Beard'S Lake Park

4.56

30 reviews

187 River Run East Rd, Saratoga, AR 71859

Peace & QuietFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Arkansas Hidden Gem Campgrounds Arkansas

Quick Facts

318 ft

Price

$10 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open March 1 through...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

318 ft

Price

$10 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open March 1 through...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Beard'S Lake Park

$10.00 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary by season and site type: $23 for Standard Electric sites and $10 for Tent-Only Nonelectric sites during both peak and non-peak seasons.

Standard Site Fee$23.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-898-3343

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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterfriendlysites

"Overall, Beard's Lake Park receives positive feedback for its peaceful ambiance, excellent fishing opportunities, and scenic sunsets. Users appreciate the cleanliness of the campsites and the friendliness of the camp hosts. However, some reviews point out issues with restroom cleanliness, hot restroom interiors, and occasional maintenance oversights, like tall grass."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

187 River Run East Rd, Saratoga, AR 71859

Beard'S Lake Park

187 River Run East Rd, Saratoga, AR 71859

Driving directionsBeard's Lake Park is located off of River Run East access on Highway 32 E, approximately 12 miles northeast of Ashdown, in southwest Arkansas.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but it is noted in user reviews as being remote with no nearby stores.

Nearby places

Ashdown, AR (12 miles), Nashville, AR (39 miles), Texarkana, TX (approximately 40 miles).

Nearby supplies

No stores are noted nearby per user reviews. Supplies may need to be obtained in Ashdown or nearby cities.

Best Time to Camp at Beard'S Lake Park

Spring and fall transform Beard's Lake Park into an outdoor haven, with comfortable temperatures and crystalline skies that make every camping moment memorable. These seasons bring perfect conditions for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Summer visitors should come prepared for humid conditions and pack insect repellent to ward off gnats, though early mornings and evenings offer respite with cooler breezes off the water. Winter brings a special kind of magic to the park, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere that appeals to those seeking true solitude in nature.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer is peaceful and well-maintained but can have biting pests and occasional maintenance issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in AR

Fall transforms the park into an outdoor haven with comfortable temps and crystalline skies.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in AR

Spring noted as near-perfect conditions for camping with comfortable temps and clear skies.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter visits are quieter and ideal for some, but services/activities are reduced; park closes Jan-Feb.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 1 through December 31.

About Beard'S Lake Park

Tucked away from the crowds, Beard's Lake Park beckons those seeking solitude and authentic outdoor experiences. This hidden gem invites anglers to cast their lines into waters rich with submerged timber, where fish lurk beneath the surface. Duck hunters find their paradise here during migration seasons, while nature enthusiasts discover a sanctuary where wildlife roams freely across diverse habitats. Whether you're watching the morning mist rise over the lake or enjoying the symphony of evening crickets, this tranquil campground offers a genuine escape into Arkansas's natural beauty.

Beard's Lake Park offers a mix of camping options, including paved campsites for RVs with electrical and water hookups, as well as tent-only non-electric sites. Group camping and luxury 'glamping' options are not available, emphasizing a more traditional camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsSpring and fall transform Beard's Lake Park into an outdoor haven, with comfortable temperatures and crystalline skies that make every camping moment memorable. These seasons bring perfect conditions for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Summer visitors should come prepared for humid conditions and pack insect repellent to ward off gnats, though early mornings and evenings offer respite with cooler breezes off the water. Winter brings a special kind of magic to the park, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere that appeals to those seeking true solitude in nature.

ElevationNo elevation data provided.

Natural Features and SceneryBeard's Lake unfolds like a natural masterpiece, its waters reflecting the surrounding tapestry of open meadows, mysterious swampy grasslands, and dense hardwood forests. This oxbow lake, carved by time and the nearby Little River, creates an aquatic wonderland enhanced by its position below Millwood Dam. Ancient trees stand sentinel along the shoreline, their branches creating natural cathedral ceilings over hiking paths. The interplay of water, wetlands, and forest creates a photographer's dream and a naturalist's classroom, where every visit reveals new discoveries.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Southern Arkansas, Beard's Lake Park showcases the region's remarkable ecological diversity. This landscape tells the story of ancient rivers and changing waterways, where the oxbow lake stands as a testament to the Little River's meandering past. The area below Millwood Dam has created a unique freshwater ecosystem where open prairies meet mysterious swamp forests, and towering hardwoods shelter an abundance of wildlife. This convergence of habitats makes the campground a living museum of Southern Arkansas's natural heritage, offering visitors a chance to experience multiple ecosystems within a single destination.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 28 nights within 30 days.

Groups

This campground does not offer group camping sites.

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 website or app.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is not explicitly mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before arrival date with a $10 fee, and late cancellations incur a fee equal to the first night's cost. No-show fees are $20 plus cost of the first night.

AccessibilityBeard's Lake Park includes accessible facilities such as ramps, picnic shelters, walkways, fishing docks, parking, scenic overlooks, trails, and campsites, ensuring inclusivity for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground features standard-sized paved campsites with adequate room for camping setups. Specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyThe campsites are well-spaced, offering a good degree of privacy. One user noted, 'Lots of room between sites and privacy abounds.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the water are favored for views and proximity to fishing. Campsite #6 is specifically praised for being at the water's edge.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Beard's Lake Park offers a recreational haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as fishing, duck hunting, and relaxing in its serene environment. The park also features a boat ramp, fishing docks, and a fishing pier, making it a prime destination for anglers. Wildlife viewing, birding, and hiking along nearby paths provide additional leisure options. Notably, Millwood Lake, which encompasses Beard's Lake, is renowned for its abundant fish habitat supported by submerged timber.

FishingFishing is one of the top attractions at Beard's Lake Park. The lake provides habitats for a variety of fish, including crappie, largemouth bass, white striped bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, sunfish, buffalo carp, and drum. Millwood Lake's 20,000 acres of submerged timber enhance the fishing experience. One user stated, 'Beard's Lake was fun to fish, and yes, there are alligators in the lake.'

BoatingThe park features a boat ramp and provides opportunities for boating activities, although details regarding boat types, rentals, or docking facilities are not specified.

Wildlife viewingThe park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing due to its diverse ecosystems, including open fields, swampy grasslands, and thick hardwood forests. Visitors have reported sightings such as alligators in the lake.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAlligators are present in Beard's Lake and nearby water bodies. User reviews also mention biting insects and tall grass in warmer months.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated rings.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not specifically listed, but the nearest city, Ashdown, may provide hospitals and police services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling policies were not specified, but the park encourages proper disposal to mitigate wildlife interactions and maintain cleanliness.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Beard's Lake with access to a fishing pier, boat ramp, and dock.

Camp HostHosts Jeff and Sherri are frequently praised in user reviews for their hospitality and helpfulness.

Weather at Beard'S Lake Park

Reviews

4.6

30 reviews

Top-Rated

Beard'S Lake Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Beard's Lake Park receives positive feedback for its peaceful ambiance, excellent fishing opportunities, and scenic sunsets. Users appreciate the cleanliness of the campsites and the friendliness of the camp hosts. However, some reviews point out issues with restroom cleanliness, hot restroom interiors, and occasional maintenance oversights, like tall grass.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Key highlights include the serene atmosphere, 'amazing sunsets,' 'great fishing,' and the friendly and helpful camp hosts. The availability of water and electricity at campsites is also appreciated.

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on restroom cleanliness and maintenance, hot interiors of restrooms, and the lack of swimming areas despite contrary online information. Some users also mentioned the presence...

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Travelers recommend bringing fans to address hot restrooms, adhering to leash rules for pets, and being cautious of alligators in the lake. They also suggest visiting Beard's Bluff Park for showers.

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Beard's Lake Park is described as peaceful and well-maintained during the summer and fall, with occasional issues such as biting pests during warmer months. Winter visits are quieter and ideal for...

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Sunsets on the lake are seriously worth every penny.' - 'The water for your rig is clean, clear, and tastes very good.' - 'First night, we got to see gators and meteor showers, all within 30...

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites like Site #6 are noted for being right on the water's edge and offering stunning views. Sites are generally described as private and spacious.

Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park's accessible features, including ramps and walkways, make it a welcoming destination for visitors with disabilities.

Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and many visitors bring their dogs, noting a friendly pet atmosphere. However, leash rules are emphasized, and caution with wildlife is advised.

Based on 30 reviews

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