Camping in Arkansas (West / NWA probably). Suggestions? (1 Viewer)

[Koya]

I used to camp all the time - well, almost dying put that on hold for a few years.   Ready to get back to it.

Heading on a 3 day trip that we'd like to keep within or close to 6 hours max from Dallas.  Boating and water a plus but if there's a compelling reason to go someplace without, totally cool with that. Would likely be tent, and if there's a lake / stream, waterfront sites preferred if possible (and at least sites that aren't in the middle of RV world - small hike in ok, but generally car camping here). Prefer more primitive for the campground proper as opposed to lots of family type recreational amenities next to tents - but great if they are a walk or short drive away.

My preliminary research has shown three potentially good options: Lake Ouachita State Park (in the park or another campground on the lake), Daisy State Park or Mount Magazine. If anyone has any rec's or warnings, would love to hear. 

 

[worrierking]

Mount Magazine is stunning.  Amazing views.  I don't think there is a lake there.  

 

[Koya]

Mount Magazine is stunning.  Amazing views.  I don't think there is a lake there.  

Thanks.  Yeah, pretty much my assessment after some googles.  Might be a shade cooler also with the additional elevation.

 

[worrierking]

It is way more dramatic than they deserve in Arkansas

 

[The General]

Have only been there for work at meetings at the WalMart HQ so I have no camping reccos but Bentonville has some surprisingly great restaurants and beer places if you need a good meal / drink after camping, a bunch of places near the main square of downtown Bentonville that are good including a great hotel the "21c Museum Hotel".

All the WalMart money in the small town makes for some good food apparently.

There is also some linked mountain bike trail that some people were talking about on my last trip that was going to be like 35 miles long in that area. Sounded pretty great.

 

[Beef Ravioli]

Grew up going to Arkansas as a kid for our family vacations (parents from there). Did lots of camping on Lake Ouachita (pronounce ‘wa####a’ if by chance you didn’t know). Lake Ouachita used to be one of the cleanest lakes in America. Not sure if it still is. Great fishing to - Striper Bass! No services camping on Big Fir and Little Fir is absolutely beautiful!  If you are looking for services or hookups, there are all kinds of places. Go towards Mt Ida rather than Hot Springs for less people. If you like BBQ, head to Hot Springs and go to McClards! http://www.mcclards.com/

If you want to go further north towards the Ozarks, my son and I kayaked down the Buffalo River. We went in a town called Yellville. The most beautiful river I have personally ever been on! Google some pictures! 

Look forward to hearing what you choose! 

 

[Dedfin]

I used to camp all the time - well, almost dying put that on hold for a few years.   Ready to get back to it.

Heading on a 3 day trip that we'd like to keep within or close to 6 hours max from Dallas.  Boating and water a plus but if there's a compelling reason to go someplace without, totally cool with that. Would likely be tent, and if there's a lake / stream, waterfront sites preferred if possible (and at least sites that aren't in the middle of RV world - small hike in ok, but generally car camping here). Prefer more primitive for the campground proper as opposed to lots of family type recreational amenities next to tents - but great if they are a walk or short drive away.

My preliminary research has shown three potentially good options: Lake Ouachita State Park (in the park or another campground on the lake), Daisy State Park or Mount Magazine. If anyone has any rec's or warnings, would love to hear. 

I know you can camp in Ozark National Forest. We floated/paddled down the Mulberry which is one of the most beautiful rivers on this planet. Usually been during a festival which is earlier in the year, so it might be busier in the summer than my experience. I'm much more familiar with a bit north and east of that. Hobbs State Park is a top shelf state park imo, and devils den is pretty okay too. I've never spent the night at Devils Den, so I can't comment on how the camping is there, but I know its quite popular. ONF and Hobbs will let you get as primitive as you want. Are you getting in the water or do you just want to be near it? Even if it's been raining, anyone is safe to paddle there.  If you don't mind going out of your way, Eureka Springs is a very nice cultural oasis, and there are camp grounds all around that area. Please don't just drive around east of Eureka Springs. That's not for outsiders. If you see signs for Harrison, turn around.