Best Campgrounds near Fairfield Bay, AR

Fairfield Bay camping areas cluster around Greers Ferry Lake with a mix of Corps of Engineers and state park campgrounds offering tent and RV sites. The Sugar Loaf, John F Kennedy, and Devils Fork campgrounds provide electric hookups and water access, with most accommodating both tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds along the shoreline feature boat launches and swim areas, while some inland locations offer more wooded settings. The region includes both year-round and seasonal operations, with many Corps-managed sites operating only from May through September.

Campground amenities vary significantly across the area, with most offering basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables. The majority of sites have electric hookups (30 or 50 amp), though sewer connections are less common. Weather conditions make spring through fall the prime camping season, with summer temperatures often requiring shade or water access for comfort. A visitor noted, "The swimming beach has sand and an amazing view of Sugarloaf Mountain. There is a loaning life preserver station with a great number of life preservers on offer."

Waterfront sites remain the most sought-after in the Greers Ferry Lake area, with lakefront locations typically booking well in advance during peak summer months. Several reviewers highlight the scenic views as a primary attraction, particularly at Devils Fork and Sugar Loaf campgrounds. Many campers appreciate the wooded settings that provide natural shade during hot summer days. One camper described Devils Fork as "a well maintained park" with "lots of varied camper/RV spots," though they noted some facilities needed maintenance. Site sizes and layouts vary considerably between campgrounds, with some offering spacious areas while others have more compact sites that may limit equipment setup. The mixed-use campgrounds typically accommodate both RVs and tents, though some sites are better suited for one or the other due to terrain and pad design.

Best Camping Sites Near Fairfield Bay, Arkansas (152)

    1. John F Kennedy

    22 Reviews
    Tumbling Shoals, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 250-0481

    $22 - $50 / night

    "Very nice little campground just off Arkansas Hwy 25 by Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs, Arkansas. Actually, many of the campsites are along the beginning of the Little Red River."

    "Without a lot fan fair since you have no clue, from the highway, that there is a campground at this location.  Not far off the road but you do not hear the traffic. "

    2. Sugar Loaf

    7 Reviews
    Higden, AR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 654-2267

    $18 - $50 / night

    "As most campsites are, there are no real defined borders and all Greers Ferry and Heber Springs are surrounded by residential areas."

    "There are sites near the water. The closest to the water was D7. You have a view of Sugar Loaf mountain in the background. It’s a medium sited lot but plenty of room for a tent and a canopy."

    3. Heber Springs

    12 Reviews
    Heber Springs, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 250-0485

    $18 - $50 / night

    "It isn’t all that accurate to say “Heber” is the location for camping. Instead, Heber is a small community about 60 miles north of Little Rock on Greers Ferry Lake."

    "Greers Ferry Lake is one of those places. However, as I said in a review of “Heber Springs,” if I’m reviewing campgrounds here, it isn’t accurate to review “Greers Ferry Lake.”"

    4. COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground

    13 Reviews
    Heber Springs, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 250-0483

    $18 - $150 / night

    "Nice sites on the lake. We camp here a lot since it is close to our house. Staff is friendly and doesn't get in your business. Drive through to find the choice sites."

    "Right next to the water. Great views, great breeze. Our campsite was handicap accessible."

    5. Devils Fork

    5 Reviews
    Higden, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 825-8618

    $22 - $50 / night

    "Nice spot, we stay next to the swimming area. Most of the sites have a big concrete pads. Campground host was very friendly. Great value for what you get."

    "Last minute move from below the Dam up to the lake . Nabbed a great spot on the water B15. Facilities are typical for this area ."

    6. COE Greers Ferry Lake Devil's Fork Campground

    5 Reviews
    Higden, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 825-8618

    $17 - $22 / night

    "This is one of several campgrounds to choose from around Greers Ferry Lake that are operated by the Corps of Engineers (COE), and there are a few good reasons to choose it."

    "Super nice Campground right on Greers Faity lake. Our only complaint was that they didn't stop us to check us in upon arrival and we had to return to do so."

    7. Shiloh - Greers Ferry Lake

    5 Reviews
    Higden, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 825-8619

    $18 - $150 / night

    "Trees for our hammock, large level site, near the water for our kayak, and great views of the lake. There is no electricity at these sites. You will need to bring water."

    "We tent camped on a small point of the park-we were the only one in that area. it was a beautiful location, cool breezes off the lake all night, moon rising above. it was wonderful!!"

    8. Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park

    22 Reviews
    Greenbrier, AR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 679-2098

    "There are lots of trails, bike paths, water activities and BEAUTIFUL scenery. Very photogenic. Arkansas State Parks are always enjoyable. Staff was excellent and friendly."

    "I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit."

    9. Dam Site(greers Ferry)

    9 Reviews
    Tumbling Shoals, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 362-5233

    $18 - $150 / night

    "The lake is Beautiful and you’re minutes away from The Little Red River. Very clean park, well kept and the amenities are excellent!"

    "Very steep decline to the waters edge. No mosquitoes which is half a point itself."

    10. Choctaw

    3 Reviews
    Clinton, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 745-8320

    $18 - $50 / night

    "This Campground is quiet, secluded jewel in Clinton, Arkansas. Tall trees everywhere you look. Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers."

    "Tall trees, a lake, and nicely spaced out sites. Loved it."

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Recent Reviews near Fairfield Bay, AR

580 Reviews of 152 Fairfield Bay Campgrounds


  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    White Buffalo Resort

    Can’t beat this view!

    Amazing little Campground that backs right up to the light river with a fantastic bluff behind that. Beautiful! Would definitely come again, friendly staff, quiet, easy. I will say I like site 11, but if you are not camping and pears, you will be camping directly next to site 10. They are pull through sites that are connected basically. We had another couple with us and it a great set up. But if it had just been us it would have been weird.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Beautiful National Forest Recreation Area

    Camped at site #3 for 3 nights in early October 2025. This site was really good for my camper van; just about level. The site backs up to a beautiful forest. The campground in this recreation area has  27 sites in 3 separate sections. There are some sites at the "pool" which are appropriate for car and tent camping. There is a section down a dirt road along the creek bottom that has a handful of sites; these sites are also good for car and tent camping. I camped in a wooded loop; the sites here can accomodate car, van and tent camping. A few towables may fit in this section. This is a beautiful wooded campground; clean and very well maintained. Most sites are level. Hammock camping is possible in some sites. Most sites have a table, tent pad, lantern pole, metal fire ring and a grill. Some sites are open, some shaded. No hookups. Potable water is located in a central area of the sections; the water was turned on during my visit. There are 4 vault toilets - clean and supplied with tp. Parts of the campground is prone to flash flooding. Very peaceful; the campground wasn't too busy midweek. The campground has access to the beautiful North Sylamore Creek trail. Access to campground on the gravel Gunner Pool Road from Highway 14 was very good during my visit. This forest road goes through the recreation area; it is busier than you would see on typical forest roads. Love this recreation area. One of the best that the Arkansas Ozarks has to offer for outdoor recreation.

  • Benjamin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Devils Fork

    ACOE Devils Fork Campground

    Nice spot, we stay next to the swimming area. Most of the sites have a big concrete pads. Campground host was very friendly. Great value for what you get. Be sure to double check and see what your hookups are as our site only has electric.

  • 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.

  • 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'

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Cherokee Park (Arkansas River) — Arkansas River Rockefeller Lake

    Best Corps of Engineers campground

    A beautiful spot with both lakeside campsites and shaded sites. All spaced for plenty of privacy. Each site has  power and water. Bathrooms are clean and have showers. $26 per night or $13 if you have a federal pass. I used my senior lifetime pass. Strong cell: 3 bars of 5G Verizon.

  • Benjamin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Toad Suck

    ACOE Toad Suck

    Great little campground. Decently maintained. Most of the sites have concrete pads big enough for a couple tents. Solid concrete picnic table with a roof over it was nice. Parking was not very level but our 38ft schoolie fit fine with enough room for our car.

  • 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 )

  • Taylor E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Sam's Throne Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    Stayed here Monday afternoon to Wednesday morning. Everyone cleared out by Tuesday and I had Tuesday- Wednesday to myself. There are quite a few established sites. Not a good spot for solar or star link due to dense forest. No water or trash. Pit toilets. The sites are spread out. Not much firewood to collect, I bought wood from the nearby Red Oak store. Prices were very reasonable. Hiking is awesome here.


Guide to Fairfield Bay

Camping near Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds offer trails for hiking. At Petit Jean State Park, one visitor said, “Beautiful campground. Site was not level front to back but plenty of space.”
  • Water Activities: If you love water sports, Buffalo Point is a great spot. A camper shared, “If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here. Like hiking… plenty of trails.”
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers at Maumelle Park have spotted various wildlife. One reviewer noted, “Lots of geese wandering around & still chatty late at night- but kinda cute to hear.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bull Shoals-White River State Park mentioned, “The bathrooms and showers were clean.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds often provide roomy sites. One camper at John F Kennedy said, “The site was level and spacious.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers frequently highlight helpful staff. A reviewer at Mount Nebo State Park shared, “Staff were friendly.”

What you should know

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Downtown Riverside RV Park pointed out, “A lot of highway noise all day and night.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Ozark Campground, one camper noted, “No electric hookups, no showers.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you want a rustic experience, Haw Creek Falls offers primitive camping. A camper mentioned, “You need to pack in and pack out as there are no trash cans or anything.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Petit Jean State Park, a reviewer said, “Even ate at the restaurant which was nice.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Buffalo Point noted, “Sites on the river side are frequented by raccoons at night and mosquitos depending on the weather.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Maumelle Park suggested, “The campsites are pretty spacious for tents with their own fire rings too.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bull Shoals-White River State Park mentioned, “Most sites are small, feels crowded.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Downtown Riverside RV Park said, “Excellent cell signal and pretty good wifi.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at John F Kennedy mentioned the nearby highway noise.

Camping around Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fairfield Bay, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fairfield Bay, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Fairfield Bay, AR and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fairfield Bay, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fairfield Bay, AR is John F Kennedy with a 4.8-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fairfield Bay, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Fairfield Bay, AR.

What parks are near Fairfield Bay, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Fairfield Bay, AR that allow camping, notably Greers Ferry Lake and Buffalo National River.