How much does camping cost at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?

Camping fees at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) are $18 - $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) first-come first-served or reservation?

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) 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 Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) before I book?

Yes! Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) has 11 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 Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?

Yes, Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) have?

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?

Pets are not allowed at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

4.36

43 reviews

246 Jefferson Ridge Road

B-Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

666 ft

Price

$18 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

666 ft

Price

$18 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

$18.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite : $18.00; Picnic Shelter: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

870-286-3214

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Campground Map

246 Jefferson Ridge Road

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

246 Jefferson Ridge Road

Nearby places

Dierks (6 miles, ~10 minutes), DeQueen (22 miles, ~30 minutes), Murfreesboro (30 miles, ~45 minutes)

Weather at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

Current alert: Dierks Lake Project Office: 870-286-2346 Arkansas Game and Fish: 501-223-6459 Howard County Sheriff’s Office: 870-845-2626 Sevier County Sheriff’s Office: 870-642-2125

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the most dramatic scenery — expect daytime highs typically in the 55–75°F range with crisp nights, lower humidity, and excellent visibility of the 300-foot cliff and river corridor. Fishing and boating remain excellent as fish feed ahead of winter and migratory songbirds pass through, while fall color on the Ouachita slopes peaks in late October to early November. Crowds are moderate (busy on weekend foliage weekends and hunting opener weekends), so a Peak months: October, November, April, May

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular for moderate weather and events (e.g., eclipse); paddling and scenery draw visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

Horseshoe Bend sits on Dierks Lake in southwest Arkansas, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small campground offers tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. Campers come for the scenic lake views, quiet atmosphere, and spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables.

Horseshoe Bend campground offers 12 Class A sites suitable for both RV and tent camping. The campground is designed to accommodate a range of campers and includes essential amenities like water and electricity hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the most dramatic scenery — expect daytime highs typically in the 55–75°F range with crisp nights, lower humidity, and excellent visibility of the 300-foot cliff and river corridor. Fishing and boating remain excellent as fish feed ahead of winter and migratory songbirds pass through, while fall color on the Ouachita slopes peaks in late October to early November. Crowds are moderate (busy on weekend foliage weekends and hunting opener weekends), so a Peak months: October, November, April, May

Elevation666 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryA 300-foot cliff towers over the campground where the Saline River curves through steep, forested slopes. Dense woodland climbs the surrounding hillsides, and the river reflects the canopy below. The campground sits at 666 feet elevation in a landscape shaped by continental collisions and millions of years of erosion. Eagles occasionally soar overhead. The setting combines vertical rock, moving water, and Ouachita forest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 28 nights during a single visit
28 nights total within rolling 30 days.

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 website, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground includes wheelchair-accessible restrooms and showers. Some pathways and features may also be accessible, but further details are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites are described as large, spacious, and able to accommodate both tents and RVs. Each site includes a wide parking area.

PrivacySites offer a mix of privacy and community. One reviewer noted, 'The spots are close enough so everyone can enjoy each other but also far enough to spend quality family time.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the playground and restrooms are suitable for families. Riverfront sites offer scenic views but may have higher noise levels during peak kayaking season.

Best CampsitesRiverfront sites get praised for views and proximity to amenities. Reviewers note the sites balance closeness for socializing with enough distance for family privacy.

Need help booking Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?

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

The Horseshoe Bend campground at Dierks Lake offers a variety of essential amenities, making it suitable for both tent and RV campers. Amenities include electricity and water hookups at all 12 Class A campsites, a shower facility, and flush toilets. "Each campsite has its own water and electricity and also includes a BBQ grill, picnic table, fire pit, and a table stand for a propane stove and food prep," according to one user review. Restrooms and showers are centrally located, but some reviews noted cleanliness issues, especially during busier periods.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

Horseshoe Bend offers a range of recreational activities, with particular emphasis on paddling and whitewater rafting. The aquatic park features multiple rapids rated from Class II to Class IV, making it a popular spot for kayakers. Additional activities include fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing is a popular activity, especially below the dam and along the Saline River.

Boating4.0/5

Excellent for paddling; whitewater park and multiple rapids (Class II–IV) noted.

Water Sports4.0/5

Whitewater park with rapids II–IV makes the area a popular spot for kayakers/paddlers.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Cliffs, river reflections and lake vistas are repeatedly noted as scenic photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

43 reviews

Recommended

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peaceful setting, scenic views, and excellent facilities, with the proximity to the river being a major draw. However, some users noted issues with cleanliness, water quality, and the lack of cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic views and proximity to the Saline River - Quiet and peaceful atmosphere - Spacious campsites with good amenities like water and electric hookups - Clean restrooms and showers (some...

Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

- Cleanliness issues in restrooms and showers, especially during busy periods - Poor cell phone reception - No swimming due to strong undercurrents - Occasional unpleasant odors from the river -...

Based on 43 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites offer scenic views, especially those close to the river. The campground design accommodates RVs well, with pull-through setups. Tent campers noted challenges with vehicle positioning. Specific...

Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring alternative means of communication as cell service is unreliable. - Reserve sites in advance through Recreation.gov as the campground is not easy to find. - Visit nearby attractions such as...

Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular seasons due to moderate weather and vibrant natural scenery. Summer may be busy with kayakers taking advantage of the rapids. Winter reviews highlight the campground's...

Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Beautiful place by the river! It was very peaceful at night.' - 'Each site has its own water and electricity and also includes a BBQ grill, picnic table, fire pit.' - 'No swimming due to the...

Based on 43 reviews

Accessibility Features

The wheelchair-accessible restrooms and showers were appreciated, though more detailed feedback on accessible pathways and features is lacking.

Based on 43 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and the area offers plenty of space for walking dogs. No specific complaints or praises regarding pet policies were noted.

Based on 43 reviews

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Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

$18.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite : $18.00; Picnic Shelter: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-286-3214

Go if

You want affordable lakefront camping with electric and water hookups in a quiet setting.

Skip if

You need meticulously maintained facilities or prefer sites with trimmed vegetation and manicured landscaping.

Nearby Campgrounds

246 JEFFERSON RIDGE RD, P.O. BOX 8, DIERKS, AR 71833, USA

Jefferson Ridge sits on the shores of Dierks Lake in southwest Arkansas, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station across spacious sites with lake views. Campers fish, boat, swim, and hike the surrounding Ouachita ridges, with wildlife sightings common throughout the property.

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

Quick Facts

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Need help booking Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?

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