EUREKA SPRINGS LODGING FIELD GUIDE
Meadow Campsite 17 (M17), Lake Leatherwood: A Spartan Camp Platform at the Water’s Edge
A primitive tent site operated by Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation, M17 offers raised tent platforms, picnic tables and fire rings with nearby restrooms and a bathhouse—vital facts for planning a low-impact overnight at Lake Leatherwood.
Meadow Campsite 17 (M17), Lake Leatherwood: A Spartan Camp Platform at the Water’s Edge.
Adventure brief
Meadow Campsite 17 (M17), Lake Leatherwood: A Spartan Camp Platform at the Water’s Edge
Meadow Campsite 17 (M17) sits within the Lake Leatherwood area and is offered as a primitive campsite by Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation. The site is built for tent camping on a raised platform and comes with a picnic table and a fire ring with grill for outdoor cooking; nearby accessible restroom facilities and a bathhouse serve campers while the site itself has no electrical, water, or waste hookups. Pets are allowed (domestic and on-leash), making the site a straightforward option for travelers who prioritize a simple overnight in nature.
Situated amidst the rolling hills and verdant forests of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Lake Leatherwood presents an inviting setting for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a straightforward yet rewarding camping experience. The Meadow Campsite 17 (M17), operated by Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation, offers a well-equipped primitive site that marries convenience with nature’s tranquility. Visitors will find raised tent platforms that keep gear out of moist ground, complemented by picnic tables and fire rings perfect for cooking and gathering around crackling campfires. Restroom facilities and a bathhouse nearby ensure comfort isn’t sacrificed amid wilderness pursuits, while pet-friendly policies make this a family-friendly, inclusive outdoor getaway. This site is particularly suitable for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the hassle of backcountry camping.
Lake Leatherwood, a 1,200-acre reclaimed surface mine, features crystal-clear water that attracts paddlers and fishermen alike. The surrounding landscape is dotted with towering hardwoods, wildflowers, and native wildlife that broaden the outdoor experience. The varied terrain supports a host of activities beyond camping, including kayaking, mountain biking, and quiet hiking along scenic trails. With its accessible amenities and peaceful environment, M17 stands out as a versatile destination for solo adventurers, family groups, and leash-loving pets.
Eureka Springs itself offers a rich blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure, with the campsite providing an ideal base. Whether you’re parking your camper for a weekend or pitching a tent for a quick overnight, M17 delivers straightforward access to the heart of Arkansas’s natural beauty, making it a top pick for outdoor lovers in the region.
Route Schematic
Campsite Layout & Nearby Stops
Key points around M17 focus on the campsite platform, the shared facilities, and the park’s parking area and shoreline amenities.
Meadow Campsite 17 Platform
The raised tent platform, picnic table, and fire ring with grill are the primary features at the campsite itself.
Bathhouse & Water Spigots
Bathhouse available for campers; water spigots are located by the bathhouse for potable water needs.
Accessible Restroom Facility
Nearby accessible restrooms serve the campsite; these are separate from the campsite since the site has no on-site water hookup.
Parking Area
Parking area contains additional water spigots and provides the primary vehicle access point for campers.
Sites are primitive and have no electrical, water, or waste hookups; water is available at spigots by the bathhouse and parking area. Pets must be domestic and on-leash. For stays longer than seven nights, contact the operator in advance and follow posted check-in (3:00 pm) and check-out (2:00 pm) rules.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Raised Tent Platform with Cooking Facilities
M17 is set up as a primitive campsite focused on tent camping: each site includes a raised tent platform, a picnic table and a fire ring with an integrated grill for cooking outdoors. There are no hookups at the site, so the platform and fire ring are the primary on-site comforts.
Shared Bathhouse and Restroom Access
Campers at M17 use nearby accessible restroom facilities and a bathhouse; water spigots are available by the bathhouse and the parking area rather than at the campsite itself.
Pet Policy and Stay Limits
Pets are welcome (domestic and on-leash) at M17. For stays longer than seven nights, the operator asks that you call ahead; the site’s administrative rules also include check-in and check-out times which apply to all bookings.
What the day feels like
What Spending a Night at M17 Feels Like
The experience at Meadow Campsite 17 is intentionally simple: you arrive, set a tent on a raised platform, use the picnic table for meals and the fire ring with grill for cooking, and rely on a nearby bathhouse and restroom facilities for water and sanitation. With no electrical, water, or waste hookups at the site, the stay is oriented toward self-sufficient, low‑footprint camping at Lake Leatherwood.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this site suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack your own water and power solutions: the campsite has no electrical, water, or waste hookups. Water spigots are available by the bathhouse and parking area; the site itself has a raised tent platform, picnic table and a fire ring with grill for cooking.
Check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out is at 2:00 pm. For any stay longer than seven nights, you must call the operator in advance to arrange the reservation.
The site is primitive but supported by nearby accessible restrooms and a bathhouse; water spigots are located by the bathhouse and parking area. There are no hookups at individual sites.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are pets allowed at Meadow Campsite 17?
Yes. Pets are allowed but must be domestic and kept on-leash.
Are there electrical, water, or sewer hookups at the site?
No. There are no electrical, water, or waste hookups at the campsite.
Is there potable water at the campsite?
There is no water at the site itself, but water spigots are available by the bathhouse and the parking area.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out is at 2:00 pm.
Can I stay longer than seven nights?
The operator requests that you call for any stays longer than seven nights; contact the park for arrangements.
Is there a military discount?
Yes. A military discount is offered—enter code 002 when booking and be prepared to show proof of service at check-in; failure to provide proof will result in the discount being removed.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:57:14.763Z
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Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.