Beaver Lake forms the backdrop for many popular campgrounds near Cave Springs, Arkansas. The lake's 500-mile shoreline ranges in elevation from 1,120 to 1,287 feet within the oak-hickory forests of Northwest Arkansas. Temperatures can reach the mid-90s during summer months, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with average temperatures between 65-80°F.
What to do
Hiking at Hobbs State Park: Located near War Eagle Campground, trails provide scenic routes through historic Ozark terrain. "Historic area in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. Spots have shade, fire rings, and a river close by to play in. We used this spot as a base camp to hike in Hobbs State Park," notes Tom K.
Mountain biking access: Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites connects directly to popular trail systems. "This camp ground is close to a mecca of both biking and mountain biking trails. Nice bath area, only if it is hot outside it is hot in there," explains Mike B. The trails connect to the Back 40 trail system, which is shared with hikers.
Boating and fishing: Launch from boat ramps available at most Beaver Lake campgrounds. "Beaver Lake is a beautiful lake for all sorts of water activities. Boating, fishing, scuba diving, waterskiing, paddle boarding. Something for everyone," according to Mike B. at Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Prairie Creek (AR), campsites feature good spacing. "Our tent site had a picnic table, lantern hook, charcoal grill and a fire ring. Bathrooms were clean and had flush toilets and a shower," shares Richard from Natural Falls State Park. Many reviewers appreciate shaded sites.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming beaches provide safer alternatives to open water. "Swimming area was very spacious. Nice playground for kids. (Closed currently due to COVID.) Dump station has easy access," writes Mary D. about Horseshoe Bend Rec Area.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report deer sightings and bird watching opportunities. "Spacious sites surrounded by tall oaks & plenty of wildlife. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire pit, stove table & lantern hook," notes Kristi A. about Prairie Creek.
What you should know
Unlevel campsites: Many campgrounds require extensive leveling equipment for RVs and even tents. "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads," warns Mandi R. at COE Beaver Lake Prairie Creek Campground.
Limited water hookups: Some campground loops lack water connections. "No water hookups. You fill your camper before getting to your campsite. Due to this site being in-level, you will lose water," advises George L. at Hickory Creek.
Marina traffic: During peak seasons and weekends, boat traffic increases significantly. "Wakeup call of PA anouncer and boat motors racing. If the camp attendent had given a heads up we would have picked a different site," reports Cliff J. about Prairie Creek.
Shower facilities: Quality varies greatly between campgrounds. "The showers were awful. The stalls were filthy and too small so everything you bring with you gets soaked," mentions Chelsea B. about facilities at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hickory Creek - Beaver Lake offers family-friendly amenities. "It is right on the lake but I didn't like the spacing of the tent sites. It is pretty packed in and is more of an RV campground IMO," warns Tom K. Still, many families enjoy the lake access.
Holiday activities: Some campgrounds host special events during holidays. "Last Saturday weekend in October people decorate there sites and kids trick or treat the campers," mentions Susan C. about Horseshoe Bend.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Cave Springs: Most Beaver Lake campgrounds welcome pets with minimal restrictions. "Sites are in several smaller groups so it would be great for camping with friends and family. Paved, smooth roads in and out. Quiet and good spacing between sites. Deer roaming around throughout," reports Mary D.
Swimming safety: Designated swim beaches provide safer options for children. "There is an area for swimming as well. The bathrooms could use some updating and the campground seems better built for Camper Trailers and RVs than it does for tents," notes Matt S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking at The Creeks Golf & RV Resort. "The sites are all paved and have full hookups, no tent camping or motorhomes under 25'. Not much shade, but if you want to golf the course looks good," advises Paul F. This upscale option works well for longer stays.
Water management: Without full hookups, plan water usage carefully. "Sites have electric but not water so fill your tank before you come. Swimming area was very spacious," recommends Mary D.
Campsite access challenges: Some sites present backing and turning difficulties. "Some sites are hard to back into, even with my 15ft tear drop; say no to 20-23 if you have a camper. My favs have been 14,15 & 24," suggests Chryl H. about War Eagle Campground.
Off-season advantages: Reduced crowds during non-summer months improve experience. "We camped right on the edge of the water. Level concrete pads with full hook-ups," notes Mike B. at Horseshoe Bend, where less competition for waterfront sites exists in cooler months.
