Tompkins Bend

Star4.50
571 reviews
15 Tompkins Bend, Mt. Ida, AR 71957
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

643 ft

Price

$14 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

77 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

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
Tompkins Bend
$14.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $14 for tent-only non-electric sites to $30 for standard electric sites. Group shelters are $50 per night. Discounts for Interagency...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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

4.50

Recommended

Based on 571 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"Tompkins Bend receives mixed reviews, ranging from glowing praise for its scenic beauty and well-maintained facilities to complaints about maintenance, electrical issues, and barking dogs. Sentiment ratings average at 4.37, indicating overall positive experiences."

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Campground Map

15 Tompkins Bend, Mt. Ida, AR 71957

Tompkins Bend

15 Tompkins Bend, Mt. Ida, AR 71957

Driving directionsFrom Hot Springs, Arkansas, take US 270 west approximately 24.5 miles to Tompkins Bend Road. Turn right and follow access road 2.4 miles north to park. From Mount Ida, Arkansas, take US 270 east about 10.7 miles to Tompkins Bend Road. Turn left and follow access road 2.4 miles north to the park.
Road access is paved but includes narrow roads with sharp turns and low-hanging tree branches. Some reviews mention difficulty maneuvering larger RVs and recommend caution.
Nearby places
Hot Springs (24.5 miles, approx. 30 minutes), Mount Ida (10.7 miles, approx. 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Mount Ida (10.7 miles), including groceries and fuel. Other essentials may also be available in Hot Springs (24.5 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Tompkins Bend

Summer days at Tompkins Bend unfold with pleasant warmth, as temperatures climb to a comfortable 80°F, perfect for lake activities and trail exploration. As evening approaches, the mountain air cools to a refreshing 65°F, creating ideal conditions for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. While summer brings characteristic Southern humidity and occasional rain showers that nourish the lush forest canopy, these brief interludes only enhance the region's natural beauty and provide welcome relief from the day's adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm ~80°F days ideal for lake and trail activities; busier with occasional noise complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mild weather and scenic fall colors on trails and lake vistas; popular season.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild spring weather and scenic conditions praised; good for trails and lake access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open non-reservable in winter; reviewers note peacefulness and wildlife but fewer services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1st to September 30th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 1st and closes October 31st for reservable sites. Non-reservable periods extend from November to March.
  • Current Alerts: None mentioned.

About Tompkins Bend

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Ouachita, Tompkins Bend beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover their perfect wilderness escape. This scenic campground offers generously sized sites that comfortably accommodate two camping units, creating an ideal basecamp for adventure seekers. Surrounded by verdant mountain landscapes, visitors can immerse themselves in a natural playground where hiking trails wind through ancient forests, boats glide across crystal waters, and fishing lines cast into abundant waters promise the day's catch.
Tompkins Bend accommodates diverse camping preferences, including tent, RV, and group camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
6PM
Check-out
4PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits vary by season, ranging from 14 nights within rolling 30 days (April-September) to up to 56 nights during the off-season.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Tompkins Bend offers a range of recreational opportunities that cater to diverse interests. Key activities include hiking, boating, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing, and access to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT).
HikingThe Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) is a major highlight, providing scenic views and diverse terrain for hikers. Users have praised the trail, with one describing it as 'phenomenal and mellow mountain biking' and others enjoying its proximity to the campground.
FishingFishing is highly popular, with users like Kenneth S complimenting the 'nice fish cleaning area.' Mark P noted 'Good crappie fishing,' while others appreciated the ability to fish directly from their campsites.
BikingBiking is supported by the nearby Vista Trail, praised by users for its chill and fun mountain biking opportunities. Loren S highlighted its easy access from the campground.
BoatingBoating facilities include a boat ramp. Many users, including Christopher H, appreciated the ability to pull their boats directly up to their campsites. However, Todd J expressed concerns about poking trees in the water.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with opportunities to see deer, bald eagles, foxes, and bobcats. James and Tammy P described their stay as 'very beautiful & peaceful,' enjoying sights of deer and squirrels near their tent.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTick infestations, uneven campsite terrain, and low-hanging tree branches are common concerns mentioned in user reviews.
Active AlertsNone mentioned.

Weather at Tompkins Bend

Reviews

4.5
571 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Tompkins Bend is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Tompkins Bend receives mixed reviews, ranging from glowing praise for its scenic beauty and well-maintained facilities to complaints about maintenance, electrical issues, and barking dogs. Sentiment ratings average at 4.37, indicating overall positive experiences.
Review Summaries
Based on 571 reviews

What Campers Love

Widely praised for its scenic views, spacious campsites, and proximity to Lake Ouachita. Many users appreciated the cleanliness of bathrooms and the friendliness of hosts. Specific mentions include...
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Based on 571 reviews

Common Concerns

Users reported issues such as barking dogs, electrical problems, and poorly maintained amenities. Specific complaints include muddy campsites during rain, narrow roads, and lack of cell service.
Based on 571 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend booking early for lakeside spots during peak season and checking site dimensions for RVs. Tent campers should bring hoses for water hookups and insect repellents for ticks. Early...
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Based on 571 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight peacefulness and wildlife viewing, while summer reviews indicate busier conditions with occasional noise complaints. Spring and fall are noted for their mild weather and...
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Based on 571 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes include: 'Great site on the cove perfect for swimming!' - Deborah R, 'Vista Trail is phenomenal and mellow mountain biking.' - Lindi C, 'Beautiful site, peaceful location on Lake...
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Based on 571 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site reviews vary widely. Site 39 was praised for its size and proximity to water, while site 47 was criticized for mud washing into the campsite during rain. Site 55 received mixed feedback...
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Based on 571 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users with disabilities reported challenges, such as steep drops from parking pads and uneven terrain. Dianne M noted, 'My husband has a handicap, and this ragged, stump-ridden area is very...
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Based on 571 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are mixed. While many campers enjoyed the pet-friendly policy, some complained about uncontrolled barking dogs disturbing the peace, such as Deborah O, who mentioned they...
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Based on 571 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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