Best Camping near Shirley, AR

Shirley is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Shirley, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Shirley. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Shirley, AR (153)

    Camper-submitted photo from John F Kennedy
    Camper-submitted photo from John F Kennedy
    Camper-submitted photo from John F Kennedy
    Camper-submitted photo from John F Kennedy
    Camper-submitted photo from John F Kennedy
    Camper-submitted photo from John F Kennedy

    1. John F Kennedy

    22 Reviews
    48 Photos
    110 Saves
    Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas

    Overview

    John F. Kennedy Park is located on the Little Red River just downstream of Greers Ferry Dam in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas. In his last major appearance before his death, President John F. Kennedy stood on a flag-draped platform overlooking the just-completed Greers Ferry Dam and spoke of the prosperity the lake would bring to the region.Today, a million visitors flock yearly to the scenic waters for family camping, fishing, boating and hiking.

    Recreation

    Greers Ferry Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts' dream, with boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing opportunities. Hikers enjoy the area's three National Nature Trails and one multi-purpose, fitness trail.The William Carl Garner Visitor Center is just west of the dam, with exhibits, a children's touch table, and a replica of the world record 40 lb. 4 oz. brown trout caught in the Little Red River downstream of the center.

    Natural Features

    A dense mix of red cedar, black gum, red oak, elm, pecan and sweet gum trees forest the area, providing shade in the summer months and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Wildlife is plentiful around Greers Ferry Lake. Visitors commonly see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels and a wide variety of birds.

    Contact Info

    For local information, please call (501) 250-0481 or call (501) 362-2416 for general information.

    Nearby Attractions

    With over 30,000 acres of water surface, the lake serves as a playground for all kinds of water sports. Eighteen parks around the shoreline provide modern campgrounds, boat ramps, swim areas and marinas. The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, in Heber Springs, located below the dam, offers free tours. Built in 1965, the hatchery produces about one million rainbow trout a year for restocking the Little Red and other Arkansas streams.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 - $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests
    Camper-submitted photo from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests
    Camper-submitted photo from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests
    Camper-submitted photo from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests
    Camper-submitted photo from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests
    Camper-submitted photo from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests

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

    24 Reviews
    101 Photos
    9 Saves
    Fifty-Six, Arkansas

    Overview

    Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is located in the scenic Ozark National Forest. The Ozark Mountains are known for beautiful "rolling" hills, hidden caverns, waterfalls and clear flowing streams. Examples of early Ozark culture and music can be found throughout the region. Blanchard recreation area is a great starting point for an Ozark adventure.

    Recreation

    Trout fishing is available on nearby Mirror Lake. Other popular activities in the Blanchard area include mountain biking, hiking and swimming.

    Facilities

    Trout fishing is available on nearby Mirror Lake. Other popular activities in the Blanchard area include mountain biking, hiking and swimming.

    Natural Features

    The facilities are near picturesque rock bluffs and crystal clear streams. Sites are well shaded by stately yellow pine trees.

    Nearby Attractions

    Blanchard Springs Caverns offers tours, exhibits and family activities. North Sylamore hiking trail follows the scenic Sylamore creek for 25 miles and connects to the Ozark Highland trail. Mountain biking is available on 50 miles of the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    3. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    102 Reviews
    609 Photos
    633 Saves
    Adona, Arkansas

    The campgrounds feature a total of 125 campsites (including 26 pull-through sites). Thirty-five of the sites—the Class AAA sites—have 30 and 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The 90 Class B sites offer 30 amp electrical and water hookups. All sites are reservable. Campsites are divided into four campground areas. Each includes a modern bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Area "A" is near Lake Bailey and include sites along the lakeshore. Areas "B," "C," and "D" are located on the south side of Ark. 154 in wooded settings.

    Other campsite choices in the main camping area include a 44-unit Rally-style Area with 20 amp electrical service available for camping clubs.

    A trailer dump station is centrally located near the Rally-style camping area.

    Petit Jean is Arkansas's only state park with its own airport.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolly Hollow State Park — Wooly Hollow State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    5. Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    33 Reviews
    140 Photos
    238 Saves
    Cozahome, Arkansas

    Overview

    Buffalo Point is a convenient, fun-filled destination for families and adventurists of all types. It's perched along the Buffalo National River, providing exciting river sports and hiking opportunities. In peak season, a restaurant is open at the facility, serving up meals for those who want a break from preparing them.

    Recreation

    The wild river is a gathering place for water activities. Many campers spend their days fishing, hiking, canoeing or kayaking. Evenings are ideal for gathering next to the fire to revamp for another great day out on the river.

    Natural Features

    The campground is set along Buffalo National River, one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the contiguous United States. The river runs 135 miles without dams and cuts through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. The region is surrounded by droves of lush hardwood trees and grassy open meadows.

    Nearby Attractions

    Two popular attractions within the Buffalo Point Area are the Indian Rockhouse Trail and the Rush Historic District. Rush was a zinc mining community until the zinc market collapsed and the settlement was deserted. Tours about the town's history are available. Buffalo Point is the former Buffalo River State Park developed in the 1930's as project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Blanchard Springs Caverns, an extraordinary living cave, is a one-hour drive from Buffalo Point.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Please see the Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Heber Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Heber Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Heber Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Heber Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Heber Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Heber Springs

    6. Heber Springs

    13 Reviews
    35 Photos
    74 Saves
    Heber Springs, Arkansas

    Overview

    Heber Springs Park is located on Greers Ferry Lake in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas. The environment provides the ideal location for family camping, fishing, boating and hiking.

    Recreation

    Greers Ferry Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts' dream, with boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving, and fishing opportunities. Hikers enjoy the area's three National Nature Trails and one multi-purpose, fitness trail.The William Carl Garner Visitor Center is just west of the dam, with exhibits, a children's touch table, and a replica of the world record 40 lb. 4 oz. brown trout caught in the Little Red River downstream of the center.

    Natural Features

    Greers Ferry Lake is known for it's deep, clean waters. The visibility is so clear, scuba diving is a popular pastime.A dense mix of red cedar, black gum, red oak, elm, pecan and sweet gum trees forest the area, providing shade in the summer months and beautiful fall color in autumn. Wildlife is plentiful around Greers Ferry Lake. Visitors commonly see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels and a wide variety of birds.

    Contact Info

    For local information, please call (501) 250-0485 or call (501) 362-2416 for general information.

    Nearby Attractions

    With over 30,000 acres of water surface, the lake serves as a playground for all kinds of water sports. Eighteen parks around the shoreline provide modern campgrounds, boat ramps, swim areas and marinas.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground

    7. COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground

    14 Reviews
    22 Photos
    16 Saves
    Heber Springs, Arkansas

    Overview

    Old Highway 25 Park is located on Greers Ferry Lake in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas. The environment provides the ideal location for family camping, fishing, boating and hiking.

    Recreation

    Greers Ferry Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts' dream, with boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing opportunities. Hikers enjoy the area's three National Nature Trails and one multi-purpose fitness trail. The William Carl Garner Visitor Center is just west of the dam, with exhibits, a children's touch table, and a replica of the world record 40 lb. 4 oz. brown trout caught in the Little Red River downstream of the center.

    Natural Features

    A dense mix of red cedar, black gum, red oak, elm, pecan and sweet gum trees forest the area, providing shade in the summer months and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Wildlife is plentiful around Greers Ferry Lake. Visitors commonly see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels and a wide variety of birds.

    Contact Info

    For local information, please call (501) 250-0483 or call (501) 362-2416 for general information.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, in Heber Springs, located below the dam, offers free tours. Built in 1965, the hatchery produces about one million rainbow trout a year for restocking the Little Red and other Arkansas streams.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Loaf
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Loaf
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Loaf
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Loaf
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Loaf
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Loaf

    8. Sugar Loaf

    7 Reviews
    25 Photos
    50 Saves
    Higden, Arkansas

    Overview

    Sugar Loaf Park is located on Greers Ferry Lake in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas. The environment provides the ideal location for family camping, fishing, boating and hiking.

    Recreation

    Greers Ferry Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts' dream, with boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing opportunities. Sugar Loaf Mountain Island National Nature Trail is adjacent to the campground, on an island within the lake. The trail must be accessed by boat, but visitors who tackle the 1.5-mile hike reach levels 1,001 ft. above sea level, providing impressive panoramic views of the surrounding lake and countryside.

    Natural Features

    A dense mix of red cedar, black gum, red oak, elm, pecan, and sweet gum trees forest the area, providing shade in the summer months and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Wildlife is plentiful around Greers Ferry Lake. Visitors commonly see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels and a wide variety of birds.

    Contact Info

    For local information, please call (501) 654-2267 or call (501) 362-2416 for general information.

    Nearby Attractions

    With over 30,000 acres of water surface, the lake serves as a playground for all kinds of water sports. Eighteen parks around the shoreline provide modern campgrounds, boat ramps, swim areas and marinas.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gunner Pool Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunner Pool Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunner Pool Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunner Pool Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunner Pool Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    9. Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    64 Photos
    169 Saves
    Fifty-Six, Arkansas

    Overview

    This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam Site(greers Ferry)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam Site(greers Ferry)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam Site(greers Ferry)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam Site(greers Ferry)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam Site(greers Ferry)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam Site(greers Ferry)

    10. Dam Site(greers Ferry)

    9 Reviews
    30 Photos
    31 Saves
    Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas

    Overview

    Dam Site Park is located at Greers Ferry Dam at the foot of Round Mountain in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas. The environment provides the ideal location for family camping, fishing, boating and hiking.

    Recreation

    Greers Ferry Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts' dream, with boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing opportunities. Hikers enjoy the area's three National Nature Trails and one multi-purpose fitness trail.The William Carl Garner Visitor Center is just west of the dam, with exhibits, a children's touch table, and a replica of the world record 40 lb. 4 oz. brown trout caught in the Little Red River downstream of the center.

    Natural Features

    A dense mix of red cedar, black gum, red oak, elm, pecan and sweet gum trees forest the area, providing shade in the summer months and beautiful fall colors during autumn. Wildlife is plentiful around Greers Ferry Lake. Visitors commonly see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels and a wide variety of birds.

    Nearby Attractions

    With over 30,000 acres of water surface, the lake serves as a playground for all kinds of water sports. Eighteen parks around the shoreline provide modern campgrounds, boat ramps, swim areas and marinas. The William Carl Garner Visitor Center is just west of the dam, with exhibits, a children's touch table, and a replica of the world record 40 lb. 4 oz. brown trout caught in the Little Red River downstream of the center. The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, in Heber Springs, located below the dam, offers free tours. Built in 1965, the hatchery produces about one million rainbow trout a year for restocking the Little Red and other Arkansas streams.

    Contact Info

    For local information, please call (501) 362-5233 or call (501) 362-2416 for general information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 - $150 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 153 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Shirley

Recent Reviews in Shirley

606 Reviews of 153 Shirley Campgrounds


  • Cody S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River
    Jan. 5, 2025

    Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    Floating & Hiking Getaway

    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.

    The bathrooms are on the smaller side, but the showers were clean.

  • Tracy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Heron Campground
    Dec. 4, 2024

    Blue Heron Campground

    Great Get Away❤️

    Blue Heron cabin was awesome! It was so so clean, and beautiful! Over looking the water can’t get any better! The cabin was so nice! Michael was great to work with and very professional and very nice! Can’t wait till next time ❤️

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Escape RV Resort
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Sweet Escape RV Resort

    relaxing calm family friendly

    Sweet Escape RV Resort in Austin, Arkansas, offers a peaceful and welcoming experience for RV travelers. Conveniently located near Highway 167, it provides easy access to nearby cities like Cabot and Little Rock. The park features several amenities, including full hookups, a large dog park, fishing ponds, a bathhouse with showers, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Recreational options like yard games and scenic surroundings enhance its appeal for families and solo adventurers alike. this RV park is in its early stages also the bathrooms are the cleanest  that i have seen in a campground/ RV park they clean them daily. in the winter they have complementary hot chocolate and a 15 ft Christmas tree!!! 100% would recommend

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Escape RV Resort
    Nov. 26, 2024

    Sweet Escape RV Resort

    Great place to stay!

    Very friendly campground. Many amenities including laundry, bathhouse, very nice showers, and large dog park. We really enjoyed the fishing ponds as well. The owners could not have been nicer and more helpful. Would recommend this place to anyone.

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    Our new favorite camping grounds

    This state park is one of the hardest to book a camping site for a last-minute camping trip. After we finally secure our spot, it’s easy to see why it’s so hard to secure at a moment's notice.

    Please be sure to visit the Petite Jean Coffeehouse which is located before the entrance to the park.

  • Jonathan P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylamore Creek Camp
    Oct. 21, 2024

    Sylamore Creek Camp

    The ABSOLUTE WORST STAFF ON THE PLANET

    While it was pretty last year (the reason it was my first pick this year) the owner uses Marissa, Jamie and Serena as his own personal shield to avoid taking responsibility for his business, and all of them are rude as all get out. Marissa promised multiple times that the owner would call me, and kept changing when exactly that would be. Two days later, I have NEVER heard from him, despite him being fully aware he needed to contact me. I ended up having the credit card company cancel the charge.

    And omg, the shower house. Bring a space heater. It's an open air shed with exposed pvc and no drain. I can't imagine how it operates in the winter.

    If you come in October, expect loud screaming, gun shots and chainsaws for THREE HOURS at night from one of their events your probably won't be told about til you arrive. Greg deserves to have this place fail.

  • Rick T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heber Springs
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Heber Springs

    Nice

    Despite that, I’ll just say that I love the town of Heber Springs which is located on the Lake. Area Code It may be because I have so many memories in Heber from my time in college so I should drop that disclaimer.

  • Rick T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Sky RV Park
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Blue Sky RV Park

    Nice

    The location is great. This park is in between Walmart and the river. Area Code The downtown is only a few minutes away and they are always having singing at the park in the beautiful outdoor areas.

  • Amanda W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    So stressful and loud - really don't recommend camping here

    This campground had the potential to be amazing- it's beautiful, is right next to the river with amazing views of the stars, and has several hikes close by. But the camp hosts and rangers don't enforce any sort of quiet time or people capacity rules. So unfortunately my partner and I had a group of probably 20 people camping next to us. They brought in a DJ car(open the trunk and it had huge speakers and running lights) to bump techno music during the day, and at night they set up a movie projector and large screen and watched horror movies late into the night. It's not serene when there are 8 tents, a crowd of people, and horror movie screaming right beside you all day and night. I even went and talked to the camp hosts but nothing was done. So, I don't recommend this place. Usually I camp to unwind and chill, but I left the weekend more frazzled and exhausted than I came.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    Beautiful park with tons of overlooks!

    What a beautiful park, although it’s really spread out and you’ll need you an e-bike or bike to ride around. Lots of bouldering, hiking, overlooks, and tall pine trees! There’s something for everyone. I would recommend loop a for the best views and most spaced out spots. Very friendly hosts, clean bathrooms, visitors center is new and outstanding.

  • Wanda S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Heron Campground
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Blue Heron Campground

    Beautiful campground!

    You will love this campground.  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.  Michael is the director of the campground and he is so very helpful and congenial.  We travel to many states but this campground is our very favorite and if you like or love to fish, this is your place!  Go see for yourselves and we will probably see you there!!

    Wanda and Pete Shurow

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Heron Campground
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Blue Heron Campground

    Absolutely beautiful on the White River

    We loved our stay at Blue Heron. We had a riverfront spot and really just came to chill not fish but it’s a fishing location. White river is trout paradise so if you’re an angler this is where it’s at. Campground was SUPER clean. Best level pads and hookups we’ve ever seen. Firewood and ice for sale. Everything was absolutely perfect except the road noise….which in all fairness we knew about. LOTS of noise. It died down after 8pm and before 8am and we couldn’t hear it in our camper so it’s was ok.

  • Nick N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    The trail was okay, but they need to do better.

    The trail was okay, but showing signs that it wasn't being maintained properly anymore. From litter found all along the trail to parts of the trail not being maintained. Even some of the stones placed to make walkways are coming out of place. 

    But inside was worse...

    The old white lady working the giftshop was absolutely horrible. While we were still shopping, this woman embarrassed us asking loudly çare yall planning to pay for that, while we were looking at the stuffed animals, and making us look like shoplifters. I absolutely recommend against spending a single dollar at that store, and I've previously spent decent amount of money there, but no more. I recommend avoiding the main building entirely, and that will me my recommendation until they fix this problem

  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam - Quarry
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Dam - Quarry

    River view

    Decent campground with excellent trout fishing! The campground layout was kinda weird and the dump station was in an odd spot. However, we had a nice river front site that we really enjoyed. Lots of nice people in the campground and on the river. Be sure to visit the hatchery across the street. . Limited AT&T service. Individual Private suite style bathrooms. Playground. No store, no firewood for sale. Level sites. Several sites have covers over the picnic tables. .

  • Channel O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Richland Creek Recreation Area
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Richland Creek Recreation Area

    Amazing Experience

    This was our first time coming to Arkansas and boy was this an amazing spot to camp for the first time. This is a very secluded site and while we were there, only a handful of people were there too. The few hour hike to the two waterfalls was spectacular. It’s definitely not an easy hike but worth it to see what we got to see. So incredibly quiet as well. It’s pretty far out in the middle of nowhere so be prepared. Roads getting there were a little rough so more ideal for trucks or suvs but I saw little cars make it down there just fine just be careful. It’s all gravel and dirt for quite a while. There are bathrooms on site but they are porthole.

    Overall a beautiful little place and we plan on going back very soon!

  • Buddy or Lori M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Heron Campground
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Blue Heron Campground

    Blue Heron

    This is our 5-6 year to stay here. Over the years, we have seen so many b improvements to this area.. it’s always a great time. Michael, the host, is just an all around great guy. We are looking forward to our next stay


Drive Time


Guide to Shirley

Camping near Shirley, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Canoeing and kayaking: The Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River is a great spot for water activities. One camper shared, "If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here. Like hiking… plenty of trails."
  • Fishing: At John F Kennedy, you can enjoy trout fishing right from your campsite. A visitor mentioned, "Great river access for trout fishing."
  • Hiking: The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area has trails for all levels. One reviewer noted, "Amazing scenery to be found when you leave the campground."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Buffalo Point said, "The bathrooms and showers were clean."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Many campers enjoy meeting others. One camper at Heber Springs remarked, "The other campers we met were friendly."
  • Beautiful views: Campers love the scenic landscapes. A review for Gunner Pool Recreation Area stated, "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Richland Creek Recreation Area, don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "If you are equipped for primitive camping, this is a great spot."
  • Seasonal access: Certain campgrounds, such as Old Highway 25 Greers Ferry Lake, are only open from May 15 to September 15. A visitor noted, "Open Mar - Oct with 116 sites and 80 are electric."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other wildlife, especially at Buffalo Point. One camper warned, "Sites on the river side are frequented by raccoons at night."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. Heber Springs has a great playground for kids.
  • Plan for activities: Bring bikes for trails or fishing gear for the rivers. A camper at John F Kennedy mentioned, "We had a nice spot along the road overlooking the river."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Some campgrounds don’t have markets nearby. A visitor at Woolly Hollow State Park noted, "The entire park is very well kept and very clean."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some sites are smaller than private campgrounds. A camper at Old Highway 25 Greers Ferry Lake advised, "Check the site sizes to make sure your unit will fit."
  • Be aware of road conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Richland Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "The road getting here is gravel/dirt."
  • Bring your own firewood: Many campgrounds don’t provide firewood. A camper at Gunner Pool Recreation Area noted, "Make sure you come prepared."

Camping around Shirley, AR, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Shirley, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Shirley, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Shirley, AR and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Shirley, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shirley, AR is John F Kennedy with a 4.8-star rating from 22 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shirley, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Shirley, AR.

  • What parks are near Shirley, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Shirley, AR that allow camping, notably Greers Ferry Lake and Buffalo National River.