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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
