80% (5)
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Ouachita and its myriad of outdoor activities.
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Zach
6 days ago
25 ft campervan
With pets
The park was very clean and hosts were very friendly. The hosts went above and beyond to serve Thanksgiving dinner to all of the campers. Great spot to stop while in town visiting Hot Springs National Park.
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Graciella
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
Absolutely loved our stay at Fox Nook!!!
Charles was such a good host. Checked in on us and made sure to have plenty of firewood for us. The campsite felt very secluded. It was a short walk to the lake and was the most perfect spot! Would definitely recommend! And can’t wait to pass through Arkansas again because we will definitely be coming back to stay!
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Cory
2 weeks ago
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Scott
2 weeks ago
Tent
I loved tent camping on Shelley's land. It is a working cattle ranch, zip line course and concert venue. I camped at site 1 right at the ponds edge. Only 10 minutes to Mena. Very quiet. Very friendly pups. Fishing was fantastic. Lots of stars and a few falling ones too!
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Gabrielle
2 weeks ago
Tent
Absolutely wonderful camping experience on Ed's land. The most unique part was the camping area was right next to the barn with a small community farmers market. We stayed up late one night with a hankering for ice cream and went right over and bought some. The bathrooms were nice and always clean. We were Tall trees over head, nice amount of space that felt relatively private with trees and fences on pretty much all sides besides the occasional car that drove on the road next to the site.
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Kim
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
With kids
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!
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Barry
2 weeks ago
20 ft pop-up camper
Great spot close to the State Park. We will be coming back here!!!
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Taylor
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Great experience! Beautiful and peaceful. Our three-year-old loved his first time camping :)
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Adelh
2 weeks ago
Tent
I stayed in site #14 this past weekend and I loved it! It's by the river, it was secluded. You can still see some of your neighbors but it still felt private. You have your own driveway to your spot. I arrived friday but the next few days I had the place basically to myself. I had my own portable potty and shower so I didn't really use the bathroom the campgrounds had but if you needed to use it, coming from site 14, it'd be a bit of a walk up. Make sure you have adequate light with you. They kept the campground bathroom lit up but going to it, bring your light cz the area is dark at night. It was so peaceful. 2 dogs and a cat came to visit me, each at seperate times but stayed with me for a bit and they were the sweetest pets! You won't regret staying here. At night and waking up you just hear the river. Definitely coming back here!! Thank you.
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Ashkan
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Sacred Pines
We loved the vibe and our cabin. It might look a bit expensive, but you would get more than what you need.
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Dana
2 weeks ago
Tent
We loved camping here! The land is beautiful and we felt very secluded in our spot. We forgot to bring a lighter for our fire, and Casey was quick to help us! Thank you!!
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Kara
2 weeks ago
21 ft campervan
With pets
Johnny was a very responsive host and I Absolutely loved this spot!! It was so peaceful and has such a great view. It’s nice having steps to get down to the water too. I found myself thinking, if I owned this land I’d want to build a house here! So glad the owner is instead sharing the spot for others to enjoy too :)
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Jessenia
3 weeks ago
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
Clean and great place to stay for a few days. I was happy with how close it was to the local attractions and Hot Springs National Park.
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Sally
3 weeks ago
25 ft Class C
With pets
This is absolutely a beautiful spot. I was right next to the water. There are 3 sites all with great views surrounded by beautiful trees. You won’t be disappointed if you stay here.
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Robb
3 weeks ago
20 ft pop-up camper
Great facility with more privacy than most RV camps
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Galinda
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Love that the market was right beside the camp there’s two bathrooms and two showers all inside the market really nice
Mr. Ed & Mrs. Jen are great host!!
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Justin
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
This campground was nothing short of amazing! The owners were incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful despite us staying during Scary Pines Fall Festival. The said festival gave our group plenty of things to do, but even without that the kayaking and hiking that my group did was amazing. All around this place is amazing and I couldn’t recommend it enough!!
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Amber
3 weeks ago
22 ft toy hauler
With pets
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!
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Christa
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
We had an absolute blast camping out here this past weekend! Three of us came from St. Louis with two dogs, and met up here with our other two friends driving from Fort Worth. We had two cars, three tents, a ton of chairs and had MORE than enough space. The place was beautiful, primal, and Charles was a very helpful and responsive host. Our pups had the best time running around and rolling in the leaves, and us humans had a great time chilling by the fire and enjoying the view of the changing fall leaves and star-filled night sky! We didn’t have the chance to check out the lake, but we are going to try to make this meet-up a yearly thing at the amazing Fox Nook Campsite! If you are looking for a serene, primal camping experience, look no further than Charles’ place. 1 hour from Hot Springs NP, 10/10 experience, 100% FUN
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Brittany
3 weeks ago
Tent
We absolutely loved camping at Ouachita River Haven! The campsites were very well maintained and easy to get to while also being secluded! The bathrooms and showers were great. The stars were so bright and the nights were so peaceful. Our whole group the entire time were raving about what a great campground this was. Truly 11/10
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Stay at a public campground in Ouachita Lake
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Ouachita Lake, AR guide
Overview
About
Renowned for its crystal waters, scenic beauty, and serious recreational opportunities, Ouachita Lake is the largest lake entirely within Arkansas. With more than 40,000 acres to explore on the water, not to mention the surrounding fields and forests, you might want to keep this vacation going all summer. 970 miles of shoreline, 100 uninhabited islands, and vast stretches of open water for sailing—Ouachita Lake is magnificent in its enormity. Its proximity to Hot Springs National Park is also a huge draw for history buffs. Lake Ouachita was recently listed as one of the top 100 bass fishing destinations by Bassmaster Magazine, just one more reason to chill out on this massive body of water.
Notable campgrounds
- Stephens Park - A serene campground at the base of Blakely Mountain Dam with convenient amenities and access to water activities.
- Brady Mountain - Offers a blend of natural beauty and modern camping facilities, complete with a full-service marina and trails.
- Crystal Springs - Known for its crystal-clear waters, this campground provides a picturesque setting for both relaxation and adventure.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early through the National Recreation Reservation System to secure your ideal spot at Lake Ouachita.
- Consider visiting during the off-peak season for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
- Keep an eye on cancellations, as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
- Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding a great site.
When to go
The best time to visit Lake Ouachita is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm water perfect for swimming, though it's also the busiest season. Winters are quiet but can be chilly for camping.
Know before you go
- Always wear a life jacket when on the water; safety is a top priority at Lake Ouachita.
- Check for seasonal closures or area restrictions before planning your trip.
- Accessible facilities are available, but it's best to confirm ahead for specific needs.
- Day use fees apply for certain activities like boat launching and beach access.
- Remember to pack out your trash and help keep the park's natural beauty intact.
80%
5 ratings · 1 review
Recommends
· September 2018
This is in a dry county!
Michael S.
7 years on Hipcamp