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.
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$14 - $80 / night
"Site 40 water faucet is broken Showers are hot and free Arkansas is very pretty but the trash on the road sides and road kill is too much. Clean up after yourself people!!!"
"Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."
$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."
"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."
"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."
GuideThis campground is very quiet. It has beautiful surroundings and lots of nature to see. The spot we are camping in needs a little attention but it doesn't stop us from enjoying the area. A nice picnic table with grill and fire ring make this an awesome spot. Cell phone service is sketchy, thankfully we have starlink. The only bad I have found with this campground is the showers need a deep cleaning and updated (D Loop).
TravelerNice campground very convenient to the Horse Track that is only a few blocks to walk to. Clean level concrete sides. Being in town makes all the local sites an easy quick drive.
ScoutExcellent free primitive parking/camping.
TravelerCame into town for the Horse races. Campground was easy access in the middle of town. Area was pretty quiet and secure. Hosts were great and welcoming. Will be back again next time we are doing in town activities! Concrete sites are clean and very level so set up was a breeze.
TravelerThis site is in BEAUTIFUL spot and is well maintained! But just know that this is a popular location it seems. We reserved our spot for one night about a month ago (if not more) and there were a lot of sites booked them. I think we saw ONE open spot last night. That said, everyone was respectful of quiet hours, and it’s mostly a lot of RV camping—looks like people say for longer periods of time! There are tent sites too, but only a handful. The bathrooms have a shower and real toilets. For a campsite they are incredibly clean!
We stayed in site 21 and could walk down the hill to the bank of the lake for a beautiful view. Noting this as a place we should come back to if we are ever in the area again! So lovely.
RangerBeautiful setting in the Ouachita Natl Forest --peaceful and calm. Only a few UTVs and trucks drove by in our 5 days there. Challenging & fun UTV trails! Narrow gravel road to arrive --lots of overhanging branches in April. Amour site was approx 1/2 mile in, a pull through on the right with plenty of room. There were 2-3 other campsites farther down the road for a tent, van, or small camper. Easy access to trails.
GuideThis is a great location in southeastern Arkansas. This sites are great. The scenery is beautiful. The cell service can be spotty at times and if you have Starlink that can also be spotty because of the tree cover. Be careful if you have a longer rig that the sites are not level most of them have a pretty good slope. There are a few that don’t so if you’re in a larger motorhome or a larger fifth wheel, it may be difficult to get level. But overall, this is an excellent place to stay, especially during the week in the spring time like we did. There were only a few other people. It was quiet and extremely green and beautiful.
TravelerThe location is convenient, and everyone is super friendly! It’s mainly long term/permanent campers, which makes for a small neighborhood vibe. Choose a back in site along the pretty little creek. All the basic amenities plus coin operated laundry.
RangerMaybe a camp used to exist here, but currently there's only the Fourche Mt UTV staging area, and a crumbling, overgrown road ending in a pile of rocks and a downhill slope not navigable by any vehicle other than UTV. Don't make our mistake--we drove our 43' RV in a ways, and had to unhook our towed truck, back to the staging area to get turned around to leave.
Lake Greeson defines the camping experience near Kirby, Arkansas, with 7,000 acres of clear water surrounded by pine forests. The region sits at approximately 350 feet elevation in the Ouachita Mountain foothills. Most camping spots near Kirby feature direct lake access, though inland forest sites offer quieter alternatives with hiking trails connecting to the water.
Dig for diamonds: Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground offers a unique camping experience with diamond hunting opportunities. "The Crater of Diamonds State Park is an exciting place full of rich history and, of course, finding lots of rough diamonds. The State Park is listed as the eighth largest reserve of diamonds in the world according to their website, and this park sets itself apart from anywhere else by allowing visitors to keep any diamonds that they find," explains Prospector J.
Hike forest trails: Crystal Campground provides access to hiking paths through the Ouachita National Forest. "There is the Crystal Springs Trail you can hike that leaves right from the campground. I loved this small campground and will return to spend a lot more time," notes a camper. The trails connect to clear mountain streams perfect for wading during summer months.
Lake recreation: Kirby Landing offers direct lake access for boating, fishing and swimming. "Really large campground. We didn't stay in the sites on Lake Greeson but in the section they call Weston Point. Nice large level pull through site," reports Cheri H. The campground includes a marina for boat rentals and fishing supplies.
Direct water access: Cowhide Cove Campground features sites with immediate lake views. According to Shirley B., "Beautiful area, super nice and helpful host! Enjoyed swimming and views. Full hookups easy back in site and very roomy; plenty of move for grand-babies to be play, even setup a little pool." The sites offer easy water entry points for swimmers.
Off-grid solitude: Crystal Campground provides free, primitive camping in a secluded forest setting. "Not far off the main road but could probably get muddy during the rainy season. Maybe 10-12 Campsites with a vault toilet that was definitely not usable in July of 2018. The campsites are along a crystal clear Spring fed creek," reports Stephanie W. The sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to the creek.
Well-maintained facilities: Daisy State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its clean amenities. "Bath house is very nice and super clean. Park staff was helpful," mentions Jaime R. Another camper, Brandt S., adds: "Very large state campground right on the lake. Clean bathrooms with showers. Would be fantastic for families."
Finding remote campgrounds: Some camping areas near Kirby can be challenging to locate. One camper at COE Lake Greeson Self Creek Jim Wylie Recreation Area and Campground noted: "This site was difficult to find. 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."
Cell service limitations: Many camping spots around Kirby have limited connectivity. At Crystal Campground, a visitor mentioned "No cell signal with AT&T," while another noted "Verizon 1 bar." Plan accordingly with offline maps and emergency contact options.
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping temperatures. At Crater of Diamonds State Park, Patricia C. advises, "Winter, Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit. The diamond field is a large, unshaded field." Heavy rains can affect accessibility on forest roads and diamond searching conditions.
Playground proximity: When camping with children at Cowhide Cove Campground, request sites near recreational areas. "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. You have a perfect line of sight to the large playground from sites 3, 4, and 5," suggests Casi M.
Water activities: Kirby Landing provides family-friendly swimming areas. Kristen K. reports, "There was a group of 17 of us. We rented a double spot and it was perfect. Nice, spacious campground and was very close to the playground and bathrooms. Bathrooms were definitely clean. Also, great fishing."
Unique experiences: The diamond hunting at Crater of Diamonds offers family entertainment beyond traditional camping. "Took my littles and we had fun panning for a hot minute but the trails were good, the playground was good and the facilities were very clean! Something way out of our normal!" shares Becca H.
Site selection: RVers should carefully research site dimensions and terrain. At Self Creek, one camper notes, "The sites are narrow and on a slope so your picnic table is down a steep rocky slope."
Full hookup options: Cowhide Cove Campground offers complete RV services. "Full hookups easy back in site and very roomy," confirms Shirley B.
Leveling challenges: Many camping spots near Kirby feature uneven terrain. A review for Self Creek states, "Sites are close together and extremely hard if not nearly impossible to level IF you don't have self levelers."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kirby, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kirby, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 193 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 28 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.
Keep Exploring
