Ok, so we were all set to do a week in the Witchita Mountains in OK and then a week in Dallas with family. Dallas is all set, but we can't get a reservation in OK. Any of the sites won't give reservation until June. So that won't work. So now we have a couple options, and we need to book something ASAP. Timeframe is July 5-10, then Dallas 10-16. We have had suggestions of mountains in Arkansas, and that sounds like perhaps the best bet now. also some other places in Texas, but we're trying to visit 2 states if possible. So, what do you suggest in Arkansas? We love the mountains, but we're interested in going more south and west in Arkansas, just so we're closer to Dallas. Looking for an area with lots to do(/scenic drives, hiking, etc), and a cg with full hookups, a pool and some activities right at the cg. Any help is appreciated, I'd love to book ASAP so we know we're all set. Thanks!

Check out Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas. Beautiful park in rolling wooded hills. There are full hookup sites right on the park lake. Take a look at their web site and have a great trip.

Try TexArkana to give you both states and it's in the southwest part of the state. Actually, the TX half has a nicer campground.

Petit Jean is awesome as is Magazine Mountain SP, AR. A little park just past Texarkana, Wright Patman Lake, is a terrific COE park that we really liked, but were in route to Dallas. We stayed at the Malden Lake area. Didn't do much in the way of the lake stuff, basically passing through on our way to Dallas, but the campground was one on the best. This was Oct, so maybe the timing was part of the reason it was so quiet and peacful.

I would say just make your reservations in June, if that is when reservations open up. I would not expect places in OK to be all that hard to get reservations for.I don't recall a pool at Petit Jean, but maybe I just didn't notice. Otherwise it is great for hikes, high overlooks, camping under the pines. I recommend it highly. Mount Magazine should be similar as it's in the same type of terrain, but I haven't been there.

What about Crater of Diamonds State Park. We have never been but are going in June.

Forced to replan July trip. Help! Arkansas. | Good Sam Community

bogeygolfer
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
We loved lake ouachita state park also. One our all-time favorites. And if you have kids, Magic Springs is a great amusement park in hot springs. Only 25 minutes away from the lake.
Bob_Landry
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
You won't go wrong with any of the Arkansas State Parks or with any COE Parks anywhere. Lake Catherine is our favorite, but Petit Jean is on our list of places to stay..
Pigkisser
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2014
Petit Jean is the best! Try to get a spot in the newly remodeled Section A. Also, Mount Magazine and Gulpa Gorge are beautiful. Crater of Diamonds is a fun activity, but it is extremely hot and humid in the summer.
JaycoRickJoan
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
Check out Lake Fort Smith State Park just north of Ft. Smith. Located in Ozarks, on a lake, has a pool, full hook ups, fairly new Park, hiking.
TPUC
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
wbrown62 wrote:
BillyandKris wrote:
Gulpha Gorge Campground in the National Park is very popular and is right in town. No hookups.

When we stayed at GG in town we had electric, water and sewer hookups. Very nice!

Some sites now have water and electric.
Kelly_Campbell
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
If you’re decided on Arkansas, check out Petit Jean State Park. Great place for nature tripping, hiking and hanging.!
linnemj
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
breeno wrote:
We fell in love with Lake Ouachita SP near Hot Springs.
Brilliant SP. Great hiking, marina and awesome views. Beautiful sites along the water with lots of trees. Not far from Hot Springs for day trips.

As a matter of fact, we are heading up there tomorrow (our second trip up) for 10 days.

link clicky

One of our favorites too!
Debbie
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
I live 45 minutes from the Wichita Mountains. I think you would enjoy Arkansas better. The Wichita Mountains aren't that big (I'm originally from CA) and it will be hot there. We are in a severe drought in SW OK. We have stayed in different areas in Arkansas and I think you would like all the places that were suggested. Eastern side of OK is nice also. Tulsa puts on the play Oklahoma which is great. Keystone State Park is really nice. Trout fishing on the eastern side of the state. Nice state parks in SE Oklahoma also. Have a nice trip.
rexlion
Explorer
Mar 09, 2014
After June 15, I usually go north (MI, MN) or northwest (Rockies) for camping. Too hot for me around OK or AR. But if you're going to do it, you have had some good recommendations. Plan to spend a lot of time in the water or in air conditioning from about 10:30am to 7:30pm. Early mornings and also evenings can be good for moderate hikes and such.
thegriffins
Explorer
Mar 07, 2014
I agree with Petit Jean. There is so much to do, hiking, history, fishing, bike trails, and there is a pool. The sites are beautiful and not too expensive.

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