How much does camping cost at Tar Camp?

Camping fees at Tar Camp are $26 - $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tar Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Tar Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tar Camp before I book?

Yes! Tar Camp has 17 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tar Camp?

Tar Camp is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tar Camp?

Yes, Tar Camp has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Tar Camp have?

Tar Camp has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tar Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tar Camp. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tar Camp?

Tar Camp offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tar Camp?

Popular activities at Tar Camp include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tar Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tar Camp?

Fire policies at Tar Camp: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.31

385 reviews

PO BOX 7835

CReport Card

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$26 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to Oc...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$26 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to Oc...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Tar Camp

$26.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $75.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

877-444-6777

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 7835

Tar Camp

PO BOX 7835

Nearby places

Little Rock (approximately 25 miles, ~30-min drive)

Pine Bluff (approximately 20 miles, ~25-min drive).

Weather at Tar Camp

Current alerts(5)

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.
Campground hosts are on duty 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Camping outside of the reservation season is first-come, first-served
Please check in at the gatehouse upon arrival

Best Time to Camp at Tar Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best overall river experience — daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to low-70s°F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s, lower humidity, and far fewer mosquitoes. Cooler water and calmer winds make September–October prime for boating and early-morning and late-afternoon fishing, while the hardwoods along the river show subtle color change and draw active wildlife. Crowds are lighter than summer weekends, so you’ll get quiet campsites and better,w Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is enjoyable with milder weather; reviews note spring as one of the better seasons.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 1st to October 31st. Reservations available starting June 20th.

About Tar Camp

Tar Camp sits on the Arkansas River near Pine Bluff, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station at spacious, level sites along the riverfront. Boaters appreciate the direct water access, and fall brings comfortable temperatures and excellent fishing conditions.

Tar Camp offers a variety of camping options, including standard electric sites for individual campers and two large group shelters for day use. Sites are primarily designed for RVs and tent campers, with electric and water hookups available at most locations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best overall river experience — daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to low-70s°F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s, lower humidity, and far fewer mosquitoes. Cooler water and calmer winds make September–October prime for boating and early-morning and late-afternoon fishing, while the hardwoods along the river show subtle color change and draw active wildlife. Crowds are lighter than summer weekends, so you’ll get quiet campsites and better,w Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation193 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense bottomland hardwoods separate the river from surrounding cotton fields, creating a transition zone at 193 feet elevation where forest meets farmland. The Arkansas River carries a steady parade of barges, and flooding over the centuries has left fertile soil that supports towering trees over the campsites. Red foxes, waterfowl, turtles, and snakes are common near the water. The forest provides solid shade but limited undergrowth between sites, so you'll see neighbors through the tree trunks.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style accommodations. Lodging options are limited to campsites and group shelters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights per stay
cannot exceed 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the app. Phone assistance available.

AccessibilityThe campground includes concrete pads around picnic tables for enhanced accessibility. One user commented positively on handicapped-accessible sites, saying, 'The handicap-accessible sites are fully concrete around the tables, which was very nice.' However, some noted the distance to restrooms as a drawback for those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and level, featuring paved pads and covered picnic tables. One reviewer stated, 'Sites have more than enough room,' while another added, 'Spacious, quiet, and clean.

PrivacyPrivacy varies as there is limited undergrowth between sites. According to one user, 'There is ample space between sites but no undergrowth to provide privacy.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesD-loop sites are noted for level pads and river views. Sites near playgrounds may be better for families, while quieter sites are available mid-week.

Best CampsitesD-13, D-15, A-11, and A-23 get the best riverfront views. Check satellite images before booking. Some sites sit very close to neighbors despite the spacing.

Need help booking Tar Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Tar Camp offers a wide array of amenities designed to provide convenience and recreation for campers. The campground features over 50 campsites, most of which include electric and water hookups. Each campsite is equipped with a movable lamp post, a grill, campfire rings, and picnic tables. For large gatherings, there are two group picnic shelters, each accommodating up to 60 people and available for reservation. Recreation options include a rock climbing wall, a basketball court, and a modern playground. The campground is located along the Arkansas River, offering scenic views and access to fishing and boating. However, some user reviews suggest inconsistent maintenance, particularly in regards to grass cutting, trash disposal, and restroom conditions. There is also a dump station on-site, but its functionality has been a frequent concern among visitors.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Tar Camp

Recreational activities at Tar Camp include fishing, boating, rock climbing, and picnicking. The Arkansas River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with anglers regularly catching catfish, bass, crappie, and bream. A double boat launch facilitates boating activities. Onshore, families can enjoy a playground, a basketball court, and group picnic shelters. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of red foxes and waterfowl being common. However, some activities, like hiking trails, are notably absent or have not been rebuilt after past disruptions.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing is a major draw on the Arkansas River; anglers catch catfish, bass, crappie & bream; fall excellent.

Boating4.0/5

Double boat launch, ample parking and direct water access; boaters appreciate the site.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings of red foxes and numerous waterfowl in bottomland hardwoods.

Water Sports4.0/5

River access and boat launch support paddlecraft and kayak launching.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Wildlife, towering trees, river scenes and barges offer varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal seems to be problematic, with several reviewers reporting a lack of accessible dumpsters or overflowing bins. One remarked, 'There were no dumpsters in our area,' while another noted, 'The dumpsters were full to capacity the whole week we were there.'

Cell CoverageLimited information exists regarding cell service. One reviewer stated, 'Cellphone signal was just about non-existent,' while another noted, 'Don't expect to get any over-the-air TV channels.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

385 reviews

Satisfactory

Tar Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Tar Camp receives mixed reviews, with visitors praising its scenic location and fishing opportunities but criticizing inconsistent maintenance and cleanliness. For example, one user stated, 'Beautiful place! Camped here with my parents! Fishing is awesome!' while another noted, 'Dump station water did not work, so no way to rinse anything.'

Review Summaries

Based on 385 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the scenic riverfront location, spacious and level campsites, fishing opportunities, and well-designed picnic shelters. Users also appreciated the peaceful atmosphere...

Based on 385 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include poorly maintained restrooms, lack of trash disposal facilities, uncut grass, and non-functional amenities like the dump station. Some reviewers also mentioned the absence of...

Based on 385 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. D-13: 'The campsites are nice with shelters over the picnic tables, nice views of the river, and level, paved pads.' 2. A-23: 'The campgrounds were nice, but there was nowhere to put your trash,...

Based on 385 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users recommend choosing riverfront sites for the best views. One suggested, 'Be sure to satellite view the place you think you want, as we were RIGHT next to another family.' Another advised...

Based on 385 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall appear to be the most enjoyable seasons, with milder weather and lower humidity. Summer visits are frequently described as hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s....

Based on 385 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It's pristine and quiet rest on the Arkansas River. Visit soon!' - Teriann Shrum 2. 'Watching the fish jump, and the ducks and cranes fly was very relaxing.' - S P 3. 'Bathrooms need lots of...

Based on 385 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive feedback on accessible features includes, 'The handicap-accessible sites are fully concrete around the tables, which was very nice.' However, some users noted that restrooms are too far from...

Based on 385 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users have noted challenges such as limited trash disposal for pet waste. One reviewer mentioned, 'There really should be easier access to large trash cans...especially annoying...

Based on 385 reviews

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Tar Camp

$26.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $75.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.