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Camping near Bull Shoals Lake

876 Reviews

Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas features multiple developed campgrounds along the shoreline and nearby river areas, with facilities ranging from basic to full-service. Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake campground provides spacious, shaded sites with electric and water hookups, while Bull Shoals-White River State Park offers both tent and RV camping with views of the White River. Several properties like Blue Heron Campground and Copper Johns Resort provide cabin options for those seeking more amenities. Most camping areas feature boat access points, making these locations popular for fishing and water recreation enthusiasts looking to enjoy the clear waters.

Camping is primarily seasonal at many sites, with peak season running April through October, though some facilities like Blue Heron Campground remain open year-round. Water levels can affect accessibility, particularly at Point Return City Park where high water may flood access roads. Most campgrounds feature concrete pads for RVs with varying hookup options, though tent campers will find designated areas at most facilities. Bathhouses and toilet facilities vary widely in quality and availability. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when fishing and boating activities draw crowds. "The mist on the river each morning is worth the stay. If you're an angler, this looks like the place to be," notes one visitor about Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

Waterfront campsites receive consistently high ratings, particularly those with views of Bull Shoals Lake or the White River. Oakland Park gets praise for its lakeside positioning and electric hookups, while Lakeview campground stands out for its concrete pads and generous spacing between sites. Reviews frequently mention the quality of fishing opportunities, especially for trout in the White River below the dam. A camper described Lakeview as having "shade for days, amazing lake and campsites are a very good size." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, groundhogs, beaver, and various bird species. The region's natural beauty extends beyond water features with hiking trails available in some areas, though visitors note they are primarily woodland walks without significant scenic features.

Map showing campgrounds near Bull Shoals Lake, ArkansasExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Bull Shoals Lake (219)

    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

    $20 - $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 Camping Photos near Bull Shoals Lake

227 Photos of 219 Bull Shoals Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bull Shoals Lake

876 Reviews of 219 Bull Shoals Lake Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    Easy access to the Buffalo National River

    Camped here mid-week in early November, 2025. Came here to camp while doing some smallmouth bass fishing on the Buffalo River. Quickly found a large, open, level site with a rock fire ring on a grassy field. This site was large enough to accomodate multiple vehicles and horse trailers. I did not try to find a spot on the river bank, although the river bank appeared easy to access. Only two other camping groups were here during my stay - far enough away that I couldn't hear them. Including the one at the day use parking lot, there are three clean and supplied vault toilets here. The campground appeared well maintained. No potable water and no trash service. Solar recharging and Starlink connectivity are possible. I received spotty T-Mobile 2G and 4G LTE service. This primitive campground is convenient for kayakers and canoers, as well as for overlanders and equestrian campers. I met a backpacker who just came off of the Ozark Highland Trail across the river and was camping on the rocky river bank. I recommend, especially for those driving 2WD passenger vehicles, accessing the campground using Searcy County Road 15 - not CR14. Although open during my time here, narrow CR14 still had some damage from recent landslides which resulted in rough driving conditions (although, high clearance, 4x4 vehicles should have no problems). Overall, I enjoyed camping here, and I'm looking forward to returning to this beautiful area in the Arkansas Ozarks.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Baker Ford Primitive Campground, Buffalo National River

    Free primitive campground with river access

    Visited here on Nov 5, 2025. Did not camp here though. The river access area is nice, but I didn't like the campground. The campground is just an open grass field with no designated sites. One can park and camp anywhere on the grass. It is convenient for canoers and kayakers who need a place along the Buffalo River to camp for the night. There is a vault toilet, but it was not supplied and cleaned for a while at the time of my visit. The is no potable water and no trash service. The unpaved County Road 18 to the campground is rough in spots, but the road is better graded after crossing onto National Park Service land. Driving on this road in a 2WD passenger vehicle should be okay. The track from the campground area down to the boat launch is eroded and has not been graded in a while. There is little shade at the campground, so Starlink connectivity can be accomplished. I did not receive T-Mobile cell service. There are some trees around the perimter of the field where hammock camping may be possible, but camping appears to be restricted on the open grassy area - not in the woods. Fishing and swimming is possible at the river.

  • Jacquelyn H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    The campsites sit just off the dirt road. There's a little bit of traffic from people going to hike but not much, the campsites are pretty close together. The people that are across from me are a larger group and while they are very nice I can hear just about everything, they are not being loud it's just how the campsites are set up.

    I usually prefer a little more dispersed and secluded but this is still very calm and peaceful and leaves changing colors makes it absolutely stunning.

    It's a little humid during the day but still cool during the day and the perfect amount of chilly at night without being cold.

    I think I'm the only one here who has my dog tethered to a tree with a long rope, everyone else allows the dog to be off leash and that almost created a dog fight so just be cautious of that.

    *I have T-Mobile and have pretty good service

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    The Embers Glamping and RV Resort

    Clean/New/Expensive/Great Location

    Little expensive, but does it all right. Super nice shop with coffee shop and pizza attached.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Buffalo outdoor center

    Most beautiful place in Arkansas

    I love this area, we’ve enjoyed the cabins at BOC and brought our RV this time. I have zero complaints about the RV park except be aware it sits on top of the mountain. So wind can be an issue and there’s zero shade. Full hook ups, convenient to all the hikes and activities, totally level pads, and they don’t pack them in here like sardines- there’s only 15 spots. Be aware site 7 is low so if it’s rainy you will have water in your spot.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    North Fork

    Large sites, good separation

    Camped at site #4 in the Dogwood Loop in Oct 2025. Paid $5 with senior pass. Previous review applies. Trash service available. Vault toilets (3) were open; clean with tp. Water was turned off for the season. There are a couple of hiking trailheads in campground. The Blue Spring Trail was really nice; it was moderately difficult in a few areas. Nice views of the North Fork River along this trail. Bank fishing possible in the nearby day use area. The campsites were large with good spacing between them. There is no privacy, however, between sites. My site was level, but can't say that for all sites. The campsites and roads were paved. The campground appeared well maintained during my stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Nice campground with access to trails

    Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    Primitive camping along the Buffalo River

    Van-camped in site #3 in mid-October, 2025. Free National Park Service primitive campground along the Buffalo Ntional River. The property serves as a drop-off and pickup location for kayakers and canoers. Outfitters may be coming and going. Not all sites are level; varies from site to site. Some sites are walk-ins. Clean vault toilet, supplied with tp and hand sanitizer. No potable water. Sites include table, metal fire ring, and lantern pole. Dirt surface. Good separation between sites but no privacy. A handful of armadillos were scrounging around during the evening. There is a partial view of the river through the trees. The road approaching the campground, CR99, is about 3 miles long and gravel, narrow in places. The last 1.5 miles has some minor erosion and rocky in places. There are no hiking trails at this location. No cell service. Starlink connectivity possible depending on the site. Tent and hammock camping possible. Fishing along the river bank. Overall, this is not a bad campground in a beautiful area.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Noblett Lake

    No Camping - Day Use Only

    Camping is still not allowed here. The campground itself is overgrown. Did not see any dispersed campsites. This recreation area, however, is a beautiful day use area. Appears to be maintained. Vault toilets in the picnic area were open during my visit. Did not find any potable water. Fishing is permitted at the lake, but I had no luck.

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.

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