Momnhergirls

I was looking to go camping on the day that my daughters school lets out. We would be leaving Thursday around 1ish and coming back Sunday around 1ish. I was thinking we could go to Arkansas because we've never been and I saw that they have mountains and waterfalls and some neat looking things to explore. My only concern is having to drive about 5 hours or so with only 2 days to explore. Does anyone know anything about Arkansas and a place to camp that would be worth my time driving 4 or 5 hours. I'm open to other places as well, but I don't want something like a state park. The kids are both 9 so something that they could enjoy as well, hiking, swimming, rafting, etc...
Thanks
P.S. I'm in Irving, TX, just northwest of Dallas

Troop198

Arkansas has a number of nice state parks for all types of camping. I know you said not a state park, but many have trails like your asking about.

Map of Arkansas ? Arkansas map ? Arkansas state map

Have heard good reviews on a number of them, we have been to Lake Oachita near Hot Springs, and your correct lots of hills and water. But it does take time to get there There is a thread running elsewhere with pictures. This weekend (memorial day) the entire state was to get lots or rain, so when you call to reserve ask how wet the area is.

Much closer and a real nice park is Daingerfield SP
see this link and scrool and look for the pictures link. The lake is nice, you can hike around it, lots of shade
Daingerfield SP (July 2008)

Also consider Ft. Parker SP (hiking,swim and fish), Cooper Lake (Same) and even Inks is great for a good time.

MonkeyMamma

Sorry but the only place i know in Arakansas to camp are state parks. My favorite is Lake Catherine. There is a nice trail that leads to a waterfall. They also have boat rentals and you can canoe back to the waterfall which is what we did and brought along a picnic lunch. While boating we also found a really cool rope swing the kids loved. The swim beach is gorgeous and very well kept and the sites are nice and shady. The store there has everything you could want.

ploddinTod

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/map...ecArea_004.pdf

Do some research on this place. We had a great time on this lake one summer during my teen years.

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PloddinTod

Choderus

Crater of Diamonds State Park is about 250 miles from Irving. You would be on the southern edge of the mountains so you could take a day to do some mountain drives. The kids could mine for diamonds and there's a water park there so I think you would have more than you could do here in just one weekend.