Top Three Camping Spots in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is blessed with plenty of state parks and national forests. It can be difficult to sort out where to go. Unfortunately, a late winter ice storm has closed several camp areas. Here are the best camping spots in Northwest Arkansas.

Primitive Camping

Looking for a free getaway? There are plenty of opportunities to camp for free if roughing it appeals to you. At Hobbs State Park Conservation Area the Pigeon Roost Trail offers free primitive camping sites. Five camping sites are offered on a first come first serve basis and it is best to call ahead to see if anyone is on the trail ahead of you. For an overnight trail, it is rather short. Many scout and 4H groups use this trail. The camping sites are on a ridge overlooking Beaver Lake. Pigeon Roost tail head can be accessed by car. Parking is off State Highway 12, just outside of Rogers, AR. The park office can be reached at 479-789-2380.

Camper and RV Camping

One of the best spots to camp is Devil's Den State Park. The park offers many amenities such as a pool, a restaurant, and a store. There are many trails to explore, some are day trips, and others will take overnight. The geological features of this park include crevices and fracture caves, unique wildlife, and amazing views. There is Farmer's cave, a limestone cave that can be accessed with a key from the park office. Permission to enter and access information is available at the park office, contact them at 479-761-3325. Plenty of camper sites and RV sites are available at Devil's Den. Trailers longer than 26 feet should take care on some of the roads. There are 44 Class AAA camping sites with water/50 amp/ and sewer service. 2009 rates are $27.00 per night for these sites. 12 Class B sites with water and 30 amp service are $17.00 per night. Be sure to check out my slideshow of Devil's Den Interpretive Trail to get an idea of the beauty of the area.

Rentals

If you want to experience camping but do not have gear a visit to Bull Shoals State Park on the White River in Arkansas is in order. They have camping rentals that other parks do not offer. This is very helpful to those who want to try camping. If you always wanted to experience RV camping, Bull Shoals State Park has 2 units available. This is much less expensive than renting one to drive around.

2 Rent-A-Campsites are available. The 2009 rates are $40.00 per night. This includes 2 cots, a tent, camp stove, cooler and light.

2 RV rentals are available at the park. Each 31 foot trailer holds a maximum of 8 people. The 2009 rates are $80.00 per night. These units are handicap accessible.

This park offers amazing trout fishing. Supplies as well as boats are available for rental. Contact the park at 870-445-3629 for availability and other important information. The park is located in Bull Shoals AR.

To read other articles about camping and hiking by this author, click on the links below:

Shaddox Trail at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area

A Guide to The Devil's Den Trail at Devil's Den State Park

Old Road Horse Trail