The best campgrounds near Fort Smith, Arkansas with swimming

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Fort Smith, Arkansas, where you can swim to your heart's content? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 600 options in the area that offer swimming, you'll be spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer a lakeside retreat, a riverfront oasis, or a secluded swimming hole, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Red Fern (334 reviews), Heavener Runestone Park (210 reviews), and Petit Jean Farm Orchard (137 reviews) to guarantee a memorable camping experience. Plus, with popular amenities like pets, campfires, and showers, and activities such as boating, swimming, and horseback riding, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. Prices start as low as $5 per night, with an average price of $35 per night. So pack your swimsuits and get ready to make a splash!

96% (665)

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Smith

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Fort Smith, Arkansas, where you can swim to your heart's content? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 600 options in the area that offer swimming, you'll be spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer a lakeside retreat, a riverfront oasis, or a secluded swimming hole, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Red Fern (334 reviews), Heavener Runestone Park (210 reviews), and Petit Jean Farm Orchard (137 reviews) to guarantee a memorable camping experience. Plus, with popular amenities like pets, campfires, and showers, and activities such as boating, swimming, and horseback riding, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. Prices start as low as $5 per night, with an average price of $35 per night. So pack your swimsuits and get ready to make a splash!

96% (665)

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Smith

1. Heavener Runestone Park

97%

(515)

33mi from Fort Smith · 17 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.

2. End of the Trail

99%

(171)

44mi from Fort Smith · 5 sites · Lodging

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.

3. Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

100%

(129)

44mi from Fort Smith · 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 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 need a midnight snack!   Learn more about this land:Beautiful flowing river for swimming, fishing, canoeing. Nice open air pavilion with power,  LED lighting and a large picnic table. Firepit with added 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 riverbank.  Want a little more adventure? This area boasts an expansive network of country dirt roads and trails for your ATV/UTV, 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!  

4. John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

100%

(2)

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

5. Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool

94 sites · Brent, Oklahoma

Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam is known for its fishing and swimming beaches. Anglers will be excited about the abundance of bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and sunfish. Yum! There are also three swimming beaches here, so bring your swimsuit and sunscreen. Got a boat? Bring it! Launch your sailboat, motorboat, or kayak on the refreshing waters and check out the great surrounding views of spring flowers or fall foliage. There’s a short hiking trail in the park if you want to wander around a bit. This park is ideal for campers seeking a quiet, relaxing getaway on the water.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Little Mulberry Vacation Rentals

100%

(22)

50mi from Fort Smith · 1 site · RV

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.

7. Indian Creek Hideaway

98%

(33)

44mi from Fort Smith · 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 :)

8. Lisa Christiansen’s Childhood Home

94%

(17)

49mi from Fort Smith · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

A place carved out of history dating back over 200 years ago. This is where history welcomes you to the Cherokee culture. This land has been handed down for generations and has stayed in the family beginning on my mother’s side of the family, Mary Ann Groundhog, the fourth generation great granddaughter of Sequoyah on the “Dick” side of my family tree. My mother was heavily involved with AIM (American Indian movement). My dad was the last monolingual Cherokee. His name was Mack Vann, he was a man who loved culture and sharing it with visitors and handed down that passion to me. My hip camper site is named after my daddy, I am still a daddy‘s girl. The land originated before Sequoyah. who created the Cherokee syllabary. Sequoyah was my fifth generation great grandfather and I am very proud of my Cherokee heritage, I would love to share my culture, my tradition, and my passion with you. Learn more about this land: Come and experience the authenticity of Tahlequah, Indian country, Oklahoma where almost every resident is Cherokee, Native American, Nature at its most organic state; A place where deer run free, the sunset paints a new picture each evening with glorious colors of warmth and serenity. Away from the hustle and bustle, peaceful, and inviting. Just a short hike or drive to Todd’s access or you can swim, fish, or float down the beautiful Illinois River. Welcome to Oklahoma’s best kept secret. * * * * FREE HIGH SPEED WIFI * * * * Up to 1,000 Mbps upload and download speeds With upload speeds matching download speeds, you can transfer and back up large files with ease. Unlimited data usage, no data caps or throttling. Capacity for all your devices

9. Paradise Camp

100%

(18)

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

10. Lake Fort Smith State Park

100%

(4)

40 sites · Chester, Arkansas

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Fort Smith State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

11. Brushy Lake State Park

14 sites · Slick, Oklahoma

Discover the serene beauty of Brushy Lake State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

12. 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

13. 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

14. Ozark Base Camp

100%

(4)

47mi from Fort Smith · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

In the historic village of Saint Paul, Arkansas, this site is located along highway 23/16. The National Forest and the White River are nearby. While in town, the site is near the library and minor shopping. Local Ahart's beer wine & groceries are great attractions. The Ozark National Forest is an easy walk - only a half mile away. Incredible year round hiking. Even closer is the White River which has great fly fishing and maybe even catch a sighting of river otters.

15. Chateau aux Arc RV Park

73%

(30)

37mi from Fort Smith · 14 sites

Premiere camping in Arkansas' Wine Capital!

16. 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

17. Wister Lake State Park

100%

(1)

153 sites · Wister, Oklahoma

Discover the natural splendor of Lake Wister State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

18. Tenkiller Ferry Lake

50%

(7)

550 sites · Redbird Smith, Oklahoma

Named for the prominent Cherokee family who owned the land and ferry, Tenkiller Ferry Lake is steeped in history and picturesque views. With the clearest body of water in Oklahoma, the lake offers abundant water activities: fishing, scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, the list goes on so be prepared to get wet! Be sure to check out the floating restaurant too! Farm to table? More like lake to table. Off the lake, explore the rocky bluffs and lush vegetation. Get a nice view of the water from the shore, and have your breath taken away with the spectacular sunsets. Tenkiller Ferry Lake is sure to become an annual trip.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

19. Cherokee Landing State Park

100%

(2)

138 sites · Dry Creek, Oklahoma

Discover the serene beauty of Cherokee Landing State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Camper favorites near Fort Smith

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Little Mulberry Vacation Rentals

100%

(22)

50mi from Fort Smith · 1 site · RV

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.

Indian Creek Hideaway

98%

(33)

44mi from Fort Smith · 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 :)

Lisa Christiansen’s Childhood Home

94%

(17)

49mi from Fort Smith · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

A place carved out of history dating back over 200 years ago. This is where history welcomes you to the Cherokee culture. This land has been handed down for generations and has stayed in the family beginning on my mother’s side of the family, Mary Ann Groundhog, the fourth generation great granddaughter of Sequoyah on the “Dick” side of my family tree. My mother was heavily involved with AIM (American Indian movement). My dad was the last monolingual Cherokee. His name was Mack Vann, he was a man who loved culture and sharing it with visitors and handed down that passion to me. My hip camper site is named after my daddy, I am still a daddy‘s girl. The land originated before Sequoyah. who created the Cherokee syllabary. Sequoyah was my fifth generation great grandfather and I am very proud of my Cherokee heritage, I would love to share my culture, my tradition, and my passion with you. Learn more about this land: Come and experience the authenticity of Tahlequah, Indian country, Oklahoma where almost every resident is Cherokee, Native American, Nature at its most organic state; A place where deer run free, the sunset paints a new picture each evening with glorious colors of warmth and serenity. Away from the hustle and bustle, peaceful, and inviting. Just a short hike or drive to Todd’s access or you can swim, fish, or float down the beautiful Illinois River. Welcome to Oklahoma’s best kept secret. * * * * FREE HIGH SPEED WIFI * * * * Up to 1,000 Mbps upload and download speeds With upload speeds matching download speeds, you can transfer and back up large files with ease. Unlimited data usage, no data caps or throttling. Capacity for all your devices

Paradise Camp

100%

(18)

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

Ozark Base Camp

100%

(4)

47mi from Fort Smith · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

In the historic village of Saint Paul, Arkansas, this site is located along highway 23/16. The National Forest and the White River are nearby. While in town, the site is near the library and minor shopping. Local Ahart's beer wine & groceries are great attractions. The Ozark National Forest is an easy walk - only a half mile away. Incredible year round hiking. Even closer is the White River which has great fly fishing and maybe even catch a sighting of river otters.

Chateau aux Arc RV Park

73%

(30)

37mi from Fort Smith · 14 sites

Premiere camping in Arkansas' Wine Capital!

Public campgrounds near Fort Smith

100%

(2)

Springhill Campground

4.2mi from Fort Smith · 47 sites · Tents, RVs · in John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

Short Mountain Cove Campground

23mi from Fort Smith · 32 sites · Tents, RVs · in Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool

Applegate Cove Campground

25mi from Fort Smith · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool

Cowlington Point Campground

26mi from Fort Smith · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool

100%

(4)

Lake Fort Smith Campground

28mi from Fort Smith · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Fort Smith State Park

Brushy Lake Campground

28mi from Fort Smith · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brushy Lake State Park

100%

(27)

Devil's Den Campground

31mi from Fort Smith · 161 sites · Tents, RVs · in Devil's Den State Park

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%

(1)

Wister Lake Campground

37mi from Fort Smith · 153 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wister Lake State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Robert

1 week ago

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

Great little spot that you won’t have to share with many or any others. You’re right on the Fourche La Fave river. You have a fire pit basically on the river with a nice gazebo adorned with warm string lights. 20/30/50 amp power worked flawlessly and you have water as well. Great spot. The hosts are super nice. 10/10 would camp here again!

D

Danyelle

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Little Mulberry Vacation Rentals

Lovvvved this little get away. We took our rambunctious pups here and they had so much fun (they were sad to leave and made some friends while there were there!). The donkeys were so so sweet and the views were wonderful. Jill and her husband were so sweet to us and we had a great time! 10/10 would recommend!

D

Darren

November 2025

31 ft Class C

With pets

4 nights at Little Mulberry Vacation Rentals

This piece of property is geographically unique as when you are camping. There there are no lights from anything, no cell signal, very peaceful, strongly suggest. Going.

K

Kim

November 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

Amazing spot. They really made sure there’s everything you could need at the site. The river is beyond beautiful. The pavilion had all the extras one could need and more. We had an amazing time and will be back as soon as possible in Spring. I even had a dead battery in my car as we were trying to leave and Daniel came to the rescue to give me a jump start. Best Hipcamp we’ve been to yet!

site features 2 tent pads with space for a couple other tents. Also has 2 tables and a grill

A

Allison

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

My family and I loved tent camping here! The views were beautiful! We were at site #8, it was very pretty and peaceful. Lots of trees for nice shade and great spot for a hammock. There even happened to be a big event at the overlook one of the days we were there, but there was still enough separation that it wasn’t too loud and we still felt like we had our privacy. The Runestone didn’t disappoint! We thought it was cool. We really enjoyed hiking the trails too.

Campsite is pictured on the right side of the photo.

E

Erick

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Beautiful spot and park! Will definitely visit again.

G

Greg

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Heavener Runestone Park

Incredible location, great views, and check-in couldn’t have been easier. Highly recommend a stay here at the park!

Lori

November 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Heavener Runestone Park

Watching the sunset at this location was breathtaking! The campsite, restroom, grounds, and gift shop were clean and well maintained. Everyone there was friendly and very informative. We came for an educational event that was fun and well organized. My family loved every moment of our stay from hiking, seeing the runestone, and tent camping!

R

Roger

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

The campsite was absolutely lovely! The forest felt more like the Black Hills, SD. I had no idea Oklahoma could look like this. It was SO peaceful I could've been 100 miles from civilization, yet Hevener was nestled beautifully in the valley below. Hearing those spooky train horns every hour or so was neat-my boy couldn't get enough! The short hike to the runestone was fun, and that sweet young lady in the gift shop went outta her way for our yard game. What a cozy Oklahoma spot! Terrain was a bit rough and steep and rocky so be advised.

Loreena

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Excellent campsite for our first time visiting the park! The trails were great and easy to navigate, amenities offered worked well, and the host was communicative too. If you plan to stay at this campsite (or probably anywhere in the park), just be mindful there’s a very active train station below the park so you’ll hear it both day & night—earplugs were an essential for me. However, that doesn’t deter my recommendation. The fall leaves were gorgeous, so we picked the perfect weekend to stay.

R

Russ

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Cool views. #10 spot is a lot more of a upward hike than it lets on. It's too far from the site to your vehicle.

Amber

November 2025

22 ft toy hauler

With pets

3 nights at Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

We absolutely loved our stay here! Our three dogs had the best time exploring and going on endless “snifaris” (aka sniffing safaris) — so many new smells, trails, and riverside adventures to enjoy. The campsite itself is stunning — the flowing river is perfect for swimming or just relaxing beside, and we spent the evenings by the firepit grilling and listening to the water. The open-air pavilion with lights and power made cooking and hanging out super comfortable, and the hammocking area overlooking the river was an unexpected favorite. Daniel, the host, was amazing — incredibly responsive and friendly. When we messaged about grabbing a little extra firewood (we’d packed light, knowing some would be available) and mentioned that one of the water faucets wasn’t shutting off fully, he replied right away and had it sorted quickly. Between the peaceful scenery, the great amenities, and how close it is to both trails and a convenience store, this place truly has everything — adventure, comfort, and calm. We can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re coming to unwind by the river or explore the surrounding trails, this is one Hipcamp you don’t want to miss!

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.

k

kellimeyer723

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

A quaint little park with unique history and the perfect hikes for beginners or those needing an hour to waltz with nature. You're outside of town but not so far away that running back for something you forgot to be a real problem. Campsites are as you would expect, a platform that is just big enough for our large sundome tent (8 person), a firepit and metal grill for each site and a concrete and wood picnic table. They even have shepherd hooks for campers to hang a lantern or lights. The camping area is lit up at night by a string of bulb lights, giving just enough glow to get down to the bathrooms without being a nuisance when trying to sleep. A wonderful setup for a relaxing weekend. My son and I were the only people in the park at one point and it was very peaceful. Crows, woodpeckers, and squirrels abound but not much else in the way of wildlife. A definite for families or someone looking for a quiet place to pitch a tent or hang a hammock.

Kathy

November 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Heavener Runestone Park

Wonderful rustic park! First is the runestone, whose conjecture seems entirely plausible and fascinating! Second, the park was developed around 1970 and looks like it’s basically been unchanged. Third, it’s just plain beautiful. The staff are awesome and very responsive. We loved it.

T

Tammy

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Little Mulberry Vacation Rentals

Private. Peaceful. Perfect. The donkeys are very curious and seriously beg for you to pet them. The sound of the river was very soothing! We stopped by the pottery place at the beginning of the dirt road. What a gem! So much to explore! Not enough time.

C

Carrick

October 2025

Weekend Trip to End of the Trail

It was a great spot right above the river, plenty of privacy!

G

Gent

October 2025

1 night at End of the Trail

Great place to camp especially if your on a motorcycle

D

David

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

This is a beautiful spot with complete privacy. All the services were easy to access and worked well. The covered pavilion was wonderful touch, and access to the river was easy. The host was very attentive, responding to questions almost immediately. We would recommend this to everyone!

S

Saul

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Amazing spot! We stayed through the weekend! Great views! Amazing amenities, ZJ helped us get power to our camping spot (Overlook Pavilion). Kiddos loved the scavenger hunt and the different hikes. Over all we will be coming back soon! Thank you to all the staff!