Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park
Travel nurse
The owners are very friendly and have events to include all campers. Dog park and small laundry room on site. Three bathrooms one with showers. Dog wash station at two bathrooms.
Dam-Quarry Campground features multiple pet-friendly sites along Norfork Lake and the White River, with electric hookups and water access for dogs to cool off on hot days. Most campsites accommodate tents, RVs, and some offer cabin options with pets allowed throughout the grounds. Visitors find the riverfront locations particularly suitable for dogs who enjoy water, with several sites providing direct water access where pets can wade in the clear, cool water. Misty Mornings Arkansas Cabins & RV Sites welcomes pets at their 10 sites with mountain views, offering full hookups for RV travelers with animals. The nearby Robinson Point and Jordan Campground maintain similar pet-friendly policies with pets permitted at all accommodation types, though leashed pets are required in common areas. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Norfork, Arkansas.
White Buffalo Resort provides pet-friendly camping at the confluence of the White and Norfork Rivers, with dedicated areas for exercising dogs along the shoreline. The resort maintains clean grounds suitable for pets, with multiple hiking trails accessible within short driving distance. Most campgrounds in the area lack pet-specific amenities like designated dog parks or washing stations, but make up for it with natural features pets enjoy, including water access and ample walking space. Campsites at Dam-Quarry provide level surfaces with picnic areas where pets can rest in shade during summer months. Owners should note the tall grass at some sites during certain seasons may harbor ticks, making regular pet checks necessary. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though pets should be secured at night due to occasional deer and other animal sightings around campsites.
$20 - $50 / night
"Each site has parking, for car or RV all differing in length, and you walk behind the parking to an area with benches, picinic table, lantern hanger, and fire pit."
"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."
$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 - $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. "
"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. "
"Amazing little Campground that backs right up to the light river with a fantastic bluff behind that. Beautiful! Would definitely come again, friendly staff, quiet, easy."
"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."
$22 - $40 / night
"There was a partial view through the trees of Norfork Lake from the backside of the site. Walked down to the bank of the lake to fish and caught a bass."
"If you own a boat, Lake Norfork is the place to be. It offers a big like to boat on or fish."
$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."
"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"
$22 - $50 / night
"I have been camping at Fout's at Gamaliel Arkansas since I can remember. The sites are great but close to each other."
"Close to water, critters, keep your foodstuffs put away. Bring the Deet."
$22 - $54 / night
"Quick lake access, spacious, shady space, pet friendly, amazing bathhouses."
"You could see Bull Shoals Lake through the trees. Bathrooms clean. The water hookup was quite a distance from the site and had to use three hoses to make it reach."












The owners are very friendly and have events to include all campers. Dog park and small laundry room on site. Three bathrooms one with showers. Dog wash station at two bathrooms.
RARE FIND Such a BEAUTIFUL place! I love all the oak trees and the sounds of nature are so relaxing. They offer a spacious dog park, which the dogs are currently playing at while I relax and take in nature. If you are looking for a small piece of nature where you can get way from it all but still be close to town, this place is it. Everyone here is friendly and the shared spaces are always very clean.
They offer great rates and a Military Discount too!!
Enjoy your stay!
We stayed at this campground 1 night on our way between COVID-19 quarantine locations. We found the park easy to navigate (no tight turns). Large semi paved spaces (I say semi paved because the concrete pads were crumbling at least in our spot). Good separation between sites with picnic tables, no shade but they do have a dog park. Hookups were easy to reach and appeared to be in good repair. Decent water pressure. Many of the spaces were permanent campers or long term workers but it felt safe and appeared well maintained.
This is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees. Site 15 is by the water and has a large area for dogs or family. There is a staircase down to the water next to site 8. The fishing is good. It’s a pet friendly site however if your dogs bark neighbors will complain. The manager is friendly. They do not have trash pick up service; you just take your trash to a dumpster at the end of the camp, which is not a big deal. No grill available but has picnic tables and fire ring. WI-FI aid very good.
Quick lake access, spacious, shady space, pet friendly, amazing bathhouses.
Most peaceful place to stay. 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. Love the Pavilion, fire pit and corn hole!
My wife and I camped here for four nights. Overall it was nice, but there were some things that I wish we knew. 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 located on the White river and has a very nice gravel boat ramp, which is a big positive. It also has fishing access during low water.
The WiFi is excellent and the staff are super helpful and friendly.
The biggest plus for us is the bathrooms were among the best that we have found. They’re clean and fairly new.
There is plenty of property to walk and they were very pet friendly. It looks like many of the guests are long term residents.
We reserve the group site every year. 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. Right by Norfork Dam and Norfork River.
It was one of the most peaceful campgrounds I have ever been in! Short hiking trail will lead you to the most gorgeous views! You can even do a little rock climbing here. Please keep pets on a leash. Pit toilets are available at each end of the campgrounds.
Norfork, Arkansas sits at the confluence of the White and Norfork Rivers with elevations ranging from 540 to 720 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during July and August. Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October with limited winter availability at select locations.
Trout fishing access points: The White River below Bull Shoals Dam provides premier trout fishing opportunities. Blue Heron Campground offers direct riverfront sites for anglers. "We stayed in our motor coach and the spot was top notch for convenience of hook up and set up. Lots to do all around this area not to mention trout fishing," notes Joe G.
Cave exploration: Visit the natural limestone formations at Blanchard Springs Caverns, located about 45 minutes from Norfork. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area serves as a convenient base camp. "The cavern Tours are very cool! Keep food stuffs put away. Bring Bug spray...Lots," advises Jarrod L. The standard cave tour costs $12 per adult, with more adventurous options available.
River float trips: Arrange a guided float trip on the Buffalo River from late spring through early fall. "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. There are floating outfitters in the area that will drive you up river to float back down toward the campground," shares Cody S. at Buffalo Point.
Clear water swimming spots: Campers consistently mention the water clarity for swimming. Jordan Campground on Norfork Lake provides natural swimming areas. "This is a great campground. Awesome views of the lake and great swimming off the rock outcrops. Water is so clear," reports Bill D. The natural rock formations create ideal entry points for swimmers of all ages.
Scenic bluff views: Many campgrounds offer elevated views of the rivers and lakes. "We enjoyed a nice walk along the water, views of the sunset from a small cliff, and a peaceful night without cell service! Highly recommended for those who are looking to get away from reality!" shares Kaylee W. about Buffalo Point.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested campsites attract abundant wildlife. "Deer were everywhere!" notes Staci F. at Lakeview. Gamaliel Campground provides shaded sites with consistent wildlife sightings. "I have been camping at Fout's at Gamaliel Arkansas since I can remember. The sites are great but close to each other. The park is clean and well maintained," says Kira S.
Water level fluctuations: Dam releases can significantly change water levels and clarity, affecting swimming and fishing conditions. "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. We could see the level dropping throughout the day Sunday and into Monday morning," explains Susan R. about Buffalo Point.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cellular reception. "There is no service in the camp site at all," reports Heath L. about Buffalo Point. Some campers consider this a benefit for disconnecting.
Seasonal maintenance issues: Some campgrounds have inconsistent maintenance schedules. Dam-Quarry Campground has experienced cutting issues. "The campground is nice. The grounds are unkept this year. The grass is already tall and when we asked about it we were told it's only getting taller. The grass will not be cut at all this year," warns Shelly D.
Bathroom facilities: Look for campgrounds with updated facilities. "Bathrooms and bath house were clean," notes Ron G. at Robinson Point. At Lakeview, "Shower house was big and air conditioned! Trees almost give it a forest feel and deer were everywhere!" adds Staci F.
Kid-friendly water areas: Seek out gradual-entry swimming spots for younger children. "Kids had a blast here! Cliff jumping, great fishing, kayaking, swim beach, and even pizza from the marina!" says Donna M. about Jordan Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment. "The park is clean and well maintained with a playground for the littles, and they have clean, full bathrooms on site," explains Kira S. about Gamaliel. White Buffalo Resort offers additional recreation options. "The resort has cabins, full hookup sites, tent sites, pool and play area for the kids. If you like to just float or fish they can help you with what you need," reports Bill M.
Leveling considerations: Most campgrounds feature concrete pads with varying lengths. "Good concrete pad. A bit short for our 36' camper. Parking available on road or grass," advises Brian L. about Gamaliel Campground.
Hookup distances: Water connections can require extra hose length at some sites. "The water hookup was quite a distance from the site and had to use three hoses to make it reach," notes Krissy C. about Lakeview.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds offer dump stations rather than full hookups. "Dump station has two stalls and is in great shape," reports Wayne P. about Lakeview. "No sewer hook up, cell service, wifi or TV," adds Leslie D. about Dam-Quarry, which may be important for extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Norfork, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Norfork, AR is Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Norfork, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 130 dog-friendly camping locations near Norfork, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring