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.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
Perched at 2,260 feet atop ancient white lichen-covered bluffs, this mountaintop sanctuary delivers sweeping panoramas across endless ridges of the Ozark Highlands.
Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
Towering yellow pines and dramatic limestone bluffs frame this Ozark Mountain retreat, where crystal-clear streams wind through a pristine wilderness sanctuary beneath an evergreen canopy.
Jack Creek Recreation Area
Ancient rock bluffs tower above this Ouachita Mountains retreat, their weathered faces standing sentinel over pine forests and crystalline creek waters that tumble through the valley below.
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
Explore Mountain Camping 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 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.
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.
Popular Arkansas Campgrounds Book Fast
The best mountain camping in Arkansas book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
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