Swimming Campgrounds in Arkansas

Swimming Campgrounds in Arkansas

Discover the best swimming campgrounds across Arkansas. Beat the heat at campgrounds with pristine swimming spots. Lakes, rivers, beaches, and swimming holes just steps from your campsite.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Summer (June-September)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Bidwell Point Park
Star
4.8
(371)
Bidwell Point Park
Mountain HomeNorfork Lake

Top-rated campground (4.80 sentiment, 371 reviews) with excellent swimming at Norfork Lake. Reviews explicitly praise the swim beach and water access. Greenbook status 'ok' with perfect vibe score of 100. Offers authentic lakeside swimming experience with clean facilities.

Tents
RVs
2
Kirby Landing
Star
4.6
(622)
Kirby Landing
KirbyGreeson Lake

Exceptional waterfront campground (4.60 sentiment, 622 reviews) on Lake Greeson with dedicated swim beach. Reviews consistently mention beautiful lake views and water sports. Greenbook 'ok' with 88.82 vibe score. Over 100 campsites with excellent water access.

Tents
RVs
3
Dam Site Campground
Star
4.6
(344)
Dam Site Campground
Heber SpringsGreers Ferry Lake

Premier Greers Ferry Lake location (4.61 sentiment, 344 reviews) with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. Greenbook 'ok' with 88.12 vibe score. Reviews praise swimming opportunities and lake access. Well-maintained facilities near the dam.

Tents
RVs

About Swimming Campgrounds in Arkansas

Swimming camping Arkansas offers an exceptional blend of crystal-clear lakes, refreshing mountain streams, and pristine swimming holes nestled throughout the Natural State's diverse landscapes. From the legendary clarity of Lake Ouachita to the cool waters of Norfork Lake and the hidden swimming holes of the Ozark Mountains, Arkansas provides some of the finest freshwater swimming experiences in the South.

Best Time

The prime swimming camping season in Arkansas runs from late May through early September, with water temperatures reaching comfortable levels by Memorial Day weekend and remaining swimmable through Labor Day. July and August offer the warmest water temperatures, typically ranging from 78-85°F in the lakes, though these months also bring the largest crowds and highest campground occupancy rates.

Activity Highlights

  • Lake and river swimming access
  • Natural swimming holes
  • Beach and waterfront sites
  • Family-friendly swimming areas
Staunton River Campground
Asher Creek Campground
San Elijo State Beach Campground

Explore Swimming Campgrounds in Arkansas

Browse 94 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters94+ swimming campgrounds

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming in crystal-clear lakes and designated beach areasKayaking and canoeing in calm coves and baysFishing for bass, crappie, and catfish from shore or boatPaddleboarding on smooth morning watersHiking trails with waterfall and swimming hole destinationsBoating and water skiing on larger reservoir lakes

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular lakeside campgrounds like Kirby Landing and Dam Site Campground well in advance through Recreation.gov, especially for holiday weekends and July dates when sites book up months ahead.
  • 2Request waterfront or swim-beach-adjacent sites when making reservations to minimize walking distance with young children and beach gear.
  • 3Bring water shoes for rocky lake bottoms and creek beds—many Arkansas swimming areas have gravel or stone entries rather than pure sand.
  • 4Pack shade equipment including pop-up canopies or beach umbrellas, as lakeside sites can be exposed to intense summer sun.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Swimming Campgrounds in Arkansas

Swimming Campgrounds in Arkansas FAQ

We've ranked 20+ swimming campgrounds in Arkansas based on water access, swimming areas, safety, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds on lakes, rivers, and beaches with designated swimming areas.
Swimming safety varies by location. Many campgrounds have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season. Always check for posted warnings, water conditions, and currents before swimming. Never swim alone.
Summer (June-September) is the best time for swimming camping in Arkansas. Water temperatures are warmest and swimming areas are typically staffed. Some mountain lakes may be too cold for swimming even in summer.
Availability Alerts

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