Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Gateway, AR

Roaring River State Park Campground accommodates pets across multiple camping options including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Campers appreciate the ability to launch kayaks directly from their campsites while having pets alongside them. The campground provides electric hookups and drinking water with level tent pads at designated sites. Lost Bridge North Campground also welcomes pets with scenic waterfront sites offering electric hookups. The terrain can be rocky but includes leveled areas suitable for tent camping with dogs, and the upper loop provides particularly quiet, private spaces ideal for campers seeking a more secluded experience with their pets.

Dam Site Lake Campground features waterfront sites with electric and water hookups where pets are permitted throughout the camping area, including the unique island camping section accessible by driving across a connecting spit of land. The 5-mile trail at Lost Bridge North provides an excellent opportunity for dog walking, though some sections are difficult to follow. Water shoes are recommended for pets accompanying swimmers at the rocky beach areas. During summer months, the mature tree cover at most campsites provides valuable shade for pets. Nearby trails offer additional hiking opportunities, with Lake Leatherwood City Park providing another pet-friendly camping alternative with cabin options and thirty-amp hookups for RVs traveling with animals.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Gateway, Arkansas (192)

    1. Dam Site River - Beaver Lake

    18 Reviews
    Eureka Springs, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 253-9865

    $22 - $29 / night

    "This campground is one of the hidden treasures of northern Arkansas. You are always close to the water and a short distance to a fantastic hike on Beaver lake."

    "Booked this visit for close little pseudo-holiday while working near Branson. The spots were very long and staggered in distance apart."

    2. Prairie Creek (AR)

    24 Reviews
    Rogers, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 925-3957

    $20 - $200 / night

    "This campground is located on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas. It is a Corp of engineer lake. We stayed in site 30 which is quite small but our Winnebago 24’ Trend fit in fine."

    "Our little loop was nice and secluded while being close to the shower house and park."

    3. Dam Site Lake Campground

    13 Reviews
    Gateway, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 253-5828

    $22 - $75 / night

    "As suggested by the name, the dam is nearby, providing a pretty sight after dark. Not all sites are shaded."

    "They really capitalize on as much lakeside camping as possible, and it is amazing!"

    4. Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground

    28 Reviews
    Rogers, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 925-2561

    $16 - $75 / night

    "Got a nice little spot on the lake to do some hammock camping for two nights. Was able to get this spot within the week which was a surprise as busy as it was."

    "Found this gem tucked away in Northwest Arkansas. Corps of Engineers Campground. Very well-maintained. Gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites. Several bathhouses."

    5. Lost Bridge North

    13 Reviews
    Gateway, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 359-3312

    $17 - $40 / night

    "They are a non- profit rescues facility for neglected and unwanted captive exotic cats. Pea Ridge Battle grounds is in the area to. Lots of places to see there."

    "We stayed in spot 48 which had a really lovely view of the lake through the trees. The lower loop looked a lot more active and the campsites had less privacy."

    6. Lake Leatherwood City Park

    17 Reviews
    Eureka Springs, AR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 253-7921

    "On one trip I check out Lake Leatherwood City Park, a campground only about 10 minutes outside of the historic downtown area. This historic lake has both tent camping and cabin options."

    "Stayed here for a week and loved it, although it was a bit busy for our sensitive dogs."

    7. Wanderlust RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Eureka Springs, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 253-7385

    $39 - $136 / night

    "We have a smaller pull behind camper and picked one of the ridge sites with 30 amp full hookup. The sunsets on the ridge were amazing!"

    "I was asked to dismount the car at the entrance. And take my car Dolly to a separate area. He then escorted me to our campsite and help back me in campsite ."

    8. The Farm - Campground & Events

    10 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    7 miles
    Website

    $10 - $25 / night

    "I loved all the art work around as well."

    "In the morning you'll be deep in the seas of fog, and at night you'll be dazed by wide views of the stars. 18 hole diskgolf course and super fun mountain bike trails you can't beat it."

    9. Lost Bridge South

    9 Reviews
    Gateway, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 359-3755

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Only 42 Almost and 46 the sweet spot can see the lake. You can drive to lakefront free. The walk is awkward dangerous."

    "One of the better sites on Beaver Lake with a small number of sites, the access to the water is easy and the sites are fair sized."

    10. Indian Creek - Beaver Lake

    7 Reviews
    Gateway, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 656-3145

    $22 - $38 / night

    "Secluded and very quiet. 3 min walk to some nice shores and great fishing spots from shore. Though the sunfish are smart here. lol.
    The bad. It’s a pull through spot on a hill."

    "We walked our kayaks to the river and played around for a few hours and then found some nice people to play volleyball with."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Gateway, AR

1074 Reviews of 192 Gateway Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park

    Quiet, Centrally Located, Large Sites

    We really enjoyed our stay here! It was the week after Labor Day and was mostly vacant, making for a quiet stay. Love the amenities for kids! The only reason I give 4 stars is the dog policy— it’s very strict, and there isn’t a dog park type area to let pets off leash to play & get energy out.

  • Mel M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2025

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Peaceful Retreat

    My husband and I rented our first camper van to see if short trips meant to create memories are do-able in a camper van, for us. 1000% yes.

    This was our first experience and got exactly what was described. The road was bumpy but we had zero problems with our 4x4 rig.

    Sunsets and sunrises were stunning!!! Great fall retreat. We even met a stray cat we wish we could have taken home with us. Poor thing is starving. She will come if calls and purrs when petted. We named her “Sugar” after the location.

    There seems to be a private off-road recreation area that provided moderate traffic. We were kind of tucked back a bit from the road and it didn’t bother us.

  • Keith S.
    Jun. 1, 2019

    Cooper Creek Resort

    Loved our time

    Location is easy to find. Love being next to the water! Heard there is a dog park coming this summer. Great place to go if u want to vacation with someone that doesn't have a camper because of the cabins on property. we will be back.

  • S
    Nov. 22, 2020

    Branson Lakeside RV Park

    Great RV park right on the river

    Great atmosphere and sooo close to the Branson landing for dinner/shopping but also right on the river for a great day on the boat. Just a bit down river from Lily’s Landing (bait shop and a fun stop in for the kids to grab a snack). Walking distance to a park with play ground and two separate dog park areas (one fenced one open). Definitely an “RV PARK” nothing secluded about it if that’s what you’re looking for... very close to neighboring site and even in off season it was packed full the weekend we went. The sites along the river side had great big fire pits too.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2023

    Bull Creek RV Park

    39 Sites and 400 Feet of Creek Access

    Ashley here from The Dyrt! We’re excited to have this new partner online. This park is dog friendly with a dog park and offers a large community fire-pit (among other things.) Check them out and leave them some love.

  • Lori V.
    Mar. 16, 2021

    Rivers Edge RV and Stables

    Awesome Dog park!

    Great views, wonderful neighbors and a really nice dog park! Owners and management are very nice and helpful. Plenty of drive thru lots for big rigs. Higher end RV park, spacious lots, all utilities included. Beautiful new bathhouse kept very clean. Highly recommended!!!

  • Kelsey S.
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Joplin KOA

    Great spot!

    We were just passing through and stayed for a night. We had sewer, water, and electric hookup. A nice dog park, and even found some 4 leaf clovers!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Regatta On Grand

    Glamping

    This is a amazing place! Firewood provided along with outdoor furniture and gas grill! You don’t need to bring a thing! They have 2 restaurants on site that are full service! Enclosed dog park and nice

  • Rebecca W.
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Eureka Springs KOA

    Super clean! Great place!

    I couldn’t get over how clean this facility was. Very kind and accommodating staff. We stayed in a Kamping Kabin with a bunk bed and a full size bed and it was sparkling clean. The pool was sparkling clean as well. Great dog park and children’s park.


Guide to Gateway

Dam Site Lake Campground provides waterfront campsites on Beaver Lake with electric and water hookups throughout its main camping areas. Sites on the island section are particularly sought after, with many positioned just feet from the water's edge offering a private beach area. The island section is accessible by driving across a connecting spit of land, though during high water periods some sites may be temporarily unavailable due to flooding. Prairie Creek Campground offers camping with varying hookup options from primitive sites to those with electric service, though tent campers should note that many sites are on sloped terrain making level placement challenging.

What to do

Fishing for trout: Roaring River State Park Campground provides exceptional trout fishing opportunities with campsites positioned along the river. "We visited this as stop on MO centennial passport challenge. We are not much for trout fishing. The campsites were all along the river, so you had AMAZING river access if you wanted to trout fish," notes Kelsie L. The park maintains a working trout fish hatchery where visitors can observe the process.

Mountain biking trails: The Farm - Campground & Events offers "super fun mountain bike trails you can't beat it. And approximately 9 miles from the always exciting and quirky Eureka Springs," according to Jon W. The property spans 160 acres with multiple camping options from wooded sites to meadow areas.

Kayaking and paddling: Lost Bridge North features a 5-mile trail and lake access perfect for water activities. "We spent 3 nights in site 4 and it was great. Plan on returning some day," shares Herbert H. The campground provides electric hookups and lake access, though water is not available at individual sites.

What campers like

Private lake views: Lost Bridge South offers waterfront camping with good site separation. "All spots are large. Most water sites are amazing. Wild life all around. Easy in and out boating," reports John R. Sites in the higher numbers (42-46) provide the best views of the lake.

Island camping experience: Dam Site Lake Campground offers a unique camping location. "They really capitalize on as much lakeside camping as possible, and it is amazing! My ring is literally 7 ft from the lake, and I have my own little pebbly beach," explains Jenna L. The campground features both mainland and island sites connected by a land bridge.

Shaded campsites: Horseshoe Bend Rec Area offers abundant tree cover during summer months. "Nice very scenic campground. Hilly with staggered rv slots, so it seems like everyone would have a great view of the lake," writes Jody D. The campground includes a swimming area and playground that families appreciate during warmer months.

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: At Prairie Creek, "I never was able to get our TT level at site 92. Over 8" difference from side to side," reports Roger H. Many campgrounds in the area are built on hillsides with significant grade changes between sites.

Limited shower facilities: Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground has basic bathroom facilities. "None of the sites have water hookups and the showers were awful. The stalls were filthy and too small so everything you bring with you gets soaked," notes Chelsea B. Many sites are without water hookups so arrive with tanks filled.

Weather alerts: Dam Site Lake sounds warning horns during water releases from nearby dams. "You should know that the dam is nearby, providing a pretty sight after dark," mentions Kenna P. These sirens serve as safety measures for sudden water level changes.

Tips for camping with families

Best dog-friendly campgrounds near Gateway: Lost Bridge North Campground welcomes pets with ample space for walking. "There is a 5-mile trail that runs through the park. Pretty hard to follow in spots but one side of it runs along the lake and is beautiful," observes Doug G. The trail provides excellent exercise opportunities for dogs and families.

Kid-friendly activities: Roaring River State Park Campground offers multiple activities for children. "Our girls had a blast there! For first timers, this place is great! Quiet, relaxing, and a nice hatchery/hiking area!" shares Miles H. The fish hatchery provides an educational component families appreciate.

Swimming options: Lake Leatherwood City Park provides calm water activities ideal for families with dogs. "The lake is nice and quiet, allowing kayak, canoe, and SUP," notes Jess C. Rental equipment is available hourly if you haven't brought your own water gear.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Prairie Creek offers various service levels depending on location. "Campsites come with various services so check yours to ensure you have what you need. Some have no services, some with electric only, all the way up to full services," advises Roger H.

RV-friendly campgrounds: Lost Bridge North provides spacious sites suitable for larger vehicles. "The tent camping area was spacious and close to the water. The handful of RV sites were very close together and up the hill from the water, without much view," reports Jess C. about Lake Leatherwood, highlighting the importance of checking site locations when booking.

Campsite selection strategy: For dog-friendly campgrounds near Gateway and surrounding areas, select sites based on shade coverage during summer months. "I picked a nice spot on the edge of the trees in the meadow where I could hear the turkeys calling to each other in the morning," shares Annie C. about The Farm Campground, demonstrating how site selection can enhance the camping experience with pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gateway, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gateway, AR is Dam Site River - Beaver Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 18 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Gateway, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 192 dog-friendly camping locations near Gateway, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.