EUREKA SPRINGS LODGING FIELD GUIDE
Camp Beside the Big Cats: RV Spot #1 at Turpentine Creek
A full-hookup RV site located adjacent to a tiger habitat with access to the refuge’s tours and Discovery Area—this guide explains the logistics, rules, and what to expect during a stay.
Camp Beside the Big Cats: RV Spot #1 at Turpentine Creek.
Adventure brief
Camp Beside the Big Cats: RV Spot #1 at Turpentine Creek
RV Spot #1 at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge puts you literally next to a tiger habitat: spacious 30'x45' sites equipped with 20-, 30- and 50-amp hookups, water, sewer and Wi‑Fi, plus a small fire pit and picnic table. Registered guests pay a one-time discounted entry fee that grants unlimited tours and Discovery Area access during business hours, and the campground is pet-friendly with a modest non-refundable animal fee. The site’s combination of convenience and proximity to wildlife frames a stay that is part campground, part wildlife encounter.
Located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas near Eureka Springs, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge offers a distinctive option for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive outdoor lodging experience. RV Spot #1 is unique—positioned right beside a tiger habitat, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to camp steps away from some of the refuge’s most captivating big cats.
This site is engineered for convenience and nature connection alike. Measuring 30 by 45 feet, each RV spot comes equipped with 20, 30, and 50 Amp power outlets, along with water hookups and reliable Wi-Fi. Guests can settle in comfortably with these modern amenities while soaking in the ambiance of one of the country’s largest big cat sanctuaries. The nearby fire pit and picnic table invite evening gatherings under Arkansas’s expansive starlit sky.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge itself is home to rescued lions, tigers, cougars, and other exotic species, offering unlimited tours during your stay. Guided walking tours and self-discovery areas educate visitors on big cat conservation efforts and the challenges these animals face. This refuge stands out in the region as both a sanctuary and a center for education, balancing recreation with advocacy.
The refuge’s location near Eureka Springs adds cultural depth to your visit—this Ozark town is renowned for its historic Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene. While onsite, guests enjoy a pet-friendly environment, inviting travelers to bring their four-legged companions.
Camping here isn’t just about overnight stays; it’s an intimate encounter with wildlife and the natural environment that surrounds it. Whether you’re gathered around the fire pit or on a day tour, the refuge’s dedication to animal welfare and visitor engagement crafts a truly memorable outdoor experience that blends thrill with purpose.
Route Schematic
Site & On‑Refuge Route Schematic
Key on-site stops and refuge access points you’ll use during a stay at RV Spot #1.
Check‑in & Arrival
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM; if you arrive early you may tour the refuge at no extra charge while you wait. The refuge will email arrival and after‑hours check-in procedures before your stay.
RV/Tent Site #1 (Tiger Habitat)
The individual 30'x45' site includes 20/30/50 amp outlets, water, electric and sewer hookups, Wi‑Fi, a picnic table and a small fire pit; sites permit up to eight people or one tent per site.
Campground Restrooms & Pavilion
Campground restrooms sit just across from the RV/Tent sites; grills are provided at the Pavilion and at the site firepit, and firewood is sold on site for $5 per bundle.
Refuge Entrance, Discovery Area & Tour Loop
Registered guests pay a one‑time discounted entry fee for unlimited tours and Discovery Area access during business hours; daily tour times are posted by the refuge (9 am–4 pm, 9 am–3 pm mid‑November through March).
RVs must be self-contained in winter because campground restrooms are closed Nov 10–Mar 10; the refuge may close or delay tours for severe weather, and burn bans may prohibit use of site fire pits.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Camp beside a tiger habitat
RV/Tent Site #1 sits right next to a Tiger Habitat, giving campers a rare sense of proximity to these animals while remaining within the refuge’s managed environment.
Full hookups and campsite comforts
Each 30'x45' site includes 20-, 30- and 50-amp power, water, sewer hookups, Wi‑Fi, a picnic table and a small fire pit—everything required for a comfortable RV stay.
Unlimited tours and Discovery Area access
All registered guests pay a one-time discounted entry fee that provides unlimited tours and Discovery Area access during business hours, with daily tour times posted by the refuge.
What the day feels like
What the stay feels like
Arrive, park within your allocated 30'x45' site, plug into the provided hookups and settle around your fire pit as the refuge hums with the nearby presence of big cats. During daylight hours you can join tours of the refuge and move through the Discovery Area; at night the campground’s quiet hours and the close-in habitat give the place a contained, purposeful stillness.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who will get the most from this spot—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
If staying in winter bring a self-contained RV as campground restrooms close Nov 10–Mar 10; if you plan to burn, check for county burn bans first. Dog waste bag dispensers are available, and firewood is sold on site for $5 per bundle to avoid transporting infested wood.
Rates start at $50 per night per site for up to eight people; payment is required when booking and all registered guests pay a one-time discounted entry fee for tours unless they are refuge members.
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and checkout no later than 11:00 AM; the refuge will email check-in procedures and after-hours instructions before arrival.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are tours included with an RV reservation?
Registered guests pay a one-time discounted entry fee to receive unlimited tours and Discovery Area access during their stay; members are exempt from that fee.
What are the daily tour times?
Daily tour times are 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, and from mid-November through March tours run 9:00 AM–3:00 PM.
What are the check-in and checkout times?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and checkout is no later than 11:00 AM; arrival instructions and after-hours procedures are sent by email before your stay.
What is the pet policy?
The RV Spots are pet-friendly with a non-refundable fee of $15 per non-service animal; non-service animals are not allowed in the Self-Discovery Area or on the tour loop, and dog waste bag dispensers are provided throughout the campground.
Are restrooms available in winter?
Campground restrooms close for the winter on November 10 and re-open on March 10; during winter RVs must be self-contained as there is no water or public restrooms available on site.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation at least 14 days prior to arrival receives a full reimbursement; cancellations 2–13 days prior incur a $50 cancellation fee; cancellations within 48 hours are charged one night and the difference refunded. Canceling at least 24 hours before arrival also allows the option of a full-value lodging gift certificate instead of a refund.
How long can guests stay in an RV spot?
Guests may not stay for more than seven consecutive days at a time in one of the RV spots.
Can I bring my own firewood?
Bringing firewood from different locations is discouraged because of invasive pests; the refuge sells firewood on site for $5 per bundle and burn bans may prohibit burning altogether.
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: 2026-08-16T07:08:06.448Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.