Tent Campgrounds in Arkansas
Discover the best tent campgrounds across Arkansas. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
About Tent Campgrounds in Arkansas
Tent camping in Arkansas offers an exceptional outdoor experience across diverse landscapes ranging from the rugged Ozark Mountains to pristine lakeshores and the legendary Buffalo National River corridor. The Natural State lives up to its nickname with over 2.
Best Time
The prime tent camping season in Arkansas runs from mid-March through May and September through early November, when temperatures range from comfortable 60s to pleasant 70s and humidity drops to manageable levels. Spring brings wildflower displays across the Ozarks, dogwood blooms in April, and rushing waterfalls fed by seasonal rains, though be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and check creek levels before camping near waterways.
What Makes It Great
- Designated tent pads and flat ground
- Fire rings and picnic tables
- Varying levels of amenities
- Scenic natural settings
Explore Tent Campgrounds in Arkansas
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites early through Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds or directly with Arkansas State Parks, especially for weekend visits during spring and fall peak seasons—popular sites at White Rock Mountain and Buffalo Point can book solid months in advance.
- 2Invest in a quality four-season tent with good ventilation for humid Arkansas conditions, and always pack a rain fly regardless of forecast since afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in the Ozarks.
- 3Bring extra tent stakes suitable for rocky ground, as standard stakes often bend or break in the limestone-rich soil of northern Arkansas.
- 4A camp chair, headlamp, and bear-safe food storage containers are essential, though black bear encounters remain rare except in remote Ozark backcountry.
Tent Campgrounds in Arkansas FAQ
Arkansas offers 20+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.
Tent camping in Arkansas typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.
Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for Arkansas conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.
Explore More Camping in Arkansas
Find more camping options that match your style
Popular Arkansas Campgrounds Book Fast
The best tent campgrounds in Arkansas book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
Outdoorithm
Just now
🎉 Site opened up!
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
Your preferred dates
Quick! This site typically books within hours.
Find Your Perfect Arkansas Campground
Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.
- Search 20+ tent campgrounds in Arkansas
- Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
- Get personalized recommendations for your trip
- Compare campground amenities
- Check weather forecasts
No credit card required. Free forever for core features.
