Arkansas RV Rental: Ozark Rivers, Hot Springs and Mountain Lakes
Arkansas calls itself “The Natural State,” and an RV is one of the best ways to see why. Within a few hours you can float the Buffalo National River, soak in Hot Springs, dig for diamonds and camp beside some of the clearest lakes in the South. Campsites are affordable, the state park system is excellent, and the fall color in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains rivals New England.
The catch is the terrain. Some of Arkansas’s most famous scenic roads are steep and curvy, and Ozark streams can flood fast. This guide covers where to pick up a rental, where to camp, which roads suit a big rig, and how to stay safe in the hills.
Browse Arkansas RV rentals on Outdoorsy
Arkansas RV Rental at a Glance
| Main pickup areas | Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville), Hot Springs, Fort Smith, Memphis for eastern Arkansas |
| National parks | Hot Springs National Park, Buffalo National River |
| State parks | 50+ parks, many with RV campgrounds |
| State park camping fees | About $15–$25 no hookups, $25–$35 water and electric, $35–$45 full hookup, per night |
| Booking window | Up to 12 months ahead for state parks |
| Best seasons | Spring and fall |
| Watch for | Steep, curvy mountain roads and flash flooding |
Booking rules from Arkansas State Parks. Fees are rounded estimates; check the park for current rates.
Best Places to Pick Up an RV in Arkansas
Little Rock
The capital sits in the middle of the state, which makes it a practical base for nearly any route: about an hour to Hot Springs, about 90 minutes to Petit Jean State Park, and about three hours to the Buffalo National River. Little Rock also has the most rental choices in central Arkansas, and many Outdoorsy hosts offer campground delivery.
Northwest Arkansas
Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville form Arkansas’s fastest-growing region and its main gateway to the Ozarks. You’re close to Beaver Lake, Eureka Springs and the upper Buffalo River, and the regional airport makes fly-in pickups easy.
Hot Springs
Picking up in Hot Springs puts you next to the national park and the Ouachita Mountain lakes, including Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton and DeGray Lake.
Fort Smith and Memphis
Fort Smith is the gateway to the Ouachita National Forest and the Talimena Scenic Drive. For eastern Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta, many travelers rent in Memphis, just across the river.
Arkansas’s Best RV Road Trips
The Buffalo National River
The Buffalo was the first river in the country designated a national river, and it flows free for about 135 miles through towering bluffs. Float it by canoe or kayak, hike to waterfalls, and look for the elk herd near Boxley Valley. National Park Service campgrounds such as Buffalo Point and Tyler Bend have RV-friendly sites, while access roads to some upper-river campgrounds are steep and narrow, so check before you go in a large rig.
Hot Springs and the Ouachita Lakes
Hot Springs National Park combines historic bathhouses with forested trails. Its Gulpha Gorge Campground has 40 full-hookup sites booked through Recreation.gov. Nearby Lake Ouachita, the largest lake entirely within Arkansas, is known for its clear water and quiet campgrounds.
Source: National Park Service
The Ozark Lakes
Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Greers Ferry Lake are some of the most popular RV destinations in the state, with large Corps of Engineers campgrounds, boat ramps and swimming beaches. Book Corps campgrounds on Recreation.gov.
Unique State Parks
Arkansas’s state parks are a big reason to visit. Petit Jean, the first state park in Arkansas, has the 95-foot Cedar Falls. At Crater of Diamonds you can dig for real diamonds and keep what you find. Mount Magazine sits on the highest point in the state, with long views and cooler summer temperatures.
Scenic Byways (Choose Carefully)
Arkansas’s scenic drives are beautiful but demanding. The Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 23) and parts of Scenic Highway 7 have tight curves and steep grades that are best in a campervan or small rig. The Talimena Scenic Drive along the Ouachita ridges also has long climbs and descents. In a large motorhome or long trailer, use I-49 and the main highways, and explore the twisty roads in your tow vehicle or by day trip.
Where to Camp in Your Rental
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas has more than 50 state parks, and many have well-kept campgrounds with hookups, bathhouses and lake or river access. Reservations open up to 12 months before arrival, online, by phone or at the park. Weekend stays need at least two nights, and three-day holiday weekends need three. You pay the first night as a deposit when you book.
Nightly fees run about $15–$25 for sites without hookups, $25–$35 for water and electric, and $35–$45 for full hookups. Check the park’s page for current rates.
Source: Arkansas State Parks reservation policies
Corps of Engineers and National Forest Campgrounds
Arkansas has dozens of Corps of Engineers campgrounds on its big lakes, many with electric sites and room for large rigs. The Ozark and Ouachita national forests add smaller, more rustic campgrounds, and dispersed camping is allowed in many national forest areas. Our guide to finding free and low-cost campsites explains how to find them.
Private RV Parks
Private parks around Hot Springs, Eureka Springs, the Ozark lakes and Northwest Arkansas offer full hookups, Wi-Fi and pull-through sites. They’re a good choice if state parks are booked or you want more amenities.
Driving an RV in Arkansas
- Respect the mountain roads. Use low gears on long descents in the Ozarks and Ouachitas, and avoid the tightest scenic byways in a big rig.
- Turn around at flooded roads. Ozark creeks rise quickly after heavy rain, and low-water crossings are common. Never drive into moving water.
- Skip downtown Eureka Springs in an RV. Its streets are steep, narrow and winding. Park outside town and use the trolley.
- Watch spring weather. Severe storms and tornadoes are possible, especially in spring. Keep weather alerts on.
- Plan for summer heat. July and August are hot and humid, so make sure the RV’s air conditioning works before you leave. See our best RVs for hot weather.
- Watch for winter ice. Snow is rare, but ice storms can make mountain roads dangerous.
New to RVing? Start with our tips for new RV owners.
When to Rent an RV in Arkansas
- Spring (March to May): Waterfalls are at their best and the Buffalo River has its best floating levels. Expect some rain and storms.
- Summer (June to August): Lake season. Hot and humid, so lakeside sites with electric hookups are popular.
- Fall (October to early November): Comfortable weather and colorful hillsides in the Ozarks and Ouachitas. Many people’s favorite time to visit.
- Winter (December to February): Mild in much of the state and quiet at campgrounds, though some campgrounds shut off water or close.
How Much Does an RV Rental Cost in Arkansas?
Rental prices depend on the type of RV, the season and how far ahead you book. Campervans and small towable trailers are usually the most affordable, while large Class A motorhomes cost the most. Arkansas’s low campsite fees help keep the total trip cost down. Check live Outdoorsy prices for your dates.
Beyond the nightly rate, budget for:
- Mileage and generator fees beyond the included allowance
- Insurance or a protection plan
- Delivery, cleaning and dump fees
- Campsite fees and deposits
- Fuel, which climbs on mountain grades
Comparing platforms? Read our RVshare vs. Outdoorsy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead can I reserve an Arkansas state park campsite?
Up to 12 months before your arrival date. Weekend stays require at least two nights, and three-day holiday weekends require three.
Can I drive an RV on the Pig Trail?
Smaller RVs can, but the Pig Trail (Highway 23) has tight curves and steep grades. In a large motorhome or long trailer, I-49 is the easier route through the Ozarks.
Where can I camp in an RV near Hot Springs?
Hot Springs National Park’s Gulpha Gorge Campground has full-hookup sites booked on Recreation.gov. Lake Ouachita State Park, Corps campgrounds on Lake Ouachita and DeGray Lake, and private parks around town are good alternatives.
Is there free RV camping in Arkansas?
Yes, in many areas of the Ozark and Ouachita national forests, where dispersed camping is allowed. Expect no hookups, and check access roads before taking a large rig.
When is the best time to rent an RV in Arkansas?
Spring and fall. Spring brings waterfalls and good river levels, while fall offers cooler weather and colorful mountain scenery.
