How much does camping cost at Jefferson Ridge?

Camping fees at Jefferson Ridge range from $10-$45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Jefferson Ridge first-come first-served or reservation?

Jefferson Ridge 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 Jefferson Ridge before I book?

Yes! Jefferson Ridge has 13 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 Jefferson Ridge?

Jefferson Ridge 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 Jefferson Ridge?

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

How many campsites does Jefferson Ridge have?

Jefferson Ridge has 85 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Jefferson Ridge?

Pets are not allowed at Jefferson Ridge. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Jefferson Ridge?

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

What activities can I do at Jefferson Ridge?

Popular activities at Jefferson Ridge include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jefferson Ridge

4.46

233 reviews

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

Top 10% in ARWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Arkansas Family-Friendly Campgrounds Arkansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

640 ft

Price

$10 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

85 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

640 ft

Price

$10 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

85 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District Official Website

Get Directions

Jefferson Ridge

$10.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Buddy Site: $45.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $25.00; JEFFERSON RIDGE -STANDARD ELECTRIC: $23.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $25.00; Tent Site: $10.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-286-3214

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Jefferson Ridge

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Campground Map

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

Jefferson Ridge

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

Nearby places

Dierks (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), De Queen (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Nashville (approximately 25 miles, 35 minutes)

Weather at Jefferson Ridge

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 Jefferson Ridge

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak foliage on the Ouachita ridges, and excellent on‑ and off‑water recreation — daytime highs are typically 60–75°F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s. Leaf color usually peaks from mid‑October into November along the lake and surrounding trails, making hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic paddling particularly rewarding while mosquitoes are few. Crowds are moderate (weekends busier from anglers and boaters), and conditions are ideal for摄影, Peak months: October, November, April, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall noted as best: 60–75°F days, crisp nights and peak leaf color along ridges and shoreline.

Planning Tips

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

About Jefferson Ridge

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.

Jefferson Ridge Campground offers a variety of camping accommodations, including standard electric sites, tent-only electric sites, and group shelter electric sites. The sites are suitable for both RVs and tents, with amenities catering to family and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak foliage on the Ouachita ridges, and excellent on‑ and off‑water recreation — daytime highs are typically 60–75°F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s. Leaf color usually peaks from mid‑October into November along the lake and surrounding trails, making hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic paddling particularly rewarding while mosquitoes are few. Crowds are moderate (weekends busier from anglers and boaters), and conditions are ideal for摄影, Peak months: October, November, April, May

Elevation640 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Dierks Lake, fed by the Saline River and framed by the folded ridges of the Ouachitas. One of North America's oldest mountain ranges. Weathered rock formations rise above the water, creating a mix of forested slopes and open lake views. Wildlife is plentiful: eagles and geese frequent the shoreline, deer graze near campsites, and the changing seasons bring migrating birds through the area. Site conditions vary by loop. Loop 1 and Loop 3 offer more trees and scenic views, while Loop 2 is more exposed with minimal shade.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 28 nights in rolling 30 days.

Groups

The campground features two group picnic shelters, which can accommodate larger gatherings. Specific capacity details are not provided.

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 through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible features such as paved roads and spaces, making it easier for visitors with disabilities to navigate. Specific accessibility adaptations for the facilities were not detailed in the source.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating both tents and RVs. Many reviews highlight spaciousness, with some sites large enough for trailers over 40 feet long.

PrivacySite privacy varies. Some loops are described as open and exposed, while others offer more shade and seclusion. For instance, one user noted, 'Our campsite was in the boiling sun. Not one tree,' while another stated, 'Plenty of shade and big sites.

Total Campsites85 campsites

Recommended SitesReserve Loop 1 or 3 for better shade and scenic beauty. Avoid Loop 2 during summer for its lack of tree cover.

Best CampsitesSite 12 has lake views. Site 27 offers waterfront access. Site 58 includes newer amenities like a fire pit and grill. Loop 1 and Loop 3 are more scenic and shaded than Loop 2.

Need help booking Jefferson Ridge?

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

Jefferson Ridge Campground, located on Dierks Lake in Southwestern Arkansas, offers a comprehensive range of amenities. There are 85 family sites with full electric and water hookups, as well as two day-use group picnic shelters. Visitors can enjoy flush toilets, showers, potable drinking water, and dump stations, making the campground suitable for both short and extended stays. Other facilities include two swimming beaches, two boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and play areas for children. The campground is described as clean and well-maintained by many users. However, some reviews point out issues such as distance to restrooms and occasional maintenance concerns, particularly with the shower facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Jefferson Ridge Campground offers a diverse range of activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy hunting in designated areas and beach-related activities at the swimming beaches. The 1,360-acre Dierks Lake provides ample opportunities for water sports such as canoeing and kayaking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground, making it easy for visitors to dispose of waste responsibly. Some sites have garbage cans nearby.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally described as spotty or unreliable, with some users noting no service at all. For instance, one reviewer mentioned, 'No cell service,' and another stated, 'Cell reception was spotty.' Verizon users reported varying levels of signal strength, with some achieving 2-3 bars.

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

Rate Jefferson Ridge

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From Booking Sources

4.5

233 reviews

Recommended

Jefferson Ridge is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most user reviews of Jefferson Ridge Campground are positive, highlighting the well-maintained facilities, beautiful natural surroundings, and friendly staff. Some negative feedback includes issues with site maintenance, lack of shade in certain areas, and occasional closures of facilities such as swimming beaches.

Review Summaries

Based on 233 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 233 reviews.

Site 33Loved
Site 33 in Loop 2 received negative feedback for being in full sun with no shade, while Loop 1 and Loop 3 were described as more scenic and shaded.
Site 70Loved
Site 70 was praised for its cleanliness and scenic views.
Site 10Issues noted
Site 10 had issues with the 50-amp breaker tripping multiple times.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the cleanliness of the sites, spaciousness for RVs, friendly and helpful staff, beautiful lake views, and ample wildlife. For example, one user stated,...

Based on 233 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include lack of cell service, maintenance issues with some sites and facilities, and closures of certain amenities such as swimming beaches. One user noted, 'No cell service,' while...

Based on 233 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing long hoses for water connections, avoiding bookings during high temperatures due to limited shade, and verifying site-specific details before arrival. One user advised,...

Based on 233 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that fall is a particularly popular time for camping, with cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. However, summer can be challenging due to high heat and limited shade on some...

Based on 233 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very pretty area.' - REGINA P 2. 'The campsites are very nice and spacious.' - MARK M 3. 'Love camping. The site did not allow for my large awning to go up.' - ANITA S 4. 'We enjoyed our stay on...

Based on 233 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is generally good, with paved roads and level sites. However, some users noted that certain facilities, such as bathrooms, were far from certain sites, which may pose challenges for...

Based on 233 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at the campground, but one user recommended avoiding Loop 1 due to rocky terrain that could be uncomfortable for dogs. Overall, pet owners reported positive experiences.

Based on 233 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want a roomy site with lake access, reliable amenities, and fall foliage hiking near the water.

Skip if

You need strong cell reception or full shade coverage across all loops.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.4

(43)

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

246 Jefferson Ridge Road

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.