Sam's Throne Recreation Area

Big rigs beware if you are coming from the north. The road leading to Sam's Throne is not really suitable for any thing over 30 feet. There are a hand full of narrow switch backs and a pretty steep incline. The campground itself doesn't have much room for rigs bigger then 30 feet anyway.

If you are able to get up here, it is worth the trip. The sites themselves aren't much to look at but with just a short hike (less than an 1/4 mile), the views are really incredible This place seems to be popular with rock climbers and wilderness seekers alike.

Most sites are meant for tents but there are few that can handle smaller RV's. There are vault toilets located in the camping area.

We wanted to stay so much longer at this quiet location but had to hit the road again. We will be back!

Loved this place! Easy access on a motorcycle and great areas for primitive camping. There’s a parking lot that can accommodate any size vehicle. Also at least 2-3 bathrooms present. Sam’s Throne is known for being a destination for mountain climbers and you’ll see why... the views are stunning. I will definitely stay here again on my next motorcycle camping trip!

First of all- good luck getting up here in anything large...the roads are steep and twisty for miles as you scale the side of the mountain. However, the views at the top are worth it. Just a short walk from our site we reached a cliff where you could see the patchwork fields of the farms below for miles.
Sites were simple, firepits and vault toilets. Great spot to do some hiking.

Numerous campgrounds even a couple of hidden ones right before the main entrance.
Verizon cell coverage is crap. You have to be on a cliff to even get one good bar.
Lots of trails and rock climbing.
Nearest town is 30 min north, nothing... I mean nothing to the south.
Beautiful for motorcycle riding though.
All in all a good place to camp for a night or for a week.
Bathrooms were clean and stocked.
No other amenities.

Primitive camping off a scenic byway. About 20 sites, 2 vault toilets, no water, no trash cans but very little trash in the sites. Great views from the hiking trail. We were the only ones there mid-week in April.

This place was a gem! It's worth the drive for the hiking alone.

However, this place is not big rig friendly. Although we managed to get our 31 foot Class-C in a spot. Here's why it's not really suited for big rigs but it can work.

First going to this location is best when coming from the south on 123, not the north. 123 is a highway and is paved. The south was fine, with some curvy roads but nothing too crazy. Our RV with the Jeep in tow were fine. However, we took our Jeep to the north and I won't say it's impassable but it would be tough in anything large. Numerous switchbacks and steep inclines, take a glance at the map and you will see what I'm talking about.

Once you arrive there is a large parking area that can accommodate any size rig (you could park there if nothing else worked). There is a spot to the right when you pull in, near the entrance. This one has some low hanging branches, could be tough for a larger rig.

There are several spots down the gravel road, this is a mile or less. However, there are hills/bumps in the road that would high side those with longer wheel bases. Some of the spots down are large enough but getting to them could be a challenge in larger rigs/longer wheel bases.

We ended up parking our 31 foot Class-C in the first spot right after the sign (no OHV's) and the vault toilets. We were able to get over that small hump with no issue. However, the spot was tight for our Class-C. We managed to get in but it took some maneuvering. This was really the only spot that worked for us as we didn't want to high side the rig.

But it was a wonderful spot to park it for a week as there was a trail down to the cliffside right behind our campsite. The views are breathtaking. There is a trail along the top of the ridge/cliff that goes both directions. And also a trail that goes along the bottom of the bluffs/cliff, going both directions. From our campsite we could hike down and connect into the main trail. There is so much to explore here and it was very quiet during our stay. We were the only ones here for the most part, except for a few campers and hikers over the weekend.

And if you are rock climber, this is your paradise. Despite the tight fit with the trees we would come back to stay again. It was worth the drive for the amazing views and hiking.

Personally I would not recommend Class-A's, 5th wheels or anything over 31 foot. Unless you are fine with parking in the parking lot. Tents and vans no problem.

Vault toilets, and plenty of hiking.
No trash or water. However, there is a water spigot about 12 miles south on 7 at Fairview Recreation Area. (Used to be a campground, they closed it to camping. Now it's a trailhead access). It has a water spigot with good, clean, and cold water.

10 minutes up the road north on 123 is a place called Kent's general store with some basic supplies. We met the new owner and he said they are working to provide more here for those staying at Sam's Throne.

We also had cell service here with AT&T.

This is a beautiful area, well-known to rock climbers and hikers. Several back in sites and spots to pull off of the side of the drive and camp. However, depending on the size and ground clearance of your rig, it might be hard to get into the main area. There are several large humps in the road for, water diversion I suspect, but my 30 foot camper dragged on the second one, so I backed out and parked in the upper parking area.

Sites are spread out giving privacy. Most sites are tent sites and we were able to back our 19’ pull behind into several as well. Amazing hiking with some of the best views in Arkansas! Has two bathrooms and no water/electric. Bring TP.

Multiple sites, some you can drive into and others you can park and walk to tent camp on. No paved spots but some gravel areas and the dirt areas seemed to have a hard bottom. All spots were fairly close together, all appeared to have fire pits. Very quiet, no other campers while we were there. Two sets of bathrooms, no hookups. The drive up to the mountain had some pretty steep roads and sharp turns so big rigs beware. There are three different trails at the back of the park, all a five minute walk to beautiful views overlooking the mountain. Fire pit on one of the mountain overlooks. Would definitely recommend and will be back!!