Joplin

Star4.22
332 reviews
303 Campground Rd, Mt. Ida, AR, 71957
Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

$16 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

59 campsites

Season

The reservable seaso...

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
Joplin
$16.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on season and site type. Peak season rates (May through September) are: $20 for Standard Electric, $24 for RV Electric, $18-$20 for...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$18.00
Group Site Fee$22.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
501-767-2101lakeouachita@usace.army.mil
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 332 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanshowers

Some mention

unlevelreservation

"Reviews are mixed, with frequent praise for the scenic beauty, lake views, and recreational opportunities. However, numerous complaints focus on ant infestations, uneven terrain, and challenges for larger RVs. Positive experiences often highlight the tranquility and well-kept facilities."

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Campground Map

303 Campground Rd, Mt. Ida, AR, 71957

Joplin

303 Campground Rd, Mt. Ida, AR, 71957

Driving directionsFrom Hot Springs, Arkansas: Take US 270 west for 23.5 miles to Mountain Harbor Road. Turn right and follow access road three miles north to the park.
The road leading to the campground features curvy roads with blind turns, and access may be challenging for larger vehicles. "Many hills with blind turns" have been reported. Seasonal weather conditions and potential closures were not specifically noted.
Nearby places
Hot Springs: ~23.5 miles (~35 minutes drive)
Other nearby population centers are not listed.
Nearby supplies
Information on nearby supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping materials is missing.

Best Time to Camp at Joplin

Four distinct seasons paint Joplin Campground in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while autumn transforms the surrounding Ouachita Mountains into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Summer brings sultry days perfect for swimming and water sports, though the humidity reminds you you're in the heart of the South. Winter plays a wild card—some days offering crisp air just below freezing for cozy campfires, others surprising visitors with balmy 60-degree afternoons ideal for hiking.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season with full access to water activities but hot, humid summers and insect issues noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall described as mild, tranquil, and scenic—visitors highlight pleasant weather and views.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings mild temps and wildflowers; good early-season access starting in May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside reservable season (May 1–Oct 31); winter camping not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30 (Peak); October 1 - October 31 (Non-Peak).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The reservable season runs from May 1 to October 31 each year. Booking windows operate on a rolling 6-month basis.
  • Current Alerts: No specific active alerts for closures or hazards were mentioned in the official source.

About Joplin

Perched on a slender peninsula that reaches into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ouachita, Joplin Campground offers an unparalleled lakefront camping experience where mountain vistas meet pristine shorelines. This hidden gem attracts anglers chasing trophy striped bass and nature enthusiasts hoping to glimpse the lake's mysterious freshwater jellyfish—one of nature's most unexpected Arkansas residents. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching the sun paint the mountains at dusk, Joplin provides a front-row seat to some of the Natural State's most stunning scenery.
Joplin Campground offers options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Primitive camping and glamping are not explicitly mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
4:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • Stay limits vary by season: up to 14 nights within a rolling 30-day window during peak season (April 18 - September 30)
  • up to 56 nights during the off-season (October 1 - April 16).

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Joplin Campground offers a range of activities including fishing, biking, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, scenic driving, and hunting. Wildlife watching is particularly notable, with species such as bobcats and freshwater jellyfish mentioned.
HikingHiking trails are available, with access to nearby locations such as Crystal Vista. The trails offer opportunities for scenic views and quartz collection.
FishingWorld-class striper fishing is a highlight of the area, with several campers praising the fishing opportunities directly from their campsites or nearby docks. Some reviews specifically mentioned fishing success.
SwimmingThe swim beach is described as clean and conveniently located near certain campsites. Reviews mentioned swimming in clear lake waters and enjoying the nearby beaches.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible nearby, including the Northwoods Trails described as 'awesome' in user reviews.
BoatingBoating is popular, with campers often docking boats directly at their campsites. Several reviews mention using kayaks and canoes.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, including bobcats, deer, geese, ducks, hawks, and blue herons. One reviewer noted extensive bird species identified using the Merlin ID app.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAnt infestations are a recurring issue across many campsites. "Streams of ants crawling on every surface" and "ants swarming inside campers" were noted by multiple reviewers.
Active AlertsNo specific active alerts for closures or hazards were mentioned in the official source.

Weather at Joplin

Reviews

4.2
332 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Joplin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with frequent praise for the scenic beauty, lake views, and recreational opportunities. However, numerous complaints focus on ant infestations, uneven terrain, and challenges for larger RVs. Positive experiences often highlight the tranquility and well-kept facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 332 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the beautiful lake views, clean bathrooms, hot showers, and proximity to recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking. Several reviews describe secluded campsites and...
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Based on 332 reviews

Common Concerns

Ant infestations are a recurring issue. Other complaints include uneven terrain, difficulties leveling RVs, lack of water hookups at most sites, and occasional poor road conditions. Some users noted...
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Based on 332 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ant spray and avoid sites prone to infestations, such as those near pine trees. Check the slope of campsites before setting up. Ensure familiarity with the terrain for RVs, as many sites have...
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Based on 332 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are described as mild and pleasant, while summer is hot and humid, and winter is variable. Summer reviews often note challenges with insects and heat, while fall reviews emphasize...
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Based on 332 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The view was absolutely beautiful and we were high enough off the water that the bugs were at bay.' - Candice K. 2. 'Ants were everywhere in the campground. We sprayed inside and outside of our...
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Based on 332 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 09: Described as near-perfect but infested with ants. Site 43: Reviewed highly for its lake views but challenges finding flat ground for tents. Site 28: Praised for its views and tranquility,...
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Based on 332 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users with disabilities or mobility concerns may face challenges due to uneven terrain and narrow roads. Sites close to restrooms are recommended for better accessibility.
Based on 332 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviews indicate that campers frequently travel with dogs. However, caution is advised due to ant infestations and occasional wildlife encounters.
Based on 332 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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