Editor's Note: As part of our new Weekend Wander series where we share content, stories and travel ideas to help you explore Arkansas, check out this blog written by our guest blogger, UCA student Macie Elswick.
About the Author: Macie Elswick is a marketing major and full-time staff member at UCA. She has called Conway home for the last three years and has loved getting out to see everything the Natural State has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and planning her next travel adventure.
When my family and I moved to Conway three years ago, I made it our mission to explore as much of the state’s natural beauty as possible. As tent campers, we enjoy campsites that offer plenty of space and close access to fishing, swimming and hiking trails. Since we began this journey, I have found a variety of options that check all our boxes, from full-service campgrounds to truly primitive campsites. In no particular order, here are my top five must-visit campsites across Arkansas.
Located in Heber Springs along the Little Red River, this campground offers everything you need whether you are a tent camper like us or enjoy the convenience of an RV. This full-service park has many amenities, including 68 sites with electric hookups, 44 with water hookups and bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers. The biggest perk of this campground is the Little Red River itself. Flowing at around 55 degrees year-round, the river cools nearby campsites like a natural air conditioner, making this the best place to camp during Arkansas’s hot summer months. Known for its world-class trout fishing and beautiful river scenery, John F. Kennedy Park is the perfect place for both anglers and nature lovers looking to relax along the water.
Tucked away on Elizabeth Lake just a short drive from Conway, Ohana Celebration Park is a family-owned campground that lives up to its name. “Ohana” is the Hawaiian word for family, and you will feel like just that upon your arrival.
They offer a fantastic swimming beach, paddlecraft rentals, a floating aqua park, a well-stocked camp store and much more.
The campground also hosts a variety of events, including a fireworks show for Independence Day and live concerts throughout the summer. Bring your RV, pitch a tent or reserve one of their five charming cabins for an unforgettable getaway.
This campground is more off the beaten path, located at Nimrod Lake Dam where it meets the Fourche LaFave River. This spot is great for tent or RV campers looking for a place with all the amenities, where you feel like you’ve discovered one of Arkansas’s hidden gems. The limited number of campsites creates a sense of privacy without sacrificing any of the conveniences of a full-service campground. With water access just steps away from your campsite and infinite potential for outdoor recreation, it's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy everything Nimrod Lake has to offer.
Haw Creek Falls is the first campground on our list that doesn’t require a reservation or camping fees. Located in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, there are nine first-come, first-served campsites available, so make sure you get there early to claim your spot! This is best suited for more adventurous campers due to vault toilets and no shower or potable water availability. If you’re willing to trade a few modern conveniences for a true outdoor experience, you’ll be rewarded with endless Arkansas beauty. Spend your days relaxing by the six-foot waterfalls of Haw Creek, exploring nearby hiking trails, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
5. Shores Lake Recreation Area*
For those looking for a truly primitive camping experience, I present to you: 35.63784°N, 93.94934°W. Hidden in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest near Shores Lake and Hurricane Creek is an area home to plenty of well-established dispersed camping sites waiting to be discovered. While amenities are nonexistent, you can expect to find level ground, established fire rings, and some of the best views Arkansas has to offer. This is our favorite place to truly unplug and escape the noise of everyday life. If you're willing to venture down the forest roads and spend a little time exploring, you're likely to find a campsite that feels like it was made just for you. Enjoy everything the Ozarks have to offer, with endless opportunities for fishing, swimming, and exploring.
*Recommended for tent campers only.
Keep Our Parks Clean
As always, help preserve the beauty of our state by following the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and pack in everything you pack out.
Find More to Explore
Find local programs about the outdoors, nature and science in our YouTube playlists at youtube.com/@arkansastv.