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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Depending on the size of the island you chose, a hike around the woods is a great way to explore the area.

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.

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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.