The best camping in Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR

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94% (8)

The best camping in Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Boston Mountain Arkansas Adventures

1. Boston Mountain Arkansas Adventures

100%
(13)
22mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Mountainburg, AR
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. Campsite 1 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Barker Gap

2. Barker Gap

100%
(34)
22mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Natural Dam, AR
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
from 
$37
 / night
Actual Site

4. Heavener Runestone Park

97%
(515)
35mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Heavener, OK
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.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Lisa Christiansen’s Childhood Home

8. Lisa Christiansen’s Childhood Home

94%
(17)
45mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tahlequah, OK
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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night
Lake Wilson Retreat 🌲

9. Lake Wilson Retreat 🌲

100%
(10)
46mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 1 site · Lodging · Greenland, AR
The Lake Wilson Retreat is our 35 acre private property, peacefully situated atop the wooded mountains near Lake Wilson. On the property is The Shed, a simple campsite where you'll find a fire pit and a simple sleeping cabin with a full size platform bed frame and wood stove to enjoy. An ideal place to clear your head. The Shed comfortably sleep two (2) adults, but you are welcome to bring tents for up to to four (4) other additional campers. We provide a full size platform bed frame, but guests will need to bring their own blow up mattress or camp pads for comfort — as well as all bedding / pillows / towels. About Lake Wilson: Lake Wilson Park is comprised of approximately 320 acres of land with 28 acres of water. Park visitors can experience boating, fishing, nature watching, picnicking, and hiking. The park is also an off-leash dog park with both sunny and shady places for pets to enjoy. The nature trail runs almost entirely through the woods with views of the lake and ancient rock formations. There are also lots of beautiful wildflowers in the spring!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Illinois River Paradise | 60 Acres

13. Illinois River Paradise | 60 Acres

99%
(119)
48mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 1 site · Tent · Wheeler, AR
Winding river bottoms, gravel bars, overlooks, waterfalls, & 200+ year old oaks! Walk on the same untouched trails Native Americans took followed later by Civil War soldiers. We've been working hard to create the trails, views, and unique experiences for you to enjoy God's Creation only 10 minutes from a Walmart! Tired of camping next to people? With 60 acres for your enjoyment and gated entrance, you won’t see anyone else during your whole stay! 15 min from I-49 with Walmarts and gas stations even nearer keeps you close to town. You can choose from multiple campsites, but we will not book anyone else during your stay. Camp right next to the Illinois River under giant oaks, ash trees, and sycamores with a waterfall behind you and the river in front. Or move up the hill and enjoy the 10 mile view (when leaves are dropped) while watching the sunset. Seriously, it’s the best view west of Fayetteville. The deep shade of the campsite with the breeze coming over river keeps the space surprisingly cool even in extreme heat. Feeling fun? Camp in the old dirt mine with 10’ walls around you shaded by a massive pine growing in the center and oaks around the perimeter. Hiking trails have been cut for you to enjoy the property. Make sure to check out “Mini Hawksbill Crag”- a rocky outcropping hanging off the cliff side. Another fun trail leads you up a creek bed with multiple small waterfalls. A couple canoes and kayaks are available to float the river if you desire as an add on. You can go upstream easily in normal water flow! If you’re looking for fun family time with your kids, I will do whatever I can to help you during your stay to make lasting memories. We’re big believers in families enjoying the outdoors together! A truck can be driven to riverside campsite when dry or there is a 100 yard walk from a small parking area. More vehicles can be parked on top of hill which is 5 minute walk. There is a picnic table and fire pit at the riverside campsite. Bald Eagles are seen most days in the winter. Birders will also appreciate the feeder in the campsite. Fishing poles are available as an add on. You can bring your own too! Catch small mouth, large mouth, bream, crappie, catfish, gar, and carp/buffalo, but you’re competing with the neighborhood beaver so be on the lookout for him! Please release small mouth besides a legal keeper is 14" (6-7 year old fish!) and limit of 2. Rear wheeled drive vehicles should park at the parking area by old stable Absolutely no hunting wildlife or foraging mushrooms without prior approval.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$90
 / night
Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

14. Yearling Ridge Riverfront Camp

100%
(129)
48mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 1 site · Tent, RV · Boles, AR
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!  
Pets
Campfires
Full Hookups
from 
$32
 / night
Patriot Airpark & Private Lake

17. Patriot Airpark & Private Lake

100%
(3)
9.3mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Pocola, OK
Patriot Airpark spans 400 scenic acres, offering the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and laid-back comfort—with a touch of aviation flair. Explore miles of well-maintained trails by foot, mountain bike, or electric bike, or spend the afternoon gliding across our 1.5-mile-round lake in a kayak, soaking up the peaceful shoreline views. For aviation enthusiasts and the simply curious alike, our private airstrip offers the occasional excitement of watching small planes come and go—without disrupting the serenity of the campground. Meanwhile, the expansive 10,000-square-foot clubhouse is your social hub and cozy indoor escape, complete with comfortable seating areas and space to gather with friends or fellow campers. Whether pitching a tent, parking your RV, or rolling in with your camper van, there’s plenty of room to settle in under the starry night sky. Evenings are best spent around the fire pit, recounting the day’s adventures or planning tomorrow’s. Patriot Airpark is your chance to reconnect with nature, enjoy quality amenities, and create unforgettable memories on our wide-open land. Come discover the perfect mix of outdoor fun, comfort, and a little aviation magic!
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$32
 / night
High Rock Acres

19. High Rock Acres

17mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 1 site · Tent · Rudy, AR
High Rock Acres — Your Nature Escape in the Ozarks Discover peace and privacy at High Rock Acres, a serene retreat in the heart of Arkansas countryside. Perfect for a weekend getaway, a quiet base for outdoor adventures, or simply time to unplug and reconnect with nature. 🌿 Highlights • Wooded, peaceful setting — Surrounded by forest, offering shade, privacy, and a true “back-to-nature” feel. • Rustic camping — Spacious, simple sites ideal for self-contained campers and tents. • Nature at your doorstep — Birds, wildlife, and the sounds of the forest create a calming, restorative atmosphere. • Explore the Ozarks — A convenient base for local trails, rivers, and scenic drives. 🔎 What to Expect High Rock Acres is for those who value simplicity and solitude. Facilities are limited, so come prepared, but you’ll enjoy starlit skies, fresh forest air, and genuine tranquility. 🎯 Perfect For Nature lovers, self-contained campers, and anyone wanting a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$16
 / night
94% (8)

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The best camping in Fort Smith National Historic Site, AR guide

Overview

About

See what life was like on the wild outskirts of Indian Territory at Fort Smith. In the 1800s, this outpost saw a stream of ruthless outlaws and rugged lawmen. Today, it's a fascinating park that takes you through the early days of America.

The park's brick barracks have a dark history. Start with the exhibits on the U.S. Marshals. These men hunted desperate criminals throughout the Indian Territory. In the courtroom, see where Judge Isaac C. Parker prosecuted the captured men. In the basement jail—"hell on the border"—you can almost feel the outlaws' presence. Don't miss the reconstructed gallows, a chilling reminder of the 86 men who perished there. Check the calendar for ranger-led tours, or pick up an audio tour.

While you're at Fort Smith, learn about the Trail of Tears. Interpretive signs explain how Native Americans were forced from their homeland and into Indian Territory. Outside, follow the same path as thousands of displaced Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole. An overlook offers views of the river route that the Cherokee people took the west.

Near the park, you'll find campgrounds along the Arkansas River. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there are plenty of comfortable, well-maintained sites.

94%
8 ratings · 2 reviews

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