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

BillyandKris
Explorer
Mar 04, 2014
We live in Hot Springs, AR. There are lots of campgrounds. Lake Ouachita State Park and also Lake Catherine is really nice. You mentioned hiking. You do realize it is HOT and humid there in July. There will be ticks, chiggers, poison ivy and snakes. I usually don't recommend forest-related activities around home in summer. We are hikers. There is lots of good bicycle riding and there are scenic drives. The Winona Scenic Drive is nice. Look up Ouachita National Forest for info. Hot Springs National Park downtown may be more fun than being in the forest in summer. Gulpha Gorge Campground in the National Park is very popular and is right in town. No hookups. Petit Jean is great, but it will be HOT.
Kit_Carson
Explorer
Mar 04, 2014
Lake Catherine SP is close to Hot Springs and just a few miles off I-30 for your trip to Dallas. Lake Catherine is a very nice park.
overbrook
Explorer III
Mar 03, 2014
TPUC wrote:
What about Crater of Diamonds State Park. We have never been but are going in June.

Definitely the Crater of Diamonds state park. I camped there last summer and it one of the nicest campgrounds I've ever stayed in.

The sites are spacious and private, the roads paved, they have a water park for the kids, and a diamond mine where you can dig and keep all you find.

Check out the video at http://youtu.be/k9w-RuAD55M

Bill
TPUC
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
What about Crater of Diamonds State Park. We have never been but are going in June.
rexlion
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
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.
garmp
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2014
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.
Mr__Camper
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
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.
Two_Hands
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
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.

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