A Trip to the Ouachitas Means Unique Overnight Stays

Trisha Moore

Aug 12

3 min read

In March of 2026, we ran down to the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas for some off-roading, camping, and exploring. Here are all the places we stayed overnight.

CAMPING AT PETIT JEAN STATE PARK

The first night in the Ouachitas we stayed at a campground in Petit Jean State Park and got set up right before dark. It's a huge campground, but didn't really feel that way. We were careful in choosing a site sort of away from others, but we were still able to walk to the facilities. We didn't stick around long as that wasn't part of our plan this time.

DISPERSED CAMPING

So in the morning we jeeped around and later found ourselves an incredible dispersed campsite for the evening! This was on the Winona Scenice Drive route.

Pictures don't do this justice at all! It was high up and had a beautiful view. We were all alone and it was so quiet and peaceful.

Our bathroom setup! Everything is from Amazon and can be found HERE.

#Amazonaffiliate

Watch our Camping video on YouTube

LAKE SYLVIA CAMPER CABIN

A step up from camping-- with air conditioning! When severe weather decided to pop our way, we rented one of these instead of continuing to camp.

These simple camper cabins sit right near Lake Sylvia, surrounded by the trees and trails of the Ouachita Mountains. What we loved most about this stay was the location. You can spend the day exploring the forest, hiking nearby trails, checking out waterfalls, or just enjoying the lake, then come back to a quiet little cabin in the woods.

It’s not a fancy resort—and that’s part of the appeal. The cabins give you a comfortable home base while still letting you feel like you’re camping and experiencing the outdoors. For us, it was exactly the kind of getaway we love: quiet, simple, surrounded by nature, and close to plenty of adventure.

We apparently didn't take photos and only videos of the inside, so here's some important info to know:

You have to bring your own bedding and shower towels and washcloths
You will be walking all of your supplies into your cabin because you can't park near it. (there is a wagon provided)
There is air conditioning
There is a mini-fridge, microwave, sink
bathroom with shower and toilet (they include toilet paper)
table and 2 chairs
full bed
fan above bed
broom and trash cans
outside grill and picnic table
NO coffee maker

If you’re planning a Ouachita National Forest adventure, Lake Sylvia makes a great base for exploring the area!

Watch our Lake Sylvia Camper Cabins YouTube Video

MUSIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT - COVERED WAGON II

What could be more fun than spending the night in a covered wagon?

During one of our Arkansas adventures, we stayed at Music Mountain Retreat in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the accommodations themselves became part of the experience. This was on a campground with a few cabins, RV spots, and recreation available.

This wasn’t your typical overnight stay. From the setting to the covered wagon experience, it was one of those places that made the trip feel a little more memorable. This cabin was set up well with just what we needed-- a refrigerator/freezer combo, microwave, and coffee maker. We weren't staying more than a night this time, so not having a full kitchen wasn't a priority.

The bed was comfortable, there was a smart tv, a full bathroom (with a shower, sink, and toilet), and a table and chairs.

One thing that was sort of funny was that your shadow appeared on the canvas! And because it was only canvas, it's not super quiet in there. We really didn't have any trouble sleeping though and would recommend this one as well as come back to stay!

Watch our Music Mountain Retreat YouTube video

MENA MOUNTAINTOP CABINS

Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains near Mena, Arkansas, Mena Mountaintop Cabins gave us exactly the kind of getaway we love.

The cabins feel tucked away in the mountains while still being close enough to town to make exploring the area easy.

The bed was great and the view even better. Watching the sunset from up on a mountain was such a bonus. There was a screened in porch in the back and a grill in the front. The kitchen consisted of a small refrigerator, small cooktop, sink, microwave,and toaster oven.