The Natural State's Hidden Gems for Road Life
When I first drove into Arkansas, I didn’t expect much—maybe some forests and hills. What I found instead was a wonderland of waterfalls, hot springs, mountain vistas, and some of the best free and cheap camping in the South. Seriously, Arkansas might be one of the most underrated van life states in the country.
If you’re living out of your vehicle or just passing through, these are my top 10 car camping and van life destinations in Arkansas—places I’ve personally parked, explored, and fallen in love with.
1. Ozark National Forest (Dispersed Camping)
Region: Northern Arkansas
Type: Free dispersed camping
You can’t talk about Arkansas camping without starting here. The Ozarks are breathtaking—rolling green mountains, wild rivers, and endless quiet forest roads.
🌲 Countless forest roads where you can legally boondock for free
💦 Tons of waterfalls, swimming holes, and peaceful trailheads
🗺️ Check out the Buffalo National River and Richland Creek Wilderness
2. Buffalo National River (Tyler Bend or Steel Creek Campgrounds)
Region: North-Central Arkansas
Type: Paid primitive campgrounds
The Buffalo River is the crown jewel of Arkansas. It was the first National River in the U.S., and it’s absolutely stunning.
🚣 Paddle through towering limestone cliffs
🥾 Hike the famous Goat Trail or Hemmed-In Hollow Falls
🌌 Great dark skies for stargazing
3. Mount Magazine State Park
Region: West-Central Arkansas
Type: Paid campgrounds
Home to the highest point in the state, this park is great for cooler mountain air, scenic overlooks, and cozy mornings above the clouds.
📷 Sunrise from Cameron Bluff is unforgettable
🔥 Quiet sites with fire pits and plenty of shade
💨 Great for windy, hot summer nights thanks to elevation
4. Petit Jean State Park
Region: Central Arkansas
Type: Paid campsites + cabins
This is the oldest state park in Arkansas and one of the best. It has a classic road trip feel—waterfalls, old lodges, and epic overlooks.
🏞️ Cedar Falls Trail is a must-do
🦅 Eagle Overlook gives you a full view of the Arkansas River Valley
🛶 Kayak on Lake Bailey
5. Hot Springs National Park
Region: Central Arkansas
Type: Paid campsites (Gulpha Gorge)
You can actually camp inside a national park here, and soak in historic hot springs by day. It’s a little urban, but still a must-visit.
💧 Gulpha Gorge Campground is beautiful and walkable to town
🛁 Soak in the traditional bathhouses from the early 1900s
🥗 Downtown has great food if you want a break from cooking
6. Lake Ouachita (Tompkins Bend or Crystal Springs)
Region: Near Hot Springs
Type: Paid campgrounds, some free dispersed spots nearby
Lake Ouachita is massive, clean, and surrounded by forested mountains. It’s a perfect van life destination for swimming, kayaking, and solitude.
🏝️ Some campsites are right on the shoreline
🦫 Look for quiet coves with wildlife in the mornings
🚿 Crystal Springs has great facilities if you need a shower
7. Devil’s Den State Park
Region: Northwest Arkansas
Type: Paid campgrounds
This place is pure magic. Think mossy creeks, stone bridges, and mysterious caves. Great hiking, super peaceful, and not overly developed.
🕳️ Explore the Devil’s Den cave trail system
🍂 Perfect for fall camping among fiery-colored foliage
🧘 Peaceful, meditative atmosphere
8. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Region: North-Central Arkansas
Type: Paid campground
Tucked in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, this place has a gorgeous spring, a waterfall, and access to the famous Blanchard Springs Caverns.
💦 You can camp by the creek with the sound of flowing water
🕷️ Tour the underground caverns for something totally different
📸 Bring your camera—every angle is a postcard
9. Shady Lake Campground
Region: Ouachita National Forest, Southwest Arkansas
Type: Paid sites, low cost
Tucked deep in the Ouachitas, this small campground surrounds a quiet lake with forested hills all around.
🚣 Canoe or fish the small lake surrounded by pine trees
🧺 Picnic sites and water access make it a relaxing stay
🌄 Fewer crowds than the bigger state parks
10. Talimena Scenic Drive (Highway 88)
Region: Western Arkansas
Type: Scenic drive with camping pull-offs nearby
Not a single campground, but a 54-mile drive through high mountain ridges with overlooks and access to several campgrounds and dispersed sites.
🚗 Gorgeous ridge-top views and fall foliage
⛺ Camp along the route at Queen Wilhelmina State Park
📍 Less traveled and super peaceful
Bonus Tips for Van Life in Arkansas:
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Spring and fall are ideal. Summers can be brutally humid, and winters surprisingly cold.
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Tornadoes happen. Keep an eye on weather alerts if you're camping in open areas.
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Cell service is hit or miss in the mountains. Download offline maps (I use Gaia or Google Maps).
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Many National Forest areas allow dispersed camping, just follow Leave No Trace.
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Locals are friendly and helpful, especially in small towns near the Ozarks and Ouachitas.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas is the South’s best-kept secret. If you love hiking, waterfalls, hidden springs, and peaceful forest roads, you’ll be blown away by what this state offers. Whether you’re chasing solitude or just looking for that perfect overnight view, Arkansas has it—and then some.
So if you’re vanlifing or car camping across the Southeast, don’t just drive through. Slow down, park under the pines, and breathe in the quiet beauty of The Natural State.
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