Arkansas River Camping Guide

While there is very limited public access adjacent to the Arkansas River, sandbars and islands on the river are public land, and can be great places to set up camp overnight. The following tips will help you have a great night on the Arkansas River:

Camping Guide

If possible, pull your boat from the water. Tie your boat to a tree on the shore or a large log. Run your rope line through the handles of all your gear. If the water rises suddenly during the night, your only concern will be taking down your tent and getting into your boat – not tracking down your gear as it floats away.
If you’re camping on a sandbar, set up well above the water line. Use long metal stakes to pitch your tent. Shorter stakes may not hold in the sandy surface, and plastic stakes may break if you encounter a rock.
Store your food properly to keep away raccoons and other unwanted visitors.
Take your waste with you and leave the campsite in the same condition or better than you found it.

What to bring

What to Bring:

Tent with rainfly and long metal stakes
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag or blanket
Pillow
Camp stove
Food and water
Pocket knife and utensils
Fire-starting supplies
First aid kit
Bug spray
Trash bags
Headlamp or flashlight
Camp chair
Hand sanitizer or camp soap
Towel
See the Tips For Your Trip page for more items to bring and ways to prep for your trip.

Additional Tips:

All gear should be as lightweight as possible to avoid exceeding the weight limit load of your vessel. Be sure to total the weight of all your gear, food and water, and yourself before heading out on the river to make sure your boat can safely support the full weight of you and your supplies.
Pack all gear in waterproof dry bags or trash bags.
Remember to respect private property. Sandbars and islands in the center of the Arkansas River are public lands, but the land on the riverbanks may be private, where camping is prohibited. Be sure to check the ownership of the land you plan to camp on to avoid trespassing.
Visit our Lodging [link to that subpage] page for more options of places to stay on
your trip.