Camping is one of the most enjoyable activities Arkansas families do in the summer but, you can go camping anytime you want to get away from the rush of city life. Arkansas state parks offer some of the best camping around. Most of these campsites have water, electric and sewer hookups and access to bathhouses and toilets. Discounts are available during the winter and for senior citizens and the disabled. Most camps take reservations so be sure to call before you visit.
Amanda GalianoPetit Jean is one of the most beautiful campsites in Arkansas and it is not too far from Little Rock. Prices range from $18/night for premium sites to $11/night for rally-style. The park features 33 cabins and 127 campsites. You can also rent camping equipment. Quiet hours are from 10:00-7:00 and checkout is at 3:00 pm. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails and more. Call 501-727-5441.
2. Lake Ouachita State Park
Check out Lake Ouachita for great fishing and scenary. Premium campsites are $18/night and standard campsites are $16.50/night. The park has 50 campsites. Other park facilities include picnic areas, hiking trails, a swimming area and marina with boat rentals, bait and supplies. Call 501-767-9366.3. Bull Shoals
Bull Shoals is on the White River. There's also great fishing here. Prices range from $21.50/night for a premium campsite to $8/night for a tent site. Tent sites have no sewer hookups. The camp features 105 campsites along the white river. Facilities include picnic areas, standard pavilions, playgrounds, trails and a boat dock with rentals and supplies. Call 870-431-5521. 4. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
Prices range from $18/night for a premium campsite to $14.50/night for a standard campsite. Lake DeGray has 113 camping sites and a 96 room convention center. You can also go swimming, play tennis or golf, hike and go on horseback rides. The lake has a full-service marina. Call 501-865-2801.5. Lake Dardanelle State Park
Premium campsites are $21.50/night and standard campsites are $14.50/night. Lake Dardanelle has 83 campsites and restrooms and bathhouses with hot water. You will also find a visitor's center, launch ramps, picnic tables and pavilions. Call 479- 967-5516.You can hunt for diamonds in your sleep at this park, or at least dream about them. Crater of Diamonds has 59 standard campsites and the cost is $14.50/night. The park offers picnic sites, a cafe, restrooms, laundry, gift shop and hiking trails. Call 870-285-3113.
This park might sound scary but it's actually one of the most stunning views in Arkansas. Prices range from $16.50/night for preferred campsites to $9/night for class B (no hookup) campsites. Devil's Den has 144 campsites and several hiking and biking trails. There is also a cafe and swimming pool. Call 479-761-3325.
There are two places in Arkansas where you hangglide. Mount Magazine is Arkansas' tallest mountain and one of those places. Mount Magazine Park has 18 premium campsites that are $21.50/night. The park features hiking trails, overlooks, a pavilion, a picnic area and a vistor's center. You can also go biking or horseback riding. Call 479-963-8502.
9. Mount Nebo State Park
Mount Nebo is the second park in Arkansas where you can hang glide. It has 35 campsites and 14 cabins. The campsites range from $12.00/night for a standard campsite to $6.50/night for a tent only site. Call 479-229-365510. Queen Wilhelmina State Park
This park has 41 campsites which range from $16.50/night for preferred to $8.00/night for a tent only site. The park also has hiking, picnic areas and a plant/wildlife center. Call 479-394-2863.
