Highway 125 Park - Bull Shoals Lake

For Arkansans dreaming of a lakeside retreat where breathtaking scenery meets comfortable amenities, Highway 125 Park on Bull Shoals Lake is a premier destination. Nestled in the serene landscape near Peel, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground offers a truly immersive experience in one of Arkansas's most beloved natural playgrounds. It's a place where the calm waters of Bull Shoals Lake invite endless recreation, and the surrounding Ozark beauty provides a picturesque backdrop for every outdoor adventure.

Highway 125 Park is consistently praised by visitors for its "beautiful location" and "easy pull in and set up" campsites, making it a welcoming spot for both seasoned campers and those new to lakeside living. With 38 campsites offering electric hookups, clean restrooms, and showers, it balances rustic charm with essential modern conveniences. The park’s direct access to a designated swimming area and marina underscores its appeal as a water-lover's paradise.

For locals across Arkansas, finding a well-maintained campground that truly captures the essence of lake life is invaluable. Highway 125 Park delivers this and more, offering spacious, often shaded sites with stunning views of Bull Shoals Lake. The added bonus of the free vehicle ferry ride across the lake, accessible directly from the park, provides a unique and enjoyable experience that adds to the charm of this popular Ozarks getaway.

Introduction / Overview

Highway 125 Park, located on Dock Rd, Peel, AR 72668, USA, is a well-regarded campground situated on the picturesque Bull Shoals Lake. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this park is a popular choice for campers seeking a beautiful lakeside setting with a good range of facilities. Bull Shoals Lake itself is a sprawling reservoir known for its clear waters, excellent fishing, and diverse recreational opportunities, making Highway 125 Park an ideal base for exploring this natural wonderland.

The campground offers 38 campsites, most of which are equipped with electric hookups (30 & 50 amp service) and access to drinking water. Facilities are designed to enhance the camping experience, including flush and vault toilets, showers, and a trailer dump station. Reviews consistently highlight the park's appeal, noting its "beautiful location" and the ease with which campers can set up their sites, often featuring "easy pull in and set up" options. The sites are generally spacious, with many offering shade and direct views of the lake.

Beyond the individual campsites, Highway 125 Park boasts amenities like a designated swimming area, a playground for children, and a group picnic shelter, making it suitable for families and larger gatherings. A significant highlight is the on-site marina, which provides convenient access to the lake for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The park is also famous for its proximity to the Peel Ferry, a unique and free vehicle ferry that crosses Bull Shoals Lake, connecting Arkansas Highway 125 and offering a scenic ride that adds to the adventure of visiting this area.

Location and Accessibility

Highway 125 Park is uniquely positioned on Dock Rd, Peel, AR 72668, USA, placing it directly on the shores of Bull Shoals Lake in northern Arkansas. This location offers a secluded lakeside experience while maintaining reasonable accessibility for visitors from across the state.

The park's most distinguishing feature in terms of accessibility is its connection to the Peel Ferry. This free, open-deck vehicle ferry operates daily, providing a scenic and enjoyable ride across Bull Shoals Lake, directly linking Arkansas Highway 125. For campers approaching from certain directions (e.g., from Missouri or the eastern side of the lake), the ferry can be a convenient and memorable part of their journey. Alternatively, land-based access via roads leading to Peel is straightforward, with clear signage guiding visitors to the park.

While Peel is a smaller community, the campground's setting within the Bull Shoals Lake region means that a wider array of services and attractions are within a reasonable driving distance. Larger towns like Harrison or Mountain Home, which offer more extensive dining, shopping, and entertainment options, are accessible, typically within an hour's drive. This allows campers to enjoy the tranquility of the lakeside setting while having the option for resupply or day trips to explore more of the Ozarks.

The park itself provides easy access to the lake with a launching ramp and marina, making it highly accessible for boaters. Many campsites offer concrete pads and level ground, facilitating "easy pull in and set up" for RVs and trailers. The surrounding area, with its extensive shoreline and wooded terrain, provides ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography, all easily accessible from the campground.

Services Offered

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: Offers 38 campsites, most equipped with 30 & 50 amp electric hookups.
• Drinking Water Access: Potable drinking water available throughout the campground.
• Flush Toilets & Vault Toilets: Provides both modern flush toilets and more rustic vault toilets for convenience.
• Showers: Clean bathhouses with showers (some noted to be air-conditioned) are available for campers.
• Trailer Dump Station: An on-site dump station, recently redone according to some reviews, for RV waste disposal.
• Launching Ramp: A convenient boat launching ramp for direct access to Bull Shoals Lake.
• Marina: An on-site marina for boaters, which may offer services like slip rentals, fuel, and basic supplies.
• Designated Swimming Area: A safe and marked area for swimming in Bull Shoals Lake.
• Playground: A playground for children, enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere.
• Group Picnic Shelter: A reservable shelter for larger groups, located beside the playground.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings/Grills: Most campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits or grills.
• Reservations via Recreation.gov: Campsites can be reserved online through Recreation.gov, allowing for planning ahead.

Features / Highlights

• Direct Bull Shoals Lake Access: Unparalleled access to the expansive Bull Shoals Lake, ideal for fishing, boating, swimming, and various water sports.
• Scenic Location: Situated in a beautiful, heavily wooded area with many sites offering direct views of the lake and spectacular sunsets.
• Spacious & Shaded Sites: Campsites are generally large and well-spaced, often providing ample shade from oak trees, ensuring privacy and comfort.
• Peel Ferry Access: Direct access to the free Peel Ferry, offering a unique and scenic vehicle crossing of Bull Shoals Lake.
• Clean & Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistently praised for its clean bathrooms, showers, and overall well-kept grounds, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Includes a playground and designated swimming area, making it suitable for families with children.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Bull Shoals Lake is renowned for its fishing, particularly for bass, crappie, and other species, easily accessible from the park's marina and shoreline.
• Easy Setup: Many sites feature level concrete pads and asphalt driveways, making "pull in and set up" simple for RVs and trailers.
• Wildlife Viewing: The wooded environment around the lake provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, including deer and various bird species.

Contact Information

For reservations, current information, or inquiries about Highway 125 Park on Bull Shoals Lake, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: Dock Rd, Peel, AR 72668, USA
• Park Phone (Mountain Home Project Office - US Army Corps of Engineers): (870) 425-2700
• Campground-Specific Phone (as provided in prompt): (870) 436-5711
• Mobile Phone (as provided in prompt): +1 870-436-5711
• Reservations: Campsites are best reserved online through Recreation.gov. Search for "Highway 125 Park Bull Shoals" or use Campground ID 232603.
• US Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District Website: www.swl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lakes/Bull-Shoals-Lake/ for general information about Bull Shoals Lake recreation.

Given its popularity, especially during peak seasons, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance via Recreation.gov. For any immediate concerns or conditions, contacting the Mountain Home Project Office or the park directly by phone is advisable.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Arkansans seeking the quintessential lake camping experience, Highway 125 Park on Bull Shoals Lake is an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination. Its prime location directly on one of Arkansas's most expansive and beautiful lakes is a major draw, offering locals immediate access to world-class fishing, exhilarating boating, and refreshing swimming opportunities. The clear waters and abundant fish species make it a consistent favorite for weekend getaways or longer family vacations.

The park's well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms, showers, and sites with electric and water hookups, cater to a comfortable camping experience that many Arkansans appreciate. The spacious and often shaded campsites provide a welcoming environment, allowing families and friends to easily set up their camp and enjoy the natural surroundings without feeling cramped. This blend of natural beauty with practical amenities is often a top priority for local campers.

A unique highlight for Arkansans is the free Peel Ferry, which operates directly from the park. This isn't just a means of transport; it's an enjoyable and memorable experience in itself, adding a distinctive charm to a visit. It underscores the regional character of the park and provides a scenic route for exploration. Additionally, the presence of a marina, playground, and group picnic shelter means there's something for every member of the family, fostering a strong sense of community and fun.

Ultimately, Highway 125 Park offers a balanced and enriching outdoor experience that resonates deeply with the spirit of Arkansas. It provides a convenient and high-quality base for enjoying the best of Bull Shoals Lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains, making it a perfect escape for locals looking to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories right in their home state.

Highway 125 Park - Bull Shoals Lake

Dock Rd, Peel, AR 72668, USA