Tar Camp

Star4.29
385 reviews
PO BOX 7835
Fishing

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Tar Camp
$26.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $26 for standard electric sites to $75 for group shelter sites. Additional charges like taxes and reservation fees may apply.
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
877-444-6777
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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 385 reviews

218 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspaciouslocationsites

"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.'"

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Campground Map

PO BOX 7835

Tar Camp

PO BOX 7835

Driving directionsFrom Redfield, Arkansas, take State Route 46 east to State Route 365. Turn left and go 1 block, then turn right and drive 4 miles to Tar Camp Park. Follow signs into the campground.
Accessible via paved roads. State Route 46 and State Route 365 are generally well-maintained, allowing easy access from major roads. Navigation challenges are minimal.
Nearby places
Little Rock (approximately 25 miles, ~30-min drive)
Pine Bluff (approximately 20 miles, ~25-min drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Pine Bluff (~25 minutes away). Walmart is approximately 36 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Tar Camp

Experience the full spectrum of Southern seasons at Tar Camp Park, where mild winters invite year-round camping and sultry summers create the perfect excuse to cool off by the river. Summer temperatures can climb into the upper 90s, bringing that authentic Arkansas warmth that makes jumping in the water irresistible. Spring and fall paint the riverside in spectacular colors, while seasonal rainfall keeps the landscape lush and green. Gentle to moderate breezes off the river provide natural air conditioning on those warm summer evenings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summers are hot and humid; temps can reach upper 90s, making visits uncomfortable.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall cited as one of the most enjoyable seasons with milder weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring noted as highly enjoyable with milder temps and good wildlife activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Park open Mar 1–Oct 31; closed winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1st - October 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 1st to October 31st. Reservations available starting June 20th.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts.

About Tar Camp

Nestled along the mighty Arkansas River near Pool 5 Lock and Dam, Tar Camp Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its prime fishing waters and tranquil riverside setting. This hidden gem combines the thrill of watching massive barges navigate the waterway with the peaceful pleasures of camping under towering trees. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day on the water, or gathering the family for a riverside picnic, this scenic park offers the perfect basecamp for your Arkansas River adventure.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out by 9:00 PM.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum of 14 nights per stay
  • cannot exceed 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is a major draw at Tar Camp, with excellent opportunities in the Arkansas River. Species commonly caught include catfish, bass, crappie, and bream. A user noted, 'Fishing is awesome! Camp sites are right on the river!' Another highlighted, 'There is a 'ledge' you can fish from down a good stretch of the campground at the river's edge.'
BoatingBoating is supported with a double boat launch and ample parking. A user remarked, 'There is a double boat launch and plentiful parking.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of red foxes and various waterfowl species. One reviewer commented, 'Watching the fish jump, and the ducks and cranes fly was very relaxing.'
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cucklebur plants causing discomfort to pets and humans, mosquitoes, snakes, and occasional flooding.
Active AlertsNo current alerts.

Weather at Tar Camp

Reviews

4.3
385 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 385 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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