In honor of Arkansas State Parks celebrating their official centennial in 2023, we’re putting together our top places to experience the great outdoors in the Natural State. If you didn’t know, Arkansas is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States, such as hot springs, waterfalls, national forests, miles of trails, and plenty of glamping sites for those who want to soak in all that nature offers, but from the comfort of a home-on-wheels or luxury accommodations.
From treehouses to yurts in Arkansas, below we’ll cover some of the best areas to set up “glamp” so you can visit one of the state’s over 50 state parks — as well as its three national historic sites and one national park — in style.
1. Hot Springs
Glamping in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a great way to experience this natural treasure known for its naturally heated springs and bathhouses. You can discover the perfect fusion of relaxation and luxury at Hot Springs National Park, the state’s only national park. Kick your shoes off and unwind in natural thermal springs that have been soothing visitors for centuries. Indulge in spa treatments, explore the historic bathhouses, and take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant downtown area.
Fun Things to Do
- Visit the nearby Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’s largest lake, and enjoy water sports like swimming, water skiing, and kayaking. And because of Lake Ouachita’s clarity, you can even go scuba diving.
- Don’t miss out on Hot Springs National Park, where you can enjoy wandering around the park or go for a swim in one of its ancient thermal springs.
- No Hot Springs experience is complete without a visit to Bathhouse Row, where you can visit eight landmark-designated bathhouses. You’ll definitely want to book a luxury spa service!
Glamping Hot Springs Options
Experience the joys of RV living with this 2019 Thor Freedom Elite.
This luxurious RV rental has a sleek and modern design, with all the amenities of home. The fully-equipped kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave, stove, and oven, making it easy to cook up family meals on the go. This RV also offers a variety of sleeping options to accommodate your group, including a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom, a bunk bed for the kids, and additional sleeping space in the living area. And with its powerful engine and smooth ride, you’ll be able to tackle any terrain with ease.
You also can’t go wrong with one of Hot Springs’ treehouses. Find these and more vacation rentals when searching below.
2. Eureka Springs
For a glamping experience infused with artistic flair, Eureka Springs is the ultimate destination. This charming town offers treehouse accommodations that let you reconnect with nature in style. Wander through the town’s picturesque streets filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cozy cafes. Then take a scenic train ride or explore the intriguing Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural marvel.
Fun Things to Do
- Eureka Springs is known for its stunning collection of historic architecture. In fact, the entire downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors love walking the shop-lined streets and soaking in all the history.
- Go trout fishing on the White River, or take a canoe trip on the Kings River.
- Beaver Lake offers all kinds of water sports, campgrounds, and fishing, while the entire area is popular amongst mountain bikers and hikers.
- Check out the Eureka Springs City Auditorium, called “The Aud.” Nearly 100 years old, this performing arts center routinely puts on interesting acts.
Eureka Springs Glamping Options
Glamping Eureka Springs is just as lovely. Couples can enjoy a weekend getaway at one of the “urban treehouses” in Eureka Springs Chalets, located in a beautiful, quiet setting in the Arkansas countryside. These homes are the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Frequented by nature lovers and families alike, these all-season treehouse chalets offer cozy bedrooms, private bathrooms, patios with seating areas, free high-speed wireless internet, cable TV and DVD players, and of course, the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With Harmon Park and the Eureka Springs Historical Museum a mere five-minute drive away, it’s easy to get out and explore the local area.
Eureka yurts and cabins are also great ways to experience this neck of Arkansas’s woods. Find more vacation rentals below.
3. Bentonville
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville offers a glamping experience that seamlessly blends luxury with the charm of a small town. This vibrant city is known for its cultural attractions, outdoor beauty, and a variety of glamping options that will captivate your senses. A merging of modern and old-town charm, you’ll find plenty of outdoor fun, creative spaces, historic sites, and shopping here.
Fun Things to Do
- Check out Bentonville Brewing Company and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House, and then head outdoors to the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, Slaughter Pen Hollow, or the Compton Gardens and Arboretum.
- Unlucky with some bad weather? Take your adventure indoors and find some culture in the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, Museum of Native American History, or take a stroll back in time at the Walmart Museum.
Glamping Options
Experience the great outdoors like never before with this amazing 2021 Gulf Stream Super Lite 199DD.
This luxurious RV comes fully equipped with all the comforts of home – a comfortable queen size mattress, twin size bunk beds, a dinette bed, air conditioning, a double door fridge/freezer combo, modern cooking appliances, and more. Plus, its 30 amp connectivity allows you to hook up to virtually all campsites.
4. Mountain View
Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Mountain View offers a glamping experience that resonates with the soul. Known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” this charming town not only offers breathtaking natural beauty but also a rich musical heritage that will captivate your senses. If you’re looking for vacation rentals, try to find one near the Ozark Folk Center, as they routinely host annual music and arts festivals that are absolutely worth experiencing.
Our advice? Line up your travel dates with some of their top festivals, like the Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Music Festival in August, or the Stringband Music & Arts Festival in October.
Fun Things to Do
- Open from mid-April to late October, the Ozark Folk Center offers something for everyone, including a stroll through the Heritage Herb Garden or listening to live southern mountain music.
- The Craft Village features local artisans, and you can go back in time to see time-honored traditional arts, such as blacksmithing, pottery, soap making, candle making, and wood carving.
Glamping Options
If you’re looking for some of the best treehouse cabins in Arkansas, you’ve come to the right place. This treehouse with mountain views is the perfect romantic getaway for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Take in a breathtaking panoramic views from the deck, relax in the two-person Jacuzzi tub, watch the local wildlife, and enjoy all the amenities this treehouse has to offer. Previous guests have highlighted the comfort of the beds, the convenience of having all the necessary items for cooking, and the cleanliness of the space. Enjoy an outdoor experience in comfort and luxury in this secluded and wooded treehouse — only five minutes from town center.
5. Heber Springs
Initially a health resort, Heber Springs was founded in the middle of the 19th century and is known for popular outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, and the Cow Shoals riverfront. Cow Shoals is a protected natural area that is home to many animal and plant species like the American beauty-berry, blue sage, and the gorgeously rich red cardinal flower.
Fun Things to Do
- Enjoy a beach day, hike along the Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail, walk to Collins Creek Cascade or Bridal Veil Falls, or sit back and watch the many trumpeter swans on Magness Lake.
- For the anglers out there, there’s a ton of fishing in the area, with plenty of guides and tours available.
Glamping Options
Take a tour of Heber Springs in this 2020 Ram Promaster 2500. Fully insulated and soundproofed, this van offers plenty of L-Track for mounting your bikes and a Bluetti Power Station to power all of your essentials. The rear of the van is equipped with a queen size bed platform for those lazy days, and two screened sliding windows and a remote controlled MaxxAir fan allows you to stay cool in the summer months.
This van has all the amenities you need for a fun and exciting biking adventure in Heber Springs. With two camping chairs, linens, and blankets, this RV will provide you with an unforgettable outdoor experience.
6.Fort Smith
Fort Smith, in northwest Arkansas, is a playground for travelers. Located at the convergence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers, Fort Smith celebrates its Wild West history at museums like the National Historic Site and with its annual festivals, such as the Old Fort Days Rodeo, which is held every spring. If you’re looking for some downtown thrills, Garrison Avenue is full of shopping, dining, arts, nightlife, and entertainment venues.
Fun Things to Do
- Visitors can hop on the A&M train for seasonal excursions, view downtown from atop the vintage Ferris wheel, enjoy live entertainment events, and shop in the unique boutiques and galleries.
- Fort Smith provides plenty for families and nightlife and can fulfill that outdoorsy adventure bug, too. Enjoy hiking or biking on its many trails, fish at nearby lakes, or even try out your ax-throwing skills!
Glamping Options
If you’re looking for a luxurious glamping experience in Fort Smith, then you should book a stay in this 2022 Thor Chateau.
This 33-foot condo on wheels is fully equipped with all the modern amenities you need, such as granite countertops, electric range, microwave/convection oven, a double sink and a refrigerator/freezer. Plus, there are three televisions, an outdoor hook-up for a gas grill, an outdoor handheld shower and electric hydraulic jacks to keep the whole rig stable.
The RV also comes with all the essentials for an amazing family camping trip such as fresh linens, blankets, pillows, dishes, and cooking gear. You can even bring your fishing gear to complete the experience.
Recharge in Nature by Glamping Arkansas
Embarking on a glamping adventure in Arkansas opens the door to a world of natural beauty, relaxation, and exploration. From the revitalizing waters of Hot Springs National Park to the serene shores of Lake Ouachita, each destination offers a unique blend of luxury and outdoor splendor.