Top Tent Camping near Shirley, AR

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Shirley? We've got you covered. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Shirley, AR (22)

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

    1. Petit Jean State Park

    102 Reviews
    609 Photos
    624 Saves

    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.

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

    $25 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway

    2. Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    17 Saves

    Eco Adventure Wonderland! From hiking to hang gliding. Canoe or kayak the beautiful Middle Fork of the Red River. Or paddle out on the Forty Thousand Acre gorgeous Island dotted Greers Ferry Lake to Sugarloaf Mountain Island where you can hike one of the first Scenic trails in the country!

    Or just stay right here at the Hideaway and explore miles of trails with creeks and waterfalls and even an Indian cave!

    All new Tree Fort for the kiddos even!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    3. Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    10 Reviews
    38 Photos
    102 Saves

    Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and day use and is now open all year. Upper loop is closed to camping and will be eliminated completely. Use of the vault toilet, large pavilion, three shelters, and a small pavilion will remain. The pavilions are managed on a first-come, first-service basis. Trash services are managed by visitors as "pack-it-in, pack-it-out," and Leave No Trace ethics are posted on information kiosks.

    Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of the current amenities, excluding trash services.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    • No image available

      4. Mill Creek

      1 Review
      2 Saves

      This recreation area is part of Greers Ferry Lake

      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Rush Campground - Buffalo National River
      Camper-submitted photo from Rush Campground - Buffalo National River
      Camper-submitted photo from Rush Campground - Buffalo National River
      Camper-submitted photo from Rush Campground - Buffalo National River
      Camper-submitted photo from Rush Campground - Buffalo National River
      Camper-submitted photo from Rush Campground - Buffalo National River
      • No image available

        6. Syllamo

        1 Review
        1 Save

        The Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail is a series of interconnecting loops offering the mountain bike enthusiast 50 miles of trail, much of it single-track. The trail name dates back to an 1800s resident of the area. Eventually the name was anglicized to its current form - Sylamore (SIL-a-more). You'll notice all the tributes to Syllamo in the area - Sylamore Ranger District, Sylamore Creek, North Sylamore Hiking Trail. The various loops can be accessed from four different trailheads as well as Blanchard Springs Recreation Area and Campground. Three trailheads are on Green Mountain Road; the fourth is on AR Highway 5 North. Several parts of the trails have a variety of difficulty - stretches that are pleasant for a beginner, then stretches where a beginner would be wise to walk a bike. Trails are marked with various color blazes on brown fiberglass posts. Remember to wear your safety gear and enjoy the ride. Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail Map The Blanchard Campground may be accessed from the Syllamo Bike Trail at the Jack's Branch Loop. You can camp at Blanchard and ride up to the trails on a spur between the campground and the main trail.

        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Trash
        • Toilets
        Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River
        Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River
        Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

        7. Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

        2 Reviews
        3 Photos
        2 Saves

        Spring Creek Campground is a first come, first serve campground near Harriet, AR. Spring Creek has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities, no flush restrooms, and no water.

        • Tents
        • Toilets
        Camper-submitted photo from Shine Eye Gravel Bar
        Camper-submitted photo from Shine Eye Gravel Bar
        Camper-submitted photo from Shine Eye Gravel Bar
        Camper-submitted photo from Shine Eye Gravel Bar
        Camper-submitted photo from Dillards Ferry
        Camper-submitted photo from Dillards Ferry
        Camper-submitted photo from Dillards Ferry

        9. Dillards Ferry

        1 Review
        3 Photos
        37 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Drinking Water
        • Toilets
        • No image available

          10. Van Buren Park

          Be the first to review!
          1 Save

          This recreation area is part of Greers Ferry Lake

          • Tents
        Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews In Shirley

        530 Reviews of 22 Shirley Campgrounds


        • Jeff P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
          Oct. 27, 2024

          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.

        • Brian G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Petit Jean State Park
          Oct. 18, 2024

          Petit Jean State Park

          Wonderful place!!

          We had a great weekend at Petit Jean. The hiking was great and the campsite is beyond beautiful. There is also a nice coffee shop that is conveniently close to the campsites.

        • Rick T.
          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.

        • 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.

        • 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

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

          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

        • Карина К.
          Camper-submitted photo from Toad Suck
          Jul. 14, 2024

          Toad Suck

          good

          Excellent job on this post! Your analysis is thorough and very helpful blob opera. I appreciate the effort you put into sharing this valuable information. Thanks for contributing!

        • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Jul. 10, 2024

          Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

          Nice site to hang-out in

          The pin location may not be accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.44497, -92.76914. This is a small dispersed campsite with a level dirt surface, just big enough to accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is tucked into the trees, and it has a clean rock fire ring. The site is located on a dirt track - Forest Road 93021L, which is off of Tackett Mountain Road - Forest Road 1319. The site offers privacy from Tackett Mountain Rd, but it is close to Forest Road 93021L. Tackett Mountain Rd is a wide, well maintained, gravel forest road. Access to 93021L off of Tackett Mountain Road is up a slight incline with some gravel cover. Once up the incline, the track becomes dirt, goes through a clearing and heads into the woods where the dispersed site is located on the right. One can camp in the clearing; there is a small rock fire ring that is overgrown with grass and weeds, but the site in this review is nicer. The clearing was logged long ago where one may find some pieces of firewood. Some solar charging may be possible depending on the time of day and if the solar panels can be set up along the track in front of the site. There are no hiking trails here, although one can take a stroll along FR90231L which is less than a half-mile long. Even though there is not much to do around here, it's a nice place to simply hang out in. I liked it.

        • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Jul. 9, 2024

          Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

          Lake View Dispersed Camping

          Coordinates: 35.49123, -92.80548. Large open dispersed site set back from Charleston Road, just north of Bell Rd (Forest Road 1334). Located in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trails area. Charleston Road is a wide, well-maintained gravel road. Access to the site from Charleston Road is on a 400 foot long narrow dirt track; pinstripping is possible. The dispersed site has a dirt surface with some embedded rocks. It's on a rise above the lake, offering a nice view. Solar recharging is possible in this open site. The site is on what appears to be a parking area along an old dirt track; this track appears as an older section of Charleston Rd on some maps. There is a dirt ramp into the lake. There is room for multiple rigs at the campsite. Some leveling may be required depending on the spot the vehicle is parked. There are two rock fire rings - one large and one small. Tent Camping is possible near the fire rings. The lake was drained at the time of my visit; otherwise, it's a really nice view.

        • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Jul. 7, 2024

          Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

          Nice Dispersed Site Above Brock Creek

          Not sure if the location pin is correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.49995, -92.80930. A large, wooded dispersed site situated above Brock Creek off of Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trail area. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road. The dispersed site can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles - campervan size and smaller. There are 2 access driveways into the site. Access for a truck camper is tight due to the location of trees on the site. Access for 2WD low clearance vehicles may be rough due to some erosion. The dispersed site is a dirt surface with some embedded rocks jutting out. Some leveling may be required depending where the rig is parked. Tent camping is possible. There is a vehicle turnaround at the rear of the site. The site is shaded, so solar charging is limited. Except for a little bit of glass and some bullet shell casings scattered about, the site was clean at the time of my visit. The site has a large rock fire ring. There is a wide track that leads off the site toward the south along and above the creek. This track does not appears on any of the current forest service maps (including MVUM) that I have, so I'm assuming that it is not a legal motorized vehicle track. The track is hikeable. The site is convenient to OHV and multi-use trails. It was a pretty site during my summertime visit, but I bet it's beautiful during the Fall season. It is set back from Charleston Road. It is a really nice spot.

        • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR
          Jul. 6, 2024

          Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR

          Large Group Dispersed Camping

          Coordinates: 35.50873, -92.81549. Group dispersed site located less than a 1/4-mile south of the Zing Trailhead on Charleston Road. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road located in a popular national forest OHV area. This dispersed site is a level with a dirt and grass surface. The site can accomodate multiple vehicles; tent camping is possible. There is a large rock fire ring at the rear of the site. The site is open with little shade, making recharging with solar panels possible. Other than accommodating a group of OHV and offroad enthusiasts, and stargazing at night, there is nothing remarkable about this campsite.

        • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Jul. 4, 2024

          Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

          Convenient to National Forest OHV Area

          Pin location may not be correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.52534, -92.83158. Located on Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV area - 1/2 mile southeast of the Mountain Man Trailhead. Charleston Road is a well maintained gravel road. The site is at the beginning of an old unnamed, closed, dirt track - close to Charleston Road. The site has a dirt surface; not quite level, but more level toward the rear. It is a pull-in site which can accommodate one campervan and smaller. Tent camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded. There is poison ivy around the perimeter of the site. The site includes a large rock fire ring. Except for a little bit of trash in the fire ring, the site was pretty much clean. The old track is gated just past the site,; the track is hikeable, leading up to the northern-most Stoebuck Mountain (there are two "Stoebuck Mountains" in this area). Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site. It is good for an overnight stay.

        • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
          Jul. 2, 2024

          Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR

          Dispersed camping convenient to OHV/multi-use national forest trails

          Not sure if the pin location is correct, so here are the exact coordinates: 35.53654, -92.80322.  Small dispersed campsite just off Wilderness Trail Road. Wilderness Trail Road is a wide gravel country road located in a popular national forest OHV area. More specifically, the site is located on multi-use/OHV trail Brock Creek #42, Forest Road 2321 - just a few hundred feet south of Wilderness Trail (not in the trailhead parking lot, where camping is not allowed). Its a small, level dirt site, mostly shaded in a small clearing in the trees, close to the track - not private. It has a small rock fire ring. Tent camping is possible. It's a pull-in site which can accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site.



        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

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shirley, AR?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shirley, AR is Petit Jean State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 102 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Shirley, AR?

          TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Shirley, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.