by Jacquline Singer

Created on: April 27, 2010

Being the "Natural State", Arkansas has quite a bit to offer in the camping department.  It can be as elaborate as the Hot Springs Village RV Park and primitive as Shadow mountain or Sheep's Head (a couple of nice camping spots known only to locals).  But one thing is for certain, you are in for a grand time if you are a camping enthusiast.  Where to camp in Arkansas pretty much depends on what you want to do with your days, and you pretty much have your choice.

The Crater of Diamonds Park is located in southwest  Arkansas in the small town of Murphreesboro. The facilities there are great for RV or tent camping.  Each campsite has running water and electricity, a picnic table and grill.  You can also have a campfire as long as you follow park guidelines.

The main attraction is acres of ancient volcanic ash that is littered with diamonds as well as other semi-precious gems.  They have a museum and gift shop at the entrance to the diamond fields and an identification station that will help you sort out your findings.  You can bring your own tools or rent them for the day.

Be prepared to stay more than one night because one day in the fields is not enough. You will be doing quite a bit of bending, stooping and squatting.  You will want to dress accordingly.  Also do not wear anything that you cherish, because you may just want to chunk it after a day in the fields.  Good, comfortable shoes are in order too, as the terrain is not made for sandals or flip flops.  Pets are allowed in the diamond fields as long as they are well behaved. 

Devil's Den State Park, south of Fayetteville, off of Hwy 540.  Deep in Northwest Arkansas's Ozark Mountains, Lee Creek Valley was selected as a parksite by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1930 for it's natural beauty and picturesque scenery.   All of the buildings are made of natural, rustic materials including the native stone dam that crosses the eight acre Lake Devil.  Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and water bikes are available to rent. 

 With 143 campsites; ranging from fully equipped to totally primative, hike-in only this park has got you covered.   There are several hiking, mountain bike trails and horse trails, including a fifteen mile hike-in, tent only campsite, the Butterfield Trail.  Hikers are required to get a free back

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>