Springhill Park Campground

Hello, fellow Arkansans! Are you searching for that ideal spot where the natural beauty of our state meets convenient amenities, providing the perfect setting for your next outdoor escape? Look no further than Springhill Park Campground, a welcoming US Army Corps of Engineers park nestled along the scenic Arkansas River in Barling, Arkansas. This beloved campground offers a fantastic blend of peaceful natural surroundings and recreational opportunities, making it a top choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind right here in Arkansas.

Springhill Park Campground is renowned for its spacious sites and its prime location on John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, which is part of the Arkansas River. Whether you're pulling a large RV or planning a tent-camping adventure, you'll find comfortable and well-maintained spots designed for your enjoyment. As previous visitors have noted, the park manages to maintain a quiet and clean atmosphere even when busy, creating a truly relaxing environment for all campers. From the ease of using water and electric hookups to the convenience of trash dumping areas and a clean dump station, the park's attention to detail ensures a hassle-free stay.

What truly sets Springhill Park apart for local Arkansans is its diverse range of activities. Beyond just camping, you'll discover fantastic opportunities for fishing in the fertile waters of the Arkansas River, along with an impressive network of mountain biking and hiking trails, including a designated National Recreation Trail. Despite being a bit older in some areas, the park's commitment to cleanliness and its natural beauty consistently earn high praise, making it a place many campers look forward to visiting again and again. Get ready to embrace the outdoor lifestyle and create lasting memories at Springhill Park Campground!

Springhill Park Campground boasts an excellent and highly accessible location at 1700 Lock And Dam Rd, Barling, AR 72923, USA. Situated along the beautiful John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, which is part of the Arkansas River, the park is easily reachable for residents across Arkansas, particularly those in the western and central regions of the state. Its proximity to the city of Barling and just a short drive from Fort Smith ensures that while you're immersed in nature, essential services and urban attractions are never far away.

Access to the campground is straightforward, typically involving a short drive north from Barling on SR-59. The well-maintained roads leading into the park make for an easy approach, accommodating vehicles of all sizes, from compact cars with tents to large RVs. This convenience is a major draw for Arkansans looking to maximize their time enjoying the outdoors rather than spending it on lengthy travels. The park's setting by the river and between the lake and Massard Creek offers picturesque views and a refreshing environment. Furthermore, being only about 20 minutes from the Fort Smith Museum of History and other city amenities provides a perfect balance of rustic charm and modern convenience. This strategic location makes Springhill Park an ideal and practical choice for any Arkansan seeking a well-rounded and easily accessible outdoor adventure.

• Campsites with Electric and Water Hookups: Springhill Park offers a variety of campsites, including numerous spots equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp electricity and water hookups, making it ideal for RVs and trailers. There are also sites with just 50-amp electricity and some without services for a more primitive experience.

• Spacious and Varied Sites: The campsites are generally spacious, with asphalt or paved pads, providing ample room for RVs, tow vehicles, and additional cars. Sites vary, with some offering views of the river, others nestled in the woods with plenty of shade, and some in more open areas for kids to play.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a concrete patio, a picnic table, and a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor meals and traditional campfires. Grills are also often provided.

• Restrooms and Showers: The park provides access to restrooms and showers. While some facilities may be older, they are generally clean and functional. There are individual combined toilet and shower rooms available, particularly near the front of the park.

• Sanitary Dump Station: For campers without full sewer hookups at their site, a convenient and clean dump station is available for grey and black water disposal.

• Trash Collection: Convenient trash dumping areas are provided throughout the park, ensuring cleanliness and ease of waste disposal for campers.

• Boat Launch Ramps: With its location on John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and the Arkansas River, Springhill Park features two boat launch ramps, providing excellent access for boating, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts.

• Playgrounds: Multiple playground areas are available within the park, offering a great space for children to play and burn off energy, making it very family-friendly.

• Group Picnic Shelters: Four large group picnic shelters are available, which can be ideal for family reunions, group gatherings, or special events.

• Riverside and Lakeside Access: Springhill Park’s prime location on John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and the Arkansas River is a major highlight. Many sites offer views of the river or are situated directly along its banks, providing beautiful scenery and easy access for water-based activities.

• Extensive Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails: The park is home to the Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail, a 10-mile "fast" trail that is also a designated National Recreation Trail. This system offers loops, twists, and turns, making it suitable for both experienced mountain bikers (who frequent it for races) and beginners. The trails are also excellent for hiking and enjoying nature walks.

• Fantastic Fishing Opportunities: The fertile waters of the Arkansas River and John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake offer year-round fishing for a variety of species, including catfish, bream, crappie, white bass, and largemouth bass. The tailwaters below the lock and dam are particularly known for some of the best sauger fishing in the country from late fall to early spring.

• Natural Scenery: The park is set amidst the lush, rolling hills of Arkansas, with bottomland hardwood timber banks, steep bluffs, and open agricultural fields creating a diverse and picturesque landscape. Plenty of shade is provided by the abundant trees.

• Wildlife Viewing: Campers have reported sightings of local wildlife, including deer and even coyotes, adding an exciting element for nature observers.

• Year-Round Operation: Springhill Park Campground is open year-round, allowing Arkansans to enjoy its amenities and natural beauty regardless of the season, though some services or accessibility might vary.

• Proximity to Fort Smith: Being just a short drive from Fort Smith provides convenient access to city amenities, including restaurants, shopping, and historical attractions like the Fort Smith Museum of History, allowing for a balanced camping and sightseeing trip.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its popularity and proximity to a city, many campers describe the park as quiet and peaceful, offering a relaxing environment for unwinding and enjoying the outdoors.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Springhill Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1700 Lock And Dam Rd, Barling, AR 72923, USA

Phone: (479) 452-4598

Mobile Phone: +1 479-452-4598

It is highly recommended to contact the park directly or visit the Recreation.gov website for booking and the most current information regarding site availability, seasonal closures, specific amenity status (like restroom renovations), and any policies before planning your visit. The US Army Corps of Engineers staff will be able to assist you in making your stay a pleasant one.

For Arkansans, Springhill Park Campground in Barling represents an exceptionally suitable and appealing outdoor destination. Its prime location on the Arkansas River and John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake means easy access for many residents, translating to less travel time and more precious moments spent enjoying the natural beauty of our state. This accessibility makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend getaways or longer, more planned family vacations.

The campground’s comprehensive range of services caters to diverse needs, from spacious RV sites with full hookups to shaded tent camping spots. Families will particularly appreciate the playgrounds and the wide-open spaces for children to play, while outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled by the renowned mountain biking trails and the fantastic fishing opportunities right at their doorstep. The park's commitment to cleanliness, even with older facilities, ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay for all.

Beyond the amenities, the inherent natural features are a major draw. The beautiful riverside setting, the lush woods, and the chance to spot local wildlife provide a true escape from the daily grind. Being a US Army Corps of Engineers park, it benefits from diligent maintenance and a focus on providing quality recreational experiences. Furthermore, its proximity to Fort Smith offers the perfect balance, allowing campers to easily access city conveniences, attractions, and dining options should they desire a break from the wilderness.

While some minor considerations like potential vehicle traffic on certain loops or the occasional mosquito may arise, the overwhelming consensus from local visitors is that Springhill Park Campground offers an outstanding value and a highly enjoyable experience. It's a place where you can relax by the water, hit the trails, fish to your heart's content, and create cherished memories with family and friends, all within the comforting embrace of our beautiful Arkansas landscape. We wholeheartedly recommend Springhill Park Campground as your next local outdoor adventure destination.