The Top 3 Camping Areas Near Fort Smith, AR

Anyone looking to go camping near Fort Smith, AR is in luck, as there are dozens of amazing spots to camp that are within only a short drive of the city. Whether you prefer the comfort and convenience of an RV or prefer to camp in a tent and enjoy being close to nature, you’ll be sure to find somewhere for a great weekend in the outdoors at one of the spots on this list.

The Top 3 Camping Areas Near Fort Smith, AR

1. Clear Creek – Ozark Lake

This beautiful campground, situated right on the Arkansas River, is a beautiful choice of spot to camp. There are many opportunities for recreation nearby, including birdwatching for the amazing variety of waterfowl or boating and fishing on the river. The day-use area is excellent, with plenty of space for families, including picnic areas.

The campground includes 38 sites, many of which have electricity and water available right at the site. Shower and restroom facilities are conveniently located as well, and there is a boat launch ramp available on the river. Clear Creek is a great stopping-off place if you’re cruising along the major interstate waterway that is the Arkansas river, due to its location as the perfect entry point to frog bayou and beyond.

2. Lake Fort Smith State Park

Lake Fort Smith State Park is located to the north of the city itself, on the banks of the laker of the same name. The park is a beautiful multi-use area, with ample opportunities for recreation, including fishing, mountain biking, or kayaking. The park is also especially popular with hikers, as it includes the western terminus of the 240-mile long Ozark Highlands Trail.

The campsite here offers standard and dispersed campsites for both tents and RVs, with a total of 30 sites overall. The sites are of two types, either Class AAA, with water, 50 amp electricity, and sewerage hookups, or the cheaper Class B sites, which include water and a 30-amp electrical connection.

3. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area

Further along the famous Ozark Highlands Trail, but also accessible by road, White Rock Mountain is a fantastic place to experience both nature and history, with many CCC buildings, including an impressive stone-built lodge and original wooden furniture. Aside from the Highlands Trail, White Rock Mountain is also a hub of many other shorter hiking trails, including a shorter two-mile trail that will take you around the mountain’s rim.

The campsites here are designed mostly for tent campers, however, some will be able to accommodate small RVs and pop-up campers. There are no water and electricity hookups available, but all the sites do have tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings available for campers. All sites are close by to a source of running water and an accessible vault toilet.

The sites on this list are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to places to camp near Fort Smith, so get out there and enjoy a weekend in nature! Need a new car to get you to these wonderful spots? Then head on down to Crain Kia of Fort Smith today, where our friendly staff will be happy to help.

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