Campers enjoying 140-year-old Clark County campground despite the heat

CLARK COUNTY, Ark. – Even though the heat is on, campers spending their time at a long-time favorite in Clark County are still enjoying it.

Nestled outside of Hollywood in Clark County sits Davidson campground and driving in you hear a symphony of kids’ laughs and good old-fashioned fun at the annual Campmeeting they’ve been braving the heat for 140 years.

Linda Clark and her family have been camping there since at least 1962, in the same cabin they’re staying in this week.

“Sit in front of a fan with my ice water, that is it,” Clark said.

Most of the rustic cabins have been in the families for decades and lack the one thing many are used to: air conditioning.

Over time people have brought campers and put AC in their cabins, but some tough it out, like the old days. They sleep in without air conditioning, just a box fan at their feet.

“In the past, I brought a four-burner gas stove and really cooked. I don’t do that anymore, I just bring a refrigerator, electric skillets, crockpots,” Clark said.

Campmeeting is a revival and at the tabernacle they have church twice a day.

During the day the kids play. They have water balloon fights, they ride their bikes, scooters and play volleyball.

Christian Hooks said they’re finding inventive ways to beat the heat.

“We stick our hats in the freezer, and when we ride our bikes the hats keep us cool,” Hooks said.

It’s essentially a tech-free place with little to no cell service.

People of all ages participate in the tradition, even bringing people in from out of state.

Clark said they know roasting in the summer heat isn’t exactly typical.

“I think you have to have kind of been raised here, now a lot of people though marry someone that has camped here all their life, and fall right into it, and some don’t,” Clark said. “But I love it, I don’t want to miss it.”

The campground is a place bringing together family and friends with a bright and hot 140 years in the future ahead of it. “It’s hot and we love it, and everybody got to come out and visit or try it,” Clark said.

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