Dam Site Lake Campground
4.39404 reviews348 Dam Site Lake Road
Dam Site Lake Campground
$22.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard Electric sites range from $22 to $29 per night. Group Shelter Electric costs $75 per night. Additional fees such as reservation fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center) may apply.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of Beaver Lake in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Dam Site Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its collection of spacious campsites, many perched right at the water's edge. Here, your days unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into the crystal-clear waters, explore winding hiking trails through ancient forests, launch your boat for a day of adventure, take a refreshing swim in the lake's cool embrace, or simply sit quietly as wildlife emerges from the surrounding wilderness.
Dam Site Lake Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including sites suitable for tents, RVs, and group camping. Waterfront options are popular, offering stunning views.
Historical SignificanceBorn from vision and engineering in 1966, Beaver Lake emerged as a testament to human ingenuity, transforming the landscape into a recreational paradise while serving vital flood control and hydroelectric purposes. This corner of the Ozarks holds stories both ancient and modern – from the Victorian charm of nearby Eureka Springs with its healing springs and artistic soul, to the legendary fishing waters of the White River that have drawn anglers for generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-drenched days accompanied by refreshing breezes that dance across the lake's surface – a characteristic that seasoned visitors have come to cherish. As autumn paints the Ozarks in brilliant hues and spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers, these transitional seasons offer cooler temperatures punctuated by gentle rains that nourish the landscape. The lake's proximity creates its own microclimate, with winds that keep the air fresh and insects at bay.
ElevationPerched within the rolling embrace of the Ozark Mountain region, the campground occupies that sweet spot where mountain air meets lake breeze, creating a naturally comfortable climate that feels worlds away from the humid lowlands below.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape here reads like a love letter to the Ozarks – towering limestone bluffs rise dramatically from the water's edge, their ancient faces carved by time and weather. Hidden caves whisper secrets of the earth's past, while dense forests of hardwood and evergreen create a living cathedral overhead. In spring and summer, native flowering shrubs burst into bloom, framing spectacular vistas of Beaver Lake's serpentine shoreline that stretches for an impressive 449 miles, each bend revealing new wonders.
Geological RegionDam Site Lake Campground sits at the geological crossroads of Northwest Arkansas's Ozark Mountains, where millennia of natural forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape. Massive limestone bluffs stand as sentinels over the water, their layers telling stories millions of years in the making. Natural caves pocket the hillsides, carved by patient water through soluble rock, while the surrounding forests – a rich tapestry of hardwoods and evergreens – sink their roots deep into the ancient Ozark soil.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible facilities are mentioned, including paved roads and paths for ease of mobility. Users noted a lack of detailed signage for accessibility features.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large with sufficient room for RVs, tents, and other camping equipment. Specific mentions include Site 36 and 38 being spacious enough for a 37ft 5th wheel, truck, SUV, and boat.
Sites PrivacyMixed reviews regarding privacy; many campsites are spacious and surrounded by trees, while others are closely clustered, reducing privacy. The island sites offer more seclusion.
Total Campsites48 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites on the peninsula for expansive water views. Avoid sites 13-18 during rainy periods as they are prone to flooding.
Best CampsitesSite 12 (full hookup), Site 21 (waterfront), Site 30 (panoramic lake views), Site 36 (pull-through, waterfront).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within any 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsites can accommodate one RV and one tent, or up to three tents.
Groups
Group Shelter Electric is available for $75 per night, accommodating larger groups with access to electricity.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out with sites on both the shore and the island. Sites include a mix of pull-through and back-in configurations.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from April 1, 2025, to October 30, 2025, with reservations starting on June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground does not offer walk-up or first-come-first-served sites; reservations must be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to midnight one calendar day before the scheduled check-in for individual sites, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Dam Site Lake Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities ranging from water-based activities like swimming, fishing, and boating to land adventures such as hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Guests also enjoy picnicking, scuba diving, and sightseeing.
Hiking
Several trails wind through the Ozark Mountains, providing peaceful hiking experiences for visitors. Some users noted that trails are not well-marked, which can lead to confusion.Fishing
Fishing is highly popular, with opportunities to catch species like bass, crappie, bream, and trout. The cold waters of the upper White River are particularly recommended for trout fishing.Swimming
A designated swim area is available and praised for its clear water. Users enjoy easy access to swimming from sites near the lake.Biking
Biking trails are available, with picturesque routes and varying difficulty levels. Cyclists enjoy rides near the dam and through the Ozark surroundings.Boating
Boating is a favorite activity, with convenient access to the water from campsites. Nearby marinas provide rentals and supplies.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is common, with species like deer, rabbits, squirrels, and geese frequently spotted. Bird enthusiasts appreciate the abundance of avian life.Water Sports
Scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular water sports in the clean waters of Beaver Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Visitors are encouraged not to move firewood to prevent tree-killing pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsReviews mention high winds and rocky terrain on some campsites, which can be challenging for tent setup.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services such as hospitals and police stations are available in nearby Eureka Springs (~10 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1, 2025 - October 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available but could be expanded, especially near swim and beach areas, as noted by reviewers. Users suggest adding trash cans throughout the campground to minimize litter.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is right on Beaver Lake, offering swimming areas, fishing spots, and easy boat access.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include sloped campsites, issues with leveling trailers, and limited water hookups on some sites. Vault toilets are less preferred compared to flush toilets available on the island.
HostHosts are described as generally friendly and helpful, although some reviews cite rude behavior from individual staff members.
Campground Map
348 Dam Site Lake Road
Driving directionsFrom Eureka Springs, Arkansas, take Highway 62 West and travel nearly 4 miles. Turn left on Highway 187 and continue for about 6 miles. Turn left at the park entrance and continue to the site, located before the dam. From Rogers, Arkansas, take Highway 62 East for nearly 24 miles. Turn right on Highway 187 and travel 3 miles, crossing the dam. The park entrance is the first right after the dam.
The roads leading to Dam Site Lake Campground are paved and accessible from major highways (Highway 62 and Highway 187). However, some user reviews mention steep transitions from roads into sites, which may be challenging for larger vehicles or trailers.Nearby places
Eureka Springs (~10 miles), Rogers (~24 miles), Bentonville (~40 miles), Fayetteville (~45 miles)
Nearby supplies
Several marinas around Beaver Lake provide groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Additionally, Eureka Springs (~10 miles) offers access to stores and pharmacies.
Camper Reviews
4.4
404 reviews
Dam Site Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Guests rave about the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities, though some report challenges with campsite layouts and accessibility issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 404 reviews
What Campers Love
Popular highlights include the stunning lake views, friendly camp hosts, clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and convenient proximity to activities like hiking and fishing.
Based on 404 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback includes poorly maintained vault toilets, limited water hookups, rocky and sloped campsites, and difficulties accessing certain sites with larger RVs.
Based on 404 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend reserving island sites for better facilities, bringing leveling blocks for sloped sites, and preparing for windy conditions.
Based on 404 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are rated highly due to pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer reviews highlight swimming and water sports but note the heat.
Based on 404 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Crystal clear rocky lakeshore just outside the camper door. Blissful breezes, and lapping waves.' - Katie Hagen
2. 'Bathrooms are clean and have showers in them with good hot water.' - Mike...
Based on 404 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 11: Excellent waterfront access and views. Site 36: Spacious pull-through site near water. Site 27: Challenging to back into but offers panoramic views.
Based on 404 reviewsAccessibility Features
Guests with disabilities appreciate the paved roads and clean restroom facilities, though signage for accessible features could be improved.
Based on 404 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must be leashed. Some reviewers noted issues with unleashed dogs disturbing other campers.
Based on 404 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025