Trout fishing and river access draw anglers to John F Kennedy Campground, where the Little Red River flows directly past campsites in this Army Corps of Engineers facility. The campground divides into four sections, with loops A, B, and C positioned closest to the river offering better water views. Section D sits about 100 yards back through trees, providing river glimpses during winter months when leaves have dropped.
The 86 sites accommodate RVs up to 80 feet, with 73 offering electric hookups and 13 providing both electric and water connections. No sewer hookups are available, but a dump station operates at the entrance. Shana D. notes "the bathrooms are older, but they were clean," and daily maintenance keeps facilities in good condition. Sites near the entrance across from the fish hatchery tend to be quieter than those toward the back of the campground.
Direct river access allows campers to fish for trout right from their sites, though water levels fluctuate significantly when the upstream dam releases water. A warning horn sounds before releases, as water can rise up to five feet quickly. The on-site fish hatchery, established in 1965, stocks rainbow trout in the cold tailwaters and offers free self-guided tours. A fishing pier and boat ramp serve both campers and day-use visitors, creating busy conditions during peak hours.
The Collins Creek Trail starts from the campground without requiring a drive to a separate trailhead. Shana D. explains campers can access it by taking "the trail that starts where the bridge crosses from Section C to D." Winter and spring provide the best water flow over the creek's cascades, while summer conditions can be quite dry.
Reservations are recommended for weekends and high season, with sites available year-round. For additional options, consider Dam Site just upstream from the campground.
Description
Overview
John F. Kennedy Park is located on the Little Red River just downstream of Greers Ferry Dam in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas. In his last major appearance before his death, President John F. Kennedy stood on a flag-draped platform overlooking the just-completed Greers Ferry Dam and spoke of the prosperity the lake would bring to the region.Today, a million visitors flock yearly to the scenic waters for family camping, fishing, boating and hiking.
Recreation
Greers Ferry Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts' dream, with boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing opportunities. Hikers enjoy the area's three National Nature Trails and one multi-purpose, fitness trail.The William Carl Garner Visitor Center is just west of the dam, with exhibits, a children's touch table, and a replica of the world record 40 lb. 4 oz. brown trout caught in the Little Red River downstream of the center.
Facilities
This campground offers 68 sites with electrical hookups, 44 of which also have water hookups. Additional amenities include flush toilets, showers, a dump station, picnic shelter and a boat ramp.
Natural Features
A dense mix of red cedar, black gum, red oak, elm, pecan and sweet gum trees forest the area, providing shade in the summer months and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Wildlife is plentiful around Greers Ferry Lake. Visitors commonly see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels and a wide variety of birds.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (501) 250-0481 or call (501) 362-2416 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
With over 30,000 acres of water surface, the lake serves as a playground for all kinds of water sports. Eighteen parks around the shoreline provide modern campgrounds, boat ramps, swim areas and marinas. The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, in Heber Springs, located below the dam, offers free tours. Built in 1965, the hatchery produces about one million rainbow trout a year for restocking the Little Red and other Arkansas streams.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundJohn F Kennedy is located in Arkansas
Directions
From Heber Springs, AR, take SR-25 north 4 miles, cross the dam, and turn right on the second road.
Address
375 HATCHERY ROAD
Heber springs, AR 72543
Coordinates
35.5159389 N
91.9964694 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 3/30/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/30/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 3/30/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 44 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 1 hr 59 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 2 hrs 28 min from Memphis, TN





















