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.
$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."
$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. "
$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 ."
$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."
$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.”"
$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."
$40 / night
"Beautiful lake and I thought the bathrooms were clean and spacious. Water and electric hookups were easy to use. I would highly recommend this place, wasn't crowded and good fishing spots from shore."
$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."
$3 - $60 / night
"I completed my undergrad and graduate degrees in Arkansas about 30ish miles north of Little Rock."
"It was up on the hill with a paved pull-through driveway and stone steps leading up to a flat terrace area. Plenty of room to spread out. There are many attractions nearby."
"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."
GuideWe stayed in section D, site 114! It was so nice and quiet, the trees made it feel so spacious and like you weren’t right on top of other campers! The bathrooms were eh. Not the best but not the worst! All the trails in walking distance was absolutely amazing! Would definitely camp here again :)
ScoutThis would be a great campsite but too many people have trashed it. Cans, tp, and broken glass everywhere. Some local charity should clean it up.
GuideLots of room, lots of fire rings. Several (maybe 5?) vault toilets that are well-maintained and stocked. When we got there, there were probably 50 people at 20 different spots scattered across the field. When we left, it was just us and one other group. Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao. One of the roads into the park is closed, but the detour is signed well and easy to figure out. If I had to guess, it’s closed because one of the edges is getting pretty close to crumbling into the river. I wish I had thought to bring paddle boards and kayaks. There were lots of people who brought big rigs down to the camp site, as well as pulled boats. The gravel roads are well maintained enough that I’d be comfortable doing that, but the hill is pretty steep at times, so be wary.
Scout8th trip here in 2 years! Our fav place.
ScoutA great long term stay location. This is the place to come if you're visiting the area, need affordable accommodations and want the added bonus of beautiful scenery. Thank you for an amazing stay!
ScoutI thought this was a nice campground. Plenty of great spaces to choose from. Beautiful lake and I thought the bathrooms were clean and spacious. Water and electric hookups were easy to use. I would highly recommend this place, wasn't crowded and good fishing spots from shore.
ScoutWe arrived from Nashville today (traveling from Mt) to this beautifully curated RV park. It was right at sunset, so the sky was crimson against the beautiful river in the back of the property. The crickets were chirping and the geese in the water were talkative. What a perfect way to end our long drive. Stephanie is so pleasant, professional and eager to help with anything needed. We have stayed at many RV parks in our travels from Mt and I will say without reservation, this is hands down the nicest one. Don't miss this one if you're traveling through. Beautiful, beautiful!!!
ScoutVery nice place to come to had a very, very clean laundry mat with excellent prices. Very clean park does not look rundown.. very nice on-site Manager. Takes care of you. Quiet place. Animals are welcome. Have a dog run all around great park and great prices.
RangerI had heard that the COE campgrounds are very well maintained and that is true. Our pad was very level and offered a nice view of the River. Easy to get to and very smooth check in. The Camp Host was very friendly and courteous. The pad was super clean and offered ample space for our 25 foot trailer and truck. We felt safe and it was quiet. Power and water worked perfectly for us. Did not use the bath house, but we saw it being cleaned and it seemed well placed and convenient. We took a little stroll in the morning to check out the boat ramp and get a good look at the bridge and the spillway and locks. Had an issue in our RV and needed some screws, luckily Ace Hardware just down the road!
Camping spots near Shirley, Arkansas center around Greers Ferry Lake, a 40,000-acre reservoir situated at approximately 450 feet elevation in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The area features limestone bluffs and cedar-hardwood forests that provide natural shade for campsites during hot Arkansas summers, which typically see temperatures in the 90s from June through August. Many campgrounds are situated within a 15-mile radius of Shirley, creating convenient access to both water activities and hiking opportunities.
Mountain hiking: Sugar Loaf offers a popular hiking trail leading to panoramic views. "While in college, and subsequent thereto, I frequently visited Sugar Loaf Mountain for day hikes. I think this is a beautiful area of the state and the mountain is located W-NW Greers Ferry Lake and Dam," writes Donny S. The trail is accessible year-round for day use with a $5 vehicle entry fee or $2 walk-in fee.
Trout fishing: John F Kennedy campground provides access to the Little Red River's cold waters. "Situated on the Little Red River well known for trout fishing. Some sites have electricity and water, ours electricity only," notes Don L. The campground's proximity to the river makes it ideal for anglers, though water levels can change when the dam releases water.
Swimming and cliff jumping: Many of the lake access points feature swimming areas with different experiences. "You drive over the spring to camp so be sure the water is not up before you make the drive! It's the clearest spring I've ever seen. There's a bluff in the camping area that's amazing for swimming and small jumping," reports Carla T. about Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. Water temperatures at Greers Ferry Lake reach the mid-80s during summer months.
Lake views: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites that offer scenic vistas. "This is a great park. There are sites near the water. The closest to the water was D7. You have a view of Sugar Loaf mountain in the background," says Lacee G. about Sugar Loaf Park. Sites with water access allow campers to launch kayaks directly from their campsite.
Spacious, shaded sites: Choctaw receives praise for its layout and natural features. "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," notes Natalie E. The campground offers both paved and gravel sites with varying levels of privacy.
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas around campsites provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "I had a peaceful stay at this beautiful campground. Tall trees, a lake, and nicely spaced out sites," writes Renata L. about her experience at Choctaw. Campers commonly report seeing deer, rabbits, and various bird species throughout the camping areas.
Seasonal water levels: Old Highway 25 and other lakeside campgrounds experience fluctuating conditions. "Many sites are right on the water. We were able to camp right on the water and park our boat at the site," notes John M. Water levels can rise significantly during spring and after heavy rainfall events, which may affect site availability.
Bathroom facilities: Maintenance quality varies between campgrounds. "The cons or negative was: 1) only one bath house and it was atrocious dirty. 2) the simple restroom near our site was filthy also," reports MGySgt K. about Fairfield Bay RV Campground. Most Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer only basic facilities that may not include showers.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "This spot is popular so get your reservations in! Some come as you go spots but they go quickly!" advises Sherrie A. about John F Kennedy campground. Reservations can typically be made through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance.
Playground access: Shiloh offers amenities designed for younger visitors. "This place has been home to our annual Memorial Day weekend camp and lake trip the past 2 years. It's been wonderful for lake access. There's a good little park for the kids," writes Steve A. The playground provides entertainment options when taking breaks from water activities.
Safety considerations: Some areas require extra caution with children. "Sugarloaf has become my family's go to camping area. Park rangers patrol the park throughout the day and night, giving all campers piece of mind," notes Chris M. Parents should be aware that some lakefront sites have steep drop-offs to the water.
Swimming areas: Look for designated beaches with sand and shallow entry points. "A nice busy but not wild family camping area. Has a swim area and marina, kids can feed the fish, able to rent boats or kayaks/canoes also. Family friendly and relaxing," shares Angela M. about Sugar Loaf. Swimming beaches typically operate from May through September.
Site angles: Fairfield Bay RV Campground presents unique parking challenges. "Our site had the back of our trailer over looking the lake. But the truck was at such an angle because the sites are level but on a steep slope. You better have extra chuck blocks, because your tow vehicle sits on a heck of an angle," advises MGySgt K. RVers should check site descriptions carefully before booking.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer limited connections. "I can't give it 5 stars due to recent year deterioration with the bathhouses & lack of improvements to the rv sites, mainly adding sewer hookups," mentions Deanna M. about John F Kennedy campground. While electric hookups are common, full hookups are rare, and most campgrounds only offer dump stations rather than sewer connections.
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "Check the site sizes to make sure your unit will fit," advises N.I. about Old Highway 25. Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds have sites suitable for RVs under 35 feet, with limited options for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Shirley, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Shirley, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 163 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.
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