After winter, we all begin to look forward to summertime floats and swimming holes. But you don’t have to wait until the summer for every outdoor adventure. Spring is the perfect time for camping, and these Arkansas camping sites are perfect for a springtime getaway. From fishing to hitting the trails, each of these beautiful campgrounds in Arkansas is worth a visit. Grab your camping supplies and come with us to sleep under the stars during the spring in Arkansas.

1. Daisy State Park - Kirby

Arkansas camping
Daisy State Park, 103 E Park Rd, Kirby, AR 71950, USA
Google/Christopher Bane
Residing just off Lake Greeson, Daisy State Park is one of the more underrated state parks in Arkansas. Anglers can enjoy the plentiful selection of bass, stripers, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Or have a rip-roaring time tackling the 31-mile Bear Creek Motorcycle Trail for ATV enthusiasts.

2. Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area - Hagarville

Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Arkansas 72839, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
Waterfall chasers will be delighted with a stay at Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. Haw Creek Falls is pleasant, but hikers will quickly be rewarded with a view of Pam's Grotto and Pack Rat Falls near the campsites. To get there from Hagarville, just head north on AR-123 for 14 miles.

3. Lake Catherine State Park - Hot Springs

Lake Catherine State Park
Dave Thomas/Flickr
Pitch a tent (or pick a cabin) and stay on the unbelievably gorgeous Lake Catherine State Park. Hikers and photographers must take advantage of the three trails in the area; they all lead to Falls Creek Falls. A fourth trail has recently been added on the other side of the park, Slunger Creek Nature Trail. It's a short, kid-friendly jaunt with plenty of wildlife and wildflower viewing.

4. Jack Creek Recreation Area - Booneville

Jack Creek Recreation Area, Jack Creek Rd, Booneville, AR 72927, USA
Google/Robin Y
If you're wanting to avoid the crowds that come with state park visits and you don't mind primitive camping in Arkansas, Jack Creek Recreation Area is definitely worth the trip. The campsites are free (no water or electric, mind you) and there's quite a bit to do in the area. Take the short trail leading to a gorgeous vista view or tackle the Hole-In-The-Ground Trail. Fish peacefully along the creek or have fun along the nearby ATV trail. You can get a sneak peek at what to expect when you visit Jack Creek in this video:

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5. Long Pool Recreation Area - Dover

Long Pool Recreation Area, Dover, AR 72837, USA
Google/Brett Hurst
Have a beautiful backdrop for your next creek excursion. A short loop trail nearby will take you to the gorgeous Long Pool Falls. After your hike, enjoy unwinding with a laid-back canoe trip or creek fishing.

6. Lake Fort Smith State Park - Mountainburg

Arkansas camping
Kathy Emerson/Google
Nestled in a beautiful valley of the Boston Mountains, Lake Fort Smith is a great place to recharge. You can begin a backpacking adventure along the 165-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trailhead in the park or just take a short stroll to Artist Point Scenic Overlook.

7. Lake Chicot State Park - Lake Village

Lake Chicot State Park, 2542 State Hwy 257, Lake Village, AR 71653, USA
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
Vistas and Ozark forests are splendid but if you're wanting a change of pace this season, head southwest to Lake Chicot State Park. Take a leisurely paddle boat tour around this Mississippi Delta bayou for some unique relaxation. Campsites are super affordable at this Arkansas State Park! Lake Chicot State Park is located just outside of Lake Village.

8. Craighead Forest Park - Jonesboro

Craighead Forest Park, 4910 S Culberhouse Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72404, USA
TripAdvisor/JEANBUG35
Craighead Forest Park is a city-owned park that is a great way to take in the nature of Crowley's Ridge. Bird watch along the trails, play a game of disc golf or take a family bike trip. To inquire about reserving a campsite, call their Parks & Rec office at (870) 933-4604.

9. Huckleberry Mountain - New Blaine

Mount Magazine State Park, 577 Lodge Dr, Paris, AR 72855, USA
AllTrails/Destiny Taylor
If you can't hold your horses any longer, take them with you to the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail. The 37 miles cross through a couple of different campsites that are free. If you don't have the horsepower, you can still enjoy the bluff views and fishing areas. When you visit, also consider a stay at the Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, located just outside of New Blaine.

By no means is this a complete list, we would love to hear about your favorite springtime campsites in Arkansas in the comments below! If you still want a camping experience but would prefer an RV to a tent, consider RV Share. They bring the RV to you so that you can simply enjoy some of the best camping in Arkansas, or anywhere else your path may take you.

If you’d like to spend time in an ancient forest, hike around these 400-year-old trees.

The Ancient Forest In Arkansas That’s Right Out Of A Storybook

 

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More to Explore

Campsites In Arkansas

Sarah M. | April 12, 2023

What are some destinations that offer primitive camping in Arkansas?

If you love being one with the elements of nature, these are the best destinations for primitive camping in Arkansas that we recommend:

  • Blue Mountain Lake Recreation Area, Havana
  • Lake Ouachita State Park, Mountain Pine
  • Blanchard Springs Campground, Fifty-Six
  • Richland Creek Recreation Area, Witts Springs
  • White Rock Mountain Campground, Winslow
  • Carver Campground, Western Grove
  • Sam's Throne Recreation Area, Mt. Judea
  • Little Maumelle River, Little Rock
  • Steel Creek Campground, Jasper
  • Crowley's Ridge State Park, Paragould
  • Buffalo National River, Compton

Read our article to discover more of the best places for primitive camping in Arkansas.

What are some other must-visit campsites in Arkansas?

The above list of Arkansas campsites is merely the beginning of the amazing camping available in the Natural State. Here are some other must-visit campsites in Arkansas:

  • Lake Charles State Park (Powhatan)
  • Daisy State Park (Kirby)
  • DeGray Lake Resort State Park (Bismarck). At DeGray Lake Resort State Park, the accommodations don’t end with the park’s 113 campsites. There are also several yurts. Each 6-person yurt is equipped with an ice chest, a double-burner stove with fuel, a folding table with chairs, and bunk beds. The amenities also include a fire pit, grill, and picnic table.

Are there any glampsites in Arkansas?

Looking to level up your camping experience in AR? Try glamping at one of these glampsites in Arkansas:

  • Petit Jean State Park (Morrilton). Ever wanted to stay in a yurt? Head to Petit Jean State Park! One of the state’s most popular parks, Petit Jean State Park offers over 3,400 acres of fun. In addition to the park’s many amenities, there are four yurts, which are available for rent year-round. Each yurt can accommodate up to six people and includes cots, a lantern, a stove, and an ice chest.
  • The Hideout. The Hideout Airstream is an urban glamping experience you and your friends will adore.
    The cozy glampground has two airstreams named Stella and Pearla. The airstreams share a cozy firepit for socializing, too. Make new friends with your neighbors or rent out both airstreams for a bigger group. Pick a camper and unpack for a weekend retreat that’s secluded yet centrally located to all the things that make Fayetteville fun! 
  • Iris Hill Glamping. This charming Arkansas glampground consists of a tiny village of these pods. The glampground has three pods that each have a private bathhouse. Inside your home for the night, you'll find a memory foam bed (queen size or two twins depending on the pod), flat-screen TV, mini-fridge and microwave, heating and air, and Wi-Fi. You'll also have access to a private bathhouse for a hot shower and a BBQ gazebo for any grilling you'd like to enjoy.

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