Lake Greeson and the surrounding area near Kirby, Arkansas sits at an elevation of approximately 530 feet with terrain that ranges from wooded hills to waterfront flats. Summer temperatures often reach the 90s with high humidity, making water access a priority for most campers. Winter camping is available at most sites but facilities may have seasonal limitations during colder months.
What to do
Boat launching access: Lake Greeson offers multiple boat ramps for easy water access at Parker Creek Campground. "The lake was gorgeous, we walked in the evening to see lots of bats catching bugs. We could not have asked for a better experience," notes a camper who enjoyed the wildlife viewing opportunities from shore.
Diamond mining excursions: Located about 20 minutes from Crater of Diamonds State Park, visitors can try their luck at finding gems. "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," explains one visitor who recommends going after heavy rainfall for best results.
Swimming in creek areas: Cooler water options exist beyond the main lake. "Nice swimming creek nearby," mentions one camper at Crater of Diamonds, which provides relief during hot summer days when the diamond field offers minimal shade coverage.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: COE Lake Greeson Parker Creek Campground receives high marks for site size and spacing. "The sites were HUGE and there were very few other campers. We stayed in site 14 right across from the lake. The bathrooms were clean and looked like they had just been updated," reports a satisfied visitor who appreciated the recent facility improvements.
Multiple power options: Full-service sites cater to various equipment needs. "All camper sites have 50A, 30A & 15A service along with water, with really good water pressure. Hot shower and clean bathrooms to boot," notes a camper who stayed at Parker Creek, highlighting the range of electrical connections available.
Evening wildlife viewing: The shoreline areas provide opportunities to observe native species. "We walked in the evening to see lots of bats catching bugs," shares a camper who enjoyed nature watching from the lake edge at Parker Creek Campground, adding another dimension to the camping experience beyond daytime activities.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "Only downside is a serious lack of phone signal," reports a camper about Kirby Landing, suggesting visitors should prepare for limited or no mobile connectivity during their stay.
GPS navigation challenges: Finding some campgrounds can be difficult with standard navigation tools. "The GPS coordinates are wrong for this one but I couldn't locate the correct site. Took us down a gravel road that wasn't bad until it turned to mud," explains a visitor trying to locate Self Creek campground, highlighting the importance of having offline directions.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain at many campgrounds features natural slopes. "The sites are narrow and on a slope so your picnic table is down a steep rocky slope," notes one camper about Self Creek Jim Wylie campground, advising that self-leveling equipment is highly beneficial for RV camping in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Cowhide Cove Campground offers sites with direct views of play 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," recommends a camper who appreciated the convenience for monitoring children.
Multi-generational appeal: Some campgrounds specifically cater to family groups. "What does make me think this is a nice family campground is all the multigenerational families camping here making memories," observes a visitor to Self Creek Jim Wylie campground, noting the popularity with extended family gatherings.
Dog friendly setups: Most campgrounds near Kirby welcome pets with adequate space for them. "We have 3 boys so being close to the play ground was awesome," shares a family who stayed at Cowhide Cove, mentioning that their campsite worked well for both children and their pet due to the spacious layout.
Tips from RVers
Steep access roads: Approach routes to some campgrounds require careful driving. "VERY steep grades to get in and out of the area," warns an RVer about Murfeesboro RV Park, suggesting larger rigs should plan routes carefully and perhaps call ahead for specific access information.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger RVs equally. "This place is huge! On a whim, I reserved a site driving from Tennessee to Texas. All the pads look well leveled. The park was well manicured and clean," reports a visitor to Parker Creek who found the site conditions excellent for their vehicle.
Water pressure considerations: Water hookups vary in quality across campgrounds. "Water hookups and water access, though the campground's hilly terrain means some sites have steep, rocky slopes," notes a camper who recommends bringing pressure regulators when staying at dog friendly campgrounds near the Kirby area.
Legend
