Cowhide Cove
4.47152 reviews239 NEW COWHIDE COVE ROAD
Cowhide Cove
$16.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Fees range from $16 for tent-only sites without hookups to $22 for standard electric sites. Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Greeson, Cowhide Cove Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 48 electric hookup sites and 2 secluded tent-only spots perfect for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, grills, and lantern poles, while modern amenities like hot showers ensure comfort after a day of adventure. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp, watch children play at the lakeside playground, or spend lazy afternoons at the inviting swim beach where memories are made one splash at a time.
Cowhide Cove offers diverse camping options, including sites for RVs, tents, and group camping. The campground has 48 electric sites and two tent-only sites without hookups.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Cowhide Cove places you at the crossroads of Arkansas's most treasured attractions. Venture into the ancient wilderness of Ouachita National Forest, where centuries-old trails wind through untouched beauty. A short drive leads to the legendary Hot Springs National Park, where thermal waters have drawn visitors for generations. For the adventurous at heart, Crater of Diamonds State Park offers an extraordinary opportunity—it's the world's only public diamond mine where visitors can search for and keep real diamonds, turning an ordinary camping trip into a potential treasure hunt.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle embrace of Arkansas springs and falls, when mild temperatures and soft humidity create perfect camping conditions. Summer transforms the landscape into a sultry paradise ideal for water activities, though the heat and humidity remind you to seek shade during midday hours. Winter brings its own charm with unpredictable personality—one day might greet you with crisp, freezing mornings perfect for campfire coffee, while the next could surprise you with balmy 60-degree afternoons ideal for hiking.
ElevationThe campground rests at a comfortable elevation that provides easy access to both water activities and woodland exploration, creating an ideal balance for diverse outdoor pursuits.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering loblolly pines and majestic oaks create a natural cathedral above your campsite, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The bottomland hardwoods paint a tapestry of green that reflects perfectly in Lake Greeson's calm waters. Early risers might spot white-tailed deer grazing at the forest edge, while wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. The air fills with songbird melodies throughout the day, and lucky visitors might witness the breathtaking sight of bald eagles soaring overhead, their white heads gleaming against the Arkansas sky.
Geological RegionCowhide Cove sits proudly in Central Arkansas's diverse landscape, where 7,260 acres of Lake Greeson create a watery playground surrounded by the region's signature forest ecosystem. Here, loblolly and shortleaf pines stand sentinel alongside sweet gums and ancient oaks, while bottomland hardwoods thrive in the rich, moist soil near the water's edge. This unique geological setting, shaped by mild springs, sultry summers, and mercurial winters, has created an outdoor paradise where the Ouachita foothills meet pristine waters, offering campers a front-row seat to nature's ever-changing theater.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible showers and flush toilets available. Lantern poles, picnic tables, and grills are standard features at each site.
Sites SizeSites range from small to large, with several spacious options. "Some of the sites are very large with a lot of room around them." (Edward C)
Sites PrivacyVarying levels of privacy; tent-only sites (35 and 36) are close to each other. "Many of the sites had plenty of room to spread out." (Holly S)
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent-only sites 35 and 36 are secluded but close together; renting both is advised for privacy. Sites in the lower loop are better suited for small trailers and tents.
Best CampsitesSites 21-24 are described as ideal for their proximity to the lake. Sites 3, 4, and 5 are recommended for families due to their closeness to the playground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
4:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 42 nights during certain periods and 14 nights within rolling 30 days during peak season.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Varies by site type
- tent-only sites are suited for small groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops with electric hookup sites and tent-only sections. Families with children may prefer the lower loop for playground access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1, 2025, to December 15, 2025. Reservable dates start June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available; all reservations are online or via phone.
Cancellation PolicyReservation modifications are allowed for an additional $10 change fee. Cancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. No-shows incur a $20 penalty.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Cowhide Cove provides a wide range of activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground also boasts a swim beach, a nature trail, and proximity to hunting opportunities within the Lake Greeson Wildlife Management Area.
Hiking
"Lake Greeson offers 30 miles of walking, nature, and cycling trails for public use. There is a short nature trail in the campground for naturalists, birders, and families to enjoy."Fishing
"Lake Greeson is recognized for its rich variety of game fish...The tail-waters of the Little Missouri River below the dam also support a healthy population of rainbow trout and small mouth bass."Swimming
"Swim beach available at the campground."Biking
Cycling trails are part of the 30-mile trail network around Lake Greeson.Boating
"The beautiful clear waters offer an excellent opportunity for many boating activities including water skiing, tubing, cruising, and fishing. Four marinas at Lake Greeson offer boaters fuel, boat rentals and picnic and fishing supplies."Wildlife viewing
"The public lands around Lake Greeson provide a variety of habitats for numerous species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, geese, southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, and songbirds. Bald eagles are an attraction for visitors each winter."Beach activities
The swim beach is a focal point for family-friendly water activities.Winter Activities
Bald eagle sightings are a highlight during winter.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and water skiing are popular activities on Lake Greeson.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are subject to seasonal bans; propane fire pits may require approval from hosts during bans.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention invasive insects like Japanese ladybugs and raccoon activity. Occasional flooding during spring storms may affect lower-level sites.
Active alertsFire bans and seasonal flooding may occur, especially during peak summer months.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 are available in Murfreesboro, AR, approximately 12 miles away. These include a small hospital and police station. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead in case of emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is performed daily. "Trash cans are close to all camping sites." (Berlene S) "Trash pick up daily." (Joyce V) Some reviewers noted raccoon activity due to unsecured trash cans.
Proximity to water featuresLake Greeson surrounds the campground, offering swimming, boating, and fishing activities. A boat ramp is available on-site.
Common complaintsVisitors frequently mention high grass levels, limited signage, and occasional power outages. Navigation challenges within the campground are also noted.
HostGuests often praise the campground hosts for being friendly and helpful. Hosts are available but not frequently patrolling the sites.
Campground Map
239 NEW COWHIDE COVE ROAD
Driving directionsFrom Hot Springs, Arkansas, take Highway 70 west for 41 miles to Kirby. Continue onto Route 27 south for 5 miles to Cowhide Cove Access Road. Turn right on the access road and drive 2 miles to the campground.
The access road is paved and manageable for most vehicles. Some user reviews mention difficulties navigating tight turns, especially in the lower section of the campground. Visitors are advised to carefully follow Google Maps or GPS coordinates provided.Nearby places
Hot Springs, AR: 41 miles (approximately 60 minutes)
Kirby, AR: 5 miles (approximately 10 minutes)
Murfreesboro, AR: 12 miles (approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies are available at a small grocery store in Kirby, AR (5 miles away), and a larger grocery store and laundromat can be found in Murfreesboro, AR (12 miles away). Diamond hunting tools and specialized items are accessible at Crater of Diamonds State Park within 30 miles.
Camper Reviews
4.5
152 reviews
Cowhide Cove is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise Cowhide Cove for its cleanliness, spacious sites, accessibility to Lake Greeson, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some reviews highlight issues such as site layout, grass maintenance, and poor signage.
Review Summaries
Based on 152 reviews
What Campers Love
"The views from our campsite were amazing." (Malinda Barron) "Bathrooms and showers were clean and stocked with toilet paper." (Jeremy D) "Very clean and peaceful site." (Tammy S)
Based on 152 reviewsCommon Concerns
Site layout issues: "This is a poorly laid out campground." (Timothy R) "Grass was ankle high and really need to be mowed." (Sandra M) Navigation issues: "Better signage is needed to direct campers...
Based on 152 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
"If you have little children, I'd recommend site numbers 3,4,5 because they are closest to the playground." (El Family) "Take a look at Google Earth before booking sites." (Glenn Huff)
Based on 152 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall and spring are praised for lower crowds and peacefulness. "Especially in early spring and fall when it is less crowded and more peaceful." (William C) Summer sees increased activity but high...
Based on 152 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The bathhouses were literally the cleanest I’ve ever seen at a campground." (Madeleine F) "Saw my first swimming squirrel!" (Joyce V) "The campground host was very kind." (Gina S)
Based on 152 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
"Site 25 is washed out right where our front right Jack was lowered." (Jim F) "Site 36 is very close to site 35, making privacy a concern." (Delilah W)
Based on 152 reviewsAccessibility Features
Users note accessible bathrooms and showers, but some sites are hard to navigate with wheelchairs due to gravel or grassy terrains.
Based on 152 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
"Pets must be caged, penned, or kept on a 6-foot leash." (Official Rules) "The wife and I, along with our two Border Collies tent camped. We enjoyed our stay and will surely go back." (Dale Barry)
Based on 152 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025