Beaver Lake forms the centerpiece of camping near Gateway, Arkansas, with 28,000 surface acres of water spanning 487 miles of shoreline. The surrounding Ozark Mountain terrain ranges from 1,100 to 1,700 feet in elevation, creating distinct camping microclimates. Most campgrounds open between early April and late October, though several remain accessible year-round with limited amenities during winter months.
What to do
Trout fishing in cold river waters: Roaring River State Park Campground provides exceptional trout fishing opportunities with an on-site hatchery. "Several spots near the river most are basic sites. They have three loops each with there own shower houses. Loop one is out away frin the river tucked in a narrow cannon really cool fealing," notes Jason C. in his review of Roaring River State Park Campground.
Kayaking on calm lake waters: Lake Leatherwood City Park offers non-motorized water recreation on a quiet lake. "After camping each month through the summer, it was a pleasant change for the temperature to dip for our two night visit to Lake Leatherwood City Park. We had booked one of the sites in what is known as Shady Grove, which is down on the edge of the lake. We kayak and it was a pleasant surprise to find only three powered boats on the lake throughout the weekend," shares Graham B. about Lake Leatherwood City Park.
Mountain biking on maintained trails: Explore dedicated bike paths at The Farm Campground. "The Farm has such an amazing, widespread, and comfortable atmosphere that you'll never want to leave. In the morning you'll be deep in the seas of fog, and at night you'll be dazed by wide views of the stars. 18 hole diskgolf course and super fun mountain bike trails you can't beat it," writes Jon W.
What campers like
Waterfront camping with direct lake access: Dam Site Lake Campground offers island camping with water on all sides. "The main camping area is on an island that you drive onto, how cool is that! Every site had water and electric hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Sites right on the lake also had a pavilion covering the picnic tables," reports Annie C. about Dam Site Lake Campground.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area features updated restrooms and shower facilities. "Nice very scenic campground. Hilly with staggered rv slots, so it seems like everyone would have a great view of the lake," notes Jody D. about Lost Bridge North.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe local fauna. "The 'Parker Bottoms' area of this campground is amazing. The wife and I keep coming back year after year. The local deer greet you at breakfast from across the street and the facilities are always clean and well maintained," explains Stephen R. about Dam Site River - Beaver Lake.
What you should know
Site selection affects comfort: Prairie Creek campground sites vary significantly in levelness. "We really enjoyed Prairie Creek! Close to Rogers for splurging and eating out. Campsites come with various services so check yours to ensure you have what you need. Some have no services, some with electric only, all the way up to full services. Those near the water seem to have short pads and electric only. I never was able to get our TT level at site 92. Over 8" difference from side to side," advises Roger H. about Prairie Creek.
Reservation timing matters: Most lakefront sites book months in advance for summer weekends. "Reserved spots here solely because of availability for Memorial Day weekend. Basically every spot has water hookup EXCEPT the spots in the loop we were in (which is fine, we were aware before we arrived)," reports Mandi R.
Off-season camping limitations: During winter months, some facilities close. "Bathrooms were locked for the season, I presume. Starlink worked well at our site (13)," Jody D. mentions about Lost Bridge North.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "This campground was a great spot for our first family camping trip. The view from our site was pretty and we had great trees for hanging hammocks. The bathrooms were close and clean," says Kat M. about Dam Site River - Beaver Lake.
Consider swimming conditions: Lost Bridge South provides designated swimming areas. "We loved it here! Had camper on one site and tent on another, no complaints either way. Water is clear and beautiful, if you're bank fishing it was mostly perch in June (don't know about other times) and swimming was nice," shares Erin H.
Plan for special events: Some campgrounds host family-friendly activities. "Last Saturday weekend in October people decorate there sites and kids trick or treat the campers," Susan C. notes about Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for uneven terrain: Many lakefront sites require significant leveling. "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads," warns Mandi R. about Prairie Creek.
Check hookup availability: Sites vary widely in available amenities. "This campground has gone through an extensive renovation this year and has bigger and more accessible sites. The water sites are all 'on the water'! Very easy to get a bigger rig into these sites.. not the easiest drive to get here but worth the effort!" explains John F. about Dam Site Lake Campground.
Verify water access: Not all sites include water hookups. "All sites have electric but not water at the sites, but dump and fill stations are readily available. New this year is free wifi, although spotty and very slow during busy hours. Verizon cell is ok, ATT non existent," Gary P. notes about Roaring River State Park.
