Camping near Shirley, AR

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    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.

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    Best Campgrounds near Shirley (167)

      1. Sugar Loaf

      4.1(7)7mi from Shirley76 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $18 - $50 / night

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      2. John F Kennedy

      4.8(22)20mi from Shirley68 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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. "

      from $22 - $50 / night

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      3. Devils Fork

      4.2(5)8mi from Shirley55 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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 ."

      from $22 - $50 / night

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      4. COE Greers Ferry Lake Devil's Fork Campground

      4.2(5)9mi from ShirleyRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $17 - $22 / night

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      5. Heber Springs

      4.7(12)17mi from Shirley132 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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.”"

      from $18 - $50 / night

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      6. COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground

      4.2(13)18mi from Shirley118 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $18 - $150 / night

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      7. Fairfield Bay RV Campground & Marina

      3.3(3)5mi from ShirleyRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $40 / night

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      8. Choctaw

      4.3(3)8mi from Shirley146 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $18 - $50 / night

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

      4.8(24)24mi from Shirley21 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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. "

      from $3 - $60 / night

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      10. Fairfield Bay RV Campground & Marina

      4.0(2)5mi from ShirleyRVs, Tents

      "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."

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    Recent Reviews near Shirley, AR

    635 Reviews of 167 Shirley Campgrounds


    • Julie H.
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Camp Conway RV Park

      Horrible

      This is a long review but please read it. It is a public service announcement. Camp Conway greenbrier. Landlord Burt Zinser. Where to begin.. Let start with Ameneties. The website states Each site has full hook ups including 20/30/50 amp electric, clean city water, city sewer and fiber-optic high-speed WiFi. Guests at Camp Conway have the option of porches, sheds and gazebos with management approval. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. 1. Clean city water- it taste like plastic and chlorine. Must have a water filter if you actually want to drink it or give it to your pets. 2. Fiber optic high speed wifi. That's a joke. Shoddy at best. TCW repeatedly has to come out to fix it and it's still garbage. If you are okay with internet dropping in and out every 5 to 10 min, then it's great. Save yourself the headache and get your own, but don't expect Burt Zinser to reduce your rent for services he offers but you can't use. Here at camp conway you can expect to pay for services unrendered.(Not the only one that has this problem in the park) 3. Porches, sheds or gazebos. 100%, as long as you are one of his favorites, like the people in the pictures he uses on his website. The beautiful two story rv with full front porch, likes to watch what everyone else is doing and then go complain to Burt if she doesn't like how your lot looks or what your doing. Burt will be sure to tell you it's too much, or beauty is sometimes only in the eye of the beholder. 4. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. The"Bath House" is one shower, without a bathroom vent, a toilet and sink, in the laundry room and is always disgusting. Hair on the floors, wall, drain, soap scum, ect. The toilet has pubic hair and feces on and around it. No one cleans it, nor cleans up after themselves. Not sure who replaces the toilet paper but half the time it's empty. The laundry is two household washers and dryers. Costing 2.50, which isn't bad. Just don't run the washers at the same time or they flood the room(you will be blamed for over loading it) and expect to dry your clothes for an hour or so, or they will be damp. The state of the laundry room is horrible. Trash overflowing, dog hair, and random debris all over the floors. Again no one cleans them.( you think well I'll just get compact washer, expect to be charged extra for water and don't you dare hang clothes outside to dry, that includes beachwear and towels). It's not visually appealing. 5. Spacious lots. The outer lots are 600 and the other lots 565(it was 550 back in Feb, this is important to note). Price subject to change without a notice. Do Not expect Burt Zinsers crappy memory to remember not to over charge you(text wont help you either). Honestly, don't bother to ask Burt about it, or he will get annoyed and either kick you out or threaten to. I'll get to that later. The lots flood when it rains, grass is almost non existent, scorching heat from lack of trees and of course you have to love the red clay that gets over everything. Lots are suppose to mowed by him, but he hasn't mowed in the 5 months we've been here. He sends his child out, who does a half ass job weed whacking around the pedestals and mows part of the big field. If it wasn't for one of the permanent resident here mowing for people that ask him, it would be horrible. 6. Someone pointed out they have a huge open field with plans to extend the park, but currently it's a great dog area to let your dogs off leash to play. WRONG. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE OFF LEASH. Expect to be harassed about picking up your dog poop. Even when you do, other people do not, while letting their dog roam free and you will be blamed. He has plans to extend the park, true, but until then expect for Burt to constantly remind you that until the park fills up, it all comes out of his pocket, so he's loosing money. You can rent one of his tiny homes if you want to pay near 1,000 for a studio apartment, open floor plan, with a 500 dollar, per pet, fee. You will be secure too as one of his security cameras point directly in the front windows of the current one and only tiny home he has on the premises. 7. Rules. It all depends which of his rules and who you are. If he tells you no AC units in the windows of RVs. There are currently 5 RVs that have units in the windows, so he doesn't really give a crap about that rule. I personally don't care but it was one of the things he stated when we called. No agressive dogs. His example, like pitbulls. Hey as long as you tell him it's another breed he doesn't know the difference and isn't bothered to check. I see nothing wrong with pitties, he's just the type that believes in bad dogs, not bad owners. Oh and on that note you will be sure to hear or be told, that you don't need another mouth to feed, or straight up told you can't keep another pet if you get one. 8. Privacy. Don't expect it. Burt Zinser likes to meddle in people's business. He gives unsolicited relationship advice, opinions on how you should decorate, how your vehicle looks, if your working or not(regardless if you pay rent on time, he doesn't like it if you are a stay at home person). Our experience here has been crap. We moved into the park on Feb 3rd. The lot was one giant mud pit. We asked if he would buy grass seed and we'd care for the lawn until it fully grown. We were told yes at first then the next day we received a text staying no because then he'd have to do that for everyone. We bought grass seed, tilled the land by hand and grew grass. We called about the internet 3 different times. The first time he handed us a wifi extender, that didnt work and TCW said it was pointless since it wasnt hooked into landline nor had bluetooth capabilities. He then had TCW come out two more times to"fix" it, before we said screw it and got starlink. When asked if he would remove the fee for the interent we can't use. He said no. When we asked why are we paying for something we can't use, he stated it was our problem, not his. For the month of Feb rent was 550. March 550. April we TEXT him after hours and asked him to gIve us a call so we could pay rent. HE CALLED US, did the transaction and got off the phone. We checked and noticed he overcharged us, 565. We TEXT him again and pointed out he over charged us. HE CALLED US BACK. He asked when we had moved in, we told him Feb, he apologized and refunded the 15 dollars. When asked when he was going to raise the rent if he would be notifying us. We asked if we would still be paying 550 until then. He called us nieve to think rent wouldn't change. When we explained that we didn't think it would stay 550 forever, but that we would be notified and not just him taking whatever amount he decides he wants. He got irritated said we were busting his balls and he hadn't eaten dinner yet but instead dealing with this crap, and that we were temporary visitors(i didnt know 5 months of renting was temporary). He belittled a person that has autism and learning disabilities when he was the one to CALL US BACK and interupt his own supper. We called during business hours and informed him of the condition of the shower being filthy and smelling of cat urine, because everyone closes the door behind them after a shower and there is no vent( burt decided it wasn't needed, told to us by someone else). We were told people are supposed to be cleaning up after themselves. We asked if he would get a deck brush, hose and cleaning supplies for us and we would clean it for free, once a week. He said sure. A week later we saw him on the property asked about it again. He got annoyed, we dropped it and bought an external on demand hot water heater to be able to shower and feel clean. Once again it was time for rent to be paid. I noticed he had been over charging us again for may and June, not even a week after he told me that August 1st was when the rent would be raised. I saw him on the property and walked over to bring it to his attention. He got irritated and told me that it was becoming a bit much. When asked what he was talking about he stated that no one else bothers him as much as we do, and it's overwhelming. I stated to him that we haven't been unreasonable in holding him accountable for his property. I had explained previously about my husband being autistic with learning disabilities that sometimes effect how he understands things. I brought up that he stated he thinks he's autistic and his wife has told him thay his facial expressions and attitude towards people can be offputting and misinterpreted. I would think he would be more understanding. I told him he obviously has an issue with my husband and that from now on he will be dealing with me since my husband irritates him so much. He tried telling me no that wasn't the issue. I cut him off and said that was exactly the problem or it was holding him accountable, or both. He asked if we be out by then end of the month and I said no, as we have done nothing wrong. Rent is never late. Always paid. Our site is clean, we follow the rules. The next day we received a text from him telling us to be out by the end of the month and he was sorry it didn't work out. Retaliation for a woman speaking to him. Burt Zinser is a horrible business man, landlord and human being. He has issues with speaking too and dealing with woman if they try to be an equal. I truly believe he's sexist and I'm not the only woman in this park that thinks that. If you and your husband are speaking to him, you ask him a question he will disrespect you by looking at your husband and answering. Ask around, talk to people in the park, and not his favorites. I'm hoping I can attach the photos I've taken around the park and facilities but if I can't, feel free to reach out. I have no problem sharing them, in hopes you won't support this man and his park. I will be posting this in every RV group I'm a member of, local community pages and restaurants. Let's hold this man accountable for his disrespect, horrible ethics, and business. Greenbrier is a better community then this man deserves and he shouldn't be allowed to continue this way.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 11, 2026

      Toad Suck

      Nice campground

      Staff at gate was very k8nd and helpful. Grounds well kept and manicured. Camp sites under trees for,shade with water, electricity, picnic tables and fire pits. Needed to use levelers to get trailer leveled. Campground on Arkansas river at the dam and locks. Bathhouse was clean, looked like painted for this season. Only issues was heater running in shower, it was 80+ degrees didn't need more heat. I'd stay here again.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 31, 2026

      Toad Suck

      Nice spot

      Well kept camsites. Clean and right on the beautiful Arkansas river. Would definitely come back.

    • Eliza S.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 25, 2026

      White Buffalo Resort

      Beautiful

      This location was our maiden voyage with our new fifth wheel RV. White buffalo resort is a beautiful place to stay with very friendly and helpful staff. Met some friendly, long-term RV’ers. The only drawback is they don’t have a bike trail except for around the campground (4stars). They offer free Wi-Fi, has a nice clean pool, adequate playground and pavilion. Scenery is fantastic.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 25, 2026

      Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

      Rainy but nice place

      Very nice park and clean bathrooms. The cedar falls are wonderful when it has been raining a lot. RV sites are spacious and a lot of locals like to stay there for short vacations.

    • l
      May. 17, 2026

      Hummingpines RV Park

      Beautiful small and private

      Excellent little campground! Peaceful, clean but no showers or toilets! There is electrical hook up and water with a fire ring and picnic table. Friendly fast, service

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 15, 2026

      Moccasin Gap Horse Trail NF Campground

      Ok one nighter when tired

      Electric hook up and level spots with shade cover. Just off the highway so some traffic noise. We were tired and it was handy to get to. Not disappointed.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 13, 2026

      Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

      Well spaced sites on a lake with bike and walking trails

      Conservation Corps constructed with beautiful log buildings, a pool, a restaurant with a beautiful view. Good size lake with boat rentals. The sites were well spaced and the bathrooms / clean and updated. Planned on staying 1 night but went for 2 as it was so nice.

    • Lindsey M.
      Apr. 11, 2026

      Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

      Lovely park

      We 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 :)


    Guide to Shirley

    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.

    What to Do

    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.

    What Campers Like

    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.

    What You Should Know

    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.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    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.

    Tips from RVers

    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 167 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.