Beginners' Guide: Camping in Arkansas

Camping is the perfect way to escape the city and experience the outdoors in a unique and exciting way. Some of you may have fond memories of these excursions as a kid and are looking to get back into it while others may have never camped before. Regardless of your background or experience, our beginners guide series to camping in Arkansas will cover the types of camping, where to camp in Northwest Arkansas, a packing checklist, and even tutorials like how to set up a tent and build a campfire. 

Types of Camping

The first step of this outing is planning your trip, but in order to do that you have to know what type you want to do. You may be asking yourself "There are multiple ways to go camping?" Yes! There are lots of ways for people to enjoy this outdoor experience, and we will cover the most popular ones. They include tent, RV/van, hammock, and bike-packing. For the purpose of the beginners' guide, we will only explore tent camping and its subgenres. 

Backyard Camping: As the name suggests, this is an excursion in your own backyard. This is often a popular way to introduce kids while still being close to amenities. However, it isn't just for kids this is a great way to practice your setup as well as to test if you have everything you need before your trip. By testing your gear you can find any deficiencies in your setup before you head into the woods. Most of this is comfort things like realizing you want an air mattress in your tent because the ground is too rough, etc. 

Campsite: Going to a campsite is the most popular form of this outdoor excursion. Campsites have spots for your tent in a predetermined location. They can be both by reservation only or first come, first serve. Depending on where you go some campsites will have fire pits, picnic tables, and an area to set up your tent either on a platform or on the ground. This is one of the best ways for beginners to get started as it removes a lot of the guesswork on where to set up. It also encourages you to focus on the enjoyment of being in nature and cooking food over a campfire and stargazing. 

Free Camping: This is the type that genuinely allows you to experience the outdoors in a unique manner. Free camping is outings in spots in the wilderness or forests in non-designated areas (make sure it is in areas where you are still allowed to free camp). This is an excellent form of this outdoor excursion and is often a favorite for escaping the crowds. However, you have to be prepared and have the proper gear to do this style. If you want to do this, we recommend you start with campsites and work your way up to free camping or go with someone who is experienced. 

When Should You Go Camping in Arkansas

Camping in Arkansas is a great activity year-round but is most popular in the early summer through late fall seasons. There are quite a few things to consider before heading out on your journey ranging from safety to personal preferences. 

Season: 

• Winter: When going in the winter you HAVE to be properly prepared otherwise your trip can be uncomfortable and dangerous. This means packing extra clothes, blankets, and a properly rated sleeping bag for the temperatures along with loads of extra gear for unexpected winter storms. If journeying in the winter, please bring an experienced outdoorsman with you.
• Fall: Fall is an amazing time of year to go camping in Arkansas, especially in NWA. The temperature is starting to cool off, the fall colors start to show, and a lot of campsites start to quiet down after the summer rush. 
• Summer: One of the most popular times of the year to go, especially for families as kids are out of school and you have stable temperatures for the most part. It can get very hot in Northwest Arkansas in the summer so packing appropriate clothes and a light sleeping bag is recommended. 
• Spring: Spring is a great time to get out camping in Arkansas, but does carry a lot of risks. Spring is known for sporadic and unpredictable weather. If you plan to camp in the spring, you need to be prepared for winter and colder temps while also hot summer-like conditions. You also will want extra clothes and tarps because spring can bring a lot of rain and wet weather.
  
  

How To Find A Camp Site and Top Spots

Before you set off on your outdoor adventure it is essential to do research on where you want to go. Additionally, a lot of campsites require reservations or permits so checking on that before heading out is also very important. One of the beauties of Northwest Arkansas is how many amazing campgrounds and spots we have across the state that offer a diverse array of camping experiences that cater to both beginners and seasoned campers. So we went ahead and built a list of some of the best places to go camping in Arkansas. 

1. Devil's Den State Park: Located near West Fork and Winslow Arkansas, Devil's Den offers a range of camping options, including RV sites, primitive camping, and hike-in sites. The park features picturesque hiking trails, caves, and a scenic lake. To learn more about Devil's Den check out our comprehensive guide on the state park here! 
2. Buffalo National River: The Buffalo National River area offers multiple campgrounds along the riverbanks, This is a great spot for those looking to canoe and kayak. The campsites book up fast, especially during peak floating season in the spring. The Buffalo is easily accessible by car campsites called "Frontcountry Campgrounds" but also lots of primitive and backpacking campsites available. For a full list of all the campgrounds, check here.
3. Hobbs State Park: Hobbs State Park near Rogers, Arkansas provides unique camping opportunities and features hiking and mountain biking trails. The park is well known for its biodiversity and scenic overlooks that look over the rolling hills and Beaver Lake. Hobbs State Park has 11 primitive campsites, six of which are accessible by mountain bike. The two campgrounds are off of the Pigeon Roost Trail, and Karst Loop. To check the availability of these sites, click here.
4. Beaver Lake: Beaver Lake, also located near Rogers and Hobbs State Park is a popular water sport and outdoor recreation area in Northwest Arkansas. Beaver Lake has both primitive camping and campgrounds, depending on what type of camping experience you are going for. In terms of campgrounds, the most popular campgrounds are along the lake's shoreline which include Beaver Lake Campground, Dam Site Campground, and the Prairie Creek Campground. If you seek a more secluded experience you can find primitive camping sites near the lake, offering a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. 
5. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve: Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville, Arkansas is a great place to camp for beginners. Coler has 16 hike-in sites, 5 camper van sites, and 1 ADA site. There also are amenities like restrooms and a nearby coffee shop called Airship. We love Coler and recommend it because it is not only great for those looking to enjoy nature but for mountain bikers. With all the world-class trails that cover the preserve, it is a mountain biker's dream to camp here and spend a couple days riding. 
6. Withrow Springs State Park: Situated near the town of Huntsville, this state park offers both RV and tent camping. The campgrounds at Withrow Springs are known for being spacious, and well-maintained campgrounds with amenities such as restrooms showers, and picnic tables to ensure visitors have a comfortable camping experience. The campsite's proximity to War Eagle Creek is often a hit with those looking to fish or swim. 
7. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area: For a scenic nature getaway we recommend the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area in Winslow Arkansas. Its breathtaking panoramic views set White Rock Mountain apart from others on this list. Perched over 2,200 feet in elevation the recreation area offers a view of the sweeping vistas and surrounding valleys. These views are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset which is perfect for those also wanting to camp. The park has only 8 campsites so when reservations open early in the year it's very important to plan your trip. The campsites are open year round though and are much more quiet during the winter months. 

Again, remember to check with the specific campgrounds for availability, reservations, and any seasonal closures or restrictions as conditions can change.

 

Safety & Leave No Trace

One of the biggest rules of camping is to follow the Leave No Trace principles. These principles help keep campgrounds and parks clean and open to the public so make sure to always follow them. The principles state to pack out all trash, minimize your campfire impact, respect wildlife and fellow campers (which means following quiet hours), and always leave your campsite as beautiful as you found it. 

The other big priority for campers should always be safety. To make sure you get home safely always:

• Check The Weather: Monitor forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions. 
• Tell Someone: Inform a friend or family member about your camping plans, including your destination and return date
• Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water, especially in the hot summer months
• Wildlife Awareness: Arkansas does have bears, so make sure to keep food in a safe place away from your tent. If they have a bear locker USE IT.
• First Aid: Bring first aid kits to prepare for minor injuries

 

Packing List for Camping in Arkansas