Dierks Lake in southwestern Arkansas sits within the Ouachita Mountains region at approximately 600 feet elevation. The surrounding area features pine and hardwood forests with the lake spanning 1,360 surface acres and 29 miles of shoreline. Camping options near Dierks Lake operate primarily from early spring through late fall, with most facilities closing during winter months due to reduced maintenance and seasonal weather patterns.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 4-5 miles north of Jefferson Ridge at Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake, where anglers report good results. "Great campground. Excellent bath house. Our spot had very weak Verizon service. Pretty busy campground but night's were nice and quiet. Fun fishing. Definitely will return," notes Ron P.
Diamond hunting: 25 miles east at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground offers a unique experience. "The diamond field is a large, unshaded field. Rains cause the soil to cake up on shoes and make it difficult to walk in the field," advises Patricia C. The park allows visitors to keep any diamonds found while searching the public mining area.
Waterfront recreation: Multiple options available at Daisy State Park, located 30 miles east of Dierks Lake. The park features a swimming beach with designated areas for families. "This is a great park. It has a beautiful lake, a creek and trails to hike on. There is tent and RV camping sites," explains Julie D.
What campers like
Large campsites: Cossatot Falls Campsites offers spacious camping pads. "We typically don't camp in regular campgrounds, we prefer more separation. We also have a large 20' tent that makes it difficult to fit into regular square pad tent sites. These pads were huge and fit our tent," reports Summer H., noting the generous dimensions compared to standard sites.
Quiet camping environments: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. At Shady Lake Campground, visitors note the tranquility. "This was a wonderful place for a family getaway in the mountains. It's first come first serve but we secured a spot right up from the creek. It was so nice to listen to the running water while sleeping," shares J.R. B.
Water proximity: Access to creeks and lakes ranks high among camper preferences. At Shady Lake, Kevin reports, "This place is wonderful! Camping is spread out far enough that you're seldom bothered by others. We go often for the hiking, the views, and the ability to disconnect with it all."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. This is especially true for Cossatot Falls, where Summer H. notes, "These sites are now reservable, not first come. You can luck out, but I would recommend reservations... It's 5 miles to pavement. On a good day, depending what you're driving, that's 20 to 30 minutes of dirt, gravel, rocks, and washboards."
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds offer basic facilities only. At Cossatot River RV Park, Thomas B. observes, "We liked our week long visit here. It was off the beaten path. Very quiet and peaceful... Easy pull through sites with full hook up."
Cell service variability: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the region. At Cossatot Reefs, Steph C. reports, "Almost no cell service with T-Mobile for any interested parties." This pattern repeats across most campgrounds in the area, particularly those further from towns.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Cossatot Reefs, Brian B. notes, "Beautiful Campground. Large spots, Playground, Clean bathrooms." These facilities provide recreational options for children when not engaged in water activities.
Shallow water areas: Creekside camping at Star of the West provides safer water play options. "Near the waters edge you will find grouping of cypress tress which are interesting to explore when the water is down a bit like it was on my visit," mentions Crystal C., highlighting areas suitable for families.
Budget-friendly options: Camping costs remain reasonable throughout the region. At Star of the West, Alice S. advises, "The price here is now $10 per day but if you have America the Beautiful Pass it's half price." This makes extended family stays more affordable during peak seasons.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Jefferson Ridge at Dierks Lake provides water and 50-amp electric sites for approximately $25 per night. Jon D. reports, "This campground was fantastic! Sites are at perfect price points, you can get water/50a sites for $25/night, pretty darn good."
Pad dimensions: Some sites may challenge larger rigs. At Crater of Diamonds, Wayne J. cautions, "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."
Water connections: Check utility placement before arrival. At Cossatot Reefs, campers mention potential issues with hookups. "The only hitch was the water faucet at the site was so far from the RV pad we had to go into town and buy additional hose but that was just fine!" shares cindy W.
