Cameron Bluff Campground

Hey there, Arkansas adventurers! Are you searching for a camping experience that combines stunning natural beauty with modern comforts, all while being perched atop our state's highest peak? Look no further than Cameron Bluff Campground, a premier destination nestled within the magnificent Mount Magazine State Park. This campground offers an elevated escape, literally, providing breathtaking views and a refreshing climate that makes it a true gem for locals seeking a memorable outdoor getaway.

Cameron Bluff Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem of Mount Magazine, the tallest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Once a USDA Forest Service campground, it has been beautifully reconstructed and upgraded by Arkansas State Parks, ensuring a high-quality camping experience. It’s a perfect blend of natural tranquility and convenient amenities, making it ideal for families, RV enthusiasts, and tent campers alike. From its cooler summer temperatures to its full hookup sites, Cameron Bluff offers a comfortable and scenic base for exploring the rich offerings of Mount Magazine State Park.

Cameron Bluff Campground is strategically located within Mount Magazine State Park, at 16878 AR-309, Paris, AR 72855, USA. This places it in Logan County, approximately 16 miles south of Paris, Arkansas, or 10 miles north of Havana, Arkansas, along scenic Highway 309.

For Arkansans traveling to the campground, accessibility is generally excellent. Highway 309 is a well-maintained paved road that winds its way up to the summit of Mount Magazine, offering scenic vistas along the way. The campground itself features paved parking areas, making it easy to navigate even for larger RVs. Paved sites, ranging from 47 to 75 feet in length, are typically very level, ensuring a smooth setup upon arrival. The approach to the campground within the park is clearly marked, guiding visitors directly to their designated spots. This ease of access, combined with the comfortable drive, makes Cameron Bluff Campground a convenient and stress-free destination for a weekend trip or extended stay for many residents across Arkansas. Whether you’re coming from Little Rock, Fort Smith, or Fayetteville, the journey to this mountain haven is part of the enjoyable experience.

Cameron Bluff Campground provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities, focusing on convenience and comfort for a wide range of campers:

• Campsites with Full Hookups: The campground features 18 campsites, including 2 Class AAA sites and 16 Class AA sites. All sites are equipped with water, electric (30 amp, with 50 amp service at Class AAA sites #3 and #5), and sewer hookups, making it highly desirable for RVs.
• Spacious Paved Sites: Each campsite has a paved parking area and is generally very level, allowing for easy setup and accommodating RVs up to 60 feet in length with room for slide-outs.
• Tent Pads: In addition to RV capabilities, each Class AA campsite includes a large tent pad, catering to traditional tent campers.
• Individual Site Amenities: All campsites feature a picnic table, an upright and ground grill for cooking, and a light pole, enhancing the outdoor living experience.
• Modern Bathhouse: A barrier-free bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets is conveniently located within the campground, open year-round, ensuring comfort and hygiene for all guests.
• RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is available within Mount Magazine State Park for registered campers, providing an essential service for RV travelers.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times when not inside a tent or camper, and owners are expected to clean up after them.
• Reservations: Campsites can be reserved online or by calling Mount Magazine State Park, which is highly recommended due to the campground's popularity, especially during peak seasons.
• Quiet Hours: Specific quiet hours are observed to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers, typically from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Sunday to Thursday) and 12 midnight to 9 a.m. (Friday to Saturday).

Cameron Bluff Campground, and its setting within Mount Magazine State Park, offers numerous compelling features and highlights:

• Arkansas's Highest Point: Camping here puts you at the summit of Arkansas’s highest peak, offering bragging rights and unique access to the mountain's features.
• Breathtaking Bluff Views: Just around the corner from the campground is Cameron Bluff, providing spectacular, panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley and the Ouachita Mountains beyond. These vistas are truly unforgettable.
• Cooler Summer Temperatures: A significant draw for Arkansans during the warmer months, the mountain's elevation means temperatures are typically 10 degrees cooler than in the surrounding lowlands, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Mosquitoes are also a rarity here.
• Abundant Hiking Trails: The park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, catering to various skill levels. This includes the Rim Trail with its stunning overlooks, and other trails offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature photography, and invigorating walks.
• Butterfly Capital of Arkansas: Mount Magazine is home to over 90 species of butterflies, including the rare Diana Fritillary, making it a fantastic spot for butterfly enthusiasts.
• Variety of Outdoor Activities: Beyond camping and hiking, the park offers opportunities for hang gliding (with a designated launch site), rock climbing, rappelling, horseback riding, and ATV riding on designated trails outside the park boundary.
• Visitor Center & Lodge: The state park features a modern visitor center with interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, and friendly staff. The Lodge at Mount Magazine offers additional amenities like a restaurant and indoor pool.
• Ranger Programs: Park interpreters often lead educational programs, such as campfire talks at the campground, providing insights into the park's history, wildlife, and geology.
• Wildlife Observation: The diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including black bears (with bear-resistant trash cans in place), deer, and numerous bird species, offering opportunities for observation.

For reservations, current park conditions, or any specific inquiries about Cameron Bluff Campground or Mount Magazine State Park, please use the following contact information:

Phone: (479) 963-8502

Toll-Free: (877) 665-6343

Address: 16878 AR-309, Paris, AR 72855, USA (Mount Magazine State Park)

(Note: While the prompt included Arkansas 72855 as the address, the full and most accurate address for Mount Magazine State Park, which hosts Cameron Bluff Campground, is provided for clarity.)

For residents of Arkansas, Cameron Bluff Campground at Mount Magazine State Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. It encapsulates much of what makes our state special: breathtaking natural beauty, diverse outdoor activities, and the welcoming hospitality of a well-maintained state park.

The most immediate draw for many locals will be the comfort and convenience. With full hookup sites, clean bathhouses with hot showers, and level paved pads, it caters perfectly to both RV owners and tent campers seeking a more "glamping" style experience without sacrificing the natural setting. This level of amenity is a significant advantage, especially for families or those newer to camping.

Beyond comfort, the sheer majesty of the location is paramount. Being on top of Mount Magazine means escaping the lowland heat and enjoying consistently cooler temperatures, a true blessing during Arkansas's warm summers. The panoramic views from Cameron Bluff are simply iconic, offering a sense of scale and beauty that resonates deeply with our appreciation for the outdoors. The absence of mosquitoes, as noted by visitors, is another fantastic bonus for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

The wide array of activities available within Mount Magazine State Park—from extensive hiking trails and unique wildlife viewing to the excitement of hang gliding—ensures there's something for everyone in the family. Whether you're an avid adventurer or simply looking for a peaceful retreat to enjoy nature, Cameron Bluff Campground provides the ideal base. It allows Arkansans to proudly experience the pinnacle of their state's natural grandeur with ease and comfort, making it a highly cherished local treasure for unforgettable outdoor memories.