Murfreesboro, Arkansas sits at approximately 350 feet above sea level within the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Lake Greeson, created by Narrows Dam on the Little Missouri River, provides numerous camping opportunities within a 15-minute drive of Murfreesboro's diamond-hunting attractions.
What to do
Primitive camping by the water: Big Fir Primitive Camping offers free lakeside camping without electricity or running water. "It was perfect! Free with beautiful views. Fishing right on the lake is available and trees for my hammock," notes a camper at Big Fir Primitive Camping. The area includes about 9 primitive sites suitable for small RVs or vans.
Boat access camping: Lake Greeson provides excellent opportunities for water activities from multiple campgrounds. "I stopped here to enjoy the waters which had recently been on the rise. The campsite was very nice, well shaded and with lots of spaces," reports a visitor at Jim Wylie Recreation Area. Many sites include boat access with nearby ramps.
Water park access: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation amenities. "Included with your campsite is admission to the nice water park," mentions a camper at Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground. This provides a cooling alternative to diamond hunting during hot summer months.
What campers like
Large, well-spaced sites: Parker Creek campground on Lake Greeson receives praise for its site layout. "The sites were HUGE and there were very few other campers... The lake was gorgeous, we walked in the evening to see lots of bats catching bugs," shares a camper at Parker Creek. Many sites feature 50A service and water hookups.
Family-friendly areas: Cowhide Cove offers designated areas for families with children. "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," notes a visitor at Cowhide Cove Campground.
Affordable tent options: Budget-conscious campers have options beyond standard campgrounds. "20.00 a night for two people in tent camping. I'm in van and they allowed me to van camp. Tent sites have electric. So bought an extension cord and took full advantage for a small heater," explains a camper at Murfeesboro RV Park.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: While some campgrounds have modern facilities, others are more primitive. "The bathhouse has flush toilets and showers but is very old. They maintain it well and it is cleaned regularly. The toilets are perfectly fine but the showers are just old and a bit icky," notes a camper at Jim Wylie Recreation Area.
Seasonal considerations: Diamond hunting conditions change drastically with seasons. "Winter, Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit. The diamond field is a large, unshaded field," advises a visitor. Summer heat can make diamond hunting uncomfortable without proper preparation.
GPS and mapping issues: Several campgrounds report incorrect GPS coordinates. "The directions link in the app took me to the middle of nowhere and the map that shows is not anywhere close so be careful. Search Big Fir Public Use Area in your gps/Google instead," warns a camper at Big Fir Primitive Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When choosing sites with children, consider proximity to play areas. "We booked a site for 1 night only because it was close to the Crater of Diamonds State Park. We were at site 4 on the bottom loop and it was beautiful. We loved watching the sun go down over the lake. Also, we have 3 boys so being close to the play ground was awesome," shares a visitor at Cowhide Cove Campground.
Alternative activities: While diamond hunting attracts many visitors, having backup activities is important. "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!" notes a visitor about their pet-friendly camping experience near Murfreesboro.
Site selection for tent camping: For families tent camping, consider terrain carefully. "There is a wooded primitive camping section with considerable privacy," mentions a camper at Miners Camping & Rock Shop. Some campgrounds offer better tent pads than others.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many lake campgrounds feature sloped terrain. "The sites are narrow and on a slope so your picnic table is down a steep rocky slope," notes a camper at Jim Wylie Recreation Area. Self-leveling systems are recommended for RVs at certain campgrounds.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds near Murfreesboro offer complete RV services. "Very friendly, helpful owners, full hookups and laundry, showers..." reports a visitor at Murfeesboro RV Park, which provides alternatives to state park camping for those wanting additional amenities.
Campsite approach gradients: Access roads to lakeside campgrounds often feature significant elevation changes. "VERY steep grades to get in and out of the area," warns a camper about Parker Creek campground. Larger RVs should research approach roads carefully when planning pet-friendly camping near Murfreesboro, Arkansas.
