About 2 years ago we moved from east TN to west TN. Since then we've explored most of the TN state parks in the area as w we all as some trips to AL. We're also looking at northern MS, but that'll likely be in the fall.For now we're looking to check out Arkansas and possibly Missouri. Ideally we'd like something in the woods, mountains or hills would be nice. We enjoy hiking and kayaking as well. If possible, within a couple of hours from Memphis would be perfect.Thanks for any input or suggestions!

Dub Patton Recreation Area is about 35 or 40 miles South of Memphis. We have not camped there but most C. O. E. parks are nice.

Columbus Belmont SP in Kentucky is on the Mississippi River on a high bluff. Very interesting civil war site. I think they have some FHU sites. I have not stayed there but have driven thru the CG. Petit Jean Mountain SP in Arkansas is very nice. It is not that far west of Little Rock and not far off I 40. We have stayed there and want to go back. The fall would be very nice time but think you will have to reserve early. Hot Springs area in Arkansas has several nice CGs. We stayed at Katherine's Landing and really enjoyed it. Had a site on the river. I assume you have visited Land Between the Lakes on the Tennessee/Kentucky border. Several campgrounds both state, COE and private.

Yes LBTL is very nice - Piney is our favorite, but getting a nice waterfront site can be hard due to the semi-permanent crowd the move from non reservable site to site mid week at the max intervals - they've got the system figured out. Paris Landing is nice too.Thanks all for the tips, gives me a lot too look up!

In SE MO there is are some really nice state parks like Sam A Baker, Hawn SP, and Meramec SP. There are also other great parks that don't allow camping such as Elephant Rock, Johnson Shut-Ins, and Castlewood. But if your camping near them, do yourself a favor and check them out.Doug

Not exactly NE Arkansas, but we love Heber Springs COE park on Greers Ferry Lake. Just a little over 3 hours from Memphis.

Looking for good campgrounds in NE Arkansas or SE Missouri

padredw
Nomad
Jul 13, 2016
Within your distance requirement--or just barely stretching it--there are these possibilities in NorthEast Arkansas: Any of the COE campgrounds around Greers Ferry Lake would be a good choice.

Two state parks we have stayed in within that same distance are Jacksonport at Newport, AR; and Wooly Hollow, north of Conway. Wooly Hollow, especially seems to be the kind of park you are looking for, though it would add a few miles to your ideal.

If you have just a bit more time, you should consider Petit Jean State Park or Maumelle COE Park near Little Rock.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jul 13, 2016
You can't go wrong with any of the state parks or Corp of Engineer parks!
welove2drive
Explorer
Jul 13, 2016
I am not familiar with anything within a couple hours of Memphis. There are many places about 200 miles. So if you have more time... here are a few ideas

Eminence, MO - Jacks Fork and Current Rivers , National Scenic riverways (Alley Spring NPS, Current River SP or the new MO State Park Echo Bluff campgrounds--kayaking, caves, fishing, springs
Yellville, AR - Buffalo National River (go early in summer for flow)Buffalo Point campground NPS- kayaking, fishing
Lake Ouachita, AR - State park, beautiful very clean and deep lake
Near Russellville, AR -Petit Jean SP, Mount Magazine SP beautiful area
Bull Shoals, AR - Bull Shoals SP below the dam, trout, also the lake
Southern IL - Garden of the Gods, 12 primitive sites, Giant City SP, Ferne Clyffe, lots of hiking trails, rocks. Cave in Rock and campground, free ferry nearby to KY to an Amish town to explore.

Marcia
RGar974417
Explorer
Jun 27, 2016
St Francois State park is about 50 miles south of St Louis. Very nice state park with electric hookups. Nice paved roads. Camping under trees. Nice seperation between sites. Separate showers.In the day use area, there is a nice place to go wading in the river.
DannyA
Explorer
Jun 26, 2016
Piney Grove in North Mississippi is very nice, many sites on water.
NEOK
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
Might want to check out the Van Buren, Missouri area. We have stayed at the Big Spring RV Campground located on the Current river. There are other campgrounds in the vicinity as well as forests.
sele
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
Johnson's Shut in State park in Missouri does allow camping and is one of our favorite camping spots they have from primitive to full hookup. Take a look at the website.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jun 22, 2016
Look at the Corp of Engineer campgrounds. They're great!
hl_remington
Explorer
Jun 22, 2016
If you could go 3hrs.Mountain Home AR.has COE Norfork Lake/Bull Shoals.Lake great camping.Branson MO.is about 80 miles.All good roads
H.L.Remington
Iraqvet05
Explorer
Jun 21, 2016
Johnson Shut-Ins has a newer CG just a few miles away from the state park. It's an excellent CG https://mostateparks.com/campgrounds/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park