Best Campgrounds near Kirby, AR

Southwestern Arkansas near Kirby features multiple lakeside camping options managed primarily by the Army Corps of Engineers and state park systems. Kirby Landing provides year-round camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites within walking distance of Lake Greeson. Nearby, the COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, though as one camper noted, "This site was difficult to find. It is listed on the highway with a sign but on GPS it wasn't listed." Within a short drive, Daisy State Park Campground consistently receives high ratings for its well-maintained facilities and lakefront access, while Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground in Murfreesboro combines camping with the unique opportunity to search for diamonds.

Summer temperatures in this region can be extremely hot, with campers at Daisy State Park advising, "Make sure you have fans or some way of staying cool." Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures and are often preferred camping seasons. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations through recreation.gov, particularly for weekend stays during peak seasons. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with spotty coverage in more remote areas. Water levels at Lake Greeson can fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping and boat access. Bug spray is essential during warmer months, especially at waterfront sites where one visitor warned, "There are a lot of mosquitoes because it is literally right by the water!"

Lakeside camping dominates the Kirby area experience, with many sites offering direct water access. At Daisy State Park, "The walk-in tent sites are some of the best in the Midwest. The sites are located right on the lake." Fishing is popular year-round, with multiple boat ramps available at most campgrounds. Bathhouse facilities vary widely between locations - while Daisy State Park features "clean and modern" shower facilities, visitors to Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area noted older facilities, suggesting, "I would suggest for showers going to the Daisy State Park. They have newer and nicer showers." Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water, though availability of firewood varies by location. The region's combination of water recreation and forested camping areas makes it particularly appealing for multi-day stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Kirby, Arkansas (182)

    1. Daisy State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    5 miles
    Website

    "Daisy SP is a fantastic SP located in the southwest corner of Arkansas.  The Camper and RV sites are level and big for any size vehicle.  The walk in tent sites are some of the best in the Midwest. "

    "We are parcel to sites 95 and 96 due to their close proximity to the bathroom. The bathrooms are very clean and we have observed the camp staff regularly checking and maintaining them."

    2. Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Murfreesboro, AR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-3113

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This camp is ideally located in the Crater of Diamonds State Park with easy access to the Visitors Center by foot or car."

    "The campground has 47 nicely shaded RV sites with water/electric/sewer hookup(many of which have tent pads and five walk-in tent sites."

    3. Cowhide Cove Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-2151

    $16 - $22 / night

    "There's a lower loop near the playground that is perfect for families with kids. The only con is you have to walk up the hill to the bathrooms."

    "We have a beautiful spot backed up to the lake with a wonderful view. There are two widely separated camping areas: New Cowhide Cove and Old Cowhide Cove."

    4. Kirby Landing

    5 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-2151

    $20 - $36 / night

    "Nice, spacious campground and was very close to the playground and bathrooms. Bathrooms were definitely clean. Also, great fishing."

    "We didn’t stay in the sites on Lake Greeson but in the section they call Weston Point. Nice large level pull through site. Will definitely return and stay here again if ever I’m in the area."

    5. Caddo River Access RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Caddo Gap, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 356-5336

    $12 - $40 / night

    "It is located a little south of central Arkansas so it’s easily accessible to the whole state. It’s also very affordable and has great amenities."

    "They are very close to the outfitter drop spot. Right on the river. Bathroom facilities are very nice and well kept. Outfitter has very nice quality boats for rent as well."

    6. Crystal Campground

    10 Reviews
    Norman, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "Located in Ouachita National Forest, this campground is easy to get to. Ideal for tent, vans, even tear drop campers. No hook ups. Some sites had really good solar potential, most were well shaded."

    "It is located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. 3 miles down the road is collier spring where 1 can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water 1 wants."

    7. Bear Creek

    3 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-2151

    $10 / night

    "The problem with this is that I had no coverage in the campground, had to go up to the entrance to get signal to down load the app and set it up, then back to the campground to scan the QR code, then back"

    "This park is a wooded area beside a lake. Campsites have a picnic table & grill. No electricity or water. No concrete parking pads. However almost all sites have a view of the lake."

    8. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    44 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 991-3390

    $14 - $80 / night

    "Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."

    "This site also backs to the lake which is nice except that people would park their boats on the shore and walk through the site at which I was camped. This was a first for me."

    9. Self Creek

    3 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    6 miles
    Website

    "They have sites in the woods, next to the water, and out in the open.

    The bathrooms were clean and well maintained."

    "I checked this site out after finding some of the awesome lake activities offered at Lake Greeson."

    10. COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground

    4 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 285-2151

    "It is listed on the highway with a sign but on GPS it wasn't listed. The proper address is 4101 US-70, Kirby, AR 71950."

    "There is a boat ramp nearby so many use this as a hub for their fishing camps.

    It was quiet and serene.

    Restrooms were near the entrance and included showers."

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Recent Reviews near Kirby, AR

851 Reviews of 182 Kirby Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula

    Great clean stop

    Spent night here mid week..only a couple of vehicles came through

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Nice ACOE campground

    Nice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.

  • Makayla C.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Buckville - Lake Ouachita

    Island Camping!!!

    We decided to island camp here and boy was it an experience. Day one was perfect, despite some storms, we really enjoyed ourselves. Day two we had to pack up early, flies got so horrible and wouldn’t stop biting us!

  • Charity S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Irons Fork

    Peaceful

    We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower. I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom.

  • Darren J.
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita

    Great memory making trip

    Saw the most beautiful sunset. Caught a deliscious catfish. Spent a day in a hamock with a fantastic lake view.

  • Lauren M.
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Pioneer Campgrounds

    Peaceful, healing, and perfect in every season

    We found Pioneer Campgrounds three years ago and have come back every chance we get. It’s more than just a campground—it’s a true escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.

    This place has something special every time we visit. There’s a peaceful creek, a two-mile trail for walking or biking, volleyball and basketball courts, ping pong, and a fire pit for those perfect evening hangouts. The kids have room to run and explore, and our dogs are always welcome.

    The cabins are spacious, super clean, and have great A/C—perfect for relaxing after a day outside. There are spots for tent camping too if that’s your style. Each visit brings something new: upgrades, little surprises, and thoughtful touches that make it feel even more like home.

    They also offer extras like a washer and dryer, coffee, cold drinks, and shirts—all for a small charge. Plus, the WiFi is great thanks to Starlink, which is a bonus when you need to stay a little connected.

    Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, this place is beautiful year-round. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for our family!

    Big thank-you to Matt—the owner—he’s kind, down-to-earth, and truly an awesome dude. We’re so glad we found this gem. Thanks from The Mays Family. 💚

  • Wayne J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    5star campground 4star site

    I’ve reviewed the campground before, for other sites. Most are level and plenty of room/parking length. This site 30 is cramped and has a passenger side tilt to it. I have a 26’ (tip to tail) TT and a crew cab pickup… they will not fit in the campsite end to end, much less with some room to get in to the tailgate. Once unhooked, I had to angle the truck in to overlap the tongue of the TT. Ended up with a 3 inch riser to level the trailer side to side, which puts the first step about 17 inches up. To add to it, there is no level surface much further than the step before the site slopes off steeply with pine needles. The site just seems like the Park wanted to jam another spot in to make 45$ extra a night on busy times. I would not recommend site 30, to anyone. Tent campers would be even worse off, as the tent pad area is back closer to the road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Hot Springs National Park KOA

    NICE PLACE

    The campground was a little hard to find, about 22 miles from I-30 but we found it. Check-in was easy, directions to our site clear. Plenty of room to back into the site. Gravel site, nice and level. We only stayed 1 night. The campground was nice and clean and quiet. Good place to rest up before continuing on with our journey.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Gladstone Forest Rd (FR11) Large Dispersed

    Large, level dispersed for multiple rigs

    Coordinates: 34.75797,-93.24530. Large, open dispersed site along Gladstone Forest Rd (FR11) in the Ouachita National Forest. Should accomodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Easy access from the forest road onto a mostly level dirt surface. There is no privacy from the forest road. Tent camping is possible. Situated on an old, unused track that goes off into a dense forest behind the site. I believe this site can be used by a group of hunters. Very little shade; solar recharging and Starlink connectivity possible. There is a rock fire ring on the site. No T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing remarkable about this site. Should be good for an overnight stay while exploring the Forest Road 11 area of the Ouachitas.


Guide to Kirby

Camping near Kirby, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot for relaxation or adventure.

What to do

  • Fishing and Swimming: At Lake Catherine State Park Campground, many campers enjoy fishing right off their sites. One visitor shared, “Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off.”
  • Hiking Trails: If you love hiking, Gulpha Gorge Campground is a great choice. A camper mentioned, “If you enjoy hiking, this is an excellent location.”
  • Water Sports: Lake Ouachita State Park Campground offers kayaking and swimming opportunities. One reviewer noted, “The lake is beautiful and all tent sites have access to the water.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Gulpha Gorge Campground said, “Cleanest shower house I've ever seen.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide roomy sites. One camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground mentioned, “The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Catherine's Landing said, “The staff was very friendly and helpful.”

What you should know

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Gulpha Gorge Campground pointed out, “A little close to a busy road, but if you have a creek spot you can hear the water flowing!”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Gulpha Gorge Campground, one camper noted, “No showers, but clean restrooms.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “The sites and bathhouse were nice, full hookups.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Catherine's Landing, a reviewer said, “Plenty of room for the kids to ride bicycles.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground noted, “The only thing to beware of is the crows.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Daisy State Park Campground suggested, “Enjoyed walking on the dock and view of the water.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Catherine's Landing mentioned, “Large pull-through RV sites.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Hot Springs National Park KOA said, “WiFi good enough to stream.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Gulpha Gorge Campground mentioned the nearby highway noise.

Camping around Kirby, Arkansas, offers a mix of fun activities and beautiful scenery for everyone, whether you're a family or an RVer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kirby, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kirby, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Kirby, AR and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kirby, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kirby, AR is Daisy State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kirby, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Kirby, AR.

What parks are near Kirby, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Kirby, AR that allow camping, notably Dierks Lake and DeGray Lake.