Mountain Camping in Arkansas

Mountain Camping in Arkansas

Discover the best mountain camping across Arkansas. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Year-round

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region


About Mountain Camping in Arkansas

Mountain camping Arkansas offers an extraordinary blend of two distinct mountain ranges that create some of the most scenic and diverse camping experiences in the South. The ancient Ozark Mountains in the northern half of the state feature dramatic limestone bluffs, crystal-clear streams, and hardwood forests, while the Ouachita Mountains in the west showcase unique east-west running ridges covered in pine and oak.

Best Time

Spring and fall provide the ideal windows for mountain camping Arkansas, with April through May and September through November offering comfortable temperatures, vibrant scenery, and manageable crowds. Spring brings wildflower displays across the mountains, with dogwoods and redbuds painting the hillsides white and pink, while waterfalls run at their fullest from winter and spring rains.

Scenery Highlights

  • Stunning mountain panoramas
  • Cool alpine temperatures
  • Alpine lakes and meadows
  • World-class hiking trails


Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Arkansas

Map Key
1
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
2
Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
3
Jack Creek Recreation Area
4
Ozark Campground
5
Rush Campground
6
Cove Lake Recreation Area
7
Tompkins Bend Day-Use
8
Highway 27 Campground
9
Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest
10
Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest
11
Shady Lake
12
Bidwell Point Park
13
Gamaliel
14
Lakeview Park
15
Highway 125 Park Bull Shoals
16
Toad Suck
17
Beard'S Bluff Park (Ar)
18
Bellah Mine
19
Oak Grove (Ar)
20
Ozark Campground

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Scenic driving along winding mountain roads with panoramic overlooksRock climbing and bouldering on limestone bluffs and rock formationsWildlife viewing including black bears, elk, deer, and diverse bird speciesPhotography of mountain vistas, waterfalls, and seasonal foliageSwimming in clear mountain streams and natural poolsFishing for smallmouth bass and trout in mountain streams

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites early for White Rock Mountain and Blanchard Springs, especially for fall weekends when leaf-peepers fill the mountains, as these premier locations book months in advance through Recreation.gov.
  • 2Many Arkansas mountain campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early on Friday for weekend camping or consider midweek visits for guaranteed availability.
  • 3Pack layers regardless of season, as mountain temperatures can swing 30 degrees between day and night, and afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly over the ridges during summer months.
  • 4Bring a reliable paper map and download offline maps, as cell service disappears in the mountains and GPS can be unreliable on remote forest roads.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Mountain Camping in Arkansas

Mountain Camping in Arkansas FAQ

We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in Arkansas based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.

Mountain camping in Arkansas requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.

Mountain camping season in Arkansas typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.

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