Best Campgrounds near Norfork, AR

Norfork, Arkansas provides varied camping opportunities along the White River and Norfork Lake. Dam-Quarry Campground features waterfront sites with electric hookups and flush toilets, while Jordan Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin options with lake access. Misty Mornings provides cabin and RV accommodations near the confluence of the White and Norfork Rivers. White Buffalo Resort sits at the junction of the White and Buffalo Rivers with both tent and RV camping available. The region includes several Corps of Engineers campgrounds with boat ramps and water access points.

Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though Robinson Point Campground operates seasonally from May through October. Access to many sites requires reservations, particularly during summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly. A visitor commented, "Beautiful waterfront camping! The water is clear and freezing cold, and the breeze off the water feels amazing!" Road conditions vary throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Cell service is generally available at major campgrounds, with several reviewers noting excellent Verizon coverage. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping.

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for many campgrounds in the Norfork area. Fishing opportunities abound, particularly for trout in the cold tailwaters below Norfork Dam. According to one review, "Great campsites along the river, cold water trout stream makes the air temp several degrees lower." The Fish Hatchery near Dam-Quarry Campground provides an additional attraction for visitors. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups and potable water, though sewer connections are limited. Campsite layouts vary, with some areas featuring closer site spacing than others. During summer weekends, reservations are strongly recommended as waterfront sites fill rapidly. Several reviewers noted the cooling effect of staying near the water during hot summer months, making riverside camping particularly appealing from June through August.

Best Camping Sites Near Norfork, Arkansas (178)

    1. Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    34 Reviews
    Cozahome, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 449-4311

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Some sites you may not be long enough for your entire rig and you would park your tow vehicle next to your camper. Shade was plentiful. There are five different loops."

    "Paved roads to all the way to your camp site, showers, and a fantastic dinner 5 minutes away may not sound like luxury but Arkansas hllls usually make you work hard to enjoy their beauty."

    2. Dam - Quarry

    11 Reviews
    Norfork, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 499-7216

    $24 - $80 / night

    "There are several camp sites in this one location. Great for family get together. Private pavilion. Vault toilets are being upgraded to flush. Electricity and water, but not at every site."

    "The hatchery is across the road and you can easily access Norfork Lake a short drive away . Clean bathrooms and not a lot of traffic"

    3. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests

    24 Reviews
    Fifty-Six, AR
    18 miles
    +1 (870) 757-2211

    $3 - $60 / night

    "I completed my undergrad and graduate degrees in Arkansas about 30ish miles north of Little Rock."

    "Blanchard Springs has great camp sites, great hiking, multiple access to swim/wade into water, plus great caving opportunities! There is NO cell service in the park. "

    4. Blue Heron Campground

    15 Reviews
    Cotter, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 453-4678

    "The location is great in the sense that it’s easy to get to and it’s laid out well. Unfortunately, it’s directly under an overpass and it is loud- loud enough that I used ear plugs at night."

    "It's a beautiful rv resort next to the water.  Step out of your rv and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the United States. "

    5. Bull Shoals-White River State Park

    26 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    19 miles
    Website

    "Like all Arkansas State parks this is a well kept park"

    "It's one of the best I've been to in Arkansas.  "

    6. White Buffalo Resort

    6 Reviews
    Norfork, AR
    8 miles
    Website

    "Right on the White River with easy access to the Buffalo River by boat, canoe, or kayak. Pool, playground, small store with essentials, boat rentals, ping pong, & more."

    "Located at the end of the world, it will take a bit to.get there but the drive is worth it."

    7. Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Fifty-Six, AR
    16 miles
    Website

    "v=jioeWYmI0so) While traveling through this portion of Arkansas I stumbled upon a small roadside for Gunner Pool Recreation Area just a short distance past Blanchard Springs.    3 miles down a gravel"

    "Potable water is located in a central area of the sections; the water was turned on during my visit. There are 4 vault toilets - clean and supplied with tp."

    8. Robinson Point

    7 Reviews
    Henderson, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 492-6853

    $22 - $40 / night

    "If you own a boat, Lake Norfork is the place to be. It offers a big like to boat on or fish."

    "I think, if they came and upgraded the site with better pad for the modem rvs, this could be a prime location."

    9. Misty Mornings Arkansas Cabins & RV Sites

    2 Reviews
    Norfork, AR
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 405-2620

    $40 - $45 / night

    "You are surrounded by mountains, wildlife, birds, eagles, deer, geese and the confluence of the White & Norfork River is at the end of driveway. Norfork Lake is just a few miles away."

    10. Jordan Campground

    3 Reviews
    Elizabeth, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 425-2700

    "This is a nice campground right on lake Norfolk. Spaces are alittle close together. Staff at Marina go above and beyond helping you out. Beautiful views!!"

    "Awesome views of the lake and great swimming off the rock outcrops. Water is so clear the only downside is no showers"

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Recent Reviews near Norfork, AR

512 Reviews of 178 Norfork Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Beautiful National Forest Recreation Area

    Camped at site #3 for 3 nights in early October 2025. This site was really good for my camper van; just about level. The site backs up to a beautiful forest. The campground in this recreation area has  27 sites in 3 separate sections. There are some sites at the "pool" which are appropriate for car and tent camping. There is a section down a dirt road along the creek bottom that has a handful of sites; these sites are also good for car and tent camping. I camped in a wooded loop; the sites here can accomodate car, van and tent camping. A few towables may fit in this section. This is a beautiful wooded campground; clean and very well maintained. Most sites are level. Hammock camping is possible in some sites. Most sites have a table, tent pad, lantern pole, metal fire ring and a grill. Some sites are open, some shaded. No hookups. Potable water is located in a central area of the sections; the water was turned on during my visit. There are 4 vault toilets - clean and supplied with tp. Parts of the campground is prone to flash flooding. Very peaceful; the campground wasn't too busy midweek. The campground has access to the beautiful North Sylamore Creek trail. Access to campground on the gravel Gunner Pool Road from Highway 14 was very good during my visit. This forest road goes through the recreation area; it is busier than you would see on typical forest roads. Love this recreation area. One of the best that the Arkansas Ozarks has to offer for outdoor recreation.

  • Benjamin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Devils Fork

    ACOE Devils Fork Campground

    Nice spot, we stay next to the swimming area. Most of the sites have a big concrete pads. Campground host was very friendly. Great value for what you get. Be sure to double check and see what your hookups are as our site only has electric.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Barkshed Recreation Area

    Mostly walkin tent sites

    Visited here on Oct 7, 2025. Did not camp here. There are a handful of first-come, first-serve primitive sites. I only saw one drive-in site down near the creek. There are about 4 walk-in tent sites up a driveway into a parking area. The walk-in sites are close to the parking area. One site, which is not quite level, has a picnic table. The walk-in sites have metal fire rings. There are 2 clean vault toilets with tp at the campground. No potable water. The tent sites have a dirt and grass surface. There are a few shade trees. Starlink connectivity is possible. No AT&T and T-Mobile service. Nice swimming hole down by the creek. Access to the North Sylamore Creek Trail is at this recreation area. Note that the unpaved forest road approaching the recreation area from highway 14 is sketchy in spots due to Spring storm damage. Sections were being regraded during my visit. Low clearance, 2wd passenger vehicles can make it, but should tread carefully. Also note that, due to storm damage, Tie Ridge Road between Barkshed and Gunner Pool Road was only open to 4x4 vehicles at the time of my visit.

  • Brian L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Wild Oaks Campground

    Close corner

    It was quiet,peaceful and nice. The entrance wasn't well marked and I had a hard time navigating the entrance with my bumper pull 36'

  • R
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Robinson Point

    Fantastic and beautiful

    We stayed for 3 nights on sites 64 and 65. Absolutely beautiful views. Some damage from flooding but didn't really notice. Bathrooms and bath house were clean. Stay if you get a chance.

  • T
    Oct. 3, 2025

    cranfield park

    Everything you need plus beauty

    I don’t think there is a bad site in the large campground. Most sites have at least some lake view. Roads are paved and can accommodate large rigs. Most sites are pretty level. Usual tables and fire rings plus lamp poles and some sites have covers for the tables if there are no trees. The sites that don’t have a lake view and nestled in woods and are more private. Though we don’t find a hiking trail the road around the park offered plenty of mileage for us. There is also a marina and access to the shore line for fishing. We were here the first weekend in October and it was a third to half full.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

    Lovely spot

    Clean, tree covered spots with larger gravel. I love that you don’t get that fine grit in your rig. People are kind and fun. I will return. Great for visiting Gettysburg

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Gilbert RV Park

    Owner treated us like family !!!

    When we pulled into the campground we were met with friendly smiles ! Jim and his wife are super nice and very helpful!! We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally. Probably just a little over a quarter mile walk to the river or drive down to gravel bed where you can park. Take all your stuff and play in the river all day. There is a float service in Gilbert. Restrooms are separate from the showers. Men's and women's. They also have chickens so you might hear that Rooster every morning !! We had a super nice time here !!! Very simple place to stay. Just respect the camp rules and don't get too loud !! Please don't show up super late ! Jim and his wife are elderly !!! ( Just my opinion )

  • Taylor E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Sam's Throne Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    Stayed here Monday afternoon to Wednesday morning. Everyone cleared out by Tuesday and I had Tuesday- Wednesday to myself. There are quite a few established sites. Not a good spot for solar or star link due to dense forest. No water or trash. Pit toilets. The sites are spread out. Not much firewood to collect, I bought wood from the nearby Red Oak store. Prices were very reasonable. Hiking is awesome here.


Guide to Norfork

Norfork, Arkansas sits at the confluence of the White and Norfork Rivers at approximately 670 feet elevation in the Ozark Mountains. The area experiences four distinct seasons with July and August temperatures frequently reaching the upper 90s with high humidity. Camping sites near Norfork offer exceptional trout fishing access, particularly during non-generation hours when dam releases are paused.

What to do

Explore river access points: At Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River, visitors can take advantage of multiple river access spots throughout the campground. "The campground in nestled in the Buffalo National River Wilderness offering many options on the river or hiking the mountains and bluffs. There are several river access spots throughout the campground," notes Cody S.

Visit the fish hatchery: Located directly across from Dam-Quarry Campground, the Norfork National Fish Hatchery provides an educational stop for campers. "Fish hatchery across from campground," mentions Renee H., who visited the area in March.

Disconnect digitally: Many Norfork camping areas provide limited or no cell service, creating a true break from technology. At Gunner Pool Recreation Area, campers appreciate the isolation. "Nice, clean and beautiful! No cell service and that was perfect!" reports Angela L., highlighting the intentional digital break.

Try cliff jumping: For adventure seekers, Jordan Campground offers proximity to rock formations suitable for cliff jumping in warmer months. "Kids had a blast here! Cliff jumping, great fishing, kayaking, swim beach, and even pizza from the marina!" shares Donna M. about her family's experience.

What campers like

Cooling river breezes: The cold water from dam releases creates natural air conditioning during hot summer months. At Dam - Quarry, campers appreciate this natural cooling effect. "We have stayed here many times in te summer heat. The Norfork river provides great cool breezes early and late during the day," explains Chris D.

Abundant wildlife viewing: The convergence of rivers creates prime habitat for diverse wildlife spotting opportunities. "We got to Eagle watch all day as they circled the river hunting for their dinner. It was AMAZING!!" shares Shana D. about her experience at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

Star visibility: Without major light pollution, Norfork area campgrounds provide exceptional night sky viewing. "We enjoyed a nice walk along the water, views of the sunset from a small cliff, and a peaceful night with out cell service! Highly recommended for those who are looking to get away from reality!" reports Kaylee W. about Buffalo Point.

Swimming in clear water: The clean, clear water of both rivers and the lake creates excellent swimming conditions. "Beautiful setting in the Ozarks with a small rural town. The campground is located just below the Norfolk Dam. Great spot to fish or kayak has a boat ramp but the creek was rather low surprising since the lake at Mountain Home was flooded. Clear stream," notes N.I. about Dam-Quarry Campground.

What you should know

Water level fluctuations: Dam releases significantly impact water levels, affecting swimming, fishing, and campsite selection. "By 8 pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT. We saw a park ranger on Sunday and asked about the water level and she said it had gone up 12 feet by Saturday night and Sunday morning it was 13 feet," reports Susan R. about Buffalo Point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Norfork, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Norfork, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 178 campgrounds and RV parks near Norfork, AR and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Norfork, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norfork, AR is Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

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

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

What parks are near Norfork, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Norfork, AR that allow camping, notably Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake.