Sugar Loaf Park operates from mid-May through mid-September as the primary camping option within Higden, Arkansas. The campground features 93 total sites with 57 offering electrical hookups at $18 per night and non-electric sites available for $16 per night. The facility sits directly on Greers Ferry Lake, providing swimming access at a sandy beach with designated life vest stations and views of Sugar Loaf Mountain across the water. Most campsites receive consistent shade from mature oak and pine trees, with terrain ranging from nearly level to moderately sloped. Winter closure of many campgrounds limits year-round camping spots near Higden, Arkansas to facilities like John F. Kennedy campground and Dam Site campground, which remain open all seasons.
What to do
Trout fishing below the dam: John F Kennedy campground provides direct access to the Little Red River, known for excellent trout conditions. "Great spot for the heat of summer. Shady and a nice cool breeze off the cold little red!" notes Hillary W. The campground sits adjacent to the trout hatchery, making it an optimal base for anglers.
Mountain hiking with lake views: Sugar Loaf Park serves as a starting point for hikes on Sugar Loaf Mountain, with a $5 day-use fee for vehicles. "Sugar Loaf is where you will find the location of the Tournament Fish Life Support Facility where official tournament weight-ins occur," explains one reviewer, highlighting its importance to competitive fishing in the region.
Cliff jumping and scuba diving: Several rock formations around Devil's Fork campground provide jumping points of various heights into the deep water. "Surrounded by rocky bluffs and outcroppings and heavily wooded. Fishing, swimming, hiking, boating of all types, scuba diving for old home sites and so much more," notes a visitor, pointing to underwater exploration opportunities at abandoned structures now submerged by the lake.
What campers like
Waterfront sites with boat access: At Old Highway 25 campground, waterside spots allow direct boat parking. "This last time we were able to camp right on the water and park our boat at the site," reports John M., adding that "the lake is busy but large enough that even at busy times there is room for fun."
Cooler temperatures by the river: Sites near running water maintain lower temperatures during hot months. "I have come out every year for the better part of the last 10, and this year my wife joined... love the cooler temps by the river, the fly fishing, and the overall park," states Lane R. about John F Kennedy campground.
Sandy swimming beaches: The constructed beach areas provide designated swimming zones with imported sand. "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," notes a Sugar Loaf visitor, emphasizing the safety considerations.
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: Most campgrounds around Higden close between September and May. "Open May-Sep with 93 sites and 57 of those have electricity," confirms one reviewer about Sugar Loaf Park. Devil's Fork and Dam Site remain open year-round for winter camping needs.
Vault toilet conditions: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds and loops. "Vault toilet on the end of A section during hot months smells," warns Sherrie A. about Old Highway 25 campground, suggesting campers select sites farther from these facilities during summer.
Water level fluctuations: Dam Site campground experiences significant water changes when the dam releases. "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," explains one camper, indicating the importance of checking release schedules.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Arrange visits with naturalist groups when available. "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," shares Kelci C., noting educational value for children.
Site selection for tent camping: Families in tents should prioritize campgrounds with dedicated tent loops. Woolly Hollow State Park provides this separation: "There is a separate loop for tent camping and it's closer to the water than the hookups loop," notes a camper, emphasizing the benefits for non-RV campers.
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature play equipment near swimming areas. "There is a large playground for the children," mentions Kathy E. about Woolly Hollow, while others note that Devil's Fork offers a "great playground" near its swimming beach.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many older Corps of Engineers campgrounds have uneven pads. "Be aware that many of the sites might be hard to back into or hard to level your rig," cautions a reviewer about Dam Site campground, recommending site inspection before committing to a spot.
Hookup limitations: Water connections aren't available at every site, even with electrical service. "Electric but no site water and dump stations. Beautiful view from site 16/18/20," reports Kevin A. about Heber Springs, highlighting the tradeoff between views and full hookups.
Tree clearance for large rigs: Awning deployment may be impossible at heavily wooded sites. "In the more shaded sites you may not be able to use your awning as there are plenty of trees for shade, but very close to the site themselves," warns Clayton W., suggesting newer, more open loops for larger RVs.
