Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas spans over 40,000 acres with rocky bluffs and heavily wooded shorelines at elevations around 450 feet. The lake features multiple Corps of Engineers campgrounds, most operating seasonally from mid-May through mid-September. Summer water temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, making it popular for swimming and water activities.
What to Do
Trout fishing below the dam: John F. Kennedy Park sits directly on the Little Red River, known for excellent trout fishing. "Great campsite with close proximity to trout fishing and a beautiful lake," notes Rachel P. The campground provides easy access to the trout hatchery, with "great clean COE park" facilities according to Don L.
Cliff jumping and swimming: Heber Springs offers unique recreation opportunities with its rocky cliffs. "There are cliffs of various heights all around the lake, but there is one in particular that's right at or just over 100 ft. It's a right of passage at the university I attended," shares Donny S. The lake attracts scuba divers who explore old home sites beneath the surface.
Paddle to Sugar Loaf Mountain: Rent kayaks or canoes to reach the island mountain for hiking. Jannetta C. from Shiloh describes the experience: "Drove to a marina to paddle board and kayak to Sugarloaf mountain the next day. The paddle was a little rough with the current, but making it to the island, hiking to the top and getting that view of the lake—priceless! Bucket list checkoff."
What Campers Like
Sandy swim beaches: Sugar Loaf campground features a swimming area with actual sand. "The swimming beach has sand and an amazing view of Sugarloaf Mountain. There is a loaning life preserver station with a great number life preservers on offer," notes reviewer N.I.
Cooler temperatures: JFK Park provides relief during hot Arkansas summers. "Great spot for the heat of summer. Shady and a nice cool breeze off the cold little red!" writes Hillary W. This makes it particularly comfortable for outdoor activities during peak summer months.
Waterfront camping spots: Old Highway 25 campground offers prime lakeside sites. "We were able to camp right on the water and park our boat at the site," John M. explains. These waterfront sites are especially valued for their direct water access, with John C. noting: "Fall camping at its best. We had all of A campground to ourselves. Big mature cedar and hardwoods. Great Lake view."
What You Should Know
Water level fluctuations: When camping at JFK Park, be aware of water releases. Lindsay H. cautions: "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."
Site selection challenges: Many Dam Site Campground sites have difficult terrain. Clayton W. advises: "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 be odd shaped sites that are not conducive to a large camper. We have a 34' camper that would not fit in a 40' site."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds around Greers Ferry Lake operate from mid-May through mid-September. Outside these dates, options are limited, though some like Dam Site remain open year-round with reduced services.
Tips for Camping with Families
Paddle boat rentals: Woolly Hollow State Park offers family-friendly activities and boat rentals. Jason B. recommends: "Wooly Hollow State park is a great place for a family camping trip. They have 30 campsites with power, water, and sewer hookups. The park offers hiking, swimming and rentals paddle boats."
Kid-friendly educational programs: State parks offer nature programs for children. One camper shared: "The state park ranger had 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."
Playground access: Most pet-friendly campgrounds at Greers Ferry Lake include play areas for children. At Devils Fork, Keri P. mentions: "Bathrooms were located nearby, as well as boat access to the lake. There was also several swimming spots!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: At Fairfield Bay RV Campground, the sloped terrain requires extra planning. "You better have extra chuck blocks, because your tow vehicle sits on a heck of an angle, at my site," warns MGySgt K. "Once my trailer was on level site, my truck was at an angle, I could not get my weight distribution bars off."
Best loops for waterfront access: At Old Highway 25, review sites carefully for water views. Debbie H. suggests: "We love this campground. The sites are shady and there are rock bluffs that the grandkids love to jump from." For direct water access, the G loop at Shiloh is recommended, with Lacee G. noting: "The G loop is right by the water. Some of the sites were underwater while we were there, but G2 was perfect."
Full hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer electric and water only, with dump stations available. Check the amenities list carefully before booking, as even developed campgrounds like Devils Fork often lack sewer connections at individual sites.
