hike around, including up to the pasture to visit the horses and pony or along the creek-bed to forage. Onsite, we also offer "The Homestead at Rocky Acres" with three cabins for nightly rentals for a comfortable and cozy stay in nature; cabins are available to be rented individually or for your next group event. Our resort area, "The Vue at Rocky Acres", boasts a luxury barn and pool/hot tub with amazing views and would be perfect for your next event be it a wedding, birthday party, family reunion or retreat! Daily passes to "The Vue" are available upon request for use of pool/hot tub/outdoor kitchen, at an additional charge. We also offer "Horse-play at Rocky Acres" which includes horseback riding lessons, custom experiences, camps and trail rides in partnership with Dawson’s Equine Connection! Visit us on Facebook at The Homestead at Rocky Acres for pictures and more details. Please Note: We are a working ranch/farm. With that said, we have free range cows, horses and chickens. We do our best to keep our field clear for campers, however, you may have visitors.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

4. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

98%
(37)
312 sites · Farmington, Arkansas
Two distinct forests rolled into one package! That means twice the amount of outdoorsy goodness to explore. The Ozark National Forest covers most of the Ozark Mountains, including the highest peak in the state. It’s awesome here when the dogwood and redbuds bloom in the spring, and when the leaves change color in the fall. The St. Francis National Forest is more diverse, with the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers running through it, as well as lakes, valleys, and tons of wildlife. It’s the only place in the national forest system where you can access the Mississippi River from the shore, so that right there is a must do! The whole expanse of land is filled with multi-use trails, hundreds of campsites, spots for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even some amazing caves to explore. Mother Nature crushing it as usual.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Greers Ferry Lake

5. Greers Ferry Lake

96%
(17)
1133 sites · Higden, Arkansas
Discover Greers Ferry Lake's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ouachita National Forest

6. Ouachita National Forest

96%
(25)
342 sites · Mount Ida, Arkansas
The Ouachita mountains may become your new go-to for hiking, fishing, and camping in Arkansas.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Devil's Den State Park

7. Devil's Den State Park

100%
(27)
161 sites · Winslow, Arkansas
Hike past ancient rock formations or take a pedalboat out on the lake.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Catherine State Park

8. Lake Catherine State Park

100%
(11)
91 sites · Magnet Cove, Arkansas
Peace, quiet, and mountain views on the shores of Lake Catherine.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Dierks Lake

9. Dierks Lake

100%
(3)
245 sites · Dierks, Arkansas
Discover Dierks Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

10. John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

100%
(3)
47 sites · Scott, Arkansas
Not to be confused with John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake extends 26 miles along the Arkansas River in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Its shoreline is characterized by bottomland hardwood timber banks, steep bluffs, open fields, and urban developments. There are oodles of recreational opportunities among four smaller parks, most notably fishing. The fertile waters harbor all kinds of fish native to the state, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the lake with striped sea bass and sauger. Year round catch includes catfish, bream, crappie, white and largemouth bass. Multi-purpose trails are also a popular activity.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Beaver Lake and Dam

11. Beaver Lake and Dam

88%
(21)
618 sites · St Charles, Arkansas
Discover the serene beauty of Beaver Lake and its majestic dam.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Greeson Lake

12. Greeson Lake

100%
(9)
373 sites · Daisy, Arkansas
Discover the serene beauty and outdoor adventures at Greeson Lake.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Degray Lake

13. Degray Lake

93%
(7)
426 sites · Caddo Valley, Arkansas
Discover DeGray Lake: A Haven for Recreation and Relaxation.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires

Arkansas does waterside camping right. With over 8,400 campsites tucked along rivers, lakes, and creeks, you’ll find everything from quiet fishing spots to swim-friendly shores. Most sites sit near classic Arkansas water—think clear Ozark streams, deep swimming holes, and long stretches perfect for casting a line or spotting herons. Nightly prices run from just $5, but most campers pay around $35. Showers, pet-friendly rules, and toilets are standard at many sites, so you won’t have to rough it. Local favorites include Bentonville Bike Camp (663 reviews), Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park (619 reviews), and Red Fern (518 reviews). Bring your rod and binoculars—fishing, swimming, and wildlife-watching are part of the package here.

97% (5.8K) 107 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Arkansas

Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

1. Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

100%
(117)
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Riverdream Camps

2. Riverdream Camps

95%
(62)
6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Berryville, AR
RiverDream Camps is a small quiet Campground on the Kings River, near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Featuring Riverside Campsites & Accommodations RV's, Tents, Cabins & Campers Climate Controlled Bathrooms 🚻 Hots Showers 🚿 Pet Friendly 🐕‍🦺👍 And PRIVATE ACCESS to the Kings River! 👌🛶🏊‍♂️🎣🏕🌠
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$30
 / night
Creekside Camping at Rocky Acres

3. Creekside Camping at Rocky Acres

99%
(68)
8 sites · Tents, RVs · Eureka Springs, AR
We are a small family ranch nestled in the beautiful hills of Eureka Springs, Arkansas! The Homestead at Rocky Acres, PMA has a variety of offerings, including "Creek-side Camping" in an open grass field with plenty of shade trees (including a few mulberries...yum!) along side our spring fed creek. The creek offers small swimming holes with fish, crawdads, tadpoles, and frogs, oh my! There is plenty of nature to hike around, including up to the pasture to visit the horses and pony or along the creek-bed to forage. Onsite, we also offer "The Homestead at Rocky Acres" with three cabins for nightly rentals for a comfortable and cozy stay in nature; cabins are available to be rented individually or for your next group event. Our resort area, "The Vue at Rocky Acres", boasts a luxury barn and pool/hot tub with amazing views and would be perfect for your next event be it a wedding, birthday party, family reunion or retreat! Daily passes to "The Vue" are available upon request for use of pool/hot tub/outdoor kitchen, at an additional charge. We also offer "Horse-play at Rocky Acres" which includes horseback riding lessons, custom experiences, camps and trail rides in partnership with Dawson’s Equine Connection! Visit us on Facebook at The Homestead at Rocky Acres for pictures and more details. Please Note: We are a working ranch/farm. With that said, we have free range cows, horses and chickens. We do our best to keep our field clear for campers, however, you may have visitors.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

4. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

98%
(37)
312 sites · Farmington, Arkansas
Two distinct forests rolled into one package! That means twice the amount of outdoorsy goodness to explore. The Ozark National Forest covers most of the Ozark Mountains, including the highest peak in the state. It’s awesome here when the dogwood and redbuds bloom in the spring, and when the leaves change color in the fall. The St. Francis National Forest is more diverse, with the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers running through it, as well as lakes, valleys, and tons of wildlife. It’s the only place in the national forest system where you can access the Mississippi River from the shore, so that right there is a must do! The whole expanse of land is filled with multi-use trails, hundreds of campsites, spots for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even some amazing caves to explore. Mother Nature crushing it as usual.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Greers Ferry Lake

5. Greers Ferry Lake

96%
(17)
1133 sites · Higden, Arkansas
Discover Greers Ferry Lake's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ouachita National Forest

6. Ouachita National Forest

96%
(25)
342 sites · Mount Ida, Arkansas
The Ouachita mountains may become your new go-to for hiking, fishing, and camping in Arkansas.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Devil's Den State Park

7. Devil's Den State Park

100%
(27)
161 sites · Winslow, Arkansas
Hike past ancient rock formations or take a pedalboat out on the lake.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Catherine State Park

8. Lake Catherine State Park

100%
(11)
91 sites · Magnet Cove, Arkansas
Peace, quiet, and mountain views on the shores of Lake Catherine.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Dierks Lake

9. Dierks Lake

100%
(3)
245 sites · Dierks, Arkansas
Discover Dierks Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

10. John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

100%
(3)
47 sites · Scott, Arkansas
Not to be confused with John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake extends 26 miles along the Arkansas River in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Its shoreline is characterized by bottomland hardwood timber banks, steep bluffs, open fields, and urban developments. There are oodles of recreational opportunities among four smaller parks, most notably fishing. The fertile waters harbor all kinds of fish native to the state, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the lake with striped sea bass and sauger. Year round catch includes catfish, bream, crappie, white and largemouth bass. Multi-purpose trails are also a popular activity.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Beaver Lake and Dam

11. Beaver Lake and Dam

88%
(21)
618 sites · St Charles, Arkansas
Discover the serene beauty of Beaver Lake and its majestic dam.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Greeson Lake

12. Greeson Lake

100%
(9)
373 sites · Daisy, Arkansas
Discover the serene beauty and outdoor adventures at Greeson Lake.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Degray Lake

13. Degray Lake

93%
(7)
426 sites · Caddo Valley, Arkansas
Discover DeGray Lake: A Haven for Recreation and Relaxation.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires

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