Shirley Creek

When I visited this campsite, it was a pretty decent drive down a small gravel road, nothing crazy.    I noticed a couple of tents set up at the entrance area but no cars, figuring that people were out exploring I went into the site and quickly noticed the water level was very high.   

Signs were posted that this is currently a day use area, however you could also see on these signs that some of the things mentioned campground, a bit confusing, and obviously why the people were likely set up in tents.    

The area was well shaded and very nicely maintained.   Picnic tables, fire rings, lantern hooks and even pull ins.   However flood warning signs were posted throughout the "camp" and with recent rains, the water level was very near to the top of the bank with visibly covered trees several feet out on the what I assume to be embankment.    This area looked very questionable for camping, so I am not sure if that is why the signs were indicating only day use at this time.   

I looked on the NPS site and this is listed as a campground, so perhaps this is a seasonal campground?   Not sure.  There are vault toilets, kiosks with information and additional things to lead you to believe that people do in fact camp here still.   

I might have taken a chance had it not have been for the rising waters, but better safe than sorry.   Cell service is pretty limited here so I did not feel comfortable staying.

Check the weather ahead of time, check the NPS site and upon visit look at the kiosk to see what it says at the time of your visit.

We stopped at this site after several miles in the ouachita river. The nps map still has it listed as a campground, but there was a sign at the main entrance stating day use only. We camped anyways because we felt comfortable there was no flood risk, which is why it was closed. The view was nice, restrooms were nice, and there were even trashcans.