Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

4.77

110 reviews

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

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open from January 1 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Ozark-St. Francis National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open from January 1 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Ozark-St. Francis National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates include $15 for Standard Nonelectric sites and $3 parking fee per vehicle.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-757-2211

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What Campers Say

4.77

Top-Rated

Based on 110 reviews

132 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwater

Some mention

cell service

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

35.9728, -92.1776

Best Time to Camp at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

The magic of Blanchard Springs shifts with the seasons, offering distinct camping experiences throughout the year. During peak winter weeks, crystal-clear skies reveal brilliant constellations while crisp, cold air invigorates morning hikes. However, the campground truly comes alive in late spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and gentle breezes carry the sweet scent of blooming dogwoods. Early fall brings perhaps the most spectacular show, as the surrounding hardwoods burst into flames of gold, crimson, and amber under reliably dry, temperate conditions – perfect for those memorable outdoor adventures.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in AR

Creek stays cool and swimmable all summer; popular with families.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Pleasant cooler weather and high weekend demand in late fall noted by reviewers.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Trails, streams and wildlife suggest strong spring appeal though direct spring reviews are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round and winter camping occurs, but no winter-sport infrastructure.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from January 1 to December 31 annually.
Current Alerts: Flooding may close individual sites; contact the campground for updates.

About Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Blanchard Springs Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with 17 intimate campsites and two group areas perfect for family gatherings or small reunions. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, cooking grills, and traditional campfire rings where stories and s'mores are shared under starlit skies. While you won't find electrical hookups here, you'll discover something better – a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythms of the forest. Fresh water stations are conveniently located throughout the grounds, and a dump station ensures a comfortable stay for those traveling in smaller RVs.

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

Historical SignificanceStep into the living heritage of the Ozarks at Blanchard Springs, where mountain music once echoed through these hollows and generations of families carved out lives from the rugged landscape. The nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns serves as a magnificent underground cathedral, offering fascinating tours that reveal millions of years of geological history alongside tales of early explorers and the resourceful mountain folk who first called these hills home. This is more than a campground – it's a gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of Ozark culture, from traditional crafts to time-honored stories passed down through the generations.

Weather and SeasonsThe magic of Blanchard Springs shifts with the seasons, offering distinct camping experiences throughout the year. During peak winter weeks, crystal-clear skies reveal brilliant constellations while crisp, cold air invigorates morning hikes. However, the campground truly comes alive in late spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and gentle breezes carry the sweet scent of blooming dogwoods. Early fall brings perhaps the most spectacular show, as the surrounding hardwoods burst into flames of gold, crimson, and amber under reliably dry, temperate conditions – perfect for those memorable outdoor adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering yellow pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their evergreen canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor below. The campground's setting is nothing short of spectacular, with dramatic limestone bluffs rising like ancient sentinels around the perimeter, their weathered faces telling stories written over millennia. Crystal-clear mountain streams meander through the landscape, their gentle babbling providing nature's perfect soundtrack for relaxation. These pristine waters invite quiet contemplation, refreshing wades on warm afternoons, and serve as mirrors reflecting the surrounding beauty of this protected wilderness sanctuary.

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

Site layoutThe campground includes individual sites and two group areas equipped with tables, grills, and fire rings.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability, with individual sites open unless there is high water. Call ahead for current status at 870-757-2211.

Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations for individual campsites will incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's fees. Sites cannot be modified or canceled on the check-in date.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

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.

Hiking"Awesome hiking trails." Nearby attractions like the North Sylamore trail and Ozark Highlands Trail provide opportunities for longer hikes.

FishingTrout fishing is available at Mirror Lake. Reviews highlight the creek's clear water, which is perfect for fishing.

Swimming"Epic swimming spot in nearby creeks." Highlights include crystal clear water and a big rock for jumping.

BikingNo detailed reviews on biking trails, but biking is listed as an activity in nearby areas.

Wildlife viewing"Tons of butterflies that the kids loved." Also, the area is surrounded by a naturally diverse forest.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsBlanchard Springs Caverns offer tours and family activities, providing cultural and educational experiences.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters, including mountain lions as noted in user reviews. Smoky conditions due to surrounding hills in certain areas during campfires.

Active AlertsFlooding may close individual sites; contact the campground for updates.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Visitors are encouraged to use hardwood for minimal smoke.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced, and campers are advised to avoid loud activities such as chopping wood early in the morning.

Trash & RecyclingTrash details are not provided in the source materials.

Water FeaturesClose to Mirror Lake and clear streams, which are popular for trout fishing and swimming.

Camp HostNo specific host information available.

Weather at Blanchard Springs Campgrounds

Reviews

4.8

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

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