Top Camping Places to Go in Arkansas

Camping Gems - Places to Go in Arkansas Petit Jean State Park Named for a French girl who disguised herself as a boy and secretly accompanied her sweetheart to the New World and to this mountain, this park is all about exploration.  You can tour the sheer bluffs of Cedar Creek Canyon and the Seven Hollows, discover the Bear Cave, the Grotto and Natural Bridge, and wander through woods that are decked out with streams and wildflowers. Ozark National Forest The Ozark National Forest covers 1.2 million acres, mostly in the Ozark mountains of northern Arkansas. You'll find the tallest mountain in the State, Mount Magazine, and an incredible, living underground cave — Blanchard Springs Caverns.  These forests are generously endowed with recreational opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, scenic drives, picnics sites, and wildlife viewing. Lake Chicot The Mississippi Delta's captivating beauty and recreational opportunities come together at Arkansas's largest natural lake, Lake Chicot. Cut off centuries ago when the Mississippi River changed course, this 20-mile long oxbow lake is a peaceful setting for fishing, boating, and bird watching. Fishing for crappie, bass, and bream is popular on the lake, especially on the upper end of Lake Chicot during spring and fall. Fishing for catfish is great throughout the year. Hot Springs National Park Nicknamed "The American Spa,” Hot Springs National Park surrounds the north end of the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas. People have used the hot springs here for more than two hundred years to treat illnesses and to relax. Cool mineral water flows from these magical springs, and when you visit Bathhouse Row, you'll probably see folks driving up in their cars, hopping out and filling up their water jugs. Buffalo National Scenic River The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile length. The Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. Explore the river by canoe or take the back roads into the pioneer history of the Buffalo River region or enjoy a hike in one of the three designated wilderness areas. Across the Border in Missouri Branson Beautiful Branson is famous for its live shows, musical concerts, and family-friendly attractions.  This historic town has 49 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, ten championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, and dozens of museums.  Silver Dollar City When you visit this unique living-history park, you can see old-fashioned craftsmen demonstrating their skills, have your family picture taken in Victorian outfits, or catch a live show with a historic twist.  The park also has modern amusement-park rides like the Giant Swing, the Wildfire roller coaster, the FireKeg, and the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train.