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Find the Best Tent Camping Sites in Arkansas

Tent camping is a fun way to spend a weekend in a great state. Why should you tent camp?

If you’re wondering why anyone would seek out tent camping in the first place, consider that it’s more social than you might think. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know more of the people you’re camping with. And if you like the sound of that, you can make it a theme for your upcoming camping trip when you decide to stay in one place for an entire weekend or when you decide to take multiple trips in the same area.

Well, tent camping is an excellent way to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. Camping is a great way to connect with nature and experience at a slower pace—one of the best places in the country to spend a weekend at tent camping is Arkansas.

Tent Camping Weekend in Arkansas

Arkansas is an interesting state for tent campers since it’s relatively close to both the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi River. Though the state offers an abundance of camping sites, some are better than others, depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. For example, if you’re staying at a campsite that’s close to the river, you’re probably looking for a place that’s close to water. You can hike on trails all around the state, but you’re best off staying at one of the state parks. These parks offer rest areas with water, restrooms, and picnic areas.

Arkansas is a great place to explore and spend a weekend in a tent. The weather is much cooler than in the rest of the country. In fact, you can spend a weekend in Arkansas in the winter and not have to worry about weather hazards. In the spring and fall, the weather is mild, and you can pick up a hammock and enjoy the views and the sun. In the summer, you can easily spend an entire weekend. The fall and winter months are perfect for tent camping.

Things to Know About Tent Camping in Arkansas

Tent camping in Arkansas is exactly what it sounds like: camping in a tent.

Tent camping is a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors. It’s also something that not everyone is comfortable with since some people find the experience very stressful. However, there are some things that you should know about if you decide to tent camp in Arkansas. Such as:

Arkansas is a state that is known for hosting many outdoor activities, especially tent camping. Arkansas is one of the most beautiful states in the USA. It is home to the Natural State of Arkansas, the Ozark Mountains and is surrounded by Hollywood. It is also home to some of the most scenic areas in the USA, including the Ouachita National Forest, the Arkansas Ozarks, and the Buffalo National River. Arkansas is a great place to get away from it all, get in touch with nature, and make some good memories.


Arkansas provides both recreational tent camping in state parks and commercial camping in privately-owned campgrounds.


Arkansas state parks are open year-round. As for commercial camping, many campgrounds are open during the summer months, while others are open during the winter months.


Arkansas has the nation’s largest tent campground. The campground lies in the center of the Ozark Mountains, and it offers multiple camping options, including reservable cabins and other outdoor camping. The campground is ideal for tent camping because of its large campsites and relatively flat terrain, and it’s also a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to other outdoor activities and adventures. There are roughly 1,600 campsites in the area.


The majority of Arkansas state parks require you to obtain a permit in advance for each 14-day period you wish to spend in the park. These permits are generally made available at the park office.


Also, you can check on the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism’s website for some information on tent camping in Arkansas.

The Top Places to Camp in Arkansas

  1. 1

    Campground

    Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground

    What People Are Saying

    We stayed over the weekend on site 58 the beaver point primitive site.

    Overall Rating: 
    4.4/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    259

    Location

    Scott, AR

    Latitude / Longitude

    34.7037989, -92.1372613
  2. 2

    Campground

    Dam Site Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "Work camping for the Corp, wife and I love this place"

    Overall Rating: 
    4.6/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    181

    Location

    Heber Springs, AR · In Dam Site Recreation Area

    Latitude / Longitude

    35.5283289, -92.0018422
  3. 3

    Campground

    Cove Creek Recreation Area & Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "One of the best campgrounds on Greers Ferry"

    Overall Rating: 
    4.6/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    133

    Location

    Quitman, AR

    Latitude / Longitude

    35.4632548, -92.1487078
  4. 4

    Campground

    Burns Park RV Park and Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "The campsites are great, most of which have fire pits and or power."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.3/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    164

    Location

    North Little Rock, AR · In Burns Park

    Latitude / Longitude

    34.7970881, -92.3140544
  5. 5

    Campground

    Lake Sylvia Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "Wooded, great tent sites, clean restrooms and showers, great hiking."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.7/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    33

    Location

    Perryville, AR

    Latitude / Longitude

    34.8664788, -92.8193354
  6. 6

    Campground

    Petit Jean Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "I slept in a tent, my brother slept in his SUV, and I really wish we ..."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.8/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    23

    Location

    Morrilton, AR

    Latitude / Longitude

    35.1277429, -92.9150952
  7. 7

    Campground

    Tyler Bend Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "Great campground for tent campers."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.6/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    97

    Location

    St Joe, AR

    Latitude / Longitude

    35.9859581, -92.7588153
  8. 8

    Campground

    Gulpha Gorge Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "Not sure about tent or primitive camping."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.5/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    445

    Location

    Hot Springs National Park, AR · In the Hot Springs National Park

    Latitude / Longitude

    34.524193, -93.0363324
  9. 9

    Campground

    North Sylamore Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "Love the view the water and the camping"

    Overall Rating: 
    4.7/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    79

    Location

    Fifty-Six, AR · In Blanchard Springs Recreation Area

    Latitude / Longitude

    35.9720174, -92.1782095
  10. 10

    Campground

    Buffalo Point Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "One of the best camping spots in AR"

    Overall Rating: 
    4.4/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    93

    Location

    Yellville, AR

    Latitude / Longitude

    36.0729317, -92.5569948
  11. Important Camping Gear for Arkansas

    Arkansas is a state well known for its beautiful natural landscapes, from the Ozark Mountains to the Ouachita Mountains, and the state features a wide assortment of terrain to explore. Want a challenge? Go for a camping trip in the mountains. But there’s a lot to be said for a tent camping experience in the lowlands too. While the Ouachita Mountains in northeastern Arkansas are beautiful, they can often be a bit too challenging for some campers.

    While you are learning the beautiful landscapes of Arkansas, you should already be thinking of the camping gear that will be needed. If you are thinking of bringing your own tent, it is important to be well prepared for the weather, which is something that can be predicted, but not always. It is advisable to take along appropriate clothing in order to stay warm and comfortable.

    It is also essential to bring all the camping gear you might need, which will include the tent, sleeping bags, chairs, fans, lanterns, flashlights, bug repellent, deodorant, sunscreen, etc. Moreover, if you are traveling with your family, you will need to take along appropriate gears suitable for the number of people in your group. So, when are you and your family planning to go tent camping in Arkansas?

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Planning Your Camping Trip

Best Time of Year to Tent Camp in Arkansas

If you think camping without a tent is rough, then you have to check out tent camping in Arkansas! It’s a whole different world, with its own rules and regulations. Arkansas is an amazing state for tent camping. With the state averaging over 200 days of sunshine annually, you can easily find yourself camping in spring, fall, and winter.

Before you make plans to head to Arkansas’s tent camping scene, you should know the best time to tent camp. So, when is the best time to head to Arkansas for your fun-filled tent camping?

Well, Tent camping in Arkansas can be a great experience during the spring and fall, but not so much for the summer. While summer can be a little too hot for a good night’s sleep in a tent, the fall and spring seasons are a great time for a weekend camping trip. This is because the tent camping season in Arkansas is shorter than in other states.

The summer months of July and August are notorious for hot and humid weather in the Ozarks, and to make matters worse, many places close their campgrounds and other facilities at this time of year. The best time to tent camp in Arkansas is around October and November and the winter months of January and February. All of the best camping weather in Arkansas happens during spring and fall. The whole process is a lot more enjoyable when you have a friend or two to share your camping experience.

Average Temperatures By Month in Arkansas

Month Avg Low °F Avg High °F
January 29.3°F 49.7°F
February 33°F 54.5°F
March 40.7°F 63.4°F
April 49.2°F 72.6°F
May 58.6°F 80°F
June 66.6°F 87.6°F
July 70.3°F 91.5°F
August 69.2°F 91.6°F
September 61.3°F 84.5°F
October 50°F 73.9°F
November 40.6°F 62.3°F
December 31.7°F 51.6°F

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