Best Campgrounds near Dierks, AR

Dierks, Arkansas provides access to multiple established campgrounds along lakes and rivers in southwestern Arkansas. Jefferson Ridge on Dierks Lake offers water and electric hookups with 50-amp service for $25 per night, while Cossatot Reefs near Gillham Lake features riverside camping below the dam spillway. The region includes several Army Corps of Engineers sites with varying amenity levels, from primitive camping at COE Lake Greeson Star of the West to more developed facilities at Parker Creek and Cowhide Cove campgrounds. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few specialized options like Mama Gaia's Zen Garden offering yurts and glamping accommodations.

Campground availability follows seasonal patterns, with several sites operating March through October or November. Water levels can fluctuate rapidly at riverside camping areas, particularly at COE Lake Greeson where warnings about sudden water rises are posted throughout the campground. "The water is very low at this time," noted one camper at Arrowhead Point on Lake Greeson. Many campgrounds in the region maintain vault toilets rather than flush facilities, though showers are available at some locations including Shady Lake Recreation Area. Cell service varies considerably, with limited coverage for T-Mobile users at Cossatot Reefs and spotty AT&T service at Star of the West. Most campsites require fees between $8-25 per night, with discounts available for America the Beautiful Pass holders at Corps of Engineers sites.

Waterfront camping dominates the Dierks area landscape, with many sites offering direct lake or river access. At Parker Creek, campers appreciate the spacious and well-maintained grounds. "This beautiful park has 60 or more sites... the lake was gorgeous, we walked in the evening to see lots of bats catching bugs," shared one visitor. Jefferson Ridge remains popular during special events, with one camper noting it was "the last campground with availability in the Path of Totality for the Solar Eclipse." Several campgrounds feature boat launches, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. While primitive sites typically offer basic fire rings and picnic tables, more developed campgrounds include electric hookups, water access, and occasionally sewer connections. Campers consistently rate the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of these locations highly, with Cossatot River State Park and Cossatot Reefs receiving particularly strong reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Dierks, Arkansas (171)

    1. Daisy State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    18 miles
    Website

    "Daisy SP is a fantastic SP located in the southwest corner of Arkansas.  The Camper and RV sites are level and big for any size vehicle.  The walk in tent sites are some of the best in the Midwest. "

    "We are parcel to sites 95 and 96 due to their close proximity to the bathroom. The bathrooms are very clean and we have observed the camp staff regularly checking and maintaining them."

    2. Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Murfreesboro, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-3113

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This camp is ideally located in the Crater of Diamonds State Park with easy access to the Visitors Center by foot or car."

    "The campground has 47 nicely shaded RV sites with water/electric/sewer hookup(many of which have tent pads and five walk-in tent sites."

    3. Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake

    9 Reviews
    Gillham, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 386-7261

    $23 - $40 / night

    "There's a canoe launch, volleyball, basketball, playground, horseshoes... showers and toilets are clean and there is easy access to hiking trails."

    "Near Gillham Lake but on the river below the spillway."

    4. Shady Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Umpire, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "Shady Lake is a great place to get away from it all. It has a beautiful lake, a creek and trails to hike on. There is tent and RV camping sites."

    "Loop C has nothing but is my favorite because of its proximity to available camping near the creek."

    5. Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    12 Reviews
    Wickes, AR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 385-2201

    "Awesome location right near and easy access to the falls. No water and there is a “out house” type of restroom."

    "We take our border collies and they are able to follow with minimal assistance."

    6. Jefferson Ridge - Dierks Lake

    2 Reviews
    Dierks, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 286-3214

    $10 - $45 / night

    "I jumped on it, it was the last campground with availability in the Path of Totality for the Solar Eclipse."

    7. COE Lake Greeson Star of the West

    5 Reviews
    Langley, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-2151

    $10 / night

    "v=Hi2oXYKQ2ww&list=UUijzn2RV4Ma58cBAFBqz9MQ&index=2) Great campground just a short distance into Arkansas from Oklahoma."

    "Couple downsides are that the bathrooms are pit style bathrooms and kind of nasty and unless you snag one of the sites far back in the woods you are pretty close to the highway so some noise."

    8. Mama Gaia’s Zen Garden

    1 Review
    Umpire, AR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 808-1123

    $20 / night

    "Mama Gaia's Zen Garden & Yogic Retreat is a quiet place to relax and connect with nature in this great region of Arkansas!  Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!"

    9. Parker Creek

    3 Reviews
    Murfreesboro, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-2151

    $16 - $22 / night

    "It was near a little town and the locals are very friendly. There is a lake that's really big and is a hike already just walking around it."

    "On a whim, I reserved a site driving from Tennessee to Texas. Had to book through the recreation.gov app, which does not give you a good idea of what is booked or not."

    10. Cowhide Cove Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-2151

    $16 - $22 / night

    "There's a lower loop near the playground that is perfect for families with kids. The only con is you have to walk up the hill to the bathrooms."

    "We have a beautiful spot backed up to the lake with a wonderful view. There are two widely separated camping areas: New Cowhide Cove and Old Cowhide Cove."

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Recent Reviews near Dierks, AR

582 Reviews of 171 Dierks Campgrounds


  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Must visit !

    Beautiful campground! Sites are spacious. Area is clean and lots of things to do. Near Hot Springs so we did a lot of exploring there.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    Diamond Mining Fun

    What a lovely state park campground. Sites are just close enough not to be crowded. Facilities on site were clean and well maintained. Nice to have a hot shower after mining for diamonds. Will make note that best time to come is October-November. Visitor center was somewhat dated, would have thought they would have basic food stuff and more camper supplies. Other than that it was a nice place and we will come again!

    PS if you have a dog who likes to dig this is a nice place for them to help you dig.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula

    Great clean stop

    Spent night here mid week..only a couple of vehicles came through

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Nice ACOE campground

    Nice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.

  • Lauren M.
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Pioneer Campgrounds

    Peaceful, healing, and perfect in every season

    We found Pioneer Campgrounds three years ago and have come back every chance we get. It’s more than just a campground—it’s a true escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.

    This place has something special every time we visit. There’s a peaceful creek, a two-mile trail for walking or biking, volleyball and basketball courts, ping pong, and a fire pit for those perfect evening hangouts. The kids have room to run and explore, and our dogs are always welcome.

    The cabins are spacious, super clean, and have great A/C—perfect for relaxing after a day outside. There are spots for tent camping too if that’s your style. Each visit brings something new: upgrades, little surprises, and thoughtful touches that make it feel even more like home.

    They also offer extras like a washer and dryer, coffee, cold drinks, and shirts—all for a small charge. Plus, the WiFi is great thanks to Starlink, which is a bonus when you need to stay a little connected.

    Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, this place is beautiful year-round. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for our family!

    Big thank-you to Matt—the owner—he’s kind, down-to-earth, and truly an awesome dude. We’re so glad we found this gem. Thanks from The Mays Family. 💚

  • Wayne J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    5star campground 4star site

    I’ve reviewed the campground before, for other sites. Most are level and plenty of room/parking length. This site 30 is cramped and has a passenger side tilt to it. I have a 26’ (tip to tail) TT and a crew cab pickup… they will not fit in the campsite end to end, much less with some room to get in to the tailgate. Once unhooked, I had to angle the truck in to overlap the tongue of the TT. Ended up with a 3 inch riser to level the trailer side to side, which puts the first step about 17 inches up. To add to it, there is no level surface much further than the step before the site slopes off steeply with pine needles. The site just seems like the Park wanted to jam another spot in to make 45$ extra a night on busy times. I would not recommend site 30, to anyone. Tent campers would be even worse off, as the tent pad area is back closer to the road.

  • Jacob
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Turner Creek Road

    Peaceful

    Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring Very peaceful


Guide to Dierks

Camping opportunities near Dierks, Arkansas encompass over 1,600 acres of water recreation areas across multiple lakes and rivers in the Ouachita Mountains region. Sites range from fully-equipped campgrounds at elevations between 300-600 feet to primitive riverside options with seasonal availability. Most campgrounds in this southwestern Arkansas region experience humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures typically reaching 90°F and winter lows around 30°F.

What to do

Hiking mountain trails: Visitors at Shady Lake Recreation Area can explore surrounding mountain trails while enjoying the natural beauty. "There is a good size lake for fishing and a short trail for day hiking. Other than that, it's just sitting around the campfire," notes Marcus H., highlighting the simplicity of outdoor activities available.

Diamond hunting: The Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a unique opportunity to find and keep diamonds. "The Crater of Diamonds State Park is an exciting place full of rich history and, of course, finding lots of rough diamonds. The State Park is listed as the eighth largest reserve of diamonds in the world," explains Prospector J., who recommends visiting after heavy rainfall for optimal conditions.

Rock exploration: At Cossatot Falls Campsites, visitors can climb on river boulders and swim in clear waters. "It's not for the faint of heart or people avoiding physical activity because trekking the huge river boulders is not easy. But the beauty is worth it. The water is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by," shares Cindy W.

What campers like

Spacious camping pads: Campers appreciate the generous space at Cossatot Reefs. "Campgrounds are set up for RV, boast grills, firepits, and improves surfaces. There's a canoe launch, volleyball, basketball, playground, horseshoes," explains Vanessa M., highlighting the numerous recreational amenities available at this riverside location.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Parker Creek offers excellent opportunities for nature observation. "The lake was gorgeous, we walked in the evening to see lots of bats catching bugs," shares Mr. H., who was impressed by the park's size and natural setting, noting "this beautiful park has 60 or more sites."

Creek sounds at night: Many campers enjoy the natural soundtrack at night in certain campgrounds. At Shady Lake Recreation Area, Alana T. recounts, "Loved my overnight stay at Shady Lake! Slept right above a babbling creek and heard peaceful water flowing all night."

What you should know

Seasonal weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for hot conditions. "Spring and Fall camping is pleasant with moderate temperatures. Summer camping temperatures are very hot. Make sure you have fans or some way of staying cool," advises Richard T. about Daisy State Park.

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across campgrounds in the region. At Cossatot Reefs, Steph C. reports, "Almost no cell service with T-Mobile for any interested parties." Similar challenges exist at other campgrounds, requiring advance planning.

Water level fluctuations: River and lake levels can change rapidly. At COE Lake Greeson Star of the West, signs warn that "WATER SUBJECT TO SUDDEN RISE," and Crystal C. notes, "The water here is perfect for fishing or kayaking but can rise quickly with rainy season (warnings are posted throughout different areas of camp indicating this)."

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: At Cowhide Cove Campground, certain sites offer convenient playground access. "There's a lower loop near the playground that is perfect for families with kids. The only con is you have to walk up the hill to the bathrooms. You have a perfect line of sight to the large playground from sites 3, 4, and 5," advises Casi M.

Swimming options: For families with children, several campgrounds offer swimming areas. Myranda shares about Cowhide Cove, "We were at site 4 on the bottom loop and it was beautiful. We loved watching the sun go down over the lake. Also, we have 3 boys so being close to the playground was awesome."

Budget-friendly passes: Families can save money with passes at certain campgrounds. Crystal C. mentions, "If you have an America The Beautiful Pass this campground is half off making it only $4 per night to stay," referring to COE Lake Greeson Star of the West.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for leveling. Wayne J. from Crater of Diamonds State Park warns about site 30: "Ended up with a 3 inch riser to level the trailer side to side, which puts the first step about 17 inches up. To add to it, there is no level surface much further than the step before the site slopes off steeply with pine needles."

Reservation timing: RVers note that popular times require advance planning at the best places to camp near Dierks, Arkansas. Jon D. shares his experience at Jefferson Ridge: "This campground was fantastic! I jumped on it, it was the last campground with availability in the Path of Totality for the Solar Eclipse."

Hookup considerations: Water hookup locations can present challenges. Steph C. notes at Cossatot Reefs, "Make sure you bring a Y-connector to share with the person next to you. There was only 1 water station to share between campsites."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dierks, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dierks, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 171 campgrounds and RV parks near Dierks, AR and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dierks, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dierks, AR is Daisy State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dierks, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Dierks, AR.

What parks are near Dierks, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Dierks, AR that allow camping, notably Dierks Lake and Gillham Lake.