Is Blanchard Springs Campgrounds first-come first-served or reservation?

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds?

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Blanchard Springs Campgrounds have?

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds?

Yes, pets are allowed at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds. 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 Blanchard Springs Campgrounds?

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

4.65

110 reviews

Top 15% in ARSummer

Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Ozark Mountains#1 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Arkansas#1 Forest Camping Arkansas#2 +12 more

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-757-2211

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

35.9728, -92.1776

Weather at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

Best Time to Camp at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm weather and the longest days, making it ideal for swimming in the spring-fed pools/creeks, fishing, long hikes and evening campfires; expect daytime highs around 85–95°F and nights in the mid-60s to low 70s. Water activities and trail use are at their peak, and the forest canopy provides shade that keeps campsites comfortable despite Arkansas humidity. Weekends and holiday weeks are the busiest, so plan midweek visits for quieter camping or reserve sites early. Peak months: June, July, August, May

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in AR

Creek stays cool and swimmable in summer; popular with families despite heat and humidity.

Planning Tips

About Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds sits in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests of Arkansas, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground draws visitors to its spring-fed pools and creeks, which stay cold and swimmable through summer heat. Tent, RV, primitive, and group sites spread across a forested setting with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station.

The campground offers 17 individual campsites and 2 group sites, accommodating small RVs and tents.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm weather and the longest days, making it ideal for swimming in the spring-fed pools/creeks, fishing, long hikes and evening campfires; expect daytime highs around 85–95°F and nights in the mid-60s to low 70s. Water activities and trail use are at their peak, and the forest canopy provides shade that keeps campsites comfortable despite Arkansas humidity. Weekends and holiday weeks are the busiest, so plan midweek visits for quieter camping or reserve sites early. Peak months: June, July, August, May

Elevation420 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine and hardwood forest canopy shades the campground at 420 feet elevation. Limestone bluffs border parts of the grounds. A spring-fed creek runs through the area with water cold and clear enough for swimming year-round. The creek stays swimmable even in peak summer heat. Yellow pines dominate overhead, with hardwoods filling in the understory.

Programs & ActivitiesBlanchard Springs Caverns offer tours and family activities, providing cultural and educational experiences.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay during a visit

Groups

Two group sites are available
however, no maximum limits for guests or vehicles are specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations not available; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Scan and Pay feature available.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets are provided, but there is limited information on other accessibility-specific features at the campground.

Site SizeSites are suitable for small RVs and tents.

PrivacyQuiet, shady campsites with great parking and tent areas.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites with shade for summer visits and proximity to the stream for easy water access.

Best CampsitesSites near the creek and limestone bluffs get the most praise in reviews for scenery and water access. Specific site numbers aren't mentioned in user feedback.

Amenities available

Seventeen individual campsites and two group sites available. Water available. Sewage dump station available. Sites suitable for smaller RV's and tents. No electricity or other hook ups.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can engage in swimming in the nearby creek, trout fishing at Mirror Lake, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. The area has scenic rock formations and historically significant sites nearby.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

110 reviews

Top-Rated

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Blanchard Springs Campground is widely loved for its scenic beauty, clear waters, and ample opportunities for recreation. It is family-friendly with well-maintained facilities, but the lack of cell service and first-come, first-served policy can be challenging.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

"Super clean bathrooms and the park rangers are absolutely phenomenal." "Crystal clear water, nice and cold." "The creek stays cool and swimmable all summer long."

Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

"No cell service at all." "Sites fill up quickly on weekends." "The shower button must be held down the entire time."

Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some reviews mention that certain areas of the campground, like lower campgrounds, are occasionally closed. No specific site numbers are highlighted.

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Get there early on a Friday or Saturday as the sites fill up quickly." "Bring your firewood as it's not available on-site." "Respect quiet times."

Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, the creek remains cool and swimmable, attracting families. Late fall sees increased campsite demand during weekends due to cooler weather, as noted in reviews.

Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

"My partner and I stayed three nights here. Couldn’t have asked for a more scenic, calm, and friendly area." "The water was crystal clear, nice and cold. Tons of butterflies." "Showers are large,...

Based on 110 reviews