Are you ready for a perfect day in Camden, AR? We’ve put together a full and fun itinerary for you. It starts with breakfast and ends with shopping at a night market.
Keep reading to learn more about Camden and get a play-by-play for your day. We also recommend two unique places to stay.
About Camden, AR
Camden, Arkansas, sits on the Ouachita River, about 100 miles south of Little Rock. It has a small city with a population of about 12,000 people. In World War II, Camden hosted three contract training fields for pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces. This led to a transformation into an industrial area after it closed post-war.
You can visit Camden year-round. It has hot summers and cool winters, so the climate has something for everyone. Spring and fall are typically the best times of year to visit for mild temperatures and less chance of extreme weather.
Traveler’s Tip: Arkansas has a more layers to it than you might expect, like the fresh and vibrant Arkansas Wine Country Trail.
Morning
Start your day with breakfast and a walk in a park.
Enjoy Breakfast at Cardinal Cafe
Address: 2735 Cash Rd SW, Camden, AR 71701
Menu options: Cardinal Cafe serves breakfast all day. Try their must-have pancakes and waffles. And their omelets come with a delicious choice of grits or hashbrowns. Additionally, they have many side options, from meat to oatmeal.
Why You Should Go: Cardinal Cafe has a great southern atmosphere. The minute you smell their food, you may feel right at home. And just to mention their pancakes and waffles once more, they’re worth it.
Take a Walk Around Poison Springs Battleground State Park
Address: 665 Hwy 76, Chidester, AR 71726
Why You Should Go: You can walk off your breakfast and stretch your legs at Poison Springs Battleground State Park. Three Civil War battles took place in south-central Arkansas. The state park protects the land where an attack began near Poison Springs. You’ll find outdoor interpretive exhibits and picnic areas.
Afternoon
For your afternoon in Camden, AR, grab lunch at a local eatery and then take a historical tour.
Grab Lunch at Woods Place
Address: 1173 W Washington St, Camden, AR 71701
Menu Options: We highly recommend the catfish at Woods Place. They offer catfish fillets or steaks. You can also order other seafood, burgers, and chicken. And for dessert, they have homemade pies.
Why You Should Go: The restaurant started in 1984 when the owner purchased Kreg’s Catfish, which he changed to Woods Place. This restaurant has award-winning cuisine. They’ve been named the “Best Catfish” and “Best Plate Lunches” in the Arkansas Times.
Tour the McCollum-Chidester House
Address: 926 W Washington St, Camden, AR 71701
Why You Should Go: After lunch at Woods Place, head to the McCollum-Chidester House. It’s a historical home built in 1847 for Peter McCollum. When you tour the house, you’ll get to see original furnishings from his home. Additionally, two Confederate Generals occupied the home. You can see bullet holes and cannon-fire damage still on the house.
Evening
It’s time to wind down your day. Begin with a relaxing dinner and then do some shopping at a night market.
Enjoy Dinner at Postmasters Grill
Address: 133 W Washington St, Camden, AR 71701
Menu Options: You’ll find culinary delights on Postmasters Grill’s menu. The chef prepares seafood and meat entrees and delicate salads. The menu changes regularly, so you’ll just have to go to see what’s cooking.
Why You Should Go: Postmasters Grill is located in the Old Camden Post Office, built in the late 1800s. You’ll be in awe of the historical building transformed on the inside into a restaurant. The grill’s cuisine is top-notch, and you’ll walk away full and satisfied.
Shop Local at the First Friday Market
Why You Should Go: The night market in Camden, AR, is a community collective. It takes place on the first Friday of the month. You’ll find artisan goods and homemade delights. The market is the perfect way to end your day in Camden and catch some of the local spirit and goodwill.
Where to Stay
If you are staying overnight in Camden, AR, here are two unique options that you can book on Airbnb.
Henry Berg Guest House
Amenities: Henry Berg Guest House has two bedrooms with a double bed in each and two bathrooms. You also have access to a kitchen, living room, Wi-Fi, laundry, and more.
Why You’ll Love Staying Here: The two-story Victorian house is a 1909 historic home. The home belonged to Henry and Rose Berg, one of the most prominent couples in the town involved in banking, oil, and other ventures.
Cute Cottage Airbnb
Amenities: The one bedroom, one bathroom cottage has a fireplace to add to its coziness. It also has a kitchen, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, you can bring pets in this rental.
Why You’ll Love Staying Here: The cute cottage is well decorated and has a comfortable feel. It’s nearby everything Camden offers, including all the stops on our itinerary.
A Day in Camden, AR
Camden, AR, is a wonderful place to explore. It has a quaint hometown feel and lots of history to explore. We hope you get the opportunity to check everything off our itinerary. And if you stay an extra day, take a day trip down to Little Rock to explore the state’s capital city.
Be sure to tag us in photos of your time in Camden. We would love to hear about your experience.
