How much does camping cost at Tar Camp?

Camping fees at Tar Camp range from $26-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tar Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Tar Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tar Camp before I book?

Yes! Tar Camp has 18 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tar Camp?

Tar Camp is open March 1st - October 31st.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tar Camp?

Yes, Tar Camp has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Tar Camp?

Fire policies at Tar Camp: Campfires allowed in designated rings. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive species.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Tar Camp have?

Tar Camp has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tar Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tar Camp. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tar Camp?

Tar Camp offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tar Camp?

Popular activities at Tar Camp include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tar Camp

4.29

385 reviews

PO BOX 7835

Fishing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$26 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to Oc...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$26 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to Oc...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Tar Camp

$26.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $26 for standard electric sites to $75 for group shelter sites. Additional charges like taxes and reservation fees may apply.

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

877-444-6777

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 385 reviews

218 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspaciouslocationsites

"Tar Camp receives mixed reviews, with visitors praising its scenic location and fishing opportunities but criticizing inconsistent maintenance and cleanliness. For example, one user stated, 'Beautiful place! Camped here with my parents! Fishing is awesome!' while another noted, 'Dump station water did not work, so no way to rinse anything.'"

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO BOX 7835

Tar Camp

PO BOX 7835

Nearby places

Little Rock (approximately 25 miles, ~30-min drive)

Pine Bluff (approximately 20 miles, ~25-min drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Pine Bluff (~25 minutes away). Walmart is approximately 36 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Tar Camp

Fall brings mid-60s to low-70s days and 40s-50s nights with lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes. September through October is best for fishing and boating, when cooler water and calm winds make mornings on the river comfortable. Summer pushes into the upper 90s. Spring and fall offer subtle color change in the hardwoods and more active wildlife. Bring mosquito repellent if you camp near the water in warmer months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as one of the most enjoyable seasons with milder weather and lower humidity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 1st - October 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 1st to October 31st. Reservations available starting June 20th.
Current Alerts: No current alerts.

About Tar Camp

Tar Camp sits along the Arkansas River near Pool 5 Lock and Dam, offering 50 spacious sites with paved pads and electric hookups. The campground blends riverfront access with forested shade, drawing anglers and families who want a quiet basecamp for fishing and boating. Sites run $26-$75 per night. Maintenance can be inconsistent, but the location and site quality make it worth considering.

Tar Camp offers a variety of camping options, including standard electric sites for individual campers and two large group shelters for day use. Sites are primarily designed for RVs and tent campers, with electric and water hookups available at most locations.

Historical Significance

Pine Bluff is a short drive away, home to the Arkansas Railroad Museum and the Martha Mitchell Home. Little Rock sits close enough for day trips to the River Market District and other capital city attractions.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings mid-60s to low-70s days and 40s-50s nights with lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes. September through October is best for fishing and boating, when cooler water and calm winds make mornings on the river comfortable. Summer pushes into the upper 90s. Spring and fall offer subtle color change in the hardwoods and more active wildlife. Bring mosquito repellent if you camp near the water in warmer months.

ElevationPerched at a gentle 193 feet above sea level, Tar Camp Park enjoys the perfect elevation for comfortable camping throughout the year. This modest height above the Gulf creates an ideal climate zone where winters remain pleasantly mild—perfect for those chilly morning fishing expeditions—while summers bring that signature Southern warmth that makes river activities so refreshing. The low elevation ensures easy river access and contributes to the lush, verdant landscape that makes this park such a visual delight.

Natural Features and SceneryDense bottomland hardwoods separate the river from surrounding cotton fields, creating a transition zone at 193 feet elevation where forest meets farmland. The Arkansas River carries a steady parade of barges, and flooding over the centuries has left fertile soil that supports towering trees over the campsites. Red foxes, waterfowl, turtles, and snakes are common near the water. The forest provides solid shade but limited undergrowth between sites, so you'll see neighbors through the tree trunks.

Geological RegionTar Camp Park occupies a spectacular stretch of Arkansas River bottomland where dense forests create a natural buffer between the waterway and the surrounding agricultural landscape. At 193 feet above sea level, this riverfront paradise sits in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, where centuries of flooding have created incredibly fertile soil that supports both the towering hardwoods shading your campsite and the expansive cotton fields that roll away from the river. This unique geological setting, where forest meets farm and river, creates diverse habitats that support an impressive array of wildlife and offer campers a true taste of Arkansas's natural diversity.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out by 9:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights per stay
cannot exceed 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in loops (A-loop, D-loop, etc.) with level asphalt pads and covered picnic areas. There's ample room per site, but undergrowth is sparse, so visual privacy is limited.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the app. Phone assistance available.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping outside the reservation season is handled via first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations cost $10. Cancellations also incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee if made late (after midnight 1 day before arrival).

AccessibilityThe campground includes concrete pads around picnic tables for enhanced accessibility. One user commented positively on handicapped-accessible sites, saying, 'The handicap-accessible sites are fully concrete around the tables, which was very nice.' However, some noted the distance to restrooms as a drawback for those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and level, featuring paved pads and covered picnic tables. One reviewer stated, 'Sites have more than enough room,' while another added, 'Spacious, quiet, and clean.

PrivacyPrivacy varies as there is limited undergrowth between sites. According to one user, 'There is ample space between sites but no undergrowth to provide privacy.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesD-loop sites are noted for level pads and river views. Sites near playgrounds may be better for families, while quieter sites are available mid-week.

Need help booking Tar Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Tar Camp include fishing, boating, rock climbing, and picnicking. The Arkansas River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with anglers regularly catching catfish, bass, crappie, and bream. A double boat launch facilitates boating activities. Onshore, families can enjoy a playground, a basketball court, and group picnic shelters. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of red foxes and waterfowl being common. However, some activities, like hiking trails, are notably absent or have not been rebuilt after past disruptions.

Climbing

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cucklebur plants causing discomfort to pets and humans, mosquitoes, snakes, and occasional flooding.

Active AlertsNo current alerts.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated rings. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive species.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not specified.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff (~20 miles). Police assistance available in Pine Bluff.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal seems to be problematic, with several reviewers reporting a lack of accessible dumpsters or overflowing bins. One remarked, 'There were no dumpsters in our area,' while another noted, 'The dumpsters were full to capacity the whole week we were there.'

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Arkansas River offering fishing and boating opportunities. Double boat launch available.

Camp HostNo permanent camp hosts; occasionally staffed by park rangers with limited presence.

Weather at Tar Camp

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

385 reviews

Satisfactory

Tar Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Tar Camp receives mixed reviews, with visitors praising its scenic location and fishing opportunities but criticizing inconsistent maintenance and cleanliness. For example, one user stated, 'Beautiful place! Camped here with my parents! Fishing is awesome!' while another noted, 'Dump station water did not work, so no way to rinse anything.'

Review Summaries

Based on 385 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the scenic riverfront location, spacious and level campsites, fishing opportunities, and well-designed picnic shelters. Users also appreciated the peaceful atmosphere...

Based on 385 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include poorly maintained restrooms, lack of trash disposal facilities, uncut grass, and non-functional amenities like the dump station. Some reviewers also mentioned the absence of...

Based on 385 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users recommend choosing riverfront sites for the best views. One suggested, 'Be sure to satellite view the place you think you want, as we were RIGHT next to another family.' Another advised...

Based on 385 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall appear to be the most enjoyable seasons, with milder weather and lower humidity. Summer visits are frequently described as hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s....

Based on 385 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It's pristine and quiet rest on the Arkansas River. Visit soon!' - Teriann Shrum 2. 'Watching the fish jump, and the ducks and cranes fly was very relaxing.' - S P 3. 'Bathrooms need lots of...

Based on 385 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. D-13: 'The campsites are nice with shelters over the picnic tables, nice views of the river, and level, paved pads.' 2. A-23: 'The campgrounds were nice, but there was nowhere to put your trash,...

Based on 385 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive feedback on accessible features includes, 'The handicap-accessible sites are fully concrete around the tables, which was very nice.' However, some users noted that restrooms are too far from...

Based on 385 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users have noted challenges such as limited trash disposal for pet waste. One reviewer mentioned, 'There really should be easier access to large trash cans...especially annoying...

Based on 385 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Tar Camp? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated April 3, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Need help planning your trip?

Ask Camp Sage for personalized camping recommendations

Campgrounds

Arkansas River - Pool 5

Tar Camp