Gamaliel
4.61135 reviews53 Gamaliel Park Point, Gamaliel, AR 72537, USA
Gamaliel
$22.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $22 to $50 per night, depending on site type. Group shelters with electric hookups are the highest-cost option.
About this campground
Tucked away in the tranquil Bennetts Bayou area of Norfork Lake, Gamaliel Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 64 thoughtfully designed campsites shaded by towering hardwoods. As one of 19 pristine Army Corps of Engineers parks dotting the shoreline of Norfork Lake, this hidden gem offers the perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, with most sites featuring convenient electric hookups while preserving the authentic camping experience beneath a canopy of mature trees.
Gamaliel Campground offers standard electric campsites and group shelter electric sites. Specific site details vary, with some offering lake views and others being more shaded.
Historical SignificanceGamaliel Campground sits at the crossroads of natural wonders, where the ancient Ozark National Forest meets the sparkling waters of both Norfork and nearby Bull Shoals Lakes. This convergence tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where patient streams carved dramatic landscapes from limestone and sandstone, creating the stunning topography that draws visitors from across the nation to experience the raw beauty of northern Arkansas.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Gamaliel unfold with golden sunshine and temperatures that invite swimming and water sports, punctuated by refreshing afternoon thunderstorms that cool the forest floor. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a painter's palette of reds and golds, while winter brings crisp, quiet mornings perfect for hiking, though campers should pack layers for the occasionally brisk temperatures and gray skies that characterize the cooler months.
ElevationPerched among the rolling ridges of the Ozark Mountains, Gamaliel Campground offers campers a chance to wake up to misty mountain mornings and expansive vistas. The elevated terrain provides natural cooling breezes and spectacular sunrise views over the lake, while the varied topography creates intimate camping spots that feel worlds away from everyday life.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground emerges from a dense tapestry of oak, hickory, and pine forests that cascade down to meet the pristine waters of Norfork Lake's secluded coves. Wildlife thrives in this protected ecosystem where deer graze at dawn, wild turkeys strut through the underbrush, and eagles soar overhead. Spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor, while the crystalline lake waters reveal submerged trees and rocky outcroppings that create perfect habitats for the region's renowned bass fishing.
Geological RegionGamaliel Campground rests within the ancient Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, a landscape that tells Earth's story through exposed bluffs and weathered stone. This heavily eroded plateau, sculpted by countless streams over millennia, reveals layers of geological history in every cliff face and carved valley. The patient work of water has created a wonderland of caves, springs, and dramatic rock formations that make this region one of America's most geologically fascinating destinations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers wheelchair-accessible showers and bathrooms, as highlighted by one user: 'It has wheelchair accessible showers and bathrooms as well.'
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious in multiple reviews. One user noted, 'Spacious sites and well shaded.'
Sites PrivacyThe privacy levels vary. Some sites are described as shaded and secluded, while others have less privacy due to high traffic or proximity to amenities like the marina.
Total Campsites64 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 14 is close to the bathhouse but poorly designed for backing in; sites near the marina experience more traffic.
Best CampsitesSites 30-34 and 45-63 are noted as being more spacious and shaded than others.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights per visit or per rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests limit depends on the site type but generally accommodates up to 6-8 people.
Groups
Group shelter electric sites are available at $50 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized into loops and include standard and group shelter types.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from April 1, 2025 to October 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is mentioned, but no details on the number of sites explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night’s recreation 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
Picnic tables
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Gamaliel Campground provides a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can hike a mile-long nature trail, enjoy water sports such as sailing and scuba diving, or fish in the annually stocked Norfork Lake. The campground also has a swim beach and boating facilities.
Hiking
A one-mile nature trail loops from the campground, offering an easy option for hiking enthusiasts.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with Norfork Lake stocked annually. 'It's not unheard of to catch striped bass over 40 pounds,' per the official description.Swimming
A designated swim beach is available for campers, though user reviews note that flooding sometimes impacts its usability: 'The swim area was out of reach due to flooding.'Boating
Boating is a major attraction, supported by a marina and boat ramp. One user review mentioned, 'Great Boat Launching Ramp.'Winter Activities
No specific details are provided about winter activities.Water Sports
Water sports such as sailing and scuba diving are prominent activities. One user noted, 'Sailing the open waters makes for an exciting water activity.'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits only. Firewood should be locally sourced to prevent invasive species spread.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsTick infestations have been reported. Flooding and muddy conditions occur during heavy rains.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest hospital and police station are in Mountain Home, approximately 9 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1, 2025 - October 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is available regarding trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Bennetts Bayou and Norfork Lake, with swimming, boating, and fishing access.
Common complaintsSome reviews complain about site slope, mud and dirt accumulation, and poorly maintained facilities during heavy rains.
HostHosts are frequently mentioned as friendly and helpful, although some reviews criticize inconsistent treatment among campers.
Campground Map
53 Gamaliel Park Point, Gamaliel, AR 72537, USA
Driving directionsFrom Mountain Home, AR, travel 9 miles east on US 412/62, then 5 miles north on SR 101, then 3 miles southeast on CR 42. Follow signs into campground.
Access to the campground is generally straightforward, but some reviews indicate that the turn onto Fouts Road from Highway 101 is sharp and challenging for larger campers.Nearby places
Mountain Home, AR: 9 miles (approximately 15 minutes)
Bull Shoals, AR: 25 miles (approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Mountain Home, AR, approximately 9 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
135 reviews
Gamaliel is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews for Gamaliel Campground are highly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.54. Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 135 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, spacious sites, friendly and helpful staff, good amenities including electric and water hookups, shaded sites, and a peaceful environment.
Based on 135 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues with campsite leveling, occasional flooding affecting the swim area, unclean bathrooms during peak times, and some dissatisfaction with staff behavior.
Based on 135 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring tick repellent, as ticks have been noted in some reviews. Choose shaded sites near the bathrooms for convenience, and plan for potential flooding in swim areas.
Based on 135 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is noted for high activity and occasional flooding. Fall sees fewer visitors, making it peaceful and ideal for camping.
Based on 135 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The facilities are always pretty clean. There is water and electric at every site.' 2. 'The campgrounds are always clean and quiet. Great for families.' 3. 'This is definitely our little honey...
Based on 135 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 22: 'Slab was at a slant, making it difficult for a senior person to maneuver.' Site 41: 'Hard to get level with a camper.' Site 14: 'Difficult to back into and unlevel.'
Based on 135 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible showers and bathrooms. Users with disabilities have noted satisfaction with these facilities.
Based on 135 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly reviewed, but one user mentioned, 'So very pet friendly.'
Based on 135 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025