Camping near Bull Shoals Lake

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Bull Shoals Lake. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bull Shoals Lake. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Bull Shoals Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Bull Shoals Lake (216)

    1. Bull Shoals-White River State Park

    26 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    8 miles
    Website

    "Like all Arkansas State parks this is a well kept park"

    "It's one of the best I've been to in Arkansas.  "

    2. Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

    10 Reviews
    Lakeview, AR
    8 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."

    3. Blue Heron Campground

    15 Reviews
    Cotter, AR
    14 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. "

    4. Copper Johns Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    9 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."

    5. Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    34 Reviews
    Cozahome, AR
    27 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."

    6. Oakland Park

    1 Review
    Bull Shoals, AR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 431-5744

    $24 - $50 / night

    "Awesome campgrounds on Bull Shoals lake. There are 32 sites only 1 is primitive all others offer 20/30 amps a few have an added 50 amp pluggin."

    7. Gaston's White River Resort Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    9 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. Pontiac

    1 Review
    Theodosia, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 679-3676

    "Bull Shoals lake is lovely. Marina and restaurant at the campground. Ice available. Nice bathrooms. Walk to swim from the shore. No beach but rocks to jump from into incredibly deep water."

    9. Point Return City Park

    2 Reviews
    Lakeview, AR
    7 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."

    10. Browns Beach

    1 Review
    Lakeview, AR
    7 miles

    $12 / night

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Recent Reviews near Bull Shoals Lake

867 Reviews of 216 Bull Shoals Lake 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.

  • Mary H.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Fordland RV Park

    Positive review

    Nice , clean, quiet, campground. Not many amenities

  • 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'


Guide to Bull Shoals Lake

Camping near Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Canoeing and Kayaking: The Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River is a hotspot for water activities. One camper shared, "If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here. Like hiking… plenty of trails." This campground is perfect for those who want to explore the river.
  • Fishing: At Bull Shoals-White River State Park, fishing is a big draw. A visitor noted, "The campground is popular with fishermen," making it a great spot for anglers looking to catch some trout.
  • Hiking: The area around Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake offers beautiful trails. One reviewer mentioned, "Quick lake access, spacious, shady space," highlighting the great hiking opportunities nearby.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park. A visitor said, "The area is clean and quiet," which is a big plus for families and those looking to relax.
  • Friendly Hosts: The welcoming atmosphere at Harrison RV Park & Campground is a highlight. One camper remarked, "The hosts were extremely friendly," making it feel like a home away from home.
  • Beautiful Scenery: Many campers rave about the views at Blue Heron Campground. A reviewer stated, "Beautiful views - so many amenities," which adds to the overall experience of camping near Bull Shoals Lake.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Dam - Quarry, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "No store or food for purchase on site," so it's wise to bring your own supplies.
  • Crowded in Summer: Expect busy campgrounds during peak season. One visitor at Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake mentioned, "Very large park, and busy during the summer," which can make finding a quiet spot challenging.
  • Rustic Showers: Facilities can be a bit rustic at some locations. A camper at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River mentioned, "The showers and restrooms are a bit, um, rustic," so manage your expectations.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park has a large playground, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "Large playground, short nature trails," which is perfect for keeping kids entertained.
  • Community Events: Some campgrounds host events that bring families together. At Harrison RV Park & Campground, a camper shared, "Friday night had a 2 person local band," which can be a fun way to spend an evening.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds, like Blue Heron Campground, allow pets. A visitor noted, "Pets allowed," so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at Cooper Creek Resort mentioned, "The spaces were level and clean," which is a big plus for RVers.
  • Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for a more comfortable stay. At Branson Lakeside RV Park, a camper noted, "Great full hook up site and easy to get into," making it convenient for RV travelers.
  • Quiet Spots: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider campgrounds that are a bit off the beaten path. A visitor at Hide-A-Way Campground & RV Retreat said, "Close enough to everything but far enough to feel outside of the commotion," which is ideal for a peaceful getaway.

Camping near Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and with these tips, you can make the most of your experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Bull Shoals Lake campgrounds located?

Bull Shoals Lake campgrounds are situated across Arkansas and Missouri in the scenic Ozarks. Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake is a popular public campground with wooded sites directly on the lake. Oakland Park provides 32 sites with electric hookups on the lakeshore. Other locations include Pontiac in Missouri and several campgrounds near Flippin, Arkansas. Many sites offer direct lake access with boat ramps or private coves, making them ideal for water activities. The campgrounds are generally within driving distance of Branson, offering a convenient option for day trips while enjoying the peaceful lake setting.

Can I camp with an RV at Bull Shoals Lake?

Yes, Bull Shoals Lake offers numerous RV-friendly camping options. Into the Woods RV Park is a quiet family-owned park with tree-shaded lots on gravel drives offering full utilities for RVs and tiny homes. Prominence Homestead of the Ozarks provides a private RV pad on a secluded 10-acre property with easy access. Most public campgrounds around the lake accommodate RVs with electric hookups (20/30 amp, some with 50 amp), water access, and dump stations. While most sites don't offer full hookups, concrete pads and level sites are common, making setup easy despite the Ozarks' hilly terrain.

What amenities are available at Bull Shoals Lake camping areas?

Bull Shoals Lake campgrounds offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Sonlight Campground & Cabins provides a quiet family-run experience between the White River and Bull Shoals Lake. Aufderklamm Farm offers private lake access with bathroom and shower facilities, plus ample space between sites. Common amenities across the lake's campgrounds include clean bathhouses, water hookups, electric sites, dump stations, marinas, boat ramps, and swimming areas. Many campgrounds feature covered patios, fire rings, and grills. Some locations like Pontiac also offer a restaurant on-site. Most campsites provide shade from the abundant trees while maintaining views of the beautiful Bull Shoals Lake.