Do any of you have a favorite campground in Arkansas? Planning on meeting family there, last year we met at Lake Catherine which was good except for the unexpected releases of steam pressure from the power plant-real heart stoppers-our view from the "premium campsite" was looking directly across the water at it-not bad as our perception was changed by our three year old who immediately recognized it as a castle. Looking for a campground that can provide at least three site next to one another. Proximity to 40/Little Rock is a plus.
There is a state park we stayed at on the lake just west of Hot Springs. It is real nice and right on the water. Water is very nice and clear but might be a little chilly to swim in this time of year. You could always go to the bath houses in Hot Springs for a treatment.
I think that was it, remember it was an Indian name. I have been to so many it is difficult to remember all of them. I do remember it was so clean I did a bunch of scuba diving and could see 20 feet and that is pretty good for a damed freshwater lake. I suspect the fishing would be good also. Can not remember the size of the sites but they were right on the lake.
I believe Petit Jean Mountain has the largest campground of any of the Ark. State Parks. It also has a lodge as well as cabins, if you have anyone without an RV in the group. The restaurant is a good place to eat. Lots to see and do. Perhaps only 15 miles from I-40 - access from either Morrilton or Russelville.
i don't have a favorite....but the koa near fort smith is nice, simple, quick and far enough from the road noise.
there is another campground in combo with a winery (seems an odd thing for arkansas but they have several wineries).....also just off 40....has a funny german name but they have a daily wine tour which is nice.....and you can stagger back to the trailer afterward.
Wiederkehr Village RV Park at Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
the state parks north along 40 and south of fort smith are wonderful. great hiking trails and some of the best single track mtn biking anywhere....i'm going down to ride very soon.
if you are in the area of searcy, stop by the airstream dealer.....very nice folks and great prices.......
Petit Jean deserves a second recommendation. The restaurant has pretty good food and the view is wonderful. Take a hike down the fall's trail to the bottom of the canyon. Mt Nebo State Park isn't too far from there.You can probably see 50 miles on a clear day. They have campsites on the mountain but they have length restrictions. The campsites are large it's just all the switchbacks on the road up the mountain that limits length.
There is a nice city-owned park in Burns Park, North Little Rock, just off I-40. Petit Jean is great and Mount Nebo State Park would be also, if there is a RV park there. Need good brakes, lots of switchbacks.