Camping in the Beaver Lake watershed around Garfield, Arkansas features Corps of Engineers campgrounds at elevations between 1,100 and 1,200 feet. The topography includes limestone bluffs and wooded hillsides that provide natural breaks between camping areas. Water levels at Beaver Lake typically fluctuate 8-15 feet between winter and summer, affecting shoreline access at some campsites.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lost Bridge North offers a 5-mile trail that includes historical points of interest. "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. There are also some historical aspects to the trail that are interesting," notes a camper at Lost Bridge North.
Fishing access: The White River below Beaver Dam provides trout fishing opportunities. "The 'Parker Bottoms' area of this campground is amazing. There is trout fishing right along the grounds in the White River and the sites are well kept and beautiful," says a visitor to Dam Site River - Beaver Lake.
Mountain biking: Access trails directly from some campgrounds. "This is your basic parking lot campground. Your site is all cement with full hook ups and a picnic table. No green areas to call your own, BUT you have incredible instant access to the trailhead of many singletrack bike and hiking trails," reports a camper at Blowing Springs RV Park.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Many campsites offer direct water views or access. "Quiet and clean! Right on Beaver Lake. Great hiking trail near by and facilities were clean. Will stay here again," comments a visitor to Lost Bridge North.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings. "The local deer greet you at breakfast from across the street and the facilities are always clean and well maintained. It's so quiet and the bluff across the river looks like fire when the sun is setting," shares a camper at Dam Site River.
Swimming access: Designated swimming areas provide family recreation. "There are a couple playground areas, a beach, marina, boat launch, and several bathrooms with flush toilets," notes a camper about Prairie Creek (AR).
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "Park is nice. Staff is awful. Not very accommodating," reports a visitor to Roaring River State Park Campground.
Campsite elevation: Many sites feature significant slopes. "You are better off going down the road a bit to get to one of the fishing access points instead. All of those have a nice parking area and a wide trail up and over a berm to get down to the river," advises a camper about Dam Site River.
Shower availability: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "The stalls were filthy and too small so everything you bring with you gets soaked," cautions a visitor about Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "This campground has a playground for kids, bath houses, a pool, and swimming holes (the water is very cold—great in the hot summer)," mentions a camper at Roaring River State Park.
Swimming beaches: Look for designated swim areas with gradual entry. "Swimming area was very spacious. Nice playground for kids. (Closed currently due to COVID.) Dump station has easy access," reports a visitor to Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground.
Fishing for kids: Some areas have dedicated youth fishing zones. "Dry Run Creek, which runs by the hatchery to the river, is only fishable by kids 16 and younger or those with mobility impairments, but it's still a beautiful place for a walk or picnic," notes a camper at Dam Site Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring extra leveling blocks for many campgrounds. "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads," advises a visitor to Prairie Creek.
Hookup limitations: Water access varies by campsite. "None of the sites have water hookups and the showers were awful," cautions a camper at Lost Bridge South.
Site selection: Waterfront sites fill quickly. "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 a visitor to Lake Leatherwood City Park.
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