Posted in Arkansas August 23, 2018 by

Pick An Island For A One-Of-A-Kind Camping Experience In Arkansas

Arkansas has some truly unique overnight options from hobbit hole lodging to open-air mountaintops. Perhaps one of the most stunning camping adventures is at Lake Ouachita. Let’s paddle around and pick an island for an experience you’ll never forget.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Most Arkansans have enjoyed staying around Lake Ouachita, but not everyone knows about the area's island camping.
YouTube/Lake Ouachita
Maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, the lake's 200 islands can be used for camping. With so many to choose from, this is certainly the ultimate pick-your-own-adventure.
The islands range from sizable forests to small sandbars so you can customize your island adventure.
TripAdvisor/Tread_Morr
One of the best features of all the islands is that since they're part of the U.S. National Forest, camping is free. Just be aware that this will be a primitive camping experience.
A handful of the islands have names but most are simply numbered.
TripAdvisor/
Hotel Island and Wild Child Island are popular spots but for a private island experience, you'll want to find one of the smaller numbered locations. For handy map of the numbered islands, visit the US Army Corps of Engineers’ website.
The lake has over 200 islands to choose from but some aren't quite developed enough for camping.
Facebook/The State Parks of Arkansas
The only one you would want to avoid camping on is Bird Island since it's been designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. That particular island holds the record for the state's largest Purple Martin roost. The state park does routinely host a daytime kayak tour to the island.
If you'd feel more comfortable on a guided tour to one of the islands, you'll want to take advantage of the state park's signature event.
Facebook/The State Parks of Arkansas
Picking out an island for camping can be daunting the first time. Luckily the state park hosts the "Kayak Campout" in the fall. This overnight stay at one of the islands includes meals and informative guided tours. To learn more about this October event, read here.
Once you've set up camp, the islands offer all sorts of activities.
Flickr/Paul
Depending on the size of the island you chose, a hike around the woods is a great way to explore the area.
As long as the water hasn't gotten too cold, this would be a prime opportunity to snorkel in some of the United States' clearest waters.
Facebook/The State Parks of Arkansas
Take out the water toys or simply swim along the shore during your camping stay. Usually after the end of September the water is too cold for swimming but you can still enjoy the area by kayaking or fishing.
A night out on a Lake Ouachita island is a one-of-a-kind experience the whole family will love.
Facebook/The State Parks of Arkansas
Most importantly, be sure to always leave no trace. This is one Arkansas adventure we certainly want to keep!

 

To get a feel for what an island adventure can entail, watch this video:

We would love to see your island photos 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.

For another Arkansas adventure, cross these spectacular waterfall hikes off of your bucket list.