Best Campgrounds near Cotter, AR

Cotter, Arkansas serves as a gateway to numerous camping opportunities along the White River and Bull Shoals Lake. Established campgrounds like Denton Ferry RV Park & Cabin Rental and White River Campground and Cabins provide full hookup sites for RVs along with tent camping areas and cabin rentals. The region includes several fishing-oriented campgrounds such as Blue Heron Campground in nearby Flippin and Bull Shoals-White River State Park, which cater to anglers with boat ramps and river access. Most developed sites in the area accommodate a mix of camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads.

Road conditions throughout the region vary significantly, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigation down gravel routes. The White River area experiences distinct seasonal patterns, with peak camping season running April through October when water temperatures and weather conditions are most favorable. Many campgrounds operate year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Permits and reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when fishing activity increases. Cell service can be spotty in river valleys and more remote areas. According to one visitor, "Great space, well kept and super clean. Grounds are close to anything you might need between Flippin and Cotter."

Campers consistently highlight fishing access as the primary draw for camping in the Cotter area, with the White River known for world-class trout fishing. Several visitors mentioned the calming effect of riverside camping, with one reviewer noting that "the constant noise of running water is unbelievably calming." Campgrounds closer to the Bull Shoals Dam tend to have cooler temperatures due to the cold water release, creating morning fog and temperature fluctuations of up to 20 degrees between morning and evening. Public lands near Cotter provide more primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities but greater solitude. The region's campgrounds balance natural settings with convenient access to small towns for supplies, making it particularly suitable for extended stays focused on fishing and water recreation.

Best Camping Sites Near Cotter, Arkansas (201)

    1. Bull Shoals-White River State Park

    26 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    6 miles
    Website

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

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

    2. Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    34 Reviews
    Cozahome, AR
    14 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."

    3. Blue Heron Campground

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

    "Grounds are Close to anything you might need between Flippin and Cotter"

    "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."

    4. Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

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

    $22 - $54 / night

    "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."

    "Shade for days, amazing lake and campsites are a very good size. Shower house was big and air conditioned! Trees almost give it a forest feel and deer were everywhere!"

    5. White Buffalo Resort

    6 Reviews
    Norfork, AR
    9 miles
    Website

    "Right on the White River with easy access to the Buffalo River by boat, canoe, or kayak. Pool, playground, small store with essentials, boat rentals, ping pong, & more."

    "Located at the end of the world, it will take a bit to.get there but the drive is worth it."

    6. White River campground and cabins

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

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

    7. Dam - Quarry

    11 Reviews
    Norfork, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 499-7216

    $24 - $80 / night

    "Good access to sites. Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower."

    "close the the river and next to the hatchery Great fishing and it’s neat to watch the water rise from the dam."

    8. Copper Johns Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    6 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."

    9. Denton Ferry RV Park & Cabin Rental

    2 Reviews
    Cotter, AR
    1 mile
    +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."

    10. Gaston's White River Resort Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    6 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Cotter, AR

736 Reviews of 201 Cotter Campgrounds


  • 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

  • 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Great spot!

    We had the perfect little spot for our tent camping weekend. It is a campground so you do have neighbors but the sites were spread out and didn’t feel cramped. There was ample room for our tent, the fire ring, our hammock set up and the picnic table. Restrooms were the cleanest i’ve ever seen. I will definitely be back!

  • K
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Branson Lakeside RV Park

    Nice campground close to everything

    This is a nice campground. Our site was a concrete pad that was perfectly level. The park is kept very clean, nice bathrooms, and helpful staff. They allowed us to check-in 3 hours early, and we were extremely grateful. Branson Landing is only 5 min away.

  • T
    Oct. 3, 2025

    cranfield park

    Everything you need plus beauty

    I don’t think there is a bad site in the large campground. Most sites have at least some lake view. Roads are paved and can accommodate large rigs. Most sites are pretty level. Usual tables and fire rings plus lamp poles and some sites have covers for the tables if there are no trees. The sites that don’t have a lake view and nestled in woods and are more private. Though we don’t find a hiking trail the road around the park offered plenty of mileage for us. There is also a marina and access to the shore line for fishing. We were here the first weekend in October and it was a third to half full.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

    Lovely spot

    Clean, tree covered spots with larger gravel. I love that you don’t get that fine grit in your rig. People are kind and fun. I will return. Great for visiting Gettysburg

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Gilbert RV Park

    Owner treated us like family !!!

    When we pulled into the campground we were met with friendly smiles ! Jim and his wife are super nice and very helpful!! We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally. Probably just a little over a quarter mile walk to the river or drive down to gravel bed where you can park. Take all your stuff and play in the river all day. There is a float service in Gilbert. Restrooms are separate from the showers. Men's and women's. They also have chickens so you might hear that Rooster every morning !! We had a super nice time here !!! Very simple place to stay. Just respect the camp rules and don't get too loud !! Please don't show up super late ! Jim and his wife are elderly !!! ( Just my opinion )


Guide to Cotter

Camping spots near Cotter, Arkansas sit at elevations ranging from 600-800 feet with the White River maintaining a constant 48-52°F year-round due to cold water releases from Bull Shoals Dam. Morning fog commonly blankets riverside campsites, creating temperature variations up to 20 degrees between dawn and midday. Sites on higher ground away from the river experience less dramatic temperature swings but offer fewer water access points.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Bull Shoals-White River State Park, campers spot eagles hunting over the river. "We got to Eagle watch all day as they circled the river hunting for their dinner. It was AMAZING!!" reports Shana D. The park features guided nature programs from park rangers.

Guided fishing tours: Several campgrounds offer professional guides for trout fishing expeditions. "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 on our last night," shares Ryan S. about his experience at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

Wildflower hiking trails: Walking paths ranging from 0.5 to 2 miles connect many riverside campgrounds. "There is a really nice wildflower walking trail that you can walk to from the campground," notes one visitor to Bull Shoals-White River, while another camper at Buffalo Point recommends the "Over Look trail" which is "pretty well maintained."

What campers like

Direct river access: Sites with private river access let campers wade directly from their campsites during non-generation periods. At Denton Ferry RV Park & Cabin Rental, "There is a staircase down to the water next to site 8. The fishing is good," explains Jaynee S. Many riverside campgrounds offer similar access points.

Morning river mist: The cold river water creates dramatic foggy conditions in mornings that many campers appreciate. Ed G. notes, "Sometimes there is fog on the river making for great pictures" when describing his stays at Gaston's White River Resort Cabins.

Concrete camping pads: Many campgrounds feature level concrete sites, making setup easier. "Level sites With beautiful views of the White River," says Terri about Copper Johns Resort, while another camper at Lakeview Bull Shoals Lake mentions "Concrete pads and asphalt driveway. Good road around campsites. Pads are very level."

What you should know

Generator schedule: Most riverside campgrounds restrict generator usage during early morning and evening hours. Check with individual parks about specific quiet hours, which typically run from 10pm to 7am.

Varying campsite privacy: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds, from spacious to close-quarters. At Blue Heron Campground, sites include "Great cement patio so there is no mud in case of rain. Each site has its own fire pit and 2 chairs." However, at other locations, a reviewer notes "The sites along the River are very close together."

Water level fluctuations: Dam releases cause rapid water level changes. "We could see the level dropping throughout the day Sunday and into Monday morning," mentions a camper. Another notes that after heavy rain, the Buffalo River "had gone up 12 feet by Saturday night and Sunday morning it was 13 feet."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake, a visitor mentions a "playground and a basketball court that are functional and easy to access for families."

Educational ranger programs: Take advantage of scheduled ranger talks during summer months. "We went to an owl talk and a bear talk that was very informative. We also did the lake cruise," shares Shannon M., highlighting the educational opportunities at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

Bike-friendly campgrounds: Flat terrain at several riverside campgrounds makes them suitable for children biking. "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," notes a visitor.

Tips from RVers

Water hookup distances: Some sites require longer-than-standard hoses to reach water connections. At Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake, one camper notes "Water hookups were a little far - required a 50' hose."

Seasonal site availability: For larger RVs, book early during peak months (April-October). The most level sites with full hookups fill quickly, especially at White Buffalo Resort where "sites are close together but the amenities are worth it."

Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise from nearby bridges. At Buffalo Point, a camper recommends using a "fan on to drown out the noise" of barking dogs, while another camper mentions that at other locations near bridges, "the first night we could hear the traffic but by the next day it became like background noise."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cotter, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cotter, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 201 campgrounds and RV parks near Cotter, AR and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cotter, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cotter, 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 Cotter, AR?

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

What parks are near Cotter, AR?

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