Best Campgrounds near Bull Shoals, AR

Bull Shoals, Arkansas provides camping areas focused on lake and river recreation, with several developed campgrounds along the White River and Bull Shoals Lake shorelines. Bull Shoals-White River State Park serves as the primary camping hub, offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Nearby options include Blue Heron Campground, Lakeview Campground, and private resorts such as Copper Johns and Gaston's White River Resort. Most campground options in the area cater to fishing enthusiasts, with riverfront sites particularly popular among trout anglers.

Camping is available year-round at several facilities, though water levels from the Bull Shoals Dam releases significantly affect fishing access and water activities. "The constant noise of running water is unbelievably calming," noted one visitor, while highlighting the 40-degree water temperatures year-round that create morning fog over the river. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer temperatures reaching the 90s while mornings and evenings near the river can be significantly cooler due to the cold water temperatures. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially for riverfront sites during peak fishing seasons from spring through fall. Visitors should be prepared for limited services in the surrounding area, with the nearest major shopping approximately 35 minutes away in Flippin.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites with direct White River access. Campers report excellent trout fishing opportunities, though many recommend hiring guides for the best experience. While sites at Bull Shoals-White River State Park offer spectacular views, some visitors note the campground layout places sites fairly close together. A recent review mentioned, "All of the campsites face White River and there's plenty of space between sites to allow for some level of privacy." Wildlife viewing adds to the camping experience, with eagles, deer, and various bird species commonly sighted. Beyond fishing, the region includes hiking trails, boat rentals, and guided tours, though the primary draw remains the world-class trout fishing on the White River.

Best Camping Sites Near Bull Shoals, Arkansas (221)

    1. Bull Shoals-White River State Park

    26 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    2 miles
    Website

    "Sitting next to a campfire at night with hot coco is one of our favorite things. Bull Shoals is a quaint sleepy little town."

    "Bull Shoals SP has a large campground with decent sites.  Most of the sites are level and suitable for a tent and have some privacy.  The real attraction at this SP is the lake. "

    2. Blue Heron Campground

    15 Reviews
    Cotter, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 453-4678

    "The location is great in the sense that it’s easy to get to and it’s laid out well. Unfortunately, it’s directly under an overpass and it is loud- loud enough that I used ear plugs at night."

    "It's a beautiful rv resort next to the water.  Step out of your rv and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the United States. "

    3. Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

    10 Reviews
    Lakeview, AR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 431-8116

    $22 - $54 / night

    "Large wooded sites on Bull Shoals lake with private covered patios, fireplace, grill, water & electric, level concrete slabs and large clean bathhouse...for $10 to $24/night depending on your qualifying"

    "You could see Bull Shoals Lake through the trees. Bathrooms clean. The water hookup was quite a distance from the site and had to use three hoses to make it reach."

    4. Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    34 Reviews
    Cozahome, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 449-4311

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Some sites you may not be long enough for your entire rig and you would park your tow vehicle next to your camper. Shade was plentiful. There are five different loops."

    "Paved roads to all the way to your camp site, showers, and a fantastic dinner 5 minutes away may not sound like luxury but Arkansas hllls usually make you work hard to enjoy their beauty."

    5. White River campground and cabins

    4 Reviews
    Cotter, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 453-2299

    "The location between the 2 old bridges make a perfect backdrop at any time if the day."

    6. Copper Johns Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 321-5309

    "Location is close to town, the Marina & State Park and also Gastons. Giving it 4 stars for the cabins, but not so much for the campground."

    7. Gaston's White River Resort Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 431-5202

    "Took my wife and daughter to gastons for a visit and to get out on some walking trails. They have a nature preserve there and it was great to visit."

    "They also have a really nice outdoor nature trail area filled with at least a dozen or more peacocks. I could just spend the afternoon here watching the planes land and take off!"

    8. Point Return City Park

    2 Reviews
    Lakeview, AR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 445-4775

    "Beach with in walking distance, but also in accessible in high water."

    "We got a campsite right on the banks of the lake. The view was outstanding and the campsites were shady with lots of trees. They provide a picnic table, trash hook, and fire pit."

    9. Into the Woods RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Yellville, AR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 404-7981

    $20 - $35 / night

    "But, there is bath house with laundry and gorgeous tree shaded lots on gravel drives with full utilities. Outside of Yellville, AR there no restrictions against tiny home living."

    "Just outside Yellville Arkansas with plenty of activities close. Full service bath house!"

    10. Denton Ferry RV Park & Cabin Rental

    2 Reviews
    Cotter, AR
    7 miles
    +1 (870) 425-3333

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Knowledgeable staff, quiet park right next to the river. Not all sites have campfire rings but they are available. We brought our own with an ample supply of firewood."

    "There is a staircase down to the water next to site 8. The fishing is good. It’s a pet friendly site however if your dogs bark neighbors will complain. The manager is friendly."

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Recent Reviews near Bull Shoals, AR

850 Reviews of 221 Bull Shoals Campgrounds


  • Jon M.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Port Of Kimberling Resort & Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Lake views, a spacious site, wildlife, and trees. The price wasn't too bad, but a bit more than we typically like to spend.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    White Buffalo Resort

    Can’t beat this view!

    Amazing little Campground that backs right up to the light river with a fantastic bluff behind that. Beautiful! Would definitely come again, friendly staff, quiet, easy. I will say I like site 11, but if you are not camping and pears, you will be camping directly next to site 10. They are pull through sites that are connected basically. We had another couple with us and it a great set up. But if it had just been us it would have been weird.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Robinson Point

    Clean, well maintained campground

    Camped at site #8 in Oct 10-11, 2025. Our site was on a wooded loop, the first camping section on the left after entering the campground. Good spacing between sites. Our campervan fit nicely on the site; level. Shared water faucet between sites 7 & 8. Our site had 20 and 30 amp power. There was a partial view through the trees of Norfork Lake from the backside of the site. Walked down to the bank of the lake to fish and caught a bass. Sites 5, 7 & 8 are really nice on this loop. Campground is clean and well maintained. AT&T and T-Mobile service. I normally do primitive and dispersed camping, but occasionally use established campgrounds, such as this, for replemishing water and power, and to take a shower. I was very pleased with our campsite and the campground. Did some hiking on the campground trails. The person working the entrance gate wad very nice and helpful. I would stay here again.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Beautiful National Forest Recreation Area

    Camped at site #3 for 3 nights in early October 2025. This site was really good for my camper van; just about level. The site backs up to a beautiful forest. The campground in this recreation area has  27 sites in 3 separate sections. There are some sites at the "pool" which are appropriate for car and tent camping. There is a section down a dirt road along the creek bottom that has a handful of sites; these sites are also good for car and tent camping. I camped in a wooded loop; the sites here can accomodate car, van and tent camping. A few towables may fit in this section. This is a beautiful wooded campground; clean and very well maintained. Most sites are level. Hammock camping is possible in some sites. Most sites have a table, tent pad, lantern pole, metal fire ring and a grill. Some sites are open, some shaded. No hookups. Potable water is located in a central area of the sections; the water was turned on during my visit. There are 4 vault toilets - clean and supplied with tp. Parts of the campground is prone to flash flooding. Very peaceful; the campground wasn't too busy midweek. The campground has access to the beautiful North Sylamore Creek trail. Access to campground on the gravel Gunner Pool Road from Highway 14 was very good during my visit. This forest road goes through the recreation area; it is busier than you would see on typical forest roads. Love this recreation area. One of the best that the Arkansas Ozarks has to offer for outdoor recreation.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Barkshed Recreation Area

    Mostly walkin tent sites

    Visited here on Oct 7, 2025. Did not camp here. There are a handful of first-come, first-serve primitive sites. I only saw one drive-in site down near the creek. There are about 4 walk-in tent sites up a driveway into a parking area. The walk-in sites are close to the parking area. One site, which is not quite level, has a picnic table. The walk-in sites have metal fire rings. There are 2 clean vault toilets with tp at the campground. No potable water. The tent sites have a dirt and grass surface. There are a few shade trees. Starlink connectivity is possible. No AT&T and T-Mobile service. Nice swimming hole down by the creek. Access to the North Sylamore Creek Trail is at this recreation area. Note that the unpaved forest road approaching the recreation area from highway 14 is sketchy in spots due to Spring storm damage. Sections were being regraded during my visit. Low clearance, 2wd passenger vehicles can make it, but should tread carefully. Also note that, due to storm damage, Tie Ridge Road between Barkshed and Gunner Pool Road was only open to 4x4 vehicles at the time of my visit.

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Back to our fav campground

    We love this state park. We have been regularly going there for a long weekend annually

  • Michael G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Indian Point

    Good place

    Clean, quiet, and friendly

  • Brian L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Wild Oaks Campground

    Close corner

    It was quiet,peaceful and nice. The entrance wasn't well marked and I had a hard time navigating the entrance with my bumper pull 36'

  • R
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Robinson Point

    Fantastic and beautiful

    We stayed for 3 nights on sites 64 and 65. Absolutely beautiful views. Some damage from flooding but didn't really notice. Bathrooms and bath house were clean. Stay if you get a chance.


Guide to Bull Shoals

Riverfront camping near Bull Shoals, Arkansas centers around the White River and Bull Shoals Lake. The water temperature remains around 40 degrees year-round below the dam, creating distinctive morning fog patterns that affect camping conditions in riverside locations. Campsite availability varies seasonally, with most riverside locations requiring reservations several months in advance during peak fishing season from April through October.

What to do

**Eagle watching: Near Blue Heron Campground, visitors can spot eagles hunting along the river. "We got to Eagle watch all day as they circled the river hunting for their dinner. It was AMAZING!!" reports Shana D.

**Hiking trails: Multiple hiking options exist within 10-15 minutes of most campsites. "The Big Bluff trail, at 1 1/2 miles is a good workout," notes Chad K. who visited Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

**Cave exploration: Head to Buffalo Point where campers discovered hidden features. "We found a cool cave at the far right end of the rock beach," writes Susan R., who recommends checking water levels before exploring, as the river can rise rapidly after rainfall.

**Wildlife viewing: Deer are abundant in campgrounds throughout the area. At Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake, campers report frequent deer sightings. "Trees almost give it a forest feel and deer were everywhere!" according to Staci F.

What campers like

Riverside access: The ability to wade directly from campsites into the White River draws many visitors. "We were able to hike and fish most days...We loved having the steps right beside our camper - could walk down to the river and sit on the rock beach," notes Susan R. at Buffalo Point.

Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high in camper preferences. Wayne P. at Lakeview appreciates the "good water and electric hook up. Dump station has two stalls and is in great shape."

Site spacing: Most Bull Shoals area campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At Into the Woods RV Park, campers find "spaces are very well spaced. 30-50 feet between RV sites," according to Brandeninto W.

Concrete pads: Many campsites feature level concrete pads. At Blue Heron Campground, Jodie C. notes the "excellent concrete pads with easy back-in markings for RVs. Great cement patio so there is no mud in case of rain."

What you should know

Water level changes: Bull Shoals Dam releases significantly impact river access. "The waters temperature will cause areas near the water to get cold," warns Morgan T., while Susan R. observed the water at Buffalo Point "had gone up 12 feet by Saturday night and Sunday morning it was 13 feet."

Road noise: Some riverfront campgrounds experience traffic noise. Jennifer O. at Blue Heron reports "LOTS of noise. It died down after 8pm and before 8am and we couldn't hear it in our camper so it was ok."

Fishing guide recommendations: While bank fishing is possible, guided trips yield better results. "We chartered the afternoon with a local outfitter and had a great time. We caught a number of trout and were able to eat them for dinner," shares Ryan S.

Limited shade at some locations: Denton Ferry RV Park & Cabin Rental campers note seasonal considerations: "This is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees," advises Jaynee S.

Tips for camping with families

Look for camp-organized activities: Some parks offer ranger-led educational programs. "We went to an owl talk and a bear talk that was very informative. We also did the lake cruise," shares Shannon M. who visited Bull Shoals-White River State Park with family.

Choose campgrounds with play areas: Several campsites include recreational facilities. Ryan S. notes, "There is a playground and a basketball court that are functional and easy to access for families."

Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins offer comfortable alternatives. At Copper Johns Resort, Wolfgang M. appreciates the "outdoor kitchens and really nice private bath/showers which are air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter."

Flat terrain for biking: Many campgrounds feature level grounds suitable for children's bikes. "The campground is mostly flat which makes it very easy to ride a bike. There were a lot of kids and adults riding bikes or scooters in the campground," reports Ryan S.

Tips from RVers

Water hookup distances: At some campgrounds, utility connections may require extra equipment. "The water hookup was quite a distance from the site and had to use three hoses to make it reach," notes Krissy C. at Lakeview.

Marina proximity matters: RVers with boats should select sites near water access points. Lakeview campground is "located in a great spot on the beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. Select from single, double or triple sites if you want to stay with friends/family," recommends Shana D.

Best riverfront access: Sites directly on the White River offer premium experiences. "Step out of your RV and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere," describes Wanda S. at Blue Heron Campground.

Verify RV pad length: Most sites accommodate mid-sized RVs, but confirm specific limitations. Wayne J. advises, "Be sure and view the campsite online and consider the direction of the site. Some get full sun in the morning but most are shaded in the evening due to the mountain."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bull Shoals, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bull Shoals, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 221 campgrounds and RV parks near Bull Shoals, AR and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bull Shoals, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bull Shoals, AR is Bull Shoals-White River State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bull Shoals, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Bull Shoals, AR.

What parks are near Bull Shoals, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Bull Shoals, AR that allow camping, notably Bull Shoals Lake and Greeson Lake.