Lost Bridge South
4.15125 reviews12001 Buckhorn Circle, Garfield, AR 72732, USA
Lost Bridge South
$24.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$26.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season fees for individual campsites range between $24 and $26 per night for sites with electric hookups. Additional fees may apply for changes, cancellations, and late arrivals.
About this campground
Nestled along the sprawling shoreline of Beaver Lake, Lost Bridge South Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Northwest Arkansas' Ozark Mountains. Here, where crystal-clear waters meet ancient limestone cliffs, campers discover a perfect blend of modern comfort and untamed wilderness. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring hidden trails, or simply watching eagles soar overhead from your spacious campsite, Lost Bridge South delivers the quintessential Ozark experience. Well-appointed sites feature fire rings for evening gatherings, while convenient amenities like flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure your focus stays on adventure, not logistics.
Lost Bridge South Campground offers diverse camping options, including sites for RVs and tents. Group camping and primitive sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceRising from the Ozark valleys in 1966, Beaver Lake and its impressive dam tell a story of human ingenuity meeting natural splendor. Originally conceived as a practical solution for flood control, hydroelectric power, and water supply, this engineering marvel unexpectedly created one of Arkansas' most beloved recreational treasures. Today, the lake stands as a testament to how infrastructure can enhance rather than diminish natural beauty, drawing countless visitors who come for the pristine waters and stay for the timeless mountain magic.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Lost Bridge South transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the camping season. Spring arrives with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking, while summer brings long, sun-drenched days with temperatures climbing into the balmy 80s and 90s—ideal for diving into Beaver Lake's refreshing waters. As autumn approaches, the Ozarks paint themselves in brilliant golds and crimsons, with crisp mornings giving way to perfectly mild afternoons that invite endless exploration.
ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of the Ozark Mountain region, Lost Bridge South offers that perfect mountain atmosphere without extreme altitude challenges. The gentle rise and fall of the landscape creates natural amphitheaters and scenic overlooks, while the moderate elevation ensures comfortable camping conditions and stunning vistas across the lake and surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient limestone bluffs stand sentinel over Lost Bridge South, their weathered faces telling stories millions of years in the making. Hidden caves dot the landscape, inviting exploration and wonder, while a diverse tapestry of hardwoods and evergreens provides ever-changing colors and endless shade. Wildlife thrives in this protected haven—white-tailed deer browse at forest edges, cottontail rabbits dart through underbrush, and grey squirrels chatter from oak branches. Flowering dogwoods and redbuds paint the understory each spring, creating a natural garden that rivals any cultivated landscape.
Geological RegionLost Bridge South sits proudly within the ancient Ozark Mountains, where eons of geological drama have carved a landscape of remarkable diversity. Along Beaver Lake's winding shoreline, dramatic limestone bluffs reveal the region's prehistoric past as an ancient seabed, now lifted and sculpted by time. Natural caves and springs pepper the terrain, while the signature mix of oak-hickory forests and scattered evergreens creates a uniquely Ozarkian ecosystem. This is karst country at its finest, where water and stone dance an eternal ballet, creating the caves, sinkholes, and crystal-clear streams that make the Ozarks legendary among outdoor enthusiasts.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features at Lost Bridge South Campground include level campsites and proximity to facilities; however, some sites are noted as being difficult to navigate for individuals with mobility concerns. For example, 'Due to the slope of the pad, we had to use multiple blocks to level the RV, which caused our steps of the RV to be extremely high off the pad.'
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and spacious, offering room for one RV and one tent or up to three tents per site. Some users found certain sites too small for larger setups, e.g., 'We had site 23. That site would be ok for a very small popup or tent.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at Lost Bridge South varies. Some users mentioned the campsites are too close to each other ('One thing I wasn't overly fond of was how close the campsites were to each other.'). However, other reviews praised the scenic and peaceful nature of the area ('Beautiful lakeside location. Pretty quiet.')
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor better access and scenic views, choose campsites near the water. Avoid sites like 23 and 34 for larger RVs due to leveling issues.
Best CampsitesCampsites directly on the water, such as campsite 18, are highly praised for their scenic views and easy access to lake activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite can accommodate one RV and one tent or three tents.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes loops and sections with campsites either directly on the water or further inland.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to September 29 for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified but may exist for unreserved sites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before the date of arrival are subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellations, starting midnight one calendar day before arrival, also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Lost Bridge South Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, boating, and even scuba diving. Visitors can also enjoy water skiing, picnicking, spelunking, and sightseeing. User reviews frequently mention the serene and scenic nature of the campground, with quotes like 'Great lakeside location, pretty quiet, well maintained, and clean.'
Hiking
Several trails snake through the Ozark Mountains, providing opportunities for peaceful hiking. User reviews highlight the scenic beauty but lack specific details on trail lengths or difficulty levels.Fishing
Fishing is among the most popular activities at Beaver Lake. Anglers can catch various fish, including large and small-mouth bass, crappie, and rainbow trout. The dam area is noted for pole-bending trout fishing, with one user remarking, 'Fishing at Lost Bridge South was amazing, with a variety of fish all around.'Swimming
Swimming areas are available, though they received mixed reviews. The swim area is described as 'awesome' by some users, while others complained of muddy conditions and lack of maintenance following flooding.Biking
Biking trails are available, and user reviews suggest they offer peaceful rides through the Ozark Mountains. No additional details on trail difficulty or terrain are provided.Boating
Boating is well-supported with ramps and docks available. User quotes such as 'Having a spot directly on the beach was amazing' highlight the ease of access for boat owners. However, some reviews note congestion at the boat ramp during early mornings.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a prominent activity, with frequent sightings of armadillos and other local fauna. One visitor shared, 'An armadillo ran right up to my wife in the campsite.' The diverse ecosystem surrounding Beaver Lake provides ample opportunities for observation.Beach activities
Beach-related activities are possible but depend on seasonal conditions. Reviews mention issues like muddy conditions due to flooding ('The swimming area was closed due to flood damage.') but also praise the scenic views.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly described for Lost Bridge South Campground.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular. One visitor shared, 'We took our kayaks out across the bay, and the water was so clear and beautiful.'Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must be in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not specified explicitly.
Hazards
General hazardsKnown hazards include steep terrain at some campsites, areas with loose gravel, and occasional flooding affecting the swim and beach areas.
Active alertsNo current alerts are explicitly stated.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.4 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
The closest emergency services include local hospitals in Rogers, AR (approximately 13 miles away) and police services in Garfield, AR.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 29.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are limited, with user reviews noting a single dumpster for the entire campground and a lack of trash cans in bathrooms, which some found inconvenient. Maintenance frequency was also criticized: 'The dumpster was overflowing, and trash left over from previous campers was scattered around.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is steps away from the shoreline of Beaver Lake, providing direct access to water recreation.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include unclean restrooms, sulfur-smelling water hookups, lack of maintenance due to flooding, and small or unlevel campsites.
HostPark attendants and hosts are available, but some reviews note irregular availability. Hosts are generally described as helpful.
Campground Map
12001 Buckhorn Circle, Garfield, AR 72732, USA
Driving directionsFrom Rogers, AR, take Highway 62 east for about 13 miles to Garfield. Turn right onto Highway 127 and continue for 6 miles. Turn right onto Highway 127 Spur and follow the signs into the park.
Access to Lost Bridge South Campground is straightforward and involves paved roads. However, reviewers noted that the dump station is located at another nearby campground, Lost Bridge North, requiring navigation on local roads.Nearby places
Rogers, AR (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Eureka Springs, AR (30 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Bentonville, AR (approximately 30 miles, 35 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Several marinas are located around Beaver Lake offering groceries, fuel, boat rentals, storage, fishing guides, and camping supplies. Additionally, nearby Garfield has basic services, and larger supplies can be found in Rogers.
Camper Reviews
4.2
125 reviews
Lost Bridge South is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Lost Bridge South Campground are mixed, with many praising the scenic location and water access, while others highlight maintenance issues such as unclean bathrooms and poorly managed campsites. Reviews range from glowing ('Lost Bridge South is our favorite camping destination') to critical ('Bathrooms are never clean.').
Review Summaries
Based on 125 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful lakeside location, good cell phone service, scenic views, clean and well-maintained campsites.
Based on 125 reviewsCommon Concerns
Unclean bathrooms, lack of on-site camp host, flooding damage, cramped campsites.
Based on 125 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reserve early due to limited availability. Beware of early morning boat ramp activity near certain sites. Bring extra leveling blocks for RVs.
Based on 125 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter and spring seasons may have limited accessibility due to flooding and cold weather. Summer reviews highlight the popularity but note overcrowding and maintenance challenges.
Based on 125 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Fantastic restrooms. 4 plex each with its own shower toilet and sink with lots of room to move about.' 2. 'Bathrooms are never clean. They are nasty. They are huge petri dishes.' 3. 'Great...
Based on 125 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 23: Difficult to back up and level for larger rigs. Site 34: Not level and eroded ground. Site 27: Sloped ground and challenging for tents. Site 04: Unlevel near the boat dock.
Based on 125 reviewsAccessibility Features
Mixed reviews; some campsites are level and suitable for RVs, while others are sloped and challenging for older individuals or those with mobility concerns.
Based on 125 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but unrestrained dogs were reported as an issue. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Based on 125 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025