Best Campgrounds near Shirley, AR

Campgrounds around Shirley, Arkansas focus primarily on the scenic Greers Ferry Lake area, with multiple developed options managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The landscape features several established campgrounds including Sugar Loaf, Devils Fork, and Choctaw Recreation Areas, providing access to both lakeside and wooded sites. Most campgrounds accommodate tent and RV camping, while some locations like Choctaw also offer cabin and glamping accommodations. These mixed-use campgrounds typically provide electric hookups, water access, and basic amenities, creating a range of options from primitive to more developed sites within a 15-mile radius of Shirley.

Seasonal operations significantly affect campground availability in the region, with many facilities operating only from May through September. Sugar Loaf, Mill Creek, and Old Highway 25 campgrounds maintain this limited seasonal schedule, while others like John F. Kennedy, Devils Fork, and Heber Springs remain open year-round. Reservations are typically required and can be made through Recreation.gov. Facilities vary widely across campgrounds, with most offering at least vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though not all provide showers or flush toilets. Water levels on Greers Ferry Lake can impact site availability. "Many of the waterfront sites were closed because they were underwater," noted one camper about their experience at Choctaw Recreation Area.

Lakefront sites consistently receive praise from visitors, particularly those with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Sites within the D loop at Sugar Loaf Park are especially popular for their water access and mountain vistas. Campers appreciate the spacing between sites at many Corps of Engineers campgrounds, with one visitor describing Choctaw as "quiet, secluded" with "tall trees everywhere you look" and "perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers." Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across the area's campgrounds. While some report clean facilities, others mention maintenance issues, particularly at the Fairfield Bay RV Campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, and various bird species commonly spotted near camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Shirley, Arkansas (160)

    1. Sugar Loaf

    7 Reviews
    Higden, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 654-2267

    $18 - $50 / night

    "As most campsites are, there are no real defined borders and all Greers Ferry and Heber Springs are surrounded by residential areas."

    "There are sites near the water. The closest to the water was D7. You have a view of Sugar Loaf mountain in the background. It’s a medium sited lot but plenty of room for a tent and a canopy."

    2. John F Kennedy

    22 Reviews
    Tumbling Shoals, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 250-0481

    $22 - $50 / night

    "Very nice little campground just off Arkansas Hwy 25 by Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs, Arkansas. Actually, many of the campsites are along the beginning of the Little Red River."

    "Without a lot fan fair since you have no clue, from the highway, that there is a campground at this location.  Not far off the road but you do not hear the traffic. "

    3. Devils Fork

    5 Reviews
    Higden, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 825-8618

    $22 - $50 / night

    "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."

    "Last minute move from below the Dam up to the lake . Nabbed a great spot on the water B15. Facilities are typical for this area ."

    4. COE Greers Ferry Lake Devil's Fork Campground

    5 Reviews
    Higden, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 825-8618

    $17 - $22 / night

    "This is one of several campgrounds to choose from around Greers Ferry Lake that are operated by the Corps of Engineers (COE), and there are a few good reasons to choose it."

    "Super nice Campground right on Greers Faity lake. Our only complaint was that they didn't stop us to check us in upon arrival and we had to return to do so."

    5. Heber Springs

    12 Reviews
    Heber Springs, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 250-0485

    $18 - $50 / night

    "It isn’t all that accurate to say “Heber” is the location for camping. Instead, Heber is a small community about 60 miles north of Little Rock on Greers Ferry Lake."

    "Greers Ferry Lake is one of those places. However, as I said in a review of “Heber Springs,” if I’m reviewing campgrounds here, it isn’t accurate to review “Greers Ferry Lake.”"

    6. COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground

    13 Reviews
    Heber Springs, AR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 250-0483

    $18 - $150 / night

    "Nice sites on the lake. We camp here a lot since it is close to our house. Staff is friendly and doesn't get in your business. Drive through to find the choice sites."

    "Right next to the water. Great views, great breeze. Our campsite was handicap accessible."

    7. Choctaw

    3 Reviews
    Clinton, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 745-8320

    $18 - $50 / night

    "This Campground is quiet, secluded jewel in Clinton, Arkansas. Tall trees everywhere you look. Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers."

    "Tall trees, a lake, and nicely spaced out sites. Loved it."

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

    24 Reviews
    Fifty-Six, AR
    24 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. "

    9. Fairfield Bay RV Campground & Marina

    2 Reviews
    Fairfield Bay, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 253-8408

    "The Fairfield Bay/Greers Ferry lake area in general is my heaven on earth, and this marina/campground is smack dab in the middle of it."

    10. Shiloh - Greers Ferry Lake

    5 Reviews
    Higden, AR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 825-8619

    $18 - $150 / night

    "Trees for our hammock, large level site, near the water for our kayak, and great views of the lake. There is no electricity at these sites. You will need to bring water."

    "We tent camped on a small point of the park-we were the only one in that area. it was a beautiful location, cool breezes off the lake all night, moon rising above. it was wonderful!!"

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Recent Reviews near Shirley, AR

612 Reviews of 160 Shirley Campgrounds


  • 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'

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Cherokee Park (Arkansas River) — Arkansas River Rockefeller Lake

    Best Corps of Engineers campground

    A beautiful spot with both lakeside campsites and shaded sites. All spaced for plenty of privacy. Each site has  power and water. Bathrooms are clean and have showers. $26 per night or $13 if you have a federal pass. I used my senior lifetime pass. Strong cell: 3 bars of 5G Verizon.

  • 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.

  • Benjamin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Toad Suck

    ACOE Toad Suck

    Great little campground. Decently maintained. Most of the sites have concrete pads big enough for a couple tents. Solid concrete picnic table with a roof over it was nice. Parking was not very level but our 38ft schoolie fit fine with enough room for our car.

  • 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 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 160 campgrounds and RV parks near Shirley, AR and 14 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 Sugar Loaf with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 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.