11. The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
Long Pool (map), located in the Ozark National Forests adjacent to Big Piney Creek, is one of the most recommended.
The large natural pool in Big Piney Creek is just across the campground. A few of the sites overlook the creek. There is also great hiking. Most of the campground is in a mature pine forest, while some sites are in a hardwood forest. There are 8 picnic sites, a picnic pavilion, a canoe launch site and a change shelter. Fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing and whitewater boating are allowed.
Another great site near Big Piney Creek is Haw Creek Falls (map). Haw Creek is a small stream, but you'll see some waterfalls, nice bluffs and a mature hardwood forest. There's no electrical hookups, water or many amenities at all.
12. Millwood Lake
Millwood Lake is the home of some of the best fishing in Arkansas, especially for largemouth and white bass. It's almost three hours from Little Rock (Google map).The lake has 26,000 acres of submerged timber and an average depth of only 7 ft, which is great for fishing and also for mayflies. It can be a bit tricky to navigate, but well worth it. The lake is also the perfect for wildlife watching.
The Saratoga and White Cliffs areas are great sites. Saratoga is a wooded area near the lake. It has a playground, rock fishing pier and a boat ramp. White Cliffs is on the east bank of the Little River. There is bank fishing access and a protected area for wildlife watching and hiking. Fisherman really like the White Cliffs area.
13. Devil's Den
Devil's Den is perfect for the spelunker in us all. Here, you'll find lots of little caverns and coves for you to investigate. You can find beautiful hiking trials, an 8 acre lake and beautiful forests as well. It is one of the prettiest places in the Ozark Mountains.There are 143 campsites located in the park: 44 Class AAA, 12 Class B, 13 Class C, 24 Class D (no hookups), eight Hike-in (tent only) and 42 sites with water and electric hookups in the Horse Camp that includes a bathhouse and access to the horse trails. There is also a group camp area.
The park has a nice restaurant and store, swimming pool and you can rent canoes and paddle boats during the summer.
14. Richland Creek
Richland Creek is perfect for the true outdoors men. It's located about 10 miles away from paved roads and has lots of hiking, swimming and a view of some of the best looking falls in Arkansas. Located in Ben Hur, about 3 hours from Little Rock.
15. Burns Park
Burns Park in North Little Rock actually has a small campsite area, as does Riverside Park in North Little Rock. Burns Park offers tent and RV camping. Riverside Park is just RVs. Not my favorite campsites, but close to the city at least.16. Hot Springs National Forest
Hot Springs National Forest has some campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table, pedestal grill, and water nearby. No reservations taken.17. Little Pines
Little Pines is located in the Ouachita National Forest. It has picnic units, swimming area with a beach, a boat ramp. Good fishing and nice scenery. It's located in Waldron, which is about 2 and a half hours from Little Rock.
