Arkansas is one of the most underrated RV states in the country. Dense Ozark mountain forest, clear river float trips, and surprisingly affordable campgrounds — average rentals run about $136/night. If you’re flexible on rig type, travel trailers often come in well under $100/night.
Spring and fall are the sweet spots — plan your trip around the shoulder seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), and winter in the Ozarks can bring ice storms. Late April through June and September through November offer the best conditions.
Compact units handle Ozark roads better. Winding mountain highways and the Buffalo National River corridor can be tight for large Class As. A compact Class C or towable gives you more access and fewer headaches.
Many state park hookup sites have a 40-foot length limit. Confirm your unit’s total length — including tow vehicle — before booking.
Exterior storage matters if water activities are the agenda. Float trips, kayaking, and fishing mean a lot of gear. Look for a unit with ample exterior storage or a hitch receiver for a cargo carrier.
Arkansas is a relatively easy state to RV — most campgrounds are affordable, roads are manageable, and the state parks system is well-maintained.
Buffalo National River campgrounds are primitive and first-come, first-served. Steel Creek and Kyles Landing have no hookups and no reservations. Self-contained units with larger tanks are strongly recommended.
Petit Jean State Park requires early reservations. The most popular state park in Arkansas books fast for summer and fall weekends — reserve at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
Mileage is modest by western standards. A full Ozarks loop runs 200–300 miles. Rental mileage allowances shouldn’t be a major concern.
Bear activity is increasing in the Ozarks. Store food in your RV, not in external coolers or on picnic tables.
You can find some great options for camping near Little Rock, such as the Little Rock North KOA Journey Campground, which is big rig-friendly with pull-through sites that extend up to 95 feet. Here, you can experience the scenic wooded atmosphere and nature while being minutes from downtown, in addition to having plush amenities such as a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, hot tub, bike rental, and RV repair service.
The Downtown Riverside RV Park is another great camping option along the riverbanks of the Arkansas River and is within walking distance of nature and city nightlife. Amenities include full hookups, a dump station, free Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Fort Smith also offers some great camping spots such as the William O. Darby RV Community Campground, which sits in the Chaffee Crossing area.
Little Rock dump stations are fairly easy to find in campgrounds and RV parks, such as the U.S Army Corps of Engineers – Maumelle Campground. This campground offers free dump station access to all registered guests but charges $6 for non-registered guests.
There are also some great Arkansas dump station options near Fort Smith, like Park Ridge RV Campground in Van Buren. It also permits registered guests to use the dump station for free, yet there is a small fee for non-registered guests. Many are only open during business hours, but in some instances, you can find ones open 24/7.
On average expect to pay $136 per night in Arkansas.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Arkansas?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Arkansas from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Arkansas?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Arkansas?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Arkansas.