A friend of mine and I are looking to dust off some of our camping gear and head back into the wilderness. We'd love to get some camping in with some snow late winter or early spring, and would prefer a location within driving distance of Houston. We are currently considering Arkansas.

Has anyone been camping in Arkansas and have some recommendations on locations? Does anyone have any other area recommendations not in Arkansas?

Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Oh, what exactly do you consider driving distance from Houston?

SanAntoneAg said:

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Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Oh, what exactly do you consider driving distance from Houston?

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Good question... Within 8 hours...? 10 tops...

Car camping or backpacking

In Arkansas: look at Petit Jean State Park, Buffalo National River, Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. Snow isn't that likely unless you time your trip to coincide with a weather event. It snows, but it doesn't last long. Snowed yesterday here in Norfork, AR but it is supposed to be 50 degrees tomorrow.

If you are wanting snow, Cimarron State Park or the Cloudctoft area of New Mexico is probably the closest place you can camp with snow on the ground most days.

Arkansas has some under rated scenery. My in-laws moved to Mena, lots of beautiful areas around there and about 8 hr drive from Houston.

Palo Duro Canyon, Guadalupe Peak, Big Bend, Caprock Canyons, Guadalupe River, Garner State Park, Padre Island

guaranteed or even high likelihood of snow within 8 hours of Houston...I don't think that is a thing. Would need to chase a storm in NW Arkansas or west Texas. Hell, even the mountains in NE New Mexico aren't a sure thing. I've done two winter Philmont trips on dry ground. Might be something around Ruidoso you could try but I'm not familiar with that area.

It snows quite a bit, but Cloudcroft is 1000ft higher elevation. It snowed 2 days over spring break last year. The ski area is way up there and has snow making capabilities so if you just want to see "snow" Ruidoso would work while allowing a milder climate down around town or Alto for camping.

If you have kayaks or a jon boat as well, highly recommend Lake Ouachita near hot springs.

If you can get to any island on the lake you can camp on it.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations so far. To answer the question on car camping or backpacking, either/both. We're equipped for both situations.

Lindsey Resort outside if Heber Springs, Ark. Sits on the Little Red River.

Great trout fishing at the Resort. Guides and boat rentals available. Or sit on the landing and catch the trout released from the hatchery just up river. Plenty to do in that area.

If you are going to Arkansas, drive a little further to the Buffalo national river - lots of good campgrounds along the river and access to multiple trails. Steel Creek on the upper river is among my favorites. You can add canoe float to your trip as well. Outfitters up and down the river. Arkansas is the closest state with a tremendous amount of public land with Ozark and Ouachita national forests.

Really cant go wrong from Hot Springs north if you want mountains.

Lost Maples State Natural Area, some really cool primitive camping sites.