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Camping in Arkansas: campsites, permits and passes

Camping in Arkansas starts in one of a few places: Arkansas State Parks for state park campsites, Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds, or free dispersed camping on National Forest land. Here's where to book each, plus permits, passes and licences.

Most people go to:

State park campsites

Arkansas state park campgrounds are booked through Arkansas State Parks ↗. Book as early as you can for summer and holiday weekends, and check each park's page for cabins, yurts, group sites and pet rules.

National parks in Arkansas

• Hot Springs National Park

Campgrounds in national parks are booked on Recreation.gov. See every park, monument and historic site in Arkansas on the National Park Service Arkansas page ↗.

National forests and free camping

Arkansas's national forests include Ozark–St. Francis, Ouachita. Developed campgrounds are booked on Recreation.gov (some are first-come, first-served), and most national forest land allows free dispersed camping away from developed sites, usually for up to 14 days. Check the forest's rules and any fire restrictions first.

Permits and lotteries

Most camping in Arkansas doesn't need a special permit beyond your campsite reservation. Some wilderness areas, rivers and busy trailheads do; check the managing agency before you go.

Fishing and hunting licences

Licences for Arkansas are sold by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission ↗, online or at local retailers. Rules and seasons differ by species and water, so check before you go.

Passes

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks and many federal lands in Arkansas. State parks usually sell their own day or annual passes; see Arkansas State Parks.

Best time to camp in Arkansas

Spring and fall are best. Summer is hot; winter camping is pleasant in many parks.

Questions

Packing checklists

Nearby states (South Central)