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Arkansas

Looking for the best camping in Arkansas? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Arkansas. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Camping Spots in and near Arkansas

  • Jasper, Arkansas

    Paddle the Buffalo National River: Ponca to Kyle's Landing

    5.0
    10.3 mi
    Put in at the Ponca Bridge, or Steel Creek if the water is too low, for the most scenic float in Arkansas. Paddle surrounded by 3-400 foot bluffs, and through slightly challenging water here and there. Great float for kids as there are plenty of swimming holes.I've done this with my own elementar...
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  • Harrison, Arkansas

    Indian Creek to The Eye Of The Needle

    5.0
    4.27 mi / 705 ft gain
    Starting at approx. 900' in elevation, this 5 mile out and back hike ascends 700' in elevation to 1,400 at the highest point- The Eye of The Needle. The trail head is located next to the Buffalo River sign at Kyles Landing on the West side of the campground. You will follow the trail less than ...
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  • Heber Springs, Arkansas

    Paddle the Little Red River

    The Little Red starts at the base of Greers Ferry Dam. This river is crystal clear and is stocked with trout. Water temperature stays at around 46° F, so there is always a dense fog over the water creating a beautiful gloss over the area. Over time pieces of mountain have made their way down in a...
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  • Morrilton, Arkansas

    Camp at Petit Jean SP

    Located between Ft. Smith and Little Rock, just south of Interstate 40, you will find the state treasure that is Petit Jean State Park. Its central location makes it very easy for any one to visit. The main hub of the State Park is the beautiful Mather Lodge, which has a rooms to rent, a restaura...
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  • Witts Springs, Arkansas

    Camp at Richland Creek Campground

    5.0
    This is one of my favorite places to camp in Arkansas. Once you get there you can hike to Twin Falls or Sandstone Castle, or explore the numerous cascades along Richland Creek. It's a relatively small campground with 11 campsites, but has a lot of places to hang hammocks and also offers a picnic ...
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  • Dardanelle Township, Arkansas

    Camp at Mount Nebo SP

    4.0
    Mount Nebo State Park is just 12 miles southwest of Russellville, AR, home of Arkansas Tech University. With its proximity to the university and other large cities, it makes visiting Mount Nebo an easy trip. The last few miles on Country Road 155 takes you through switch backs up the mountain, an...
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  • Witts Springs, Arkansas

    Hike to Twin Falls in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area

    4.0
    5 mi / 200 ft gain
    This hike begins at Richland Creek Campground. There's a trace trail that begins from the lowest walk-in campsites and continues along Richland Creek as you head back towards the waterfall. Parking and trailhead coordinates are 35.79839, -92.95774. It's not quite a bushwhack, but it's still a pre...
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  • Jasper, Arkansas

    Camp along the Buffalo National River via Steel Creek

    The Buffalo National River was declared America’s first National River in 1972. Since then, and even before, it has been an Arkansas favorite for camping and canoeing.  For this trip we drove out to the Steel Creek Campground, near Ponca, AR, and started our trek from there. Camping is allowed a...
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  • Batesville, Arkansas

    Climb at Jamestown Crag

    5.0
    Jamestown Crag is just a few minutes south of Batesville and is one of the largest, most exposed areas of Atoka sandstone in Northeast Arkansas. There are 70+ well bolted sport routes ranging in difficulty from 5.5 to 5.13. The crag offers many top rope and lead routes, the tallest of which being...
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  • Dardanelle Township, Arkansas

    Rim Trail and Bench Trails Loop

    7.6 mi / 702 ft gain
    I did two loop trails (Rim Trail and Bench Trail). Mileage reflects combination of both trails plus the distance hiking between the two near sunset point. Cost to camp in a hike-in site is ~$13/night. You can't reserve a hike-in spot in advance, but they are very under utilized.  I'm pretty sure ...
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  • Fenter Township, Arkansas

    Camp at Lake Catherine State Park

    Lake Catherine State Park offers fully-equipped cabins, over 60 tent and RV campsites, and a small marina selling everything you need for a perfect day on the lake. The beautiful tree covered campground offers a swimming beach, picnic sites, playgrounds and hiking trails. The park also offers int...
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  • Hagarville, Arkansas

    Haw Creek Falls Trail

    5.0
    0.18 mi / 33 ft gain
    Haw Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Hagarville, Arkansas.
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  • Witts Springs, Arkansas

    Richland Creek Campground Trail

    5.0
    3.53 mi / 292 ft gain
    Richland Creek Campground Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Witts Springs, Arkansas.
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  • Mount Judea, Arkansas

    Owens Mountain Bluffs Trail

    5.0
    0.65 mi / 79 ft gain
    Owens Mountain Bluffs Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mount Judea, Arkansas.
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