Camping near Charleston

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Looking for the best camping near Charleston? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Arkansas hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Charleston.

98% (1.7K) 1,540 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Charleston

Wildwoodz

1. Wildwoodz

96%
(14)
22mi from Charleston · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
RV park and campgrounds in Mansfield , Arkansas. Located near highway 378 on Wildwood Road, Wildwoodz RV park and campgrounds deliver convenience to traveling campers.  Enjoy the peace and quiet near the National forest, which includes a fire pit, hook-ups with water and electric, a few select sites have sewer, a sewer dump site is available. Trailhead for ATV riding 1.1 miles from campgrounds. Horseback riding or hiking the trials can be accessed from the campgrounds if preferred. See photos
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
Boston Mountain Arkansas Adventures

2. Boston Mountain Arkansas Adventures

100%
(13)
26mi from Charleston · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to our serene retreat situated on 20 acres! We offer: 1 cozy tiny home 1 primitive campsite Explore our established walking trails and check out our fish pond. Our charming tiny home spans 400 sq ft and includes 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, full-sized appliances, and a 100 sq ft deck overlooking the pond. The campsite is now open and features a tent platform, picnic table, and a fire pit for your enjoyment. Want to try camping and don't have the gear - we have you covered with a four-person tent, queen size air mattress, cooking stove/pots and sleeping bags/blankets. - You don't have to set it up or take it down, we take care of all of it for you! Just ask to add the Glamp It Up Package (a $25-set up/take down fee, plus an additional 20.00 per night fee will be charged for use of all camping equipment. This also helps to cover the cost of waste management, washing gear, dishes, etc. Nearby attractions include: Lake Fort Smith Ozark Highland Trail (OHT) Ozark-St. Francis National Forest Devils Den State Park Devils Canyon Shores Lake Recreation Area Fern Recreation Area Mulberry River Natural Dam Illinois River Mt. Magazine State Park Fayetteville to Bentonville Bike Trail University of Arkansas Please remember, this is mountainous country; black bears, foxes, deer, coyotes, and even feral pigs may be in the area, at any given time.
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Paradise Camp

3. Paradise Camp

100%
(18)
27mi from Charleston · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Ozark Lake

4. Ozark Lake

87%
(5)
Park 8.9mi from Charleston · 102 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Ozark Lake and its myriad outdoor activities.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

5. John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

100%
(3)
Park 115mi from Charleston · 47 sites
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
Indian Creek Hideaway

6. Indian Creek Hideaway

98%
(33)
33mi from Charleston · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:This area is brimming with outdoor activity! The Mulberry River is just a short walk away with all the fishing and paddling you want. There is a public launch with parking just across the road for floating access. Be on the OHT via the Indian Creek spur trail in no time. Byrds Adventure Center is 2 miles down the road for off-road fun, a general store, canoe rentals, and more. *Heads up especially if you are in a small car, it’s usually ok to go down the small hill but in wet weather it may become slick. If you’re not sure about making it back up, there is an area to park by the driveway :)
Pets
Picnic table
Barker Gap

7. Barker Gap

100%
(57)
35mi from Charleston · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Barker Gap! Opened in August 2024 we offer 3 beautifully shaded rv/camper spots, 2 pull thru spots and 1 back in. We have NO size or slide out restrictions, our spots were built with your comfort in mind. All spots come standard with 50A/30A/110 electric hookup, city water, Bbq/park grill, stone fire pit and sewage hookup at every campsite. Wi-Fi is also included for all campers. At this time we do not have bathrooms available to tent camping or any primitive style camping. The BEAR'S DEN cabin is a 1 room 1 bathroom cabin. Built to sleep 4 with a spacious queen bed perfect for falling asleep on, a cozy twin bed for reading/sleeping, and stowed under the twin bed is an adventure cot for that outside nap on the deck. The cabin is equipped with a mini fridge/freezer, a Keurig coffee maker, and a microwave) inverter. In the bathroom we have a metal wrapped 22" deep soaking tub equipped with a rainfall shower head to wash the stress away. No glamping cabin would be complete without a wave activated hand dryer a 43" Wi-Fi connected smart TV and the latest plug ins with USB ports included so you can forget that charging box at home. Coffee, bedding, towels, bar soap, provided. So what are you waiting for? It's time to camp!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

8. Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

100%
(141)
37mi from Charleston · 1 site · Tent, RV
This beautiful property sits on the banks of the Fourche La Fave (pronounced Foosh La Fay) River. This 151 mile long river was once the grounds of the Caddo Native American Tribe. The river is now home to a wide variety of wildlife, and offers multiple species of fish. Scott County is over 70% public national forest, with thousands of acres of public land available for hiking, ATV/UTV/Jeep riding, and many other activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Though this property has the look and feel of woods and river camping, there is actually a 24 hour convenience store less than two miles away just in case you forgot something or need a midnight snack! Beautiful flowing river for swimming, fishing, canoeing. Nice open air pavilion with power,  LED lighting and a large picnic table. New for 2026 is the full custom bathroom! (Toilet, Sink and Hot Shower!) We think you'll love it! There's a firepit, (firewood provided free) with a nice pergola (porch swings too!) There is also a camp style grill for cooking right at the rivers edge.  Dedicated hammocking area overlooking the river, or have some friendly competition with a game of Bag-O game (boards provided).  This area offers a wide open space for exercising, walking/bike riding along a country road, or just relaxing by the riverbank.  Want a little more adventure? This area boasts an expansive network of country dirt roads and trails for your ATV/UTV or Jeep, and is less than five miles from the Ouachita National Forests' Fourche Mountain Trail. All this but still close to civilization. A 24 hour convenience store is less than two miles from the campsite. This quaint little spot has a lot to offer!
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
End of the Trail

9. End of the Trail

98%
(184)
37mi from Charleston · 2 sites
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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Ouachita National Forest

10. Ouachita National Forest

96%
(26)
National forest 53mi from Charleston · 342 sites
The Ouachita mountains may become your new go-to for hiking, fishing, and camping in Arkansas.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

11. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

98%
(37)
National forest 58mi from Charleston · 312 sites
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.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Blue Mountain Lake

12. Blue Mountain Lake

100%
(1)
Park 24mi from Charleston · 64 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Blue Mountain Lake.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Mount Magazine State Park

13. Mount Magazine State Park

100%
(1)
State park 25mi from Charleston · 18 sites
Discover Mount Magazine State Park and its array of outdoor adventures.
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Toilets
Campfires
Little Mulberry Vacation Rentals

14. Little Mulberry Vacation Rentals

100%
(23)
38mi from Charleston · 1 site
Escape to the Ozarks of Arkansas! This is a perfect location to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. The RV pad is on our small 38 acre farm and ranch. Guests enjoy walking down to the creek, riding the dirt roads, and taking day trips to local hikes. Be prepared to drive down 6 miles of dirt road. This can be inconvnient for some but we believe it's part of the charm.
Pets
Full hookups
Sacred Pines

15. Sacred Pines

100%
(49)
38mi from Charleston · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest, enjoy secluded time in nature! Stay in our off-grid treehouses, peaceful campsites, cozy tiny homes, and handcrafted cabins, allowing you to connect with others in the wild. We are located near many hiking trails, kayaking spots, swimming holes, atv and bike trails and so muchg more!
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Campfires
Melson Farms

16. Melson Farms

100%
(21)
41mi from Charleston · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This is real Ozarks camping on a working farm, just 12 minutes (6.9 miles) off I-40, but surrounded by some of the wildest country in Arkansas. Our gated, secure property sits on Little Piney Creek. With Big Piney Creek nearby and close to the Buffalo National River the Ozark National Forest, making it a solid basecamp for paddlers, hikers, anglers, and overlanders. The land is quiet, scenic, and easy to access, with wide-open skies and excellent stargazing at night. Once the sun goes down, it’s dark, peaceful, and still. 🏕 Primitive Camping This is primitive, bring-what-you-need camping. We can accommodate tents, vans, and campers of most sizes. No hookups, no frills — just solid ground, fresh air, and space to spread out. 💧 Water & Connectivity Potable water is available from a hand-pump well in the front field (red pump located near the campsites) Cell service is spotty — plan accordingly and enjoy the disconnect 🌊 Creeks, Rivers & Adventure Little Piney Creek runs year-round nearby Bring your own kayaks, fishing gear, and outdoor equipment Quick access to paddling, hiking, backroad exploring, and wildlife viewing 🛒 Supplies Close By Hagarville Grocery — 4 minutes away Breakfast, lunch, ice, and cold drinks Two Dollar General stores within 10 minutes for last-minute supplies 🚜 Working Farm Notice This is an active farm, so you may see people and hear normal farm and equipment noises at times. Campsites themselves remain quiet, open, and peaceful. 🔥 The Experience If you’re looking for rugged Ozark camping without complicated access, a place where you can roll in, set up, and head straight for the river or the woods — this is it. Simple, scenic, and close to the wild. Come prepared. Leave no trace. Enjoy the stars.
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Campfires
Potable water
Heavener Runestone Park

17. Heavener Runestone Park

97%
(532)
41mi from Charleston · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
This 55 acre park is home of a large sandstone that contains 8 markings believed to have been made by Vikings many years ago. The park features a seasonal waterfall, covered picnic areas, playground, amphitheater with seating, community building, scenic views, gift shop and approximately 2 miles of nature trails. Be advised that most tent sites have a tent pad but a few are primitive mountain terrain (rocky). The one RV site is for 16 ft. or less vehicles and smaller teardrop trailers with limited hook-up and no dump station. Restroom and shower facilities are located within the park. Individual campsites DO NOT have onsite toilets. Forest setting while still close to stores in case of forgotten items. Variety of small wildlife in the area. All sites allow campfires UNLESS we are under a county wide burn ban. *Note moderate cancellation policy for most dates - full refund 3 days before check-in time. * ** Special event camping is a strict no refund policy.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Bullwick Farms

18. Bullwick Farms

90%
(31)
43mi from Charleston · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Bullwick Farms is a 65 acre farm located only 4 miles off I49 at the West Fork exit. Nestled perfectly between the hustle and bustle of the college town (only 15min to Fayetteville) and the quiet serinity of Devils Den State Park (only 15 miles further on 170) our farm has a magnificent hilltop view well worth the hike it takes to get there! Keep in mind this is a working farm so cows, horses, pigs and goats are all on property and are free range animals.
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Campfires
Ouachita River Haven

19. Ouachita River Haven

97%
(278)
49mi from Charleston · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Red Fern

20. Red Fern

97%
(1199)
49mi from Charleston · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field