Tompkins Bend Day-Use

Star4.71
360 reviews
Tompkins Bend Day-Use
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026
Tompkins Bend Day-Use
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(501) 767-2101
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 360 reviews

395 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryquietpeaceful

"Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Tompkins Bend, describing it as clean, quiet, scenic, and relaxing, with many saying they return regularly. Campers highlight lakeside views, good facilities, friendly staff/hosts, and great options for boating, fishing, hiking, and day use gatherings."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Tompkins Bend Day-Use

Tompkins Bend Day-Use

34.5680, -93.4706

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.
Accessible via US 270; turn onto Tompkins Bend Road and follow access road 2.4 miles to the park.
Nearby places
Hot Springs: approximately 24.5 miles
Mount Ida: approximately 10.7 miles

Best Time to Camp at Tompkins Bend Day-Use

Winter transforms Tompkins Bend into a wildlife watcher's paradise, when majestic bald eagles soar overhead and roost in the surrounding forest. The area welcomes visitors year-round, with each season painting the landscape in different hues—from spring wildflowers to autumn's golden canopy—though the cooler months bring the added thrill of spotting these magnificent raptors hunting above the lake's surface.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in AR

Peak season for boating, water skiing, swimming and lakeside recreation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hiking, foliage and wildlife viewing make fall attractive; reviewers note year-round appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers good hiking, wildlife activity and lake access as temperatures warm.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 13% in AR

Area is open year-round; winter is highlighted for bald eagle and wildlife watching, less boating.

Planning Tips

    About Tompkins Bend Day-Use

    Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Ouachita, Tompkins Bend Day-Use Area offers a perfect mountain escape where families and groups can gather beneath towering pines and alongside crystal-clear waters. The well-appointed pavilion with electrical hookups, modern amenities, and a playground creates an ideal setting for reunions and retreats, all framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Ouachita Mountains.
    Tompkins Bend is described as a Day-Use Area; the source does not specify any overnight camping types or facilities.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite


    Amenities available

    Electricity hookups
    Picnic tables

    Activities you can enjoy

    The area supports a range of water-based recreation (water skiing, jet skiing, angling) on Lake Ouachita, hiking on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), and wildlife viewing in the surrounding forested Ouachita Mountains.
    HikingSite is located on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which meanders across the south end of the lake.
    FishingAnglers can enjoy the crystal clear waters of Lake Ouachita.
    BoatingWater skiing and jet skiing are explicitly mentioned as popular water activities on the lake.
    Wildlife viewingForested mountains support wildlife including bobcats, black bears, deer, and bald eagles (often spotted in winter).
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
    Advertisement

    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsPresence of wildlife including bobcats and black bears; general lake/water recreation inherent risks (not specifically detailed in source).

    Weather at Tompkins Bend Day-Use

    Reviews

    4.7
    360 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Tompkins Bend Day-Use is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Tompkins Bend, describing it as clean, quiet, scenic, and relaxing, with many saying they return regularly. Campers highlight lakeside views, good facilities, friendly staff/hosts, and great options for boating, fishing, hiking, and day use gatherings.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 360 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers consistently praise the beautiful lake views and scenery, noting many sites are right on or very close to the water and offer easy water access. Reviews mention clean bathhouses and...
    Show more
    Based on 360 reviews

    Common Concerns

    There are very few complaints in the reviews. One camper notes that bathhouses can have spiders due to the natural setting, but mentions this more as a nature caveat than a serious issue. No other...
    Show more
    Based on 360 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Several reviewers suggest this campground is especially good if you have a boat, thanks to lakeside sites, a quality boat launch, and easy lake access. One reviewer advises wearing shoes you don’t...
    Show more
    Based on 360 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Everything we were expecting. Clean, beautiful view of the lake, pets welcomed. Our campsite was clean with water and electricity, fire pit grill and picnic table. Helpful and friendly staff. Well...
    Show more
    Based on 360 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    One reviewer mentions that tent sites do not have power while nearby RV sites do, and notes there is no septic hookup but a dump station is available. Another review of Pavilion 1 in the day-use area...
    Show more
    Based on 360 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Boat users describe the concrete boat ramp as able to handle up to three boats launching at once, with a dock for tying off and restrooms near the parking area, suggesting convenient access for...
    Show more
    Based on 360 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    One camper explicitly notes "pets welcomed" and describes a clean campsite with standard utilities and amenities, indicating that pets are allowed and integrated into the general camping experience....
    Show more
    Based on 360 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Tompkins Bend Day-Use? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated March 8, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Popular campgrounds in Arkansas

    Campgrounds
    Lake Ouachita
    Tompkins Bend Day-Use