The best campgrounds near Fort Smith, Arkansas with climbing

Looking for a camping adventure near Fort Smith, Arkansas with climbing as your preferred activity? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 340 options specifically tailored to climbers in the Fort Smith area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor excursion. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, Hipcamp offers a variety of options to suit your needs. Check out the top-rated campsites, such as Open-air Meditation Sanctuary (104 reviews), Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch (94 reviews), and Robbers Cave Stables (51 reviews). Enjoy amenities such as pet-friendly sites, showers, and campfires, and take part in popular activities like horseback riding, climbing, and boating. Average price per night is $20, with options as low as $10. Book your camping trip today and get ready for an unforgettable climbing experience!

91% (54)

Top-rated campgrounds

This is Indian Creek. It flows into Mulberry River just a short ways away

Looking for a camping adventure near Fort Smith, Arkansas with climbing as your preferred activity? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 340 options specifically tailored to climbers in the Fort Smith area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor excursion. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, Hipcamp offers a variety of options to suit your needs. Check out the top-rated campsites, such as Open-air Meditation Sanctuary (104 reviews), Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch (94 reviews), and Robbers Cave Stables (51 reviews). Enjoy amenities such as pet-friendly sites, showers, and campfires, and take part in popular activities like horseback riding, climbing, and boating. Average price per night is $20, with options as low as $10. Book your camping trip today and get ready for an unforgettable climbing experience!

91% (54)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Indian Creek Hideaway

98%

(33)

44mi from Fort Smith · 1 site · Tent, RV · Pettigrew, AR

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 :)

2. Hill Top Lodging

100%

(1)

15mi from Fort Smith · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hackett, AR

Learn more about this land: Pull up primitive camp site. Hiking, fishing, and natural beauty of the forest and mountains. Bring your UTV for short excusions to enjoy ridge running near by mountain roads. Ask for details.

3. Paradise Camp

100%

(18)

37mi from Fort Smith · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Ozark, AR

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

5. 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

6. Chateau aux Arc RV Park

73%

(30)

37mi from Fort Smith · 14 sites · Altus, AR

Premiere camping in Arkansas' Wine Capital!

7. Blue Mountain Lake

100%

(1)

64 sites · Blue Mountain, Arkansas

Discover the serene beauty of Blue Mountain Lake.

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Campfires

8. Mount Magazine State Park

100%

(1)

18 sites · Blue Mountain, Arkansas

Discover Mount Magazine State Park and its array of outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Fort Smith

White Rock Mountain Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(14)

White Rock Mountain Recreation Area and Campground

33mi from Fort Smith · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

100%

(2)

Little Pines Recreation Area

35mi from Fort Smith · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ouachita National Forest

100%

(1)

Knoppers Ford Campground

37mi from Fort Smith · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ouachita National Forest

100%

(2)

Jack Creek Recreation Area

37mi from Fort Smith · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ouachita National Forest

100%

(3)

Richland Creek Recreation Area

40mi from Fort Smith · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Cove Lake Recreation Area and Campground

43mi from Fort Smith · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

100%

(1)

Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp

43mi from Fort Smith · 10 sites · in Ouachita National Forest

Spacious campsites surrounded by cedars.

100%

(6)

Cedar Lake Campground

43mi from Fort Smith · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ouachita National Forest

Waveland Park Campground

44mi from Fort Smith · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blue Mountain Lake

100%

(1)

Outlet Campground

44mi from Fort Smith · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blue Mountain Lake

100%

(1)

Cameron Bluff Campground

44mi from Fort Smith · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mount Magazine State Park

100%

(1)

Winding Stair Campground

47mi from Fort Smith · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ouachita National Forest

Stories from the community

Joshua

November 2025

13 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Indian Creek Hideaway

This was my second time staying here and everything I said in my first review still stands. A great location to explore Ozark National Forest from.

Kel

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Indian Creek Hideaway

Lewis was a very accommodating host and his property is beautiful. We will definitely be back!

N

Nick

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Indian Creek Hideaway

Enjoyed the short walk to the creek and the Mulberry river! Great little spot not to far off the beaten path. Lewis was nice enough to check in and bring us some extra firewood. Thanks again!

A

Abbie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Indian Creek Hideaway

Wow! What a quiet and peaceful space. Exactly as advertised. We saw some really cool wildlife and liked the proximity to the water. Would highly recommend if you are looking for a quiet and private Ozark campsite.

B

Brandon

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Indian Creek Hideaway

Lewis’ site was a gem. Loved the privacy and the stream near by was the highlight. He was able to get us firewood that was ready before we arrived and it lasted us our whole stay. Great memories made with me and my 3 boys (and the dog!).

C

Cassie

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Indian Creek Hideaway

The area was quiet and had a beautiful view. It was short walk to the water which was very pretty to view and the covered picnic table was nice to be able to relax at while watching the sun set. Lewis was quick to respond to my questions and ensured the area was prepared for my stay.

T

Travis

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Indian Creek Hideaway

Great spot for tent camping. Beautiful creek. Large grassy area in the holler. You can walk down creek to Mulberry river. Lots of stuff to do in the area. Motorcycle dream drive. Bring canoes and kayaks. Check out high bank falls and mulberry access points. Bunch of trails to hike. Oark is cool.

T

Tres

April 2025

16 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Indian Creek Hideaway

Beautiful spot to get away from the crowds in the area-- having it all to your self. I had wonderful site where I sat on the creek and read for hours. Also great stargazing. Hosts are super friendly. Spot is a little near the road but once night comes traffic is very light. I look forward to returning.

Z

Zach

April 2025

16 ft car

4 nights at Indian Creek Hideaway

Had a great stay, despite bad luck with the weather. Had several thunderstorms and even a short hail storm but the host Lewis went above and beyond to make sure that I was comfortable, and would plan on camping at his site again. Great spot right off a creek, and very little traffic on the nearby road so felt very secluded despite being easy to find and get to

J

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Camp

Simple and exactly as described. I would stay there again.

Joshua

March 2025

13 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Indian Creek Hideaway

Site was exactly as described in the listing. Great base camp location for exploring Ozark National Forest. There was no Verizon coverage, but plenty of open sky for Starlink.