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Camden, Arkansas

Camden, Arkansas

Located on a bluff overlooking the Ouachita River, Camden is a city rich in Civil War history. The McCollum-Chidester House served as a Union headquarters when federal troops occupied the town during the Red River Campaign of 1864. Open for tours, the house still contains 1860s furnishings. About 10 miles to the northwest, the site of the Battle of Poison Springs is preserved by Poison Spring State Park, one of three state parks commemorating the campaign. Other Civil War sites in Camden include Fort Sutherland and Oakland Cemetery.

Artifacts related to two famous Camden products, Camark pottery and Grapette soft drinks, as well as Civil War and railroad relics, are exhibited at the Camden Visitors Center and Museum. Two major events held in the city are the spring Camden Daffodil Festival and autumn BPW Barn Sale.

Other area attractions include White Oak Lake State Park; the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources at Smackover, which recounts the story of South Arkansas's oil boom; and El Dorado's restored "oil boom" downtown.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

McCollum-Chidester House

Directions: Ark. 278, which leads into town, becomes Washington Street Built for Peter McCollum in 1847, this museum features some of the original furnishings which were brought up the Mississippi by steamboat from New Orleans in 1863

Camden, AR Historic Homes

Fort Southerland Park

Fort Southerland (also known as Fort Diamond) and Fort Lookout were both part of the formidable fortifications started by Confederate troops and improved by Federal soldiers during their 1864

Camden, AR Forts


Camden Driving & Garden Tours

Directions: Chamber Of Commerce Office Self-guided driving tour of homes; private garden tours;

Camden, AR Tours

Oakland Cemetery

The Confederate Section of this cemetery is the final resting place for more than 200 Confederate soldiers; over 150

Camden, AR Cemeteries

Things to do near Camden, AR

El Dorado Confederate Monument

Directions: Union County Courthouse Lawn Open stone monument, four pillars; general descripton on front; Confederate Soldier...

Millwood State Park

Directions: Nine miles east of Ashdown on Ark. 32 Camping, picnic sites; pavilion, self-guided walking trail, bicycle trail;...

Jenkins' Ferry Battlefield State Park

Directions: 13 miles south of Sheridan on the banks of the Saline River General Steele's Federal troops were desperately t...

Delta Rivers Nature Center

An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission facility, the center features exhibits that reveal the natural history of Arkansas's Del...

El Dorado Downtown

Directions: U.S. 167 to Main Street Exit. Three miles to downtown. Boutiques and shops on historic square; walking tour of...