Arkansas is a hidden gem that’s a wonderful place to take an RV camping trip. The state’s scenic beauty and fewer crowds make it the perfect spot for exploring.
If you plan on RV camping in Arkansas, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
- Finding Campgrounds
- Preparing for RV Camping
- Considerations for Camping in Arkansas
- Planning Your Itinerary
- Exploring Outdoor Activities
- Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
- Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Arkansas
Finding Campgrounds
Arkansas campgrounds are plentiful, and there are a number of different kinds of campgrounds out there. Whether you prefer luxury camping, urban camping, or something more rustic, there is an option for you.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Arkansas
First, let’s take a look at the public campgrounds in Arkansas. These include some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, as well as national park campgrounds, national forest campsites, and more.
National Park Camping
The only national park in Arkansas is Hot Springs National Park. It’s well worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in history.
Despite its small size, Hot Springs does indeed have an RV campground onsite, meaning you can camp right by Bathhouse Row, in the middle of of nature. The Gulpha Gorge Campground features full-hookup sites, flush toilets, and a beautiful escape.
National Forest Camping
Arkansas also has a few national forests which are wonderful options for RV camping in Arkansas.
Ouachita National Forest is located on the west side of the state and features scenic drives, beautiful views, and some of the best camping in the state. Fourche Mountain Recreation Area is one of our favorite places to camp. This Forest Service campground doesn’t have any hookups but the views make up for that. It does not accept reservations, making it perfect for last-minute trips.
Ozark and St. Francis National Forests are also found in Arkansas. These beautiful forests feature such camping areas as Blanchard Springs Recreation Area and Cove Lake Recreation Area.
State Park Camping
Next on the list: Arkansas state parks! Arkansas has some really pretty state parks that are worth a trip.
One of our favorite state parks to camp in is Crater of Diamonds State Park. This awesome spot allows guests to dig for their own diamonds—and yes, you get to keep what you find!
Other awesome Arkansas state parks include Petit Jean State Park and Lake Fort Smith State Park.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
If you prefer glamping, or at least a campground with amenities like showers, playgrounds, pools, and dump stations, Arkansas has plenty of private campgrounds as well.
We love Kettle Campground in Eureka Springs for its excellent location, full-hookup sites, and welcoming atmosphere. Tom Sawyer RV Park in West Memphis is another excellent pick, as is Treasure Isle RV Park in Hot Springs.
Boondocking in Arkansas
Want to try your hand at dry camping? There are some great boondocking spots in Arkansas too!
The national forests offer some options for dispersed camping, including the awesome Jack Creek Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest. We also like the boondocking available in the Big Timber Wildlife Management Area and the Mike Freeze Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area.
Preparing for RV Camping
You’ll want to make sure you’re properly prepared for an RV camping trip! This means making sure you have a comfortable place to stay and all of the camping necessities, in addition to everyday things like your clothes and toothbrush.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
First, you’ll want to make sure you have an RV for your RV camping trip. If you don’t have an RV of your own, you can look for an Arkansas RV rental.
If you’re not sure where to start when choosing an RV rental, begin by deciding whether you’d like to drive the RV to your campsite yourself or have it delivered. It’s also good to know whether you want a driveable rig or a trailer that has to be towed. If you want to tow the trailer yourself, you also have to make sure you have the right vehicle to do so.
Once all of that is figured out, the next steps are to decide on a floor plan that meets your needs, and ensure that whatever rig you pick has the amenities you require.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Having the perfect rig picked out is only the first step toward RV camping in Arkansas. The next thing you need to do? Pack the RV for a safe, comfortable, and fun camping trip. This means packing clothes, of course, but there are a number of extra things you’ll need to include for RV camping as well. We have packing lists for many of the things you might do while you’re in Arkansas. Check them out to make sure you don’t forget anything!
Considerations for Camping in Arkansas
Along with choosing an RV and making sure you have everything packed, you’ll need to know the RV laws in the state you plan to visit. While the laws for driving or towing an RV do tend to be fairly similar from one state to the next, there are some minor differences.
In Arkansas, the total length of any rig cannot exceed 65 feet. Trailer length is capped at 43.5 feet and motorhome length at 40 feet. Additionally, all rigs must be under 8.5 feet wide and 13.5 feet high. Triple towing is allowed, but a safety chain and breakaway switch are required on camping trailers over 3,000 lbs, and brakes are required on any trailer over 1,500 lbs.
Overnight parking is permitted in Arkansas state rest areas, but keep in mind that winters in Arkansas can get cold and the summer can get unbearably hot, making spring and fall the best times for dry camping.
Planning Your Itinerary
With an RV full of gear and a campsite booked, you’re nearly ready for your trip. Now, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Whether you’re looking for something to do in Little Rock or an adventure in Hot Springs, there are some great options for you.
Features and Attractions in Arkansas
You can’t go wrong taking one of the scenic drives in Arkansas. While you’re out, be sure to stop at landmarks and national sites such as the Cosmic Caverns, Magic Springs, or Buffalo National River. You might even decide to follow some of the beautiful Natchez Trace Trail!
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Arkansas
Planning your trip around an Arkansas event is a surefire way to have a great time. Some of the best events the state has to offer include:
- Riverfest in Little Rock
- Hot Springs Music Festival in Hot Springs
- Des Arc Steamboat Days in Des Arc
- Smackover Oil Town Festival in Smackover
Exploring Outdoor Activities
There are a lot of outdoor spaces and activities to enjoy while in Arkansas.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Enjoy hiking or biking? If so, Arkansas has a trail for you! Don your boots or grab your bike, and get ready for an amazing adventure that you won’t soon forget.
The best hiking trails in the state include:
- Whitaker Point Trail
- Lost Valley Trail
- Centerpoint to Goat Trail
- Devil’s Den Trail
- Yellow Rock Trail
If you prefer biking, try one of the following:
- Blowing Springs Park Extended Loop
- Rock House Cave and Lookout Trail
- Bashore Ridge Loop Trail
- North Bentonville Trail
- Little Missouri Trail
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Arkansas has lakes, streams, and rivers scattered all across the state, meaning plenty of opportunities for water-related fun.
We highly recommend fishing while in Arkansas, as the state has some wonderful fishing opportunities. Many people also enjoy basking in the sun at the state’s many beaches. We particularly love the beaches at Lake Ponder and Lake Charles. You might also enjoy looking at Arkansas’ waterfalls.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
With an abundance of wildlife, Arkansas is the ideal place to pull out the binoculars and do some animal watching. See if you can find a woodpecker, watch the deer graze, or go out at night to see bats.
Arkansas’ state parks are great places to see many of these animals. Big Timber Wildlife Management Area and Mike Freeze Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area are also host to a variety of interesting creatures.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
If you’re RV camping in Arkansas with kids, there are tons of amazing family-friendly activities. You’ll make some awesome memories as you explore.
Historical Sites and Museums
We love to add a bit of education to any family trip we take. Why not do the same by visiting museums and historical sites in Arkansas?
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site presents a unique opportunity to teach a very important history lesson to older kids. Meanwhile, the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site is a fun and educational spot for the whole family.
As far as museums go, we have a few favorites to share. The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville is a great place to learn something new, and the Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs is a unique and interesting place. We also really love the Museum of Discovery for hands-on fun in Little Rock.
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Of course, no list of family-friendly fun would be complete without including some amusement parks and zoos.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park in Hot Springs is an excellent place to cool off during the summer, and is easily one of the best Arkansas amusement parks. Burns Park Funland in North Little Rock is also very entertaining, especially for the younger crowd.
If you’re hoping to see some animals, head to the Little Rock Zoo, Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo in Hot Springs, or Cockrills Country Critters in Austin, AR.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Arkansas
You’ll want to go into any camping trip prepared to stay safe.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
Because Arkansas summers can be hot, it’s important to head into hiking and other summertime outdoor activities fully hydrated and with plenty of water on hand.
In addition to heat, Arkansas can also see severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. These happen most often in the spring but can occur at other times as well. In order to be prepared, download a good weather app, avoid parking your rig in flood zones, know where the nearest tornado shelter is, and have a “bug out” bag ready with a radio, flashlights, food, water, and a first aid kit. Never ignore a tornado warning, and get to shelter as soon as one is issued for your area.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Considering Arkansas is called the Natural State, it should come as no surprise that it is home to a lot of wildlife. We listed a few of the animals you might see in the state above, and those aren’t the only creatures to call Arkansas home.
Some of the most dangerous animals in the state include feral pigs, cottonmouth snakes, and rattlesnakes, but just about any animal can be dangerous if it’s diseased or when it feels threatened. Give wild animals their space and never pet them or try to feed them. If you see an animal that looks like it needs help, call a professional rather than trying to help it on your own.
Arkansas is a truly amazing place and is an excellent RV camping destination.
