Camping sites near Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas are situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains along the 40,000-acre Greers Ferry Lake. The region lies at approximately 600 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. Most camping facilities operate seasonally with only a few campgrounds like Devils Fork and Dam Site remaining open year-round for winter camping opportunities.
What to do
Trout fishing on Little Red River: The tailwaters below Greers Ferry Dam provide world-class trout fishing opportunities. At John F Kennedy, one visitor noted, "Situated on the Little Red River well known for trout fishing. Some sites have electricity and water, ours electricity only. Great clean COE park." For dedicated anglers, the Little Red offers exceptional rainbow trout conditions with cool water temperatures year-round.
Water recreation: Greers Ferry Lake provides numerous water activities beyond fishing. COE Greers Ferry Lake Old Highway 25 Campground offers direct lake access where "the sunsets are amazing if you have a water site. Not to mention you could have your own 'mini' cliff to jump off on to go swimming. There are even some site where people dock their boats."
Hiking and nature exploration: The surrounding hills offer hiking trails with views of the lake. At Devils Fork, campers can access both water activities and trails. One camper mentioned, "Got 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."
What campers like
Cooler temperatures by water: Many campers appreciate the natural air conditioning effect near the water. One visitor to John F Kennedy campground shared, "Great spot for the heat of summer. Shady and a nice cool breeze off the cold little red!"
Quiet off-season camping: Fall and winter months offer a more peaceful experience. At Shiloh - Greers Ferry Lake, one camper described their experience: "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."
Clean facilities: Many campers mention the well-maintained facilities at campgrounds around Tumbling Shoals. A camper at Old Highway 25 Campground stated, "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."
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with sand. A Devils Fork visitor noted, "Beautiful Park with multiple clean swim beaches. Many lake view sites."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A John F Kennedy camper advised, "This spot is popular so get your reservations in! Some come as you go spots but they go quickly!"
Site limitations: Many campgrounds in the area were built when camping equipment was smaller. At Red River Trout Dock, one visitor observed, "Good place to stay if you just need somewhere to park your camper and then spend your time on the Little Red River trout fishing. Dock on site. However, the campsites are basically in a field and they are very close together."
Water level fluctuations: Dam releases can affect water levels significantly. A John F Kennedy camper warned, "It's very close to the Little Red River and you can easily walk down to fish or walk to shore line if the dam isn't releasing water. That would be the one drawback to this camp site is when the dam releases water, the river rises a lot. I'm talking a good 5 feet."
Limited services: Most remote campgrounds have minimal services. One camper at Greers Ferry Lake - COE/Cherokee Rec Area noted, "This campground is very rural. I would suggest buying your supplies at the nearest town. Once you arrive at the campground you are about 11 miles to Drasco and Greers Ferry."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and beaches: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly facilities. A Devils Fork visitor shared, "Lots of really nice sites on the water. The campground is well maintained. There is a swim beach with sand and also a great playground."
River vs. lake options: Consider whether river or lake camping better suits your family. One Shiloh camper advised, "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."
Bathroom proximity: For families, consider campsite location relative to facilities. One camper at Dam Site Campground observed, "We had a pull through site in loop N that was perfect for our 41' fifth wheel...plenty big, clean, and level. It was a little sunny, but other than that no complaints. The other loops were more wooded, but wouldn't be good for big rigs."
Rules awareness: Some areas have specific regulations. An Old Highway 25 visitor cautioned, "Beach/swimming area has a lot of geese. Friend got a ticket for having a beer in the swimming area, stay at your spot if you are drinking."
Tips from RVers
Site selection concerns: Many campgrounds have site limitations for larger rigs. One camper at Devils Fork warned, "It's a well maintained park. Lots of varied camper/rv spots. All have electricity and a handful have water too. The pads are hard packed with a picnic table chained down on it."
Hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. A Red River Trout Dock visitor noted, "They do not have 30 amp service, only 50, so bring an adapter."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling. At Old Highway 25, a camper mentioned, "The sites are shady and there are rock bluffs that the grandkids love to jump from," but others noted that site preparation may be needed for larger rigs.
Off-season opportunities: Winter camping is available at select locations. A Devils Fork camper shared, "There were several people winter camping here. The bathhouse isn't close for the people like me without a bathroom in their RV or tent campers."
