How much does camping cost at Shouse Ford?

Camping fees at Shouse Ford range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shouse Ford first-come first-served or reservation?

Shouse Ford accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Shouse Ford before I book?

Yes! Shouse Ford has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Shouse Ford?

Shouse Ford is open March 01 to September 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Shouse Ford?

Yes, Shouse Ford has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Shouse Ford have?

Shouse Ford has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shouse Ford?

Yes, pets are allowed at Shouse Ford. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Shouse Ford?

Shouse Ford offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Shouse Ford?

Popular activities at Shouse Ford include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shouse Ford

4.24

212 reviews

729 CHANNEL ROAD, ARKADELPHIA, AR 71923-9364, USA

Top 13% in ARSpring

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Arkansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

466 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 01 to Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

466 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 01 to Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)Official Website

Get Directions

Shouse Ford

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV ELECTRIC-121832: $20.00; RV ELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-121869: $20.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-246-5501

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

729 CHANNEL ROAD, ARKADELPHIA, AR 71923-9364, USA

Shouse Ford

729 CHANNEL ROAD, ARKADELPHIA, AR 71923-9364, USA

Nearby places

Bismarck (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Arkadelphia (approximately 30 minutes), Hot Springs (approximately 45 minutes)

Weather at Shouse Ford

Best Time to Camp at Shouse Ford

Best season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable weather and the clearest lake conditions—daytime highs in May usually sit in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F with cool nights—making boating, fishing and shoreline exploring excellent. Bass and crappie are active during spring spawn, wildflowers and fresh green hillsides frame the Ouachita foothills, and water clarity is at its best for swimming and snorkeling. Crowds are moderate: weekends can fill, but weekday visits feel peaceful, and the campground reopens May 1 Peak months: May, October, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in AR

Spring called 'best conditions'; reviewers extend stays during spring break and water clarity peaks.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 01 to November 30, 2025. Certain loops and campsites may be closed during the non-peak season.

About Shouse Ford

Shouse Ford sits on the shore of DeGray Lake in the Ouachita foothills near Arkadelphia, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This large lakefront campground offers electric hookups, flush toilets, and showers for tent and RV campers who want direct access to fishing, boating, and swimming. Reviewers praise the quiet atmosphere and clean facilities, though roads are narrow and pads can be uneven.

Shouse Ford offers several types of camping accommodations, including RV and tent camping. It does not feature cabins or group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable weather and the clearest lake conditions—daytime highs in May usually sit in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F with cool nights—making boating, fishing and shoreline exploring excellent. Bass and crappie are active during spring spawn, wildflowers and fresh green hillsides frame the Ouachita foothills, and water clarity is at its best for swimming and snorkeling. Crowds are moderate: weekends can fill, but weekday visits feel peaceful, and the campground reopens May 1 Peak months: May, October, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation466 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDeGray Lake's clear waters meet the wooded foothills of the Ouachita Mountains at 466 feet elevation. The campground's shoreline includes sandy beaches suitable for swimming and water sports. Hardwood forests provide natural screening between many sites, though coverage varies. The lake's clarity makes it popular for fishing bass and crappie, and the surrounding hills create a layered backdrop of green slopes and open water.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not feature hotel-style lodging or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly listed for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period during the peak season.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One tent and one RV or two tents are allowed per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, flush toilets, and paved sites are available. Accessibility for those with disabilities is noted as satisfactory.

Site SizeVaried, including large and more level sites. "Most camp sites are large and more level than the Southern side of the lake," one review noted.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels. "Sites with plenty of privacy," commented one user, while others noted issues with people walking through sites.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesSites close to water (e.g., 26, 20) offer lake views and easy access for swimming and fishing. Users recommend avoiding sites with uneven or sloped pads.

Best CampsitesSite 26 gets praise for water proximity and views. Site 20 works well for families with kids seeking lake access. Reviewers recommend choosing sites closer to the lake for convenience, though you'll trade some distance to the dump station and dumpsters.

Need help booking Shouse Ford?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Shouse Ford Campground provides a wide array of amenities that cater to various recreational needs. "Facilities include reservable modern campsites with electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, two swimming beaches, an amphitheater, and a boat ramp." User reviews generally praise cleanliness and maintenance but also highlight gaps in infrastructure and amenities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Shouse Ford Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, particularly focusing on water-based activities. "Boating, water skiing, kayaking and other water sports are the biggest draw to the lake," according to the official description. Fishing and swimming are also popular.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are unavailable at individual sites, requiring campers to bring trash to designated dumpsters near bathrooms. "If you don’t bring your trash to the dumpster before you go to sleep expect raccoons to visit and tear through it," warned one review.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception varies significantly depending on the carrier. "If you have Verizon or Straight Talk your phone should work," stated one camper. AT&T service is noted as fair but spotty.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

212 reviews

Satisfactory

Shouse Ford is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Shouse Ford are mixed, with most praising cleanliness, the lake's beauty, and recreational opportunities. However, infrastructure issues such as outdated facilities and lack of water hookups are commonly mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 212 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, quiet and peaceful atmosphere, proximity to the lake, and friendly staff.

Based on 212 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with maintenance, lack of water hookups, outdated infrastructure, insufficient privacy at some sites, and animal waste on the beach.

Based on 212 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 26 praised for proximity to water: "Site 26 was perfect for us." Site 57 noted for level ground: "Great spot #57, flat, level." Site 20 criticized for lack of privacy: "Site 20 is literally 3...

Based on 212 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Fill up your water tanks before arrival. Bring trash to dumpsters to avoid raccoon disturbances. Choose sites closer to the lake for convenience.

Based on 212 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring break is highly favored, with users frequently extending their stays during this period. Summer is noted for its popularity but also for maintenance issues in camping facilities.

Based on 212 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms are outdated but clean," "Great camping area and facilities," "If you don’t bring your trash to the dumpster before you go to sleep expect raccoons to visit and tear through it."

Based on 212 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets and campsites are generally appreciated. No specific accessibility complaints were noted in the reviews.

Based on 212 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. "All pets must be penned, caged or on a 6-foot leash at all times," according to the rules.

Based on 212 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable lakefront camping with electric hookups and don't need full water or sewer at your site.

Skip if

You require water hookups at your site or need wide roads and level pads for a large RV.

Nearby Campgrounds

Alpine Ridge sits on the shores of DeGray Lake near Arkadelphia, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground in the Ouachita foothills offers electric and water hookups, clean bathhouses, and spacious sites with lake views. Campers fish, swim, and boat during the seasonal operating window, with fall bringing peak color and comfortable temperatures.