Is Barkshed Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Barkshed Campground 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 Barkshed Campground before I book?

Yes! Barkshed Campground has 4 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.

Are there showers at Barkshed Campground?

Barkshed Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Barkshed Campground have?

Barkshed Campground has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Barkshed Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Barkshed Campground?

Barkshed Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Barkshed Campground

3.63

8 reviews

Top 13%Spring

Featured in:RV Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

581 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

581 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Barkshed Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Barkshed Campground

36.0193, -92.2490

Weather at Barkshed Campground

Best Time to Camp at Barkshed Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, low crowds, and peak trail conditions — expect crisp mornings near 32°F and comfortable afternoons around 45–50°F. Snowmelt swells the mountain stream and wakes up wildflowers across the meadows, making hikes on the 10+ miles of trails especially scenic and accessible. You'll get excellent stargazing on mostly clear nights and a peaceful, solitary campground experience before summer visitors arrive. Peak months: May, June, September, October Avoid: January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in US

Described as "the sweet spot": snowmelt, peak trails and wildflowers after snowmelt.

Planning Tips

About Barkshed Campground

Barkshed Campground sits in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests of Arkansas, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water from a natural spring, and fire rings. Visitors come for the secluded setting, access to over 10 miles of trails, and springtime wildflower displays along the mountain stream.

Barkshed Campground primarily offers primitive camping opportunities. It caters to both tent and small RV campers, though the experience is minimalistic.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, low crowds, and peak trail conditions — expect crisp mornings near 32°F and comfortable afternoons around 45–50°F. Snowmelt swells the mountain stream and wakes up wildflowers across the meadows, making hikes on the 10+ miles of trails especially scenic and accessible. You'll get excellent stargazing on mostly clear nights and a peaceful, solitary campground experience before summer visitors arrive. Peak months: May, June, September, October Avoid: January, February

Elevation581 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryA natural spring runs through the campground, and reviewers rave about the water quality. One camper calls it "best water I've ever had hands down." The area is secluded and quiet, with over 10 miles of trails nearby. Snowmelt in spring swells the mountain stream and brings wildflowers to the meadows. Mountain views provide the backdrop, and clear nights deliver excellent stargazing.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information is available about lodging or accommodations beyond campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No clear information provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app.

Site SizeThe campground features a mix of desirable campsites and open grassy areas. One user review notes, "Web site listed 33 camp sites. I only found 4 that are desirable. The rest is open grass with a fire ring.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites varies. Some sites are desirable, while others are open and less secluded, according to user feedback.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesSeek out one of the four desirable campsites for privacy and better amenities.

Best CampsitesOut of 33 sites, only 4 are what most campers would call desirable. Reviewers recommend arriving early to claim one of those four, which offer better privacy and shade. The rest are open grass with a fire ring.

Need help booking Barkshed Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Barkshed Campground offers a range of minimalist amenities, designed for a more secluded camping experience. The campground is first-come, first-served, and payment can sometimes be made using a QR code through the Recreation.gov app, though campers are advised to download the app in advance as cell service may be limited. The facility has vault toilets, but reviews suggest that there are only two available. "There are 2, vault toilets available," one review notes. Clean drinking water is reported to be accessed from spring water close to the camp, described by one reviewer as, "Best Water I've ever had hands down!"

Potable water

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Barkshed Campground include hiking and exploring the surrounding area. "About 10 or so miles of trails and small stream to explore," one reviewer highlights. The campground is suitable for day use as well as overnight stays.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides only vault toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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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

From Booking Sources

3.6

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Barkshed Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Barkshed Campground is generally well-reviewed for its seclusion and natural features. Reviewers highlight the quality of the spring water, the limited but functional amenities, and the tranquility of the area. However, some also note that only a few campsites are truly desirable.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the secluded nature of the campground and the quality of the natural spring water. "Very secluded camp and day use area," and "Best water I've ever had hands down!" are common...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the limited number of desirable campsites, with one reviewer stating, "Web site listed 33 camp sites. I only found 4 that are desirable. The rest is open grass with a fire ring."

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground reportedly has 33 sites, but only 4 are considered desirable, according to one user review.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to download the Recreation.gov app before arriving due to limited cell service. Arriving early is recommended to secure one of the more desirable campsites.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Been coming here at least once a year for 34 years now. Spring water out the mountain fairly close to the camp. Best water I've ever had hands down!" - Christopher Baty. "Very secluded camp and day...

Based on 8 reviews