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The best camping near Lake Catherine State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Catherine adventure.

100% (10 reviews)
100% (10 reviews)

Peace, quiet, and mountain views on the shores of Lake Catherine.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Catherine State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Catherine State Park

100%
(3)

Cedar Creek Farms Eclipse Camping

5 sites ¡ Tents30 acres ¡ Lonsdale, AR
Our land is home to a plethora of animals along with my husband and I. During your stay you can visit with or just watch our cattle, horses, goats, donkeys, chickens and turkeys along with several species of wildlife. Also, the camping area is behind a gate so you don’t have to worry about your things if you decide to explore the area, unlike a state park or other campground! Part of our land is cleared for pasture and the rest is undisturbed forest. Three different creeks and hundreds of cedars adorn the land, hence the name "Cedar Creek Farms." Come enjoy the sounds of Ouachita Mountain nature and farm life with us.
from 
$25
 / night
94%
(26)

Spa City HipCamp Now

5 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Hot Springs National Park, AR
Welcome to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas! Are you looking for a convenient space to rest your RV, motor home or tent for a night or two? You’ve come to the right place 😊. Let my space be your space! Welcome to my beautiful oasis with 5 acre blessed with trees, pond and creek. Conveniently located just right outside city limits. Close to everything yet secluded enough to have privacy , peace and quite. It has green grass most of the year with lots of lightning bugs at night, abundant wildlife: deers, bunnies, possums, raccoons and squirrels 😁. Very well spaced out mature trees that provides shade and fresh air. Well house for water supply in property as well but no hookups of any kind in place at the moment. Also has concrete custom made swimming hole that freshly feeds off the pond and streams but may be dry right now due to extreme heat and no rain in forecast. My space is suited best for well prepared campers as I don’t offer any amenities on site at this time. Land is close to everything Hot Springs, Arkansas has to offer. 1.3 miles away from Magic Springs 2.5 miles from Gulpha Gorge 4.9 miles from Oaklawn Racing & Gaming 6.1 miles from Hot Springs mall 3.6 miles from historic downtown Hot Springs and Arlington Hotel. 
from 
$20
 / night
Booked 9 times

Possum kingdom farm

21 sites ¡ Tents40 acres ¡ Jessieville, AR
Open fields with horses. Trails to hike. Running creek to set along side or wade. Hill top cramping you can see pinnacle mountain from. Lake ouachita 1/2 mile down the road to the south. 30 acres of wood land to camp and have camp fires with several different wildlife creatures. In the early summer we have Chantelle mushrooms you can pick (I will show you how to identify). Several hundred acres of USFS timberland to explore I recommend bringing a portable GPS.
from 
$40
 / night
Booked 13 times

HARBOUR IN Boat and RV

41 sites ¡ RVs, Tents60 acres ¡ Mount Ida, AR
All camp sites are 40ft x60ft. Camping is on and around a private 8 acer lake located in Mount Ida Arkansas the crystal capital of the world. Mount Ida has dozens of crystal mines where you can buy or dig your own. Real Earth Creations is at the gate to left. The largest lake in the state only 2 miles away great for any type of water sport, with 2 rivers feeding the beautiful Lake Ouachita great for paddling with dozens of fish species. Beautiful overlooks, hiking and bike trails nearby. The camp is 25 miles from Hot Springs National Park with many museums, natural hot springs bath houses and shopping. Hot Springs is home to the world-famous Oak Lawn Park Horse Racing and Casino. One camper per site There are no Vicious Breed Dogs Allowed !!! We have Privative campiness for the SOLAR ECLIPSE 4/5/2024- message in Hipcamp for more information
from 
$35
 / night
Booked 12 times

Branching Willow Estate

25 sites ¡ RVs, Tents13 acres ¡ Bismarck, AR
Branching Willow Estate offers a tranquil escape amidst lush forests and abundant wildlife, inviting you to bask in the serenity of nature and take in the stunning mountain views. Here, you have easy access to nearby waterfalls and a plethora of exciting outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, and rafting. If you ever tire of cooking over the grill, there are also charming restaurants just a stone's throw away, ensuring you never run out of dining options. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire and enjoy moonlit nights in this idyllic natural setting. It's the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and relaxation.
from 
$37
 / night
50%
(3)

Camp Cedar Creek

1 site ¡ RV, Tent10 acres ¡ Fountain Lake, AR
Camp Cedar Creek is on 10 beautiful acres nestled in Hot Springs National Park. We have 2 spring fed ponds stocked with feisty bass and crawdads in the creek! Paddle boats and a canoe awate in both ponds. We are approx. 10 min from Magic Springs amusement park and 15 min from all of the wonderful amenities offered by Hot Springs National Park.
from 
$50
 / night
Booked 12 times

Wooded spot close to downtown

1 site ¡ Tent1 acre ¡ Hot Springs National Park, AR
Have owned since 2019Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in our semi wooded area. Close to downtown hot springs. This property is close the the road & sits beside my sons driveway. There is also some highway construction going on during the weekdays. Pets are allowed, just please keep them close & clean up after them. We have an area with a few basic cooking supplies. We have a charcoal BBQ grill, & chairs on site. There is a trash can & private camping toilet/sink. Although the neighbors are close, This area is wooded and has all the outdoor bugs. Although we treat the camp area. Bring your repellants for fleas, tics, chiggers, mosquitoes, ect. Just in case.
from 
$10
 / night
96%
(12)

Crystal Camp

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Mount Ida, AR
The Crystal Camp Campground is a rock hounding paradise and is less than two minutes from the Crystal Vista, Wegner and Avatar Crystal mines. This area of Arkansas produces some of the finest quartz crystals on earth and your chances of finding real treasure at any of the nearby mines is pretty much guaranteed. If your kids like to play in the dirt and hunt for treasure they will fill their pockets with real gems at any of the nearby mines. Please Note: This is a beautiful property and ready for your trip but guests should expect a work in progress as well. The property is newly cleared, we installed new picnic tables and have a weekly maintained porta potty on site. But that's the extent of the amenities right now. This property was basically a 2 acre blackberry patch. About half has been cleared and 4 campsites created but the rest is still in progress. Work will not be performed during your stay. You may see tools and signs of recent work etc.. Located on a paved section of Owley Road in Mount Ida Arkansas. This is a large 2 acre property with four cleared sites that offer plenty of room for any size tent(s). Generators are welcome and pets are too. The property is bordered by old growth national forest and an ice cold spring fed stream is located in the national forest behind the property. Like all wooded areas in Arkansas ticks should be expected while hiking and camping at the Crystal Camp Campground. Please bring tick defense for yourself and pets.
from 
$20
 / night

Camp Ouachitaj Mahal

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Hot Springs, AR
Come watch the total solar eclipse over beautiful Lake Catherine, nestled in the lovely Ouachita Mountains. Our property is on Spencer Bay of Lake Catherine just outside Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. It is conveniently located 12 miles off of I-30. Easy access to golf courses, Gulpha Creek, local parks, state parks, national forests, Garvan Gardens, Oaklawn race track and casino, historic Bathhouse Row, and many other attractions. Public boat ramps are available in nearby parks, and this area has all of the fishing opportunities you could want. We do not have a dock or ramp on our property, but guests are welcome to put in at one of the public ramps, boat up, and tie off at our shore. Smaller boats, canoes, and kayaks which can be carried without a trailer can put in in front of our trailer. The site is grass parking between two roads, so you can pull through. The site recently had a mobile home on it, so there is a sewer inlet there. I have not put in any adapters to connect RV's, but you are welcome to connect it if you have fittings to do so. We do have one 30 amp outlet, but it is on the adjacent lot and would require an extension cord specific to an RV outlet. Our family has an adjacent property with a mobile home right on the shore. Pictures of the lake were taken from that shore. Our place is between camp sites and the shore, so the view of the lake is not unobstructed. Guests are welcome to join us on the shore to fish, use the fire pit, or just enjoy the lake. The area is more private than a state park, but there is a locals' bar directly adjacent to our property. It is not open for business at the time of this listing, but it could reopen in the future. When it is open, there is a steady but surpisingly quiet trickle of regulars in and out of the bar's parking lot. I have noted its location in some of the photos. Patrons are only loud when the Razorbacks score, which is unfortunately not very often. During the eclipse, we will be on-site and will have a makeshift outdoor kitchen with a fish/dish cleaning table and a camp stove table. We do not have a bath house at this time.
from 
$375
 / night

The Ponds

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents12 acres ¡ Malvern, AR
Welcome to our secluded paradise nestled on 12 acres of pristine countryside. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for your RV or a charming retreat in our Studio tiny house, our tranquil oasis offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With four RV sites to choose from, each equipped with a table, firepit, 30 amp service, water, and sewer hookup, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Our back-in sites can accommodate campers up to 28 feet in length, and tents are also welcome for those seeking a more traditional camping experience. Situated just 30 minutes from the renowned Hot Springs and 40 minutes from the vibrant city of Little Rock, our location offers the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience. Whether you're exploring the natural wonders of Hot Springs National Park, taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Little Rock, or simply unwinding amidst the tranquil beauty of our property, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Accessing our slice of paradise is easy, with just a short drive down a 4/10 mile gravel road, located 3.5 miles from I-30. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the peace and serenity of our private oasis, where the only sounds you'll hear are the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet melody of birdsong. Escape the ordinary and experience the beauty of rural Arkansas at our secluded retreat. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, you'll find it all here amidst the natural splendor of our 12-acre paradise. We can't wait to welcome you to our little slice of heaven.
from 
$35
 / night
86%
(14)

Camp Geneva

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Hot Springs, AR
I purchased this property for a nice getaway camp and it is a nice place to getaway to with the live creek its very relaxing. And I would like to share that with othersLearn more about this land:Nice flowing creek with primiatave camping available as well as a full hook up spot for a rv. Not far from town nice country setting. Lake and boat ramp closePrimitive camping is $12.00 a night
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(9)

Panther Creek WaySide

2 sites ¡ RVs22 acres ¡ Rockport, AR
There is one RV spot located on 22 acres. The RV spot is near the road for easy access. We offer water and 50amp electric hookups. Unfortunately, I cannot offer sewage hookup, but there is a Love's Truck stop that has a dump station 5 minutes away. Also, Lake Catherine State Park has a dump station and is 17 minutes away.
from 
$40
 / night

The best camping near Lake Catherine State Park guide

Overview

About

Set on the shores of the vast Lake Catherine and framed by the forested slopes of the Ouachita Mountains, Lake Catherine State Park is an idyllic spot to escape from it all. Rent a pedal boat, kayak, or canoe to explore the lake, try your luck fishing, or cool off at the swimming beach. Away from the water, hike to Falls Branch Falls, enjoy a horseback ride along the mountain trails, or take a day trip to nearby Hot Springs National Park. When it’s time to camp, take your pick of RV sites, yurts, and cabins, some right by the lakeside.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for RVs: Lake Catherine State Campground has Class AAA (with full hookups) and Class B (with 30-amp electric hookups) sites, all with picnic tables and fire rings. 
  • Best for family camping: The Lake Catherine Cabins offer 20 heated and air-conditioned cabins ranging from rustic to duplex, with queen beds and wood-burning fireplaces.
  • Best for glampers: Rent-A-Yurt has a single yurt with bunk beds, basic furniture, a stove, and an ice chest.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve campsites, yurts, and cabins online via the Arkansas State Parks website. Weekend reservations require a minimum stay of two nights or three nights for holiday weekends.
  2. Online reservations can be made up to one year in advance. 
  3. Campsites can book up as fast, especially for holiday weekends, so book at least three months in advance.

When to go

Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day is peak season in Lake Catherine State Park, when Lake Catherine is the ideal spot to cool off from Arkansas’s summer heat. The marina is closed out of season, but you can still take to the water to fish and boat free from the summer crowds. The park’s campground, cabins, and yurts stay open year-round. 

Know before you go

  • Lake Catherine State Park is located along the Ouachita River, 55 miles southwest of Little Rock or about a 1-hour drive. The towns of Hot Springs and Rockport are both about a 20-minute drive away, where you can fill up on gas or stock up on groceries.
  • There are no entrance fees for Arkansas State Parks, but campsite booking fees apply. 
  • Facilities at Lake Catherine include a Visitor Center, camp store, gift shop, restrooms, and picnic areas. There’s also a boat launch, boat and canoe rentals, and a full-service marina open in summertime. 
  • There are accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and campsites at Lake Catherine State Park.

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