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. It’s time for some Lake Ouachita island camping in Arkansas.

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/tnanna
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 a handy map of the numbered islands, visit the US Army Corps of Engineers.
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.

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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.
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 one of the Lake Ouachita islands 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.

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty of Arkansas

William Suphan | April 20, 2023

What are the most unique natural wonders in Arkansas?

The most unique natural wonders in Arkansas include:

  • Arkansas Sphinx. This is an otherworldly rock formation that looks like an Egyptian Sphinx in the Ozark National Forest.
  • Hot Springs National Park. There are over 40 springs that are geothermally heated with the water flowing out of the sandstone.
  • Arkansas Grand Canyon. This is the deepest canyon in the Ozarks and has some of the most stupendous views in the state.
  • Bull Shoals Caverns. This living cave was formed over 350 million years ago and is one of the oldest in the world.

Learn more about the most unique natural wonders in Arkansas. 

What are the most beautiful places in Arkansas?

The most beautiful places in Arkansas include:

  • Kings River Falls Natural Area in Boston. The waterfalls here are famous for their beauty and they are surrounded by lush hardwood trees.
  • Slippery Hollow Natural Area near Lakeway. This lovely place spans 1,200 acres and has several beautiful oak species.
  • Longview Saline Natural Area ni Fountain Hill. The soil here is loaded with sodium and magnesium which creates a unique ecosystem.
  • H. E. Flanagan Prairie Natural Area near Charleston. This is what is left of what was once 135,000 acres of prairie.

Find out more about the most beautiful places in Arkansas.  

What are the most incredible natural wonders in Arkansas?

The most incredible natural wonders in Arkansas include:

  • Crowley’s Ridge. This place has wildlife and foliage that is unique to this area and fossils are often found here.
  • Buffalo National River. This gorgeous river is lined with beautiful cliffs and there’s a Jumping Rock to dive from.
  • Mammoth Spring. This is the largest spring in the state and is a National Natural Landmark with truly amazing views.
  • Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome. Arkansas has a ton of caves and these have more mineral formations per foot than any others.

Discover more of the most incredible natural wonders in Arkansas. 

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