165 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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. "
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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.”"
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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 ."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $17 - $22 / night
Check Availability"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!!"
from $18 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Beautiful lake and I thought the bathrooms were clean and spacious. Water and electric hookups were easy to use. I would highly recommend this place, wasn't crowded and good fishing spots from shore."
from $40 / night
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ScoutTotal impressed with everything about this RV Park. The cabins are incredible. Probably one of the cleanest we’ve seen, and we’ve been East to West. Thanks for the stay, we’ll be back.
TravelerWe stopped to camp here on a Sunday night because it was convenient to where we were headed. It is off the beaten path so it was nice and quiet. There were only a few campers but although there is a beach that had families playing and swimming, it cleared out by 7PM. Our campsite was nice but the ground was hard and full of rocks, which made tent stakes useless, but our tent will function without them. The facilities were old and dated but they were clean and neat and the family who owns the campground were really nice and friendly. All in all, a good experience and a restful nights sleep for $30 a night.
GuideGreat little camp ground tucked up against the Little Red River. Had direct access from camp site to the river to fish and enjoy the sunshine.
Site was clean and entire camp ground was quite despite it being full.
TravelerWas following OnX looking for dispersed camping in the National Forest. This was a parking lot for mountain biking but was also a quiet place to camp in my van, and it was flat which was hard to find in the dispersed camp zones. If you keep going there are also numerous places along the forest service road to camp.
ScoutThis spot can be fairly active at times but still a good hideaway to car or van camp for a night or two. There are no amenities so bring it or don't be needing it.
TravelerWe stayed a week at Petit Jean in one of their gorgeous cabins. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The check-in and check-out was easy. Finding the cabin was easy with the directions and map we were given. They were clearly marked, with parking for two vehicles, as they were setup like a duplex. The cabin was beautiful and clean, inside and out. There was a large, heavy, all wood porch swing on each side. Relaxing in it was a peaceful experience, listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the tall pines. Inside it was all beautifully stained wood and roomy enough for two people, much like a hotel room, except for the cathedral ceiling. In fact, the setup was better than most hotel rooms we have stayed in. There was a mini-fridge with a small freezer, microwave, coffee pot(with coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, etc,) a Keurig, blow-dryer, iron, ironing board, and broom. It had all the toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissue, cups. The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower. There were two full size beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of pillows and warm bedding, with a nightstand between. There were plugs to charge your phone and a landline. There was also a fireplace, however it was locked closed. The air unit in the room had cooling/heating that was easy to operate and sufficiently cool. We were near the highway, close to the lodge, but did not hear traffic while in the cabin. Parking at Mather Lodge is just like any other, with a short, easy walk to the entrance. Once inside, you pass the check-in desk, a small, well-stocked gift shop,(with something for every age,) an open meeting area and bar before reaching the restaurant. It is beautifully constructed from large logs stained and polished to a gleaming shine. From floor to ceiling, it is the epitome of rugged elegance. We ate breakfast and dinner exclusively at the lodge. The food was exemplary, every meal, cooked to perfection and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and we were never rushed or made to feel as if we overstayed our welcome. The service was fast, even when every table was occupied. The servers were friendly and attentive. We had only one server, one time that was"less than," maybe she was new, not sure, but we did not see her again. Tommy, Thomas, Jessie, Brad, Rebekah, and Lindsay were all so pleasant, always greeting us, even when they weren't our servers, remembering us and making us feel like family. The view of the gorge with it's tall trees and towering rock formations was incredible! There was a common area behind the lodge, just outside the restaurant with tables, chairs and benches for observing the gorge, taking photos, relaxing and socializing. You could walk right down to the edge of the huge flat rocks for photos with a stunning background. We spent every evening there, watching the exquisite sunsets. This place is a nature lovers paradise. There is a pool surrounded by loungers behind and to the side of the lodge. It was clean and well-kept with a small waterfall at one end. Thick thirsty towels are provided for your convenience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We never saw or heard a mower but the grass was cut to perfection and there wasn't a single piece of litter in the entire park. At check-in we were given a map, brochure and weekly schedule of events/tours at the park. The map was very necessary for navigating around this extensive park of which the lodge area was only a small part. The brochure described the hikes and other available activities(such as climbing and repelling) with descriptions of what could be observed, length and difficulty levels. Trust the brochure! If it says strenuous, it is. Plan accordingly. There were four ranger guided tours the week we were there. We took two of them. They were genuinely interesting and pleasurable. Baron, our ranger, was exceedingly knowledgeable about the geology, animal and plant life and history of the area. Exceptionally so, for someone who was seemingly so young. He was attentive to the needs of those attending the tours, stopping to rest if necessary and moving a bit slower for us older folks. He was so affable and easy to talk with, it seemed as if we were old friends. Willing to spend extra time after the tours, talking with us, was an indication of how much he enjoyed his job. We were very appreciative of someone of his character and enjoyed spending time with him. He is the perfect model of what one would think a park ranger is and should be! Any hike can be taken unguided and there are plenty of them. In fact, we had plans to go outside the park on other hikes, but never made it off the property for those. We actually did not have enough time to do all we wanted to do within the park. If you are looking for a phenomenal vacation, this is the trip you should take!
GuideWell maintained state park especially for its age. All sites have a picnic table, ground grill, and tent pad. Roads and campsites are paved. Nicely spaced sites. Clean bathhouse.
TravelerWe stayed here for 14 days. I would recommend trying for a site right on the bank of the water. We could see most of the Dam of Norfolk Lake from our site. Bathhouse are air conditioned. Nice clean campground. Hosts were very nice. Park rangers and sheriff dept patrolled at least once a day. Sites are paved with water and electric and a dump station. Definitely will go back.
TravelerWe were there for 14 nights. We were in a very shady site. So shady, Starlink was sketchy service. We had no cell service at our site without going off Starlink. No sewer in area D. Im not sure about the other areas. We had water and electric. Campground was clean and quiet. Will definitely go again.
Campsites near Fairfield Bay, Arkansas cluster around Greers Ferry Lake, a 40,000-acre reservoir created by the Greers Ferry Dam. The majority of campgrounds in this area operate under the Corps of Engineers with specific camping seasons, typically open from mid-March through October, though some maintain year-round operations. Water temperatures at the lake can vary significantly with seasonal changes, making swimming comfortable primarily during summer months.
Trout fishing opportunities: The Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam offers excellent trout fishing conditions. At John F Kennedy Campground, you'll find "great camping, right by the river next to The hatchery. Great fishing and close to town," according to Jose M. The campground's proximity to the trout hatchery makes it a popular destination for anglers.
Hiking to mountain views: Sugar Loaf Mountain provides trails with panoramic views of the lake. "Bring your kayak and paddle to Sugar Loaf then hike to the top!" suggests Lacee G. This unique island mountain requires boat access and offers a moderately challenging 1-2 hour hike that rewards climbers with extensive lake vistas.
Swimming areas with sandy beaches: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swim areas with imported sand. "The D loop was our favorite" at Sugar Loaf Campground, according to Lacee G., who appreciated the "view of Sugar Loaf mountain in the background" from their campsite.
Shaded sites for summer comfort: The dense tree cover at many campgrounds provides natural cooling. Choctaw Campground features "tall trees everywhere you look. Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers," as Natalie E. describes.
Riverfront camping for cooler temperatures: The Little Red River area offers cooler conditions than lakeside camping. According to Hillary W., John F Kennedy Campground is a "great spot for the heat of summer. Shady and a nice cool breeze off the cold little red!"
Tent-friendly waterfront options: While many campgrounds cater to RVs, some areas specifically accommodate tent camping with water access. At Shiloh Campground, Lacee G. found that "G2 was perfect. The site had everything we wanted. Trees for our hammock, large level site, near the water for our kayak, and great views of the lake."
Reservation requirements: Popular campsites fill quickly, especially during summer months. At John F Kennedy Campground, Sherrie A. advises that "this spot is popular so get your reservations in! Some come as you go spots but they go quickly!"
Site-specific challenges: Many campgrounds feature terrain that can be difficult for certain setups. At Dam Site Campground, Clayton W. cautions, "Make sure you check in on the length of your trailer and the site before you arrive if possible. Some sites call out they can hold your camper but may odd shaped sites that are not conducive to a large camper."
Water level variations: Dam operations affect water levels at riverside campgrounds. Lindsay H. explains that at John F Kennedy, "when the dam releases water, the river rises a lot. I'm talking a good 5 feet. Which can make it difficult to fish or enjoy the river."
Kid-friendly swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated areas for safer water play. Angela M. recommends Sugar Loaf Campground as "a nice busy but not wild family camping area. Has a swim area and marina, kids can feed the fish, able to rent boats or kayaks/canoes also."
Nature programming: Some parks offer educational activities. At Woolly Hollow State Park, Kelci C. found "a weekend full of planned events from a box turtle demo to a sand castle competition. The best part was the guided hike with Master Naturalist group of AR. They put our daughter right up front and identified every plant and tree we passed."
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include dedicated play areas. Chris M. notes that at Sugar Loaf, "swimming area and powered bathrooms are great. Park rangers patrol the park throughout the day and night, giving all campers piece of mind."
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds offer electric but have limited sewer connections. Deanna M. mentions she "can't give it 5 stars due to recent year deterioration with the bathhouses & lack of improvements to the rv sites, mainly adding sewer hookups" at John F Kennedy Campground.
Site selection strategy: Shade versus sun trade-offs exist at many campgrounds. At Devils Fork Campground, 2SHOE S. advises, "most sites are a long walk away from the bathhouse with showers. The toilets that do not have a shower smell strongly of human waste by evening hours, so avoid campsites directly by them."
Leveling challenges: Many Corps of Engineers campgrounds have uneven sites. A reviewer at Dam Site Campground warns, "many of the sites might be hard to back into or hard to level your rig. The area is thickly wooded and that might make it difficult."
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 165 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 24 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.
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