Forced to replan July trip. Help! Arkansas.

[alesis]

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!

[bogeygolfer]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

If you’re decided on Arkansas, check out Petit Jean State Park. Great place for nature tripping, hiking and hanging.!

[linnemj]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[4runnerguy]

Another vote for Lake Ouachita SP. The lake is amazingly clear -- clean enough to swim in. Proximity to Hot Springs is a plus. I've camped at the NPS CG before and wasn't too impressed with being that close to town. There are also a number of nice COE parks around the lake, but I'm not aware that any of them have FHU.

Wherever you camp in the area, see if you can make a day trip to Blanchard Springs Caverns. One of the most pristine caves I've ever been in. Plus, the creek nearby is a great place for a picnic before or after your cave tour. Kids will love playing in the placidly flowing stream.

[wbrown62]

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!

[breeno]

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

[welove2drive]

Petit Jean has a pool and lodge. We drove through the camp ground. Section A has FHU and drive thru sites. It looked pretty new and less shade than the older section. We visited last fall. Mt. Magazine SP has a nice campground in the woods. We stayed at Lake Dardanelle SP and visted the 3 parks nearby. That is a nice SP. Arkansas is beautiful!