The best camping near Ouachita Lake

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

75% (4 reviews)

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Ouachita and its myriad of outdoor activities.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Ouachita Lake

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Ouachita Lake

Tompkins Bend Campground

77 sites · RVs, Tents In Ouachita Lake

Stephens Park Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Ouachita Lake

Little Fir Campground

29 sites · RVs, Tents In Ouachita Lake

Denby Point Campground

82 sites · RVs, Tents In Ouachita Lake

Brady Mountain Campground

74 sites · RVs, Tents In Ouachita Lake

Joplin Campground

59 sites · RVs, Tents In Ouachita Lake

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Cedar Fourche Campground

30 sites · RVs, Tents In Ouachita Lake

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Crystal Springs Campground

73 sites · RVs, Tents In Ouachita Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Ouachita Lake

97%

(94)

Caddo River Camp: Tent, RV, Cabins

126 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Caddo Gap, AR

We are surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Within an hour or less, you will find hiking and bike trails, 4-wheeling/ATV, crystal mining, diamond mining, historic Hot Springs, museums and so much more. Or, you can just put your chair in the water and hang out on the gravel bar. Arrowhead has been rated as "The Best Swimming Hole in Arkansas" by the Arkansas Times®. Our facilities, located in Caddo Gap, include, cabin rentals, bunkhouse accommodations for 50 (w/separate quarters for boys & girls), screened pavilion with kitchen, RV sites with full-hook-ups and septic, semi-primitive campsites, bathhouse, nearby canoe and kayak rentals, swimming, fishing, basketball court, and tether ball.

98%

(227)

Ouachita River Haven

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents14 acres · Pencil Bluff, AR

Welcome to Ouachita River Haven! Nestled between Ouachita National Forest property and the Ouachita River, our Haven is a peaceful little slice of nature for you to take a break, catch your breath, and enjoy the outdoors! Property has 1000 ft of river access, with canoe & kayak docks, swimming hole, volleyball and tetherball, horseshoes, swings. We offer hiking, mountain biking, and river shuttles as well as canoe/kayak/tube rentals and shuttles. Such trips should be reserved in advance by messaging us or visiting our website. Our office sells firewood for $5/bundle. We also have a small array of custom woodwork items from our woodshop, freeze dried snacks and hiking restocks, food from local vendors, and souvenirs! All primitive sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and campfire grill grate. Electric sites are 30 amp, if using for tent camping you will need a 3-prong converter (we can rent one to you for $5 if you do not have your own). RV/Camper MAXIMUM length is 28 feet. Tipi rental is a camping experience only; it does not have electricity, a/c or heat. There are solar lights inside. We do have a Queen Sized outdoor bed and bedding available to add to rental for $10/night. Bunkhouse is a camping experience - bring your own bedding. A/C, heat, electricity, TV & DVDs, Microwave, and Mini fridge are inside. Guests use campground restrooms Campground restrooms and showers are a short walk from campgrounds. We are pet-friendly. Dogs must be leashed at all times that they are not in a tent or camper and friendly with other dogs and people. There is a working dog on the property-he is friendly with all people and dogs.

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Bluegill Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Kirby, AR

Located at the southern foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and the northwestern edge of Lake Greeson, this 6 acre plot of land is part of a gentle hillside that descends into the lake. Enjoy two trails to Lake Greeson and easily access nearby boat launches, public beaches, parks, and much more! Come make yourself at home on Bluegill Hill and enjoy the small lake village lifestyle!

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Jubilee Farms Campground/& Rentals

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Leola, AR

James and Jimmilea Berryhill are delighted to offer 5 RV camping sites with water and electric service; 7 tent campsites; Shalom Suite Guest Room, Yachov Tiny House, Ahava House (apt), and The Dove, a luxury RV. The Berryhills have been hosting guests for 8 years with 295 excellent reviews. They welcome respectful and happy guests to this place where Christian families enjoy the outdoors and where country life is celebrated. There are ducks chickens, and guineas. Guests receive a sample of the lovely bars of goat's milk soaps made with the finest oils and goat's milk from their granddaughter's prize-winning goats. James and Jimmilea enjoy hosting their guests and will offer as much or as little interaction as guests prefer. Summer catch-and-release fishing, hiking, and enjoying the small dipping pool, playground, game court, and a large fire pit by the pond are just a few of the things that help make a stay at Jubilee Farms special. Picnic tables and charcoal grills provide for family enjoyment. The farm is surrounded on three sides by timber and the camping and lodging sites are situated away from the road making it a quiet and restful place.

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End of the Trail

5 sites · Lodging65 acres · Boles, AR

This property was once home to American Indians and arrowhead are abundant.Learn more about this land:65 acres on the Foursch La Fave river surrounded by Ouachita National Forest.. This property has access to ATV trails, horse back riding, Kayaking, hiking, along with great sunrises and beautiful sunsets. At the property entrance we have a 3 bedroom 2 bath home that is available for rent thru Evolve.

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Diamond Glamping

20 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Anaconda Deer Lodge County, AR

Welcome to Diamond Glamping, Murfreesboro, Arkansas's premier luxury outdoor retreat, nestled in the scenic beauty of nature and just a stone's throw away from the world-renowned Crater of Diamonds State Park. Here, we offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking both excitement and relaxation. 4 Cabins 4 Tents 2 Treehouses BYOT Option (Bring Your Own Tent)

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Petit Jean Farm Orchard

2 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Morrilton, AR

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park your small trailer or RV in a picturesque orchard on the edge of Petit Jean Mountain. You'll have a backdrop of woods and grazing sheep, with the Petit Jean Farmer's Market barn -- offering locally sourced produce, cheese (some made on the premises), baked goods, honey, preserves, meat, and crafts -- only steps away. The market operates on Saturdays, when hot lunches are often served, but it is open on a self-serve basis the rest of the week. Petit Jean State State Park is a very short drive, with spectacular hiking trails, a CCC-built lodge and restaurant, and a lake. Campers are welcome to use the fire pit, grill, and trampoline, and they have access to the half-bath in the barn. They're also more than welcome to help Ed with the chores : ) An electric hookup is $10. Firewood is available for $10.

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(83)

Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents81 acres · Caddo Gap, AR

80+ acres all to yourself!! This beautiful and very secluded property, with river, kayaks, trails, and creeks is offered to only one group at a time to ensure peace, quiet, and seclusion. No other guests will overlap your stay. You will enjoy the peaceful solitude in nature completely alone! It's a great location for romantic getaways, silent personal retreats, yoga, playing in the river, or just spending quiet one-on-one time with your spouse or significant other. The last 1/2 mile of dirt road is sometimes rough, so cars with low ground clearance are not recommended. Campers on Thunder Mountain enjoy the entire property, including the unique outdoor bathhouse with outdoor tub and shower, amazing multi-level decks, kayaks, grill, trails, hammocks, and tubes - without the cost of the cabin. The cabin will be vacant during camping stays, but you can still enjoy the WiFi and other amenities outside. ($30-90/night camping; $190-280/night cabin - listed separately) Last minute bookings may have discounted rates. Camping bookings for 1 to 2 nights are sometimes available even if the calendar does not show due to cabin cleaning days. We'll try to move our cleaning days around to help you out if possible.

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Sacred Pines

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Boles, AR

Surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest, enjoy secluded time in nature! Stay in our off-grid treehouses, peaceful campsites, cozy tiny homes, and handcrafted cabins, allowing you to connect with others in the wild. We are located near many hiking trails, kayaking spots, swimming holes, atv and bike trails and so muchg more!

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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 fire rings, 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.

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Yearling Ridge River

1 site · RV, Tent37 acres · Waldron, 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!

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Southwinds on the Arkansas River

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Atkins, AR

Located on the Arkansas River and just minutes from Interstate 40 in Atkins, this RV/camping site backs right up to a gorgeous view of the Arkansas River and Petit Jean mountain. Water and electricity are located at each site! Just minutes away you have boat access to the Arkansas River at Sweeden Island Park AND Lake Atkins through the Lucky Landing launch site. This site is a sportsman's paradise as it is also conveniently located to the Galla Creek Wildlife Management Area, also just minutes away. Also, we are located right across the river from Petit Jean State Park and a few minutes from quaint downtown Atkins. Whether you're looking for great fishing and hunting or a peaceful respite from the world with a million-dollar view, this is the site for you! The 10 acres are open to explore and include three RV/campsites with water at each location and a gorgeous gully that empties into the Arkansas River. When the river is at a normal level a rock shelf lines the entire length of the river to make fishing and sunbathing, a breeze! If you want to venture out a bit, may we recommend the many offerings of Mount Nebo, Petit Jean Mountain, Mount Magazine, Altus, Russelville, and Conway; all located within 30 minutes to an hour from the campgrounds. While swimming in the river is not advisable, here are some swimming holes you and your family might check out while staying with us: -Atkins City Pool (has a day rate) -Lake Dardanelle -Illinois Bayou -Old Iron Bridge Swimming Hole -Long Pool Bayou -Falling Water Falls

The best camping near Ouachita Lake 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.