Shouse Ford

Star4.35
327 reviews
729 CHANNEL ROAD, ARKADELPHIA, AR 71923-9364, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

466 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 01 to Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Shouse Ford
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $20.00 per night for both standard electric and RV electric sites during peak (May 01 - September 30, 2025) and non-peak (October...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
870-246-5501
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 327 reviews

191 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanshowers

"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 However, infrastructure issues such as outdated facilities and lack of water hookups are commonly mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Shouse Ford

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

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 30, take exit 78 and merge onto State Highway 7 north to Bismarck. Turn left on State Highway 84 and go 9 miles west to Point Cedar. Turn left onto Shouse Ford road and continue 4 miles to the campground.
The access includes a long, narrow road with some rough terrain and a couple of one-lane bridges. Seasonal closures may affect certain loops during the non-peak season.
Nearby places
Bismarck (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Arkadelphia (approximately 30 minutes), Hot Springs (approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Arkadelphia, approximately 30 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Shouse Ford

Time your visit right, and you'll discover why spring and fall reign supreme at Shouse Ford. These golden seasons wrap the campground in comfortable temperatures and crystal-clear skies, creating the perfect backdrop for hiking, fishing, and evening campfires. Summer transforms the area into a bustling aquatic playground where the lake becomes the star attraction—though you'll share the beaches with plenty of fellow water lovers. Each season paints the landscape differently, from spring wildflowers dotting the shoreline to autumn's fiery display reflecting off the lake's surface.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season for swimming/boating; popular but facility/maintenance issues more common in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Comfortable temps, scenic foliage and clear skies make fall very favorable.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in AR

Spring is highly favored; many extend stays during spring break for mild weather and activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Dec–Apr; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01 to September 30, 2025. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures of certain loops during non-peak season.

About Shouse Ford

Nestled along the sparkling shores of DeGray Lake, Shouse Ford Campground beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of modern comforts and natural beauty. Electric hookups power your home-away-from-home while sandy beaches stretch just steps from your site, inviting endless days of swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. Though visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere and stunning water views, seasoned campers recommend bringing extra water supplies as hookups aren't available at individual sites. Despite occasional maintenance quirks, the campground's prime location and well-appointed facilities continue to draw families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking their slice of Arkansas paradise.
Shouse Ford offers several types of camping accommodations, including RV and tent camping. It does not feature cabins or group sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period during the peak season.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
FishingFishing is highly popular at DeGray Lake. "The lake is stocked with a variety of game fish, including plenty of hybrid striped bass, making it ideal for both boat and bank fishing." Some users found fishing spots challenging due to brush along the shore.
SwimmingSwimming is available at two beaches within the campground area. "The swimming is great," noted one reviewer, but others mentioned issues such as animal waste on the beach.
BikingBiking is noted as an enjoyable activity, especially for kids. "Kids had their bikes and rode many miles around the loop we were camped on," one user commented.
BoatingBoating is a primary attraction, with facilities including a boat ramp and lake access. "You can bring your own boats and spend time in the lake," affirmed a user review.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible, with deer sightings frequently noted. "We rode our bicycle around the park and seen several deer," mentioned one reviewer.
Beach activitiesLarge sandy beaches are available for activities like sunbathing and swimming. However, some users noted maintenance issues such as animal waste and erosion.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include falling tree limbs and uneven camping pads. Wildlife such as raccoons may visit campsites if trash is not properly stored.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures of certain loops during non-peak season.

Weather at Shouse Ford

Reviews

4.4
327 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Shouse Ford is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 327 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, quiet and peaceful atmosphere, proximity to the lake, and friendly staff.
Based on 327 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 327 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 327 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 327 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 327 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...
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Based on 327 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets and campsites are generally appreciated. No specific accessibility complaints were noted in the reviews.
Based on 327 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 327 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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