arkansas campgrounds with waterfalls

6 BEAUTIFUL Arkansas Campgrounds with Waterfalls

In Arkansas, we get to camp with beautiful waterfalls within walking distance anytime we want. We feel truly grateful and hope everyone enjoys our waterfalls as much as we do! Today I’m going to tell you about Arkansas Campgrounds with Waterfalls!

I remember the first time I hiked to see a waterfall in one of Arkansas’ campgrounds. My husband and I were just married and staying at Petit Jean State Park.

It was my first time hiking down to see Cedar Falls. I didn’t grow up in a family of hikers but, thankfully, my husband had plenty of experience and knew I needed to see the 95 foot waterfall.

It was breathtaking!

BEAUTIFUL Arkansas Campgrounds with Waterfalls

If you’re looking for Arkansas campgrounds with waterfalls, I have curated a list of the best for you. The campgrounds offer some of the BEST camping in Arkansas!

1. Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas has over 20 miles of hiking trails to enjoy. One of those trails leads down to Cedar Falls. This is a spectacular 95 foot waterfall.

Many people like to swim in the waters at the base of Cedar Falls.

The hike down to Cedar Falls is not overly strenuous.

arkansas campgrounds with waterfalls petit jean state park
Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park. Photo by Trove1

If you don’t want to hike to the base of the falls, you can enjoy from the overlook as well!

“The Cedar Falls Overlook is a vantage point high above 95-foot Cedar Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Arkansas. A barrier-free walkway with wayside exhibits leads down to this overlook.” -source

Petit Jean State Park has many options for lodging.

“Near the lodge are 33 cabins (21 with kitchens) located along the bluff with views of the canyon. The 125 park campsites (35 Class AAA and 90 Class B) are near Lake Bailey. Other options include a group camp area, rally-style area, and four Rent-A-Yurts.” -source

You’ll find Petit Jean State Park here:
1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
501-727-5441

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2. Lake Catherine State Park

Lake Catherine State Park is the first campground my husband and I visited after we bought our first camper years ago. This campground sits along the shores of the lake and offers great hiking opportunities.

My favorite part of the stay was hiking down Falls Branch Trail to Falls Creek Falls within the state park.

“This peaceful park is located on Lake Catherine, one of five lakes in the beautiful Ouachita Mountain region. The park offers 70 campsites (47 Class AAA and 23 Class B), six primitive tent sites, one Rent-A-Camp, and one Rent-A-Yurt. Many of these sites are on the lakeshore.” -source

Pro tip: Site #46 has a dock with the falls right down the trail. It even has full hookups!

Note: If you aren’t the camping type, you’ll love the cabins! One time, we stayed in one right on the water. It was beautiful!

You’ll find Lake Catherine State Park here:
1200 Catherine Park Road
Hot Springs, AR 71913
501-844-4176

Don’t miss: Best Tent Camping in Arkansas

3. Devil’s Den State Park

People from all over make the trek to Devil’s Den State Park. This is a beautiful campground with miles of hiking and beautiful waterfalls to see.

The most photographed fall flows over the Devil’s Den Dam.

devil's den state park arkansas campground with waterfall
Devil’s Den Dam

“Some of the park’s unique characteristics are rock formations and caverns. An impressive rock dam spans Lee Creek forming Lake Devil, an 8-acre lake for fishing and boating with canoes and pedal boats for rent. The park’s hiking, backpacking, mountain bike, and horseback riding trails lead to the surrounding Ozark National Forest. The park also offers 135 campsites (44 Class AAA, 24 Class D [no hookups], eight hike-in [tent only], and 42 sites with hookups in the horse camp.” -source

This state park also includes 17 cabins with kitchens and fireplaces as well as 6 camper cabins.

Wouldn’t one of those cabins be lovely in the Winter?

You’ll find Devil’s Den State Park here:
11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74
West Fork, AR 72774
479-761-3325

Like hiking? You’ll love this: [BEST] Hiking Trails in Arkansas that are INCREDIBLE

4. Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area and Campground

“Surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, this campground is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a bluff. Big Piney Wild and Scenic River are nearby. There is an accessible trail to the Haw Creek Falls.” -source

At this campground, you can bring your campers and tents but no special facilities are available.

All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

You’ll find Haw Creek Falls Campground here:
Hwy. 123
Hagarville, AR 72839
479-284-3150

Latitude: 35.6770000
Longitude: -93.2550500

5. Kings River Falls at Red Fern Campground

“Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls Trail-head, and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas. This is a remote and rugged campground with caves, bluffs, swimming holes and river a plenty.

This campground is a favorite for many Arkansans because it’s proximity to the Kings River Falls Trailhead. You will find miles of trails to explore here.

Note: Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring.

“This campground also requires travel down miles of county maintained dirt roads. Expect your car to get dusty. We are unable to accommodate travel trailers and RVs at this time. Parking at your campsite requires a drive across a low water creek, otherwise you will need to park and walk across.” -source

Everyone raves about the wonderful camp hosts here and the beautiful swimming hole!

If you’re looking for other beautiful places to tent camp in Arkansas, you’ll love this: BEST Tent Camping in Arkansas

6. JFK Campground and Recreation Area

The JFK Campground is a beautiful, small campground on the shores of the Little Red River.

Within the campground, you will find a hiking trail that leads you to the Collins Creek Cascade. This is an easy hike with a beautiful cascade! We hiked this trail with our 8 and 5-year-olds and I was carrying our 2-year-old on my hip.

Collins Creek Trail and Cascade is one of several Handicap Accessible Hiking Trails in Arkansas.

arkansas campgrounds with waterfalls-collins creek trail heber springs ar
An amazing waterfall at a beautiful Arkansas campground- Collins Creek Trail and Cascade

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Arkansas campgrounds with waterfalls

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