Camping options near Shirley, Arkansas cluster around Greers Ferry Lake at approximately 1,150 feet elevation. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions. The terrain features limestone bluffs and rolling Ozark foothills that create diverse camping environments with both waterfront and forest-shaded sites.
What to do
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Sugar Loaf Campground offers direct access to trails with elevation gains. "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," notes Donny S., who recommends the area specifically for "hiking and views."
Trout fishing: John F Kennedy Campground sits directly on the Little Red River. According to Tim M., "Long haul ride on my motorcycle, the staff was great, scenery perfect, and fishing phenomenal. I intended to stay one day ended up staying for four." The site provides direct access to some of the region's best trout fishing with designated areas near the dam.
Night swimming: Some campers prefer water activities after sunset when temperatures cool down. A camper at Sugar Loaf mentions, "Good place go camping, water is nice when you go night swimming more than the day since the water is awful during the day since it's a little warmer than I like."
Paddle sports: The lake offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Lacee G. recommends bringing your kayak to Sugar Loaf: "Bring your kayak and paddle to Sugar Loaf then hike to the top!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground receives praise for maintenance. Norman S. notes, "This is such a nice campground. The hosts are great, it is quiet, it is clean, the bathrooms are nice. I plan to come here as often as I can." The campground maintains bathroom facilities that are cleaned regularly.
Waterfront camping: Lakeside sites allow for boat parking at your site. John M. comments about Old Highway 25, "This last time we were able to camp right on the water and park our boat at the site. Busy on the weekends so make sure and reserve. Weekdays are pretty peaceful."
Shaded campsites: The tall pine trees provide crucial shade during hot months. At Choctaw Campground, Natalie E. observed, "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."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with adequate room. Chris M. noted about Sugar Loaf, "Sugarloaf has become my family's go to camping area. Campsites are usually easy to book in advance, and we never had any problems with reservations."
What you should know
Season limitations: Some campgrounds operate seasonally. Sugar Loaf's schedule is restricted to "Overnight camping is only allowed mid-May through mid-September but is otherwise available for day use year around," according to Donny S.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Busy on the weekends so make sure and reserve. Weekdays are pretty peaceful," reports John M. about Old Highway 25 Campground.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Shirley typically have standard rules requiring leashes. COE Greers Ferry Lake Devil's Fork Campground and other Corps sites enforce pet policies while providing access to swim beaches and hiking trails.
Site selection: Pay attention to site details when booking. N I. advises about Choctaw, "Some sites are more level than others. Check the details closely when making reservations."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and beaches: COE Greers Ferry Lake Devil's Fork Campground offers family-friendly recreation areas. "Beautiful Park with multiple clean swim beaches. Many like view sites," reports Kim H. The sand beaches provide safer swimming areas for children.
Park ranger presence: Security gives peace of mind to families with children. Chris M. shares, "Park rangers patrol the park throughout the day and night, giving all campers piece of mind."
Shallow water access: For families with children or pets, some areas offer easier water entry. Keri P. notes about Devil's Fork, "Super nice Campground right on Greers Ferry lake. Bathrooms were located nearby, as well as boat access to the lake. There was also several swimming spots!"
Weather planning: Summer heat can be intense at dog friendly campgrounds near Shirley. "Get a really great spot right by the water. Employees were super nice and helpful and even came by to check on us after a storm came through during the night," reports Ashley G. about Devil's Fork.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Fairfield Bay RV Campground & Marina presents some leveling issues. MGySgt K. reports, "Our site had the back of our trailer over looking the lake. That was okay, we just set up our chairs behind the trailer for an enjoyable view. But the truck was at such a 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."
Electric hookup options: Most campgrounds provide electric hookups but may have limitations. According to N I. reviewing Old Highway 25, "Open Mar - Oct with 116 sites and 80 are electric. Fees: $16.00 - $20.00."
RV size restrictions: Larger rigs need to research site dimensions. "Sites are generally smaller than you will find in a private campground. Check the site sizes to make sure your unit will fit," advises N I.
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds offer dump stations, though not at individual sites. At Fairfield Bay, "Dump site about half mile away, with dumpsters for trash," notes MGySgt K.
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