Beach Camping in Arkansas

Beach Camping in Arkansas

Discover the best beach camping across Arkansas. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

19+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May - September
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Bidwell Point Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.8
(371)
Bidwell Point Park
Mountain Home
Norfork Lake

Camp directly on Norfork Lake's sandy swim beach, where crystal-clear waters lap against the shore just steps from your site. Launch kayaks into secluded coves, swim in the sprawling waterfront area, and watch eagles soar over the shimmering lake from your lakeside spot beneath towering oaks.

Tents
RVs
2
Cottonshed Park (Ar)
Star
4.8
(332)
Cottonshed Park (Ar)
MINERAL SPRINGS
Millwood Lake

Submerged timber forests rise from Millwood Lake's emerald waters like a haunting sculpture garden, where bald eagles circle overhead and alligators bask in secluded coves.

Tents
RVs
3
Tompkins Bend Day-Use
Star
4.7
(360)
Tompkins Bend Day-Use
Hot Springs, AR; Mount Ida, AR
Lake Ouachita

Crystal-clear waters lap against a sandy shore where the ancient Ouachita Mountains plunge into one of America's cleanest lakes, creating a stunning backdrop for swimming and paddling.

About Beach Camping in Arkansas

Beach camping Arkansas offers an unexpected treasure trove of sandy shores and crystal-clear waters nestled among the state's scenic lakes and rivers. While Arkansas may not have ocean coastline, its pristine reservoir beaches and natural swimming areas rival coastal destinations with their beauty and recreational opportunities.

Best Time

The prime beach camping season in Arkansas runs from late May through early September, with peak swimming conditions occurring from June through August when water temperatures reach comfortable 75-85°F ranges. July and August offer the warmest water and most reliable sunshine, though these months also bring the largest crowds and highest campground occupancy rates—reserve popular spots like Bidwell Point Park and Tompkins Bend at least 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends.

Scenery Highlights

  • Oceanfront and lakeside sites
  • Sandy beaches and swimming
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset views
  • Water sports and fishing

Campground Locations

Showing top 19 campgrounds near Beach Camping in Arkansas

Map of campgrounds near Beach Camping in Arkansas
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Map Key
1
Bidwell Point Park
2
Cottonshed Park (Ar)
3
Tompkins Bend Day-Use
4
Gamaliel
5
Highway 27 Campground
6
Bellah Mine
7
Lakeview Park
8
Highway 125 Park Bull Shoals
9
Kirby Landing
10
Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
11
Rush Campground
12
Ozark Campground
13
Oak Grove (Ar)
14
Beard'S Bluff Park (Ar)
15
Cove Lake Recreation Area
16
Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest
17
Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest
18
Shady Lake
19
Cranfield Park
View all 19 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming and beach loungingKayaking and canoeingStand-up paddleboardingFishing from shore and boatBoating and water skiingSnorkeling in clear lake waters

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites well in advance for summer weekends at popular locations like Bidwell Point Park, Cottonshed Park, and Lake Ouachita campgrounds—many fill up 3-6 months ahead during peak season.
  • 2Bring water shoes for rocky beach entries at some locations, particularly on the clearer northern lakes where limestone substrates are common.
  • 3Pack sun protection including shade structures, as lakeside sites can be exposed during midday hours—the Arkansas sun is intense from June through August.
  • 4Consider bringing your own drinking water or filtration system for more primitive campgrounds, though most developed sites have potable water available.
19 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Beach Camping in Arkansas

Beach Camping in Arkansas FAQ

We've ranked 19+ beach campgrounds in Arkansas based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.
Beach camping in Arkansas is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.
For beach camping in Arkansas, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.
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