10 Unique Campgrounds In Arkansas Where You Can Spend The Night For 25 Bucks And Under
You don’t have to overspend on overnight stays in Arkansas. Luckily for us, there are plenty of inexpensive campgrounds in Arkansas that don’t forgo a unique experience. Next time you’re itching to surround yourself with a more natural setting, grab your camping gear and head over to one of these campgrounds in Arkansas for a relaxing weekend of outdoor adventures you’ll absolutely love.
Staying the night at Lake Ouachita can happen in a variety of ways. In addition to the typical camping and cabins, you can also pick-your-own island for one of the most wonderfully unique campsites in Arkansas. One of the best features of all the islands is that since they're part of the U.S. National Forest, camping is free. But do be aware that this will be a primitive camping experience.
Arkansas is filled with endless campgrounds but none are quite as beautiful as the ones along the Buffalo National River. Steel Creek Campground looks up to the infamous Roark Bluff and other gorgeous scenery, making it one of the most beautiful places to go camping in Arkansas, without a doubt. All tent site (including at the horse camp) are $20/night. You can use this page to find more details about all of the campgrounds along the Buffalo.
Steel Creek Campground, Arkansas 72641, USA
3. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area - Mountain View
If you don't mind sacrificing modern amenities for jaw-dropping views, then a night at Sam's Throne is in order. One of the most unique places to go camping in Arkansas, the campsites are primitive but do guarantee a quiet retreat with quite a beautiful mountain backdrop. Sam's Throne is a rock climbers paradise and has trails for more grounded hikers as well. Camping is free!
Pitch a tent and jump right in at this waterfront campground in Arkansas! There's nothing quite as refreshing as plunging into the chilly waters of Walnut Creek during these fiery summer days. Campsites are just a couple of steps away from the creek and run between $15-25/night with RV sites available as well.
Arkansas has plenty of spots for camping near the water but this floating campsite is the only place in the state where you can camp on the water. Take a relaxing paddle along the Little Maumelle River Trail and pitch a tent on this floating platform. You can make reservations by visiting their website..
If you've ever looked out from atop Mount Magazine, then you've already seen the beauty of Blue Mountain Lake and the Petit Jean River Valley. The state park tends to stay crowded but an overnight stay at the rec area is much more quiet. Campsites begin at $18/night and can be booked right here.
Please note, Hide-A-Way on the White River has permanently closed.
We do love the different retreats on the White River but multiple nights can add up. If you'd rather spend your funds on water toys rather than lodging, pitch a tent at Hide-A-Way. This campground has primitive sites as well as RV hookups right next to the river. Rates start at $14 and can be booked through this site.
When it comes to camping in Arkansas, few campsites can top the views you'll find along White Rock Mountain.This stunning recreation area has rustic cabins and peaceful campsites in the forest. Stay for scenery alone or tackle one of the many trails for a day-time or backpacking adventure. Camping is only $10/night!
Water adventures and waterfall chasing are just some of the highlights at Lake Catherine. Class B campsites are $23/night but upgrading to a yurt is only an extra $35. However you stay, your whole family will find something to love at this beautiful campground in Arkansas.
Lake Catherine State Park, 1200 Catherine Park Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
What are your favorite budget-friendly campgrounds in Arkansas? Share with us in the comments below! Feel free to share your camping adventure in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Upgrade to one of these glamping experiences if you’re wanting something a little extra.
Address: Mountain Pine, AR, USA
Address: Charlton Recreation Area, Arkansas 71968, USA
Address: Steel Creek Campground, Arkansas 72641, USA
Address: Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, Mountain View, AR 72533, USA
Address: Sam's Throne Campground, Arkansas 72655, USA
Address: Little Maumelle River, Arkansas, USA
Address: Blue Mountain Lake, Arkansas, USA
Address: White Rock Mountain, Arkansas 72959, USA
Address: Lake Catherine State Park, 1200 Catherine Park Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Inexpensive campgrounds in Arkansas
July 13, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the best outdoor adventures in Arkansas?
If there’s one thing that’s true about Arkansas, it’s that it’s a nature lover’s playground. Outdoor adventures in Arkansas are only limited by your imagination, but a good starting point is experiencing the natural beauty of Devil’s Den State Park where you can take the hiking trails to the iconic waterfall and even walk behind it! It’s also a great place to go camping in Arkansas, and you can either pitch a tent, bring your RV, or treat yourself to one of their rustic cabins.
What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Arkansas?
One of the best parts about camping in Arkansas is being able to bring your whole family along to create those core memories of sitting around a campfire sharing stories, eating s’mores, and enjoying the sights and sounds of The Natural State. Wake Zone Luxury Houseboat is a wonderful option when you’re looking to go camping in Arkansas, and these houseboats sure do make for one of the most unique campsites in Arkansas. Not only are the houseboats equipped with everything you’ll need, but they also offer several other rentals as well, including small boats and jet skis.
How many state parks are in Arkansas?
There are 52 state parks in Arkansas, and all of them offer some type of camping experience. Petit Jean State Park is one of the most popular state parks, and for good reason! When you hit the trails and see the incredible mountain views and waterfalls nestled within the park, you’ll quickly fall in love. If you want to explore some of the more underrated Arkansas state parks, then you have to visit Moro Bay State Park. With 20 campsites and a handful of cabins, this is one of the more inexpensive campsites in Arkansas where you can escape to the forests and enjoy the beautiful waters of Moro Bay.
Address: Mountain Pine, AR, USA
Address: Charlton Recreation Area, Arkansas 71968, USA
Address: Steel Creek Campground, Arkansas 72641, USA
Address: Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, Mountain View, AR 72533, USA
Address: Sam's Throne Campground, Arkansas 72655, USA
Address: Little Maumelle River, Arkansas, USA
Address: Blue Mountain Lake, Arkansas, USA
Address: White Rock Mountain, Arkansas 72959, USA
Address: Lake Catherine State Park, 1200 Catherine Park Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
