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Camper submitted image from Shores LakeView 40 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Mulberry, Arkansas

Shores Lake

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Campers reach this Ozark National Forest campground via a winding 20-minute drive from I-40 on paved roads. The facility sits adjacent to Shores Lake with direct access to fishing and a network of hiking trails that start from the campground's own trailhead parking area.

The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping across two loops. Inner loop sites provide electrical hookups, while outer sites operate without power. All sites include picnic tables, tent pads, and fire rings set among hardwood trees that provide shade but limited privacy between neighbors. Fred S. found the facility "overall clean campground, well maintained and managed, in pretty hardwood forest." A restroom with showers, vault toilets, drinking water, and trash service support the camping area.

Cell service varies significantly by carrier, with some providers offering no coverage at all. The lake restricts motorboats to 10 horsepower maximum, making it primarily suited for fishing rather than water sports. Multiple reviewers note the campground's quiet atmosphere, especially during off-season periods. Campers exploring the region can find places to camp near Ozark National Forest for additional options.

Bring firewood from outside sources, as none is available on-site.

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Location

Public Campground

Shores Lake is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.643411 N
93.962187 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned well-maintained, shaded sites in a quiet forest setting with clean facilities. Some visitors expressed disappointment with bathroom upkeep and lack of cell service. The campground offers a peaceful retreat with good lake access.

Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2024

Quiet stay in a hardwood forest

Camped in site #10 in mid-November 2024. Site 10 is non-electric; paid $7.50/night with senior pass. Overall clean campground, well maintained and managed, in pretty hardwood forest. Not busy during my stay. Sites have picnic tables, tent pads and clean metal fire rings. Site 10 was level. The campground includes a clean restroom/shower house, one clean vault toilet at the far end of the campground, trash dumpsters and drinking water; all of these facilities and services were available during my stay in November. Campground can accommodate tents, camper vans, car camping and RVs. Some sites are electric. There are no water and sewer hookups. Campground road is paved as well as Highway 215 from I-40 accessing the campground. Sites are mostly shaded, but there is no privacy between sites. Shores Lake trailhead is located in a parking area in the campground. Day use area nearby with good fishing in Shores Lake. Campground hosts Donna and Eddie were wonderful. I really liked this campground.

Site10
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Fred S., November 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Fred S., November 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Fred S., November 17, 2024
  • (14) View All
Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2023

Perfect little hideaway camp

We stayed here for 5 nights and it was beautiful with only a couple people. The inner loop sites have electricity the outter ones dont

Site10
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Cyndy & Selena R., April 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Cyndy & Selena R., April 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Cyndy & Selena R., April 27, 2023
  • (4) View All
j
Reviewed May. 31, 2022

Quiet

This is a simple campground in Ozark National Forest. It’s about 20 minutes from I-40 up a windy road. The bugs are pretty bad in the hot weather, especially around the lake. The dumpsters were over flowing and the bathrooms could have been cleaner. There is no Verizon service. It is a good place if you want to get away for a day or two.

Month of VisitMay
Shelia H.
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2018

Hidden Gem

You need to bring your own firewood. It’s beautiful and very quiet and peaceful. Off season you may just have the whole place to yourself!

  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Shelia H., July 14, 2018
Matt S.
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2017

No cell service at Shores Lake

If you are a US Cellular customer there is no cell service at Shores Lake. This is a positive if you are escaping from civilization and a negative if you have a family member who gets worried when they don't hear from you. You decide which camp you fall into.

It is hard to score a campground with a decent lake right next to it below three stars. Shores lake is pretty and a lot less traveled than the Beaver Lake campgrounds. The camp sites are shaded and well maintained. The shower and bathroom facilities need some upgrades

There are a bunch of hiking trails. Dirt bikes, horses and ATVs are prohibited. The maximum size motor you can have on your boat is 10 horse power. Shores Lake is really for fishing, not motor boating.

This is a clean and quiet campground.

  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Matt S., July 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Matt S., July 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Shores Lake by Matt S., July 23, 2017
  • (17) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Shores Lake Recreation Area?

Shores Lake Recreation Area offers a mix of electric and non-electric campsites, with the inner loop featuring electric hookups while outer sites are primitive. Each campsite includes picnic tables, tent pads, and clean metal fire rings. The campground has bathroom facilities, though cleanliness may vary. Dumpsters are available for waste disposal. The campground is well-maintained overall with level sites set in a pretty hardwood forest setting.

Where is Shores Lake Campground located in Arkansas?

Shores Lake Campground is nestled within the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas, approximately 20 minutes from Interstate 40 up a winding road. This secluded campground offers a peaceful forest setting away from the bustle of civilization. The campground's location in the Ozarks provides a beautiful hardwood forest environment that's particularly attractive for those seeking natural surroundings and quiet.

How does Shores Lake compare to Mulberry Lake for camping?

Shores Lake provides a more secluded camping experience compared to Mulberry Lake. Shores Lake is located deeper in the Ozark National Forest with limited connectivity (no US Cellular or Verizon service), making it better for those wanting to disconnect. The campground is simple but features both electric and non-electric sites with fees around $7.50/night with senior passes. Shores Lake can be very quiet, especially in off-season. Consider your connectivity needs and desire for seclusion when choosing between these two Arkansas lake destinations.

What activities can you do at Shores Lake?

Shores Lake offers peaceful recreation in a natural setting. Visitors can enjoy the lake for fishing, though bugs can be prevalent around the water during hot weather. The surrounding Ozark National Forest provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. The quiet environment is perfect for relaxing, reading, and enjoying campfires (bring your own firewood). During off-season, you might have the entire area to yourself, making it ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.

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