Tar Camp

j\We camped here in mid-April which meant no on site personnel, but our reserved campsite was easy to find. The lawn mowing guy was on duty and making the entire area look immaculate. It looked like an English manor ground, very formal park-like.
Pro: beautiful area on the banks of the Arkansas River. Price: cheap to begin with and my National Park senior pass cut the already low cost by 50%.
Con: Water and Electric only and the dump station water was turned off, so unable to wash out black tank or drain hose. I don't know if it is a regular occurrence but a tug pushing 15-20 barges stopped directly across from the campground at 9:00 a.m. and was still there, diesel engine running the entire time, when we left the next morning. That completely destroyed the beautiful solitude and quiet of the place. It wasn't the park's fault but it was totally discombobulating all the same.

Easy to book, no problems

Although the temps were in the 80s, there was a good wind off the river that kept it so comfortable. E tent camp and we’re so relaxed. I slept like a baby! Truly enjoyed the campsite area!

Sites were level and faced the river. Well maintained.

Spacious, quite & clean. Watching the tugboats go by was relaxing. My only wish would be to have more than one bathhouse (which is far away from the campsites) and I wish they would add back a hiking trail. I miss the old nature trail. We recommend it and will be back.

Na

Park was in need of TLC. There was not a gate attendant as non had bided for the job and the park was not well maintained. It is well suited for bank fishing.

Had great time. Workers came and emptied trash in middle of day. Great park and will probably use it again for family reunion next spring.

Would stay again, but the clean out station needed help very dirty no running water sewage on the ground

Our first few times at Tar Camp were great. We loved it. But the last couple times we have been it doesn’t seem to be as well maintained. There’s trash at the sites, burn pits and grills aren’t being emptied, and bathrooms aren’t very well maintained. Also we were initially told by a park ranger that we could have a small pool out there and then the last time we were out there a ranger came and told us we could not have a pool of any kind. We noticed others that had pools out there had also emptied and deflated theirs. Being that we can’t swim out there (nor would I want to) a small pool is nice to have for our 6 year old since we like to spend the day fishing and it gives her something to do and a way to stay cool. Needless to say we will not be returning to Tar Camp.