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Camping near Norfork Lake

414 Reviews

Norfork Lake in Arkansas features a mix of established campgrounds on its shorelines and throughout the surrounding region. Gamaliel Park and Cranfield Park provide access to this 22,000-acre lake with spacious RV and tent camping sites, many offering water and electric hookups. Most campgrounds near the lake are operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and remain open seasonally from spring to fall, typically April or May through October. Robinson Point and Bidwell Point Park also offer developed camping areas along the lakeshore with varying levels of amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.

Seasonal considerations impact camping options around Norfork Lake, with most facilities closing for winter. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for outdoor recreation. Many campgrounds require advance reservations through recreation.gov, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months. Boat-in camping is available at several parks, adding flexibility for those exploring the lake. Road conditions are generally good with paved access to most developed campgrounds. A visitor noted, "This park is awesome for couples or families. Closer to the lake and had its own swimming beach. Nice bathhouses and grounds well kept."

The camping experience around Norfork Lake combines water recreation with woodland environments. Most campsites feature partial shade from mature trees while maintaining views of the water. Fishing, boating, and swimming are primary activities, with the lake known for striped bass, walleye, and crappie. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, though they fill quickly during holidays and summer weekends. Several visitors mentioned the spaciousness of the camping areas as a highlight. According to one review, "I don't think there is a bad site in the large campground. Most sites have at least some lake view. Roads are paved and can accommodate large rigs." The mixed-use campgrounds around Norfork Lake balance natural settings with convenient amenities, making them suitable for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts.

Map showing campgrounds near Norfork Lake, ArkansasExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Norfork Lake (150)

    1. Gamaliel

    8 Reviews
    Gamaliel, AR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 467-5680

    $22 - $50 / night

    "I have been camping at Fout's at Gamaliel Arkansas since I can remember. The sites are great but close to each other."

    "Close to water, critters, keep your foodstuffs put away. Bring the Deet."

    2. North Fork

    7 Reviews
    Dora, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "There are some trails from the sites to the river but nature has mostly taken them over and it is not a safe trek."

    "The Blue Spring Trail was really nice; it was moderately difficult in a few areas. Nice views of the North Fork River along this trail. Bank fishing possible in the nearby day use area."

    3. Bull Shoals-White River State Park

    26 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    24 miles
    Website

    "Like all Arkansas State parks this is a well kept park"

    "It's one of the best I've been to in Arkansas.  "

    4. Robinson Point

    8 Reviews
    Henderson, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 492-6853

    $22 - $40 / night

    "There was a partial view through the trees of Norfork Lake from the backside of the site. Walked down to the bank of the lake to fish and caught a bass."

    "I think, if they came and upgraded the site with better pad for the modem rvs, this could be a prime location."

    5. Patrick Bridge Access

    3 Reviews
    Dora, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 256-7161

    "You can walk or drive up the road for beach river access thats safer. Felt safe here. Well maintained. Large sites (trees) big rv friendly with easy loop gravel road. No verizon cel service."

    6. Sunburst Ranch

    1 Review
    Dora, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 284-3443

    $15 / night

    "Situated near a mile of riverfront property, you can take out the water toy of your choosing and float down the rive. Come back to home base for a night of stargazing."

    7. Classic RV Park

    1 Review
    Gainesville, MO
    5 miles
    +1 (417) 679-2328

    8. Bidwell Point Park

    4 Reviews
    Henderson, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 467-5375

    $24 - $50 / night

    9. Cloud 9 Ranch

    1 Review
    Pottersville, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 284-7321

    10. Cranfield Park

    3 Reviews
    Henderson, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 492-4191

    $16 - $50 / night

    "The campground at the Marina was nice, wooded with level dedicated tent pads, nice picnic tables with firepits and prep tables next to level parking pads."

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Recent Camping Photos near Norfork Lake

113 Photos of 150 Norfork Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Norfork Lake

414 Reviews of 150 Norfork Lake Campgrounds

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Blue Spring Fall Camping

    Did a quick overnight here. Very quiet and peaceful. Campsites itself were very clean and nice, however quite small. The bathrooms were VERY clean, some of the cleanest I’ve been to in a NF. Had the entire campsite to myself. There were some nice campsites closer to the water, but i pulled in at night and couldn’t see too well. most of them had fire rings. Majority of these sites were walk-in tent sites.

    Remember to pack out what you pack in at this site, no trash facilities!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Free during winter season; otherwise, $10

    Camped for one night at site #7 on Oct 23, 2025. It turned out that this was the first night that camping fees were suspended for the winter season. This National Park Service campground has mostly walk-in tent sites - a few near the river were difficult to find. I parked my van in a small parking lot which serves sites 6 & 7 - just up the hill from the campground loop and vault toilet. The campsites include a table, metal fire ring and lantern pole. Sites 6 & 7 are close together, actually just one site with 2 tables and fire rings, good for a group campout. Except for a few fishermen who fished for a little while, I had the campground all to myself. Very quiet, peaceful night. I enjoyed fishing for smallmouth bass here. There is no potable water, and no hookups. Hammock camping and limited Starlink connectivity may be possible depending on the site. There is a his/hers vault toilet located in the center of the loop; it was clean and supplied with tp. Except for a small trash container in the vault toilet, there is no trash service at this campground; I took out the trash that I created as well as trash left by previous users. The gravel roads accessing this campground were in good condition during my visit. This is a beautiful location. There was some AT&T and T-Mobile service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    North Fork

    Large sites, good separation

    Camped at site #4 in the Dogwood Loop in Oct 2025. Paid $5 with senior pass. Previous review applies. Trash service available. Vault toilets (3) were open; clean with tp. Water was turned off for the season. There are a couple of hiking trailheads in campground. The Blue Spring Trail was really nice; it was moderately difficult in a few areas. Nice views of the North Fork River along this trail. Bank fishing possible in the nearby day use area. The campsites were large with good spacing between them. There is no privacy, however, between sites. My site was level, but can't say that for all sites. The campsites and roads were paved. The campground appeared well maintained during my stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Nice campground with access to trails

    Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    Primitive camping along the Buffalo River

    Van-camped in site #3 in mid-October, 2025. Free National Park Service primitive campground along the Buffalo Ntional River. The property serves as a drop-off and pickup location for kayakers and canoers. Outfitters may be coming and going. Not all sites are level; varies from site to site. Some sites are walk-ins. Clean vault toilet, supplied with tp and hand sanitizer. No potable water. Sites include table, metal fire ring, and lantern pole. Dirt surface. Good separation between sites but no privacy. A handful of armadillos were scrounging around during the evening. There is a partial view of the river through the trees. The road approaching the campground, CR99, is about 3 miles long and gravel, narrow in places. The last 1.5 miles has some minor erosion and rocky in places. There are no hiking trails at this location. No cell service. Starlink connectivity possible depending on the site. Tent and hammock camping possible. Fishing along the river bank. Overall, this is not a bad campground in a beautiful area.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Noblett Lake

    No Camping - Day Use Only

    Camping is still not allowed here. The campground itself is overgrown. Did not see any dispersed campsites. This recreation area, however, is a beautiful day use area. Appears to be maintained. Vault toilets in the picnic area were open during my visit. Did not find any potable water. Fishing is permitted at the lake, but I had no luck.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    White Buffalo Resort

    Can’t beat this view!

    Amazing little Campground that backs right up to the light river with a fantastic bluff behind that. Beautiful! Would definitely come again, friendly staff, quiet, easy. I will say I like site 11, but if you are not camping and pears, you will be camping directly next to site 10. They are pull through sites that are connected basically. We had another couple with us and it a great set up. But if it had just been us it would have been weird.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Robinson Point

    Clean, well maintained campground

    Camped at site #8 in Oct 10-11, 2025. Our site was on a wooded loop, the first camping section on the left after entering the campground. Good spacing between sites. Our campervan fit nicely on the site; level. Shared water faucet between sites 7 & 8. Our site had 20 and 30 amp power. There was a partial view through the trees of Norfork Lake from the backside of the site. Walked down to the bank of the lake to fish and caught a bass. Sites 5, 7 & 8 are really nice on this loop. Campground is clean and well maintained. AT&T and T-Mobile service. I normally do primitive and dispersed camping, but occasionally use established campgrounds, such as this, for replemishing water and power, and to take a shower. I was very pleased with our campsite and the campground. Did some hiking on the campground trails. The person working the entrance gate wad very nice and helpful. I would stay here again.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Beautiful National Forest Recreation Area

    Camped at site #3 for 3 nights in early October 2025. This site was really good for my camper van; just about level. The site backs up to a beautiful forest. The campground in this recreation area has  27 sites in 3 separate sections. There are some sites at the "pool" which are appropriate for car and tent camping. There is a section down a dirt road along the creek bottom that has a handful of sites; these sites are also good for car and tent camping. I camped in a wooded loop; the sites here can accomodate car, van and tent camping. A few towables may fit in this section. This is a beautiful wooded campground; clean and very well maintained. Most sites are level. Hammock camping is possible in some sites. Most sites have a table, tent pad, lantern pole, metal fire ring and a grill. Some sites are open, some shaded. No hookups. Potable water is located in a central area of the sections; the water was turned on during my visit. There are 4 vault toilets - clean and supplied with tp. Parts of the campground is prone to flash flooding. Very peaceful; the campground wasn't too busy midweek. The campground has access to the beautiful North Sylamore Creek trail. Access to campground on the gravel Gunner Pool Road from Highway 14 was very good during my visit. This forest road goes through the recreation area; it is busier than you would see on typical forest roads. Love this recreation area. One of the best that the Arkansas Ozarks has to offer for outdoor recreation.

Guide to Norfork Lake

Camping near Norfork Lake, Arkansas, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful views and plenty of activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The area is known for great fishing spots. At Bull Shoals-White River State Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Husband loves the trout fishing.... Will stay here again." This park is popular with anglers looking to catch trout along the river.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails nearby. A visitor at Blue Heron Campground noted, "Big Bluff hiking trail nearby; excellent trail." This makes it a great spot for those who enjoy a good hike surrounded by nature.
  • Swimming and Water Sports: Enjoy the water at Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake. One camper shared, "Quick lake access, spacious, shady space, pet friendly, amazing bathhouses." This campground is perfect for families looking to swim and play in the lake.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Arkansas Dam Quarry stated, "Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower." Clean facilities make for a more enjoyable stay.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful hosts. At Blue Heron Campground, a visitor said, "Michael, the host, is just an all-around great guy." Friendly staff can make a big difference in your camping experience.
  • Beautiful Scenery: The views are a big draw. One camper at White River Campground and Cabins mentioned, "The sites by the river are outstanding." The natural beauty of the area enhances the camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Crowded in Summer: Popular campgrounds can get busy. A review for Arkansas Dam Quarry noted, "Can be crowded in the summer but very quiet." If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the off-peak season.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Rush Campground — Buffalo National River pointed out, "They have one vault toilet, 12 tent sites, and a water spigot." Be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together. A camper at Robinson Point mentioned, "Some sites were underwater from the spring rain." It's good to check site conditions before booking.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. At White Buffalo Resort, one reviewer said, "The staff here goes above & beyond! Very family friendly." This makes it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A family at Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake enjoyed, "People launching their boats make it difficult to get into some spots if you have a large camper." Planning ahead can help avoid any hassles.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand is essential. A camper at Gamaliel noted, "The park is clean and well maintained with a playground for the littles." Snacks can keep the kids happy while enjoying the outdoors.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake mentioned, "People launching their boats make it difficult to get into some spots if you have a large camper." Knowing your RV's dimensions can save you trouble.
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can be a game-changer. A visitor at Arkansas Dam Quarry said, "No full hookup sites, but there is a dump station." This is important for longer stays.
  • Plan for Weather: Be aware of the weather conditions. A camper at Robinson Point mentioned, "Some sites were underwater from the spring rain." Keeping an eye on the forecast can help you prepare better.

Camping near Norfork Lake, Arkansas, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and with these tips, you can make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Norfork Lake campgrounds?

Norfork Lake campgrounds typically offer clean restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables with fire rings. Robinson Point provides water, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly with reservable sites. Cranfield Park offers similar amenities with drive-in access. Some campgrounds around the lake include shower facilities, boat ramps, and swimming areas. For campers seeking RV-specific amenities, several parks in the area offer full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer connections, though facilities vary by location.

What are the best camping areas at Norfork Lake?

Norfork Lake offers several excellent camping options with Gamaliel standing out as a top choice. The sites are well-maintained with a playground for children and proximity to a marina with boat rentals. For a more secluded experience, Bidwell Point Park provides multiple access options including boat-in camping, with reservable sites, water, and toilet facilities. Campers seeking full amenities should consider Cranfield Park, while those wanting a peaceful setting might prefer Robinson Point, which offers beautiful lake views and spacious sites.

Is Robinson Point a good campground at Norfork Lake?

Yes, Robinson Point is considered an excellent campground at Norfork Lake. Located near Mountain Home, it offers versatile access options including boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in camping. The campground features reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly for RV campers. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and scenic lake views. For those seeking a different experience near Norfork Lake, Misty Mornings Arkansas Cabins & RV Sites offers a peaceful alternative with mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities just a few miles from the lake.

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