RV Parks In Mulberry, Arkansas

Mulberry sits in the Arkansas River Valley where the Ozark foothills meet working farmland, and the camping here reflects that split personality -- you'll find everything from Corps of Engineers parks on Ozark Lake to basic overnight spots behind gas stations. This isn't a resort town. It's a real place where locals still outnumber tourists, and that's exactly what some RVers are looking for.

You've got several campgrounds and RV parks to choose from in the Mulberry area, and here's the interesting part: some of them won't cost you a dime. That's right -- most of your options here are free or donation-based, which tells you something about the camping culture in this part of Arkansas. The paid park offers full hookups and amenities if that's your style, but the free spots range from primitive Corps sites to Walmart-style overnight parking.

From a campsite near Mulberry, you're 15 minutes from Lake Fort Smith State Park's swimming beach and hiking trails. The Ozark National Forest sprawls to the north with hundreds of miles of backroads for exploring. Downtown Mulberry itself is one stoplight and a handful of local businesses, but you're only 20 minutes from Alma and 35 minutes from Fort Smith if you need bigger-city services. The Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 23) starts just east of here -- it's one of Arkansas's best motorcycle and RV routes, though you'll want to scout it in your tow vehicle first if you're pulling a big trailer.

The camping styles here split pretty cleanly. If you want full hookups, WiFi, and a pool, you've got one solid option. If you're comfortable boondocking or dry camping with basic facilities, the Corps of Engineers and informal spots give you lake access and forest views without the nightly rate. Snowbirds don't really flock here -- this is more weekend-warrior and summer-vacation territory. The elevation keeps things slightly cooler than the river valleys to the south, but we're still talking hot, humid Arkansas summers.

Best time to visit? April through October for weather, though September and October bring the clearest skies and lowest humidity. Summer weekends on the lake can get busy, but you'll rarely see the kind of crowds that hit northwest Arkansas tourist spots. Check our listings below for current rates, amenities, and RVer reviews to find your match.

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Mulberry, Arkansas, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Camping costs in Mulberry run the full spectrum. The one commercial RV park charges $30-40 per night for full hookups, which is pretty standard for rural Arkansas. Corps of Engineers primitive sites run $10-15 when there's a fee at all, and several spots are completely free. That means some of several options (a portion%) won't charge you anything, while a portion% operate as paid facilities.

Seasonal pricing isn't really a thing here since most spots maintain the same rates year-round. Summer weekends might see slightly higher rates at the commercial park, but we're talking $5-10 difference max. If you're a Good Sam or Passport America member, check whether the paid park honors those discounts -- many Arkansas campgrounds do.

Fuel costs are reasonable for this part of the country. Expect $3.20-3.60 per gallon for diesel at the truck stops (prices as of late 2024, obviously that fluctuates). Grocery costs at the Alma Walmart are standard Walmart pricing. If you're planning to eat out much, budget $12-18 per person for casual spots like Skip's BBQ, $25-35 if you drive into Fort Smith for something nicer.

Money-saving move: If you're just passing through on I-40, the free overnight options will save you $30-40 versus a commercial park. If you're staying a week to explore the area, the commercial park's hookups might be worth it for the convenience. Run your AC and use your amenities without worrying about your battery bank.