Bidwell Point Park

4.80

371 reviews

106 Bidwell Park Pt, Gamaliel, AR, 72537, USA

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Arkansas#1 RV Camping Arkansas#1 Swimming Camping Arkansas#1 +13 more

Quick Facts

607 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Open season begins A...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

607 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Open season begins A...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bidwell Point Park

$24.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Rates for standard electric sites range between $24.00 and $26.00 per night. The group shelter, which can host up to 200 people, is available for...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-467-5375

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 371 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanspacious

"User reviews for Bidwell Point Park are overwhelmingly positive, with many campers praising the cleanliness, scenic views, and helpfulness of the park host. Some concerns were raised about occasional maintenance issues and high water levels impacting certain facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

106 Bidwell Park Pt, Gamaliel, AR, 72537, USA

Bidwell Point Park

106 Bidwell Park Pt, Gamaliel, AR, 72537, USA

Driving directionsFrom Mountain Home, AR, travel 9 miles east on US 412/62, then 2 miles north on SR 101. Cross the lake on 101 bridge and take the 1st access road to the right. Follow signs into the campground.

Roads to the campground are accessible and include paved routes. However, some reviews mention that high water levels at certain times of the year can impact accessibility to specific sites.

Nearby places

Mountain Home (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available in Mountain Home, AR, a 15-minute drive from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Bidwell Point Park

Experience the rhythmic dance of seasons at Bidwell Point, where each time of year paints the landscape in distinct hues. Summer arrives with warm, languid days perfect for swimming and lazy afternoons on the water, though humidity wraps around you like a familiar Southern embrace. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels of camping season, offering crisp mornings, comfortable days, and spectacular displays of wildflowers or autumn foliage. Nature's powerful forces occasionally make their presence known through seasonal flooding in spring and early summer, reminding visitors of the dynamic relationship between land and water in this vibrant ecosystem.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in AR

Warm days ideal for swimming and boating; popular season though high water can sometimes affect access.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in AR

Excellent fishing (Sept–May), scenic fall foliage and cooler boating/hiking conditions make fall outstanding.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in AR

Open April onward; spring offers good fishing, pleasant weather and blooming Ozark scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park closed outside April 1–Oct 30; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 - October 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins April 1 and ends October 30, with reservations available within this timeframe.
Current Alerts: Seasonal flooding in spring and early summer may affect some sites.

About Bidwell Point Park

Beneath a majestic canopy of ancient oaks and whispering pines, Bidwell Point Park emerges as a hidden gem along the pristine shores of Norfork Lake. This beloved family destination seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with modern comfort, where days begin with sunrise filtering through the forest and end with laughter around the campfire. With convenient electric hookups at every site, a sprawling sandy swim beach perfect for building memories, and a vibrant playground where children's imaginations run wild, this scenic retreat transforms ordinary camping trips into extraordinary lakeside adventures.

Bidwell Point Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV, tent, and group camping. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the rhythmic dance of seasons at Bidwell Point, where each time of year paints the landscape in distinct hues. Summer arrives with warm, languid days perfect for swimming and lazy afternoons on the water, though humidity wraps around you like a familiar Southern embrace. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels of camping season, offering crisp mornings, comfortable days, and spectacular displays of wildflowers or autumn foliage. Nature's powerful forces occasionally make their presence known through seasonal flooding in spring and early summer, reminding visitors of the dynamic relationship between land and water in this vibrant ecosystem.

ElevationElevation-related details are not explicitly provided.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into nature's masterpiece where the legendary Ozark wilderness meets the shimmering expanse of Norfork Lake. This enchanting landscape unfolds like pages from an adventure novel - dense forests cascade down to meet crystal-clear waters, creating a sanctuary where eagles soar overhead and deer emerge at twilight to drink from secluded coves. The rugged terrain tells ancient stories through weathered rock faces and hidden hollows, while the lake's fingers reach deep into forested valleys, creating countless intimate spots for discovery and reflection.

Geological RegionBidwell Point rests atop the ancient Ozark plateau, a geological wonder sculpted by millions of years of patient water work. This rugged highland, cloaked in dense forest, bears the artistic marks of countless streams that carved deep valleys and dramatic bluffs into the bedrock. At its heart lies the magnificent Norfork Lake - a 22,000-acre aquatic jewel born from the North Fork River's waters. This stunning reservoir winds through the weathered plateau like a serpent of sapphire, its creation transforming an already spectacular landscape into one of the region's most cherished outdoor playgrounds.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in time information is not provided.

Check-out

Official check-out time information is not provided.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

The group picnic shelter can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it suitable for large gatherings and events.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features a mix of waterfront and forested sites arranged in a loop, providing options for a variety of camping preferences.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific details provided about walk-up availability, though reservations are highly recommended for securing a site during peak seasons.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fees.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available, and the park is generally accommodating for individuals with mobility needs. Specific accessibility features were not detailed in the reviews.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with some being large enough to accommodate extra vehicles, boats, or trailers. For instance, one reviewer highlighted, 'The site has water and 30/20 amp, 120-volt electric available, both utilities worked well.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies across the campground. Some sites offer good separation and greenery, while others are closer together or near high-traffic areas.

Total Campsites55 campsites

Recommended SitesWaterfront sites offer the best views but can be exposed to strong winds. Sites 28 and 34 are recommended for their scenery and privacy.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Bidwell Point Park offers a variety of recreational activities centered around the scenic Norfork Lake. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground is particularly popular for its fishing opportunities, with the lake home to striped bass, crappie, and White bass.

HikingHiking trails are available nearby, including the Robinson Point National Recreation Trail, which offers stunning views of the Ozarks. Specific trail details such as length and difficulty levels were not provided.

FishingFishing is a major attraction at Norfork Lake, with striped bass being a highlight. Black bass fishing is at its best from September through May, and night fishing with lights for crappie and White bass is increasingly popular. User reviews consistently praise the quality of fishing at the lake.

SwimmingA designated swimming beach is available at the campground. While it is generally well-maintained, some users noted that high water levels occasionally impact its usability. One review mentioned, 'The water was high, so there was no swimming beach.'

BoatingBoating is a popular activity on Norfork Lake. Visitors can easily access the water for activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorboating. One user noted the convenience of the boat ramp and trailer parking.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, foxes, and various bird species are commonly seen. A reviewer mentioned, 'We have seen fox, deer, raccoon, chipmunks, squirrels, woodpeckers, and many other birds.' Recommended areas for wildlife viewing were not specified.

Beach activitiesThe swim beach allows for sunbathing and recreational swimming. However, some reviews noted that the beach area could use more frequent maintenance.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome campers noted high water levels affecting site accessibility and increased tick activity in wooded areas.

Active AlertsSeasonal flooding in spring and early summer may affect some sites.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital and emergency services are located in Mountain Home, AR, approximately 9 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site. Specific details about pickup schedules or locations were not provided in the source material.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along the shoreline of Norfork Lake, offering direct access to water for recreational activities.

Camp HostHost Brian and his wife Diane received numerous positive reviews for their friendliness, helpful nature, and active presence in maintaining the campground.

Weather at Bidwell Point Park

Reviews

4.8

371 reviews

Top-Rated

Bidwell Point Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Bidwell Point Park are overwhelmingly positive, with many campers praising the cleanliness, scenic views, and helpfulness of the park host. Some concerns were raised about occasional maintenance issues and high water levels impacting certain facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 371 reviews

What Campers Love

The park is consistently described as clean, peaceful, and well-maintained. Campers frequently commend the park host, Brian, for his friendly and accommodating nature. Many reviews highlight the...

Based on 371 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues such as ticks, high water levels affecting access to certain facilities, and maintenance concerns like gravel not being leveled and damaged fire rings. Cleanliness of...

Based on 371 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend choosing sites with good lake views and shaded areas. They also suggest bringing insect repellent due to ticks. Several users mentioned the convenience of being close to Mountain...

Based on 371 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The best fishing is from September through May, and summer months are popular for swimming and boating. High water levels were noted as a seasonal challenge, impacting beach usability and site...

Based on 371 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground host, Brian, is amazing and goes above and beyond to ensure a great stay." "The views of the lake are incredible, and the sites are clean and spacious." "Clean bathhouses with hot...

Based on 371 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 is noted for its beautiful lake view, while Site #11 is described as spacious but with high traffic due to its proximity to the water. Site #27 had issues with a bad water relief pressure...

Based on 371 reviews