Camping in Arkansas: Where to Go, What to Know, and Why the Natural State Delivers

Buffalo National River draws campers back year after year, and it's not hard to see why. It was the first national river designated in the United States, protected by Congress in 1972, which means the bluffs and clear water along its corridor have stayed largely intact. AllTrails lists its camping trails among the top destinations in the state, with detailed maps and reviews from hikers who've done the work of figuring out what's worth it. If you want moving water and tall limestone bluffs as your backdrop, this is the place.

Ouachita National Forest covers a large stretch of western Arkansas and is home to the Eagle Rock Loop, one of the state's best-known backpacking routes. The loop is challenging and typically takes about three days to complete, so it's better suited for campers who've already gotten a few trips under their belt. That said, the forest has other camping options that don't require a multi-day commitment. AllTrails maps the area well, and the hand-curated trail reviews give you a realistic picture of conditions before you go.

Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg offers a calmer entry point. It combines camping with fishing, hiking, and lake sports in a setting that works well for a first trip or a low-key weekend. The lake itself tends to be peaceful in the early morning, the water smooth and quiet before the day picks up. It's the kind of place that doesn't ask much of you and gives a lot back.

Where Arkansas Campers Actually Go

Greers Ferry Lake near Heber Springs is one of the most well-equipped camping destinations in the state. The campground there has 114 total sites, 95 of which include electrical hookups, which makes it genuinely accessible for first-timers or anyone who wants a little comfort alongside the outdoors. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, and a dump station. You can book it directly through Recreation.gov, which keeps the reservation process straightforward.

Dam Site Lake Campground sits at Beaver Lake near Eureka Springs, a town with a long and unusual history as an arts community and Victorian resort destination dating back to the 1880s. The campground itself is also bookable through Recreation.gov. Eureka Springs has enough to explore on a rest day that you won't feel stuck if the weather shifts.

Edgewood Campground at Degray Lake near Bismarck rounds out the lake options worth knowing about. Like the others, it's available on Recreation.gov. Having all three of these sites on the same booking platform means you can compare availability and plan around your dates without juggling multiple systems. Lakeside camping in Arkansas tends to feel serene in a way that's hard to describe until you've sat at the water's edge in the early morning with a cup of coffee and nothing pressing.

Gear Tips for Arkansas

Arkansas weather moves fast, and that's the single most important thing to account for when you're packing. Summers are hot and humid, so lightweight, moisture-wicking layers and a good rain shell matter more than heavy insulation. Spring and fall are genuinely beautiful for camping, but both seasons bring unpredictable storms, sometimes with significant lightning activity in the Ouachita and Ozark regions. Check forecasts the day before and again the morning of your trip.

Footwear is worth thinking about carefully here. River and lake access at many Arkansas campgrounds means wet crossings or muddy shorelines are common. A solid pair of waterproof hiking shoes handles most of what the state's terrain requires. If you're planning to do any wading at Buffalo National River or walking streamside trails, water shoes or sandals with a secure strap are worth packing alongside your main hiking boots.

For lake campgrounds like Greers Ferry, a headlamp, a basic first aid kit, and a reliable cooler cover the practical gaps most beginners leave open. The University of Arkansas Outdoor Recreation program at Walton College publishes a beginner's camping guide specific to the state that includes a packing checklist and tutorials, and it's a solid resource if you're building your kit from scratch. Don't overthink the gear list on your first trip. Get the basics right, and the rest follows.