Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.

Camping at Arkansas State Parks

By:  Zoie Clift
Updated: 

Camping is one of the many ways to experience the great outdoors at Arkansas State Parks. From modern sites with full hook-ups to primitive camping, Arkansas State Parks have a camping experience tailored for your taste. Arkansas has 52 state parks and 32 of them have campsites. Below is a look at some of the many options available across the state. 

Central Region

Woolly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier is a camping option for those seeking a quiet recharging escape in nature. At the center of the park, Lake Bennett provides a beautiful backdrop for a picnic and other park experiences. 

The campground has 30 RV sites and 10 tent sites. During peak season, planning ahead can be of benefit to get a reservation secured at the small campground. Along with camping one can bike the Enders Fault Mountain Bike Trail, hike, swim, fish, see a historic structure known as the Woolly Cabin, and more. This article has more details on the park too. 

More details about the campground and campsite availability can be found at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/woolly-hollow/camping.

File photo of fishing at Woolly Hollow State Park.
File photo of fishing at Woolly Hollow State Park.
File photo of camping at Woolly Hollow State Park.
File photo of camping at Woolly Hollow State Park.

North Central Region

Bull Shoals-White River State Park is famous for its fishing and camping is also a memorable experience at the picturesque park. Campers can head to the Bull Shoals-White River State Park Camp Area at 129 Bull Shoals Park in Lakeview. Bull Shoals-White River State Park has 109 campsites, including many with river views, that accommodate everything from RVs to tent sites. If you don’t own an RV, no worries as the park has three Rent-An-RV sites.

“There's nothing like camping along the White River,” said Bull Shoals-White River State Park Superintendent Stewert Taylor. “[There is] beautiful views, peaceful surroundings, and world-class trout fishing."

More details about camping at the park and to reserve a spot can be found at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/bull-shoals-white-river/camping.

File photo of Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
File photo of Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
File photo of Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
File photo of Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

Upper Delta Region

Village Creek State Park is home to multi-use trails, a golf course, history and more. 

The park’s 96 campsites accommodate a range of camping styles including RVs, trailers, tents, and equestrian camping. The equestrian sites at the horse camp area have features such as horse stalls and bays. 

“Camping at Village Creek State Park stands out thanks to its mix of natural beauty, outdoor fun, and connection to Arkansas history,” said William Ward, park superintendent at Village Creek State Park. “What really makes it special is how easy it is to jump into a variety of activities right from your campsite, whether it’s hiking scenic trails through Crowley’s Ridge, fishing or paddling on the lakes, or playing a round on the 27-hole Andy Dye-designed golf course. It’s also one of the few parks where you can walk along a preserved section of the historic Trail of Tears. That blend of adventure, history, and peaceful surroundings makes for a camping experience you won’t forget.”

For more details on camping here visit reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/village-creek/camping.

File photo of Village Creek State Park.
File photo of Village Creek State Park.
File photo of Village Creek State Park.
File photo of Village Creek State Park.

Lower Delta Region

Cane Creek State Park near Star City is home to trails, Cane Creek Lake, interpretive programs and more. The trails at the park include the 15.5-mile Cane Creek Lake Trail, which recently was the focus of a recent A Year to Volunteer project.

There are many outdoor endeavors to take on at the park including kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking and camping. Near the lake are 29 campsites for options that include RVs, trailers and tent camping. All 29 sites are RV sites and one can also set up a tent there. About half of the sites have views of the lake and all are within close walking distance of it. There is also a Rent-An-RV available at the park at campsite 1. A backpacking shelter can also be found at around mile 6 on Cane Creek Lake Trail. There is no fee to use this shelter but it is requested that park guests check in at the visitor center before taking on an overnight backpacking venture. 

For more details on camping at the park visit reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/cane-creek/camping.

File photo of camping at Cane Creek State Park.
File photo of camping at Cane Creek State Park.
File photo of backpacking shelter at Cane Creek State Park.
File photo of backpacking shelter at Cane Creek State Park.

Southwest Region

Lake Ouachita State Park  is noteworthy for many reasons, including being located on the largest lake located entirely in Arkansas. Hiking, including at the park’s popular Caddo Bend Trail, fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping can all be enjoyed here. The park has many camping opportunities to choose from. There are 93 campsites (which include 12 walk-in tent sites), and also four camper cabins at the campground if that might be more your style.

“Lake Ouachita State Park is a convenient, well maintained, and safe conduit for diverse user groups to enjoy our focus, Lake Ouachita,” said Jeff Shell, assistant superintendent at Lake Ouachita State Park. “Our Walk-In-Tent area provides campers with one of the most aesthetically pleasing tents camping areas in the state. Our clean and well-maintained bathhouses provide modern amenities for our campers. Lake Ouachita State Park’s location is far enough away from Hot Springs to provide a more secluded and tranquil stay while still allowing for all kinds of tourism activities in historic Hot Springs.” 

For more details on camping at the park, visit reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/lake-ouachita/camping.

File photo of Lake Ouachita State Park.
File photo of Lake Ouachita State Park.
File photo of camper cabins at Lake Ouachita State Park. Photo by Kirk Jordan.
File photo of camper cabins at Lake Ouachita State Park. Photo by Kirk Jordan.

Northwest Region

Arkansas’ largest state park, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, is located on the shore of Beaver Lake. There are many outdoor highlights at the park, including the park’s 54-mile trail system where one can enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and camping. 

The park, which is one of four state parks in Arkansas that have Monument Trails, has some interesting adventurous camping options. There are 11 primitive campsites here, including six that you can get to via mountain bike. Five primitive hike-in campsites can be found at the Pigeon Roost Trail and six sites, which you can get to via hiking or mountain biking, can be found on the Karst Loop Trail. One item to keep in mind is that shower facilities aren’t available anywhere in the park. 

For more information about camping at the park, visit reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/hobbs/camping.

File photo of Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.
File photo of Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.
File photo of Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.
File photo of Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.

This is just a few of the varied camping options available at Arkansas State Parks. Along with renting RVs, there are also options where you can Rent-A-Yurt and more. More details on the state parks that offer these can be be found at arkansasstateparks.com/accommodations/unique-stays.

As with any outdoor endeavor, please remember to keep the weather in mind (Arkansas weather can change quickly) and Leave No Trace as you embark on your camping adventure at Arkansas State Parks.