We’re all looking forward to summertime floats and swimming holes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start taking outdoor adventures now. All of today’s campsites are perfect for a springtime getaway. From fishing to hitting the trails, each of these 9 places will make your Spring complete.
- Daisy State Park — Kirby
Google/Christopher Bane Residing just off Lake Greeson, Daisy is one of the more underrated state parks in Arkansas. Anglers can enjoy the plentiful selection of bass, stripers, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Or have a rip-roaring time tackling the 31-mile Bear Creek Motorcycle Trail for ATV enthusiasts. Campsites start at $13/night.
Daisy State Park is located at 103 East Park in Kirby.
- Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area — Hagarville
Flickr/Granger Meador Waterfall chasers will be delighted with a stay at Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. Haw Creek Falls is pleasant, but hikers will quickly be rewarded with a view of Pam’s Grotto and Pack Rat Falls near the campsites. Sites are only $4/day.
To get there from Hagarville, just head north on AR-123 for 14 miles.
- Lake Catherine State Park — Hot Springs
Flickr/Adam Simmons Pitch a tent (or pick a cabin) and stay on the unbelievably gorgeous Lake Catherine. Hikers and photographers must take advantage of the three trails in the area; they all lead to Falls Creek Falls. A fourth trail has recently been added on the other side of the park, Slunger Creek Nature Trail. It’s a short, kid-friendly jaunt with plenty of wildlife and wildflower viewing. Campsites start at $22/night.
The state park is located at 1200 Catherine Park Road in Hot Springs.
- Jack Creek Recreation Area — Booneville
Google/Robin Y If you’re wanting to avoid the crowds that come with state park visits and you don’t mind primitive camping, Jack Creek Recreation Area is definitely worth the trip. The campsites are free (no water or electric, mind you) and there’s quite a bit to do in the area. Take the short trail leading to a gorgeous vista view or tackle the Hole-In-The-Ground Trail. Fish peacefully along the creek or have fun along the nearby ATV trail.
The area is located at Jack Creek Rd. in Booneville.
- Long Pool Recreation Area — Dover
Google/Brett Hurst Have a beautiful backdrop for your next creek excursion. A short loop trail nearby will take you to the gorgeous Long Pool Falls. After your hike, enjoy unwinding with a laid-back canoe trip or creek fishing. Campsites start at $7/day.
Long Pool Recreation Area is located at 12000 SR27 in Dover.
- Lake Fort Smith State Park — Mountainburg
TripAdvisor/missinfishin2 Nestled in a beautiful valley of the Boston Mountains, Lake Fort Smith is a great place to recharge. You can begin a backpacking adventure along the 165-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trailhead in the park or just take the short stroll to Artist Point Scenic Overlook. Campsites start at $22/day.
Lake Fort Smith is located off of 18199 Shepard Spring Road in Mountainburg.
- Lake Chicot State Park — Lake Village
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism Vistas and Ozark forests are splendid but if you’re wanting a change of pace this season, head southwest to Lake Chicot State Park. Take a leisurely paddle boat tour around this Mississippi Delta bayou some unique relaxation. Campsites start at $22/day.
Lake Chicot State Park is located at 2542 Highway 257 just outside of Lake Village.
- Craighead Forest Park — Jonesboro
TripAdvisor/JEANBUG35 This city-owned park is a great way to take in the nature of Crowley’s Ridge. Bird watch along the trails, play a game of disc golf or take a family bike trip. To inquire about reserving a campsite, call their Parks & Rec office at (870) 933-4604.
The park is located at 4910 South Culberhouse Road in Jonesboro.
- Huckleberry Mountain — New Blaine
AllTrails/Destiny Taylor If you can’t hold your horses any longer, take them with you to the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail. The 37-miles cross through a couple of different campsites that are free. If you don’t have the horsepower, you can still enjoy the bluff views and fishing areas.
Stay at the Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp located at 4028 Sorghum Hollow Road outside of New Blaine.
By no means is this a complete list, we would love to hear about your favorite springtime campsite in the comments below!
Google/Christopher Bane
Residing just off Lake Greeson, Daisy is one of the more underrated state parks in Arkansas. Anglers can enjoy the plentiful selection of bass, stripers, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Or have a rip-roaring time tackling the 31-mile Bear Creek Motorcycle Trail for ATV enthusiasts. Campsites start at $13/night.
Daisy State Park is located at 103 East Park in Kirby.
Flickr/Granger Meador
Waterfall chasers will be delighted with a stay at Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. Haw Creek Falls is pleasant, but hikers will quickly be rewarded with a view of Pam’s Grotto and Pack Rat Falls near the campsites. Sites are only $4/day.
To get there from Hagarville, just head north on AR-123 for 14 miles.
Flickr/Adam Simmons
Pitch a tent (or pick a cabin) and stay on the unbelievably gorgeous Lake Catherine. Hikers and photographers must take advantage of the three trails in the area; they all lead to Falls Creek Falls. A fourth trail has recently been added on the other side of the park, Slunger Creek Nature Trail. It’s a short, kid-friendly jaunt with plenty of wildlife and wildflower viewing. Campsites start at $22/night.
The state park is located at 1200 Catherine Park Road in Hot Springs.
Google/Robin Y
If you’re wanting to avoid the crowds that come with state park visits and you don’t mind primitive camping, Jack Creek Recreation Area is definitely worth the trip. The campsites are free (no water or electric, mind you) and there’s quite a bit to do in the area. Take the short trail leading to a gorgeous vista view or tackle the Hole-In-The-Ground Trail. Fish peacefully along the creek or have fun along the nearby ATV trail.
The area is located at Jack Creek Rd. in Booneville.
Google/Brett Hurst
Have a beautiful backdrop for your next creek excursion. A short loop trail nearby will take you to the gorgeous Long Pool Falls. After your hike, enjoy unwinding with a laid-back canoe trip or creek fishing. Campsites start at $7/day.
Long Pool Recreation Area is located at 12000 SR27 in Dover.
TripAdvisor/missinfishin2
Nestled in a beautiful valley of the Boston Mountains, Lake Fort Smith is a great place to recharge. You can begin a backpacking adventure along the 165-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trailhead in the park or just take the short stroll to Artist Point Scenic Overlook. Campsites start at $22/day.
Lake Fort Smith is located off of 18199 Shepard Spring Road in Mountainburg.
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
Vistas and Ozark forests are splendid but if you’re wanting a change of pace this season, head southwest to Lake Chicot State Park. Take a leisurely paddle boat tour around this Mississippi Delta bayou some unique relaxation. Campsites start at $22/day.
Lake Chicot State Park is located at 2542 Highway 257 just outside of Lake Village.
TripAdvisor/JEANBUG35
This city-owned park is a great way to take in the nature of Crowley’s Ridge. Bird watch along the trails, play a game of disc golf or take a family bike trip. To inquire about reserving a campsite, call their Parks & Rec office at (870) 933-4604.
The park is located at 4910 South Culberhouse Road in Jonesboro.
AllTrails/Destiny Taylor
If you can’t hold your horses any longer, take them with you to the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail. The 37-miles cross through a couple of different campsites that are free. If you don’t have the horsepower, you can still enjoy the bluff views and fishing areas.
Stay at the Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp located at 4028 Sorghum Hollow Road outside of New Blaine.
If you’d like to spend time in an ancient forest, hike around these 400-years-old trees.
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