This Tiny Arkansas Campground Is Home To Jaw-Dropping Views
By Carol Ann Carson|Published July 18, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
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.
Not every campground (especially in Arkansas) is created equally. Sam’s Throne is a rock climber’s dream but that doesn’t mean climbing is the only thing to enjoy. This campground here will lead you to the most beautiful hike. Let’s pitch a tent and trek to the top of the stunning overlook.
This breathtaking view is from the top of Sam's Throne, one of the most dazzling places in all of Arkansas.
The recreation area is a favorite for climbers, hikers, and photographers for obvious reason. The throne is a larger-than-life rock formation on the top of Judea Mountain in the northern edge of the Ozark National Forest. For directions use this map.
Address: AR-123, Mt. Judea, AR 72655.
Most folks only come to Sam's Throne for a day trip, but your adventure can easily evolve into a full weekend of fun.
Sam's Throne Campground consists of six primitive campsites in the forest. No reservations are required and camping is free. RV hookups are not available but there is room to park a small one (less than 15 feet) for the night. This tiny campground guarantees a quiet retreat with quite a beautiful mountain backdrop.
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Looking up, it's easy to see why this place is a climbing paradise.
If you want to reach the top but do not have the desire to anchor on the side of the rocks, another way route is available. The more traditional hike will take you to the top in about two miles. For that ropeless rock climb, read our full article right here.
The campground is great starting point for a hike up the mountain or base for other nearby adventures.
Spend the day climbing or hiking the Throne before heading back to camp for s'mores. Add another day trip to the weekend by visiting the nearby waterfalls around Sand Gap, walking the Alum Cove Natural Bridge, or eating at the Ozark Cafe in Jasper. Sam's Throne is perfectly perched near all of these attractions!
However you decide to spend your time at Sam's Throne, you really only need a few minutes here to fall in love.
Spend the night at this tiny campground or spare a few hours to enjoy the hike. Any amount of time atop Sam's Throne is simply never enough.
We would love to see pictures from your climbing, hiking, and/or camping trip at Sam’s Throne. Feel free to share them 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.
