Shores Lake Campground

Welcome to Shores Lake Campground, a truly captivating and well-loved destination nestled within the picturesque Ozark-St. Francis National Forests near Mulberry, Arkansas. For residents throughout the Natural State seeking an idyllic outdoor escape, a serene lakeside retreat, or a vibrant hub for adventure, Shores Lake offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. We understand that Arkansans have a deep appreciation for their state's diverse landscapes, from the majestic mountains to the tranquil lakes, and finding a place that caters to various outdoor pursuits while providing comfort and stunning scenery is highly valued. Shores Lake Campground consistently delivers just that – a beautiful, shady, and quiet setting where campers can relax, enjoy the water, explore trails, and create cherished memories.

This article is specifically crafted for the people of Arkansas, designed to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Shores Lake Campground. We will delve into what makes this campground a truly special choice for your next outdoor adventure, highlighting its beautiful lake, diverse recreational offerings, and its prime location within the national forest. Customer reviews consistently praise its "lovely campground," "beautiful scenery," and the presence of features like a "boat launch, swimming areas, fishing pier, trails." Many have spotted magnificent wildlife, including "a bald eagle across the lake!" While sites may not offer full privacy, the availability of electric and water hookups, coupled with a forested and shady environment, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether you're an avid angler, a keen hiker, a family looking for lakeside fun, or simply seeking a quiet place to unwind amidst Arkansas’s natural splendor, Shores Lake Campground promises an experience that will not disappoint.

Shores Lake Campground is perfectly situated at 18660 Bliss Rdg Rd, Mulberry, AR 72947, USA. This address places it deep within the stunning Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, offering an authentic wilderness experience while remaining accessible for Arkansans. Located near the town of Mulberry, it provides a tranquil escape that feels wonderfully remote yet is reachable for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation from various parts of the state.

Accessibility to Shores Lake Campground is generally good, with directions typically involving heading north on AR Highway 215 from I-40 at Mulberry for approximately 12.4 miles, then turning left onto Bliss Ridge Road (also designated as FR#1505) and following it for about 1 mile to the recreation area. While the roads leading to the campground can be "windy" or "narrow with sharp turns" in some sections, they are typically suitable for most vehicles, including RVs, though caution is advised. This journey through the national forest immediately immerses visitors in the beauty of the Ozarks. The campground's setting around the 82-acre Shores Lake is a major draw, offering easy access to the water. While the immediate vicinity is focused on recreation, the town of Mulberry provides essential services such as grocery stores and fuel, ensuring campers can stock up on supplies before reaching their serene destination. This balance of a secluded, natural environment with reasonable access makes Shores Lake Campground an ideal choice for Arkansas residents looking to explore their state's wilderness without venturing too far off the grid.

• Campsites with Hookups: Shores Lake Campground offers both single and multiple-unit campsites. Many of these sites provide essential "electric and water hook ups," catering to both RVs and tent campers seeking convenience. While specific sewer hookups might not be universally available, the provision of electricity and water significantly enhances the camping experience.

• Boat Launch: The campground features a convenient "boat launch" on the 82-acre Shores Lake. This service allows campers to easily put their boats (with a maximum motor size of 10 hp and "no wake" restriction) into the water for fishing, non-motorized boating (rafts, kayaks, canoes), or simply enjoying the lake.

• Designated Swimming Areas: Shores Lake offers specific "swimming areas," allowing visitors to safely cool off and enjoy the crystal-clear waters, especially during warmer months. There's also a "ramp on the swimming beach" for accessibility.

• Fishing Pier: For anglers, the campground provides a dedicated "fishing pier," which is notably "designed with wheelchair use in mind," making it accessible for individuals with physical challenges. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, and bluegills, promising good fishing opportunities.

• Restrooms with Hot Showers: Shores Lake Campground offers "restrooms with hot showers," a highly valued amenity for campers, providing comfort and convenience. While hot showers may be unavailable during the winter season, their presence during operational months significantly enhances the camping experience.

• Hiking Trails: The campground provides direct access to various "trails," including the renowned Shores Lake Loop Trail, which is described as a "picturesque 7.2-mile route" showcasing "upland hardwoods and shortleaf pine groves" with "views of waterfalls and wildlife." This allows campers to explore the surrounding forest on foot.

• Picnic Areas and Pavilion: Shores Lake Recreation Area includes "28 family picnicking units" and a "Pavilion for group picnicking," which is also "fully accessible" and available by reservation. These facilities are perfect for day use or group gatherings.

• Drinking Water: "Drinking water" is available at the campground, ensuring campers have access to a safe water source during their stay.

• Beautiful 82-Acre Shores Lake: The centerpiece of the campground is the stunning 82-acre Shores Lake. This serene body of water offers "beautiful scenery," including "very nice reflection on the surface," and is ideal for "swimming areas, fishing, and boating" (with a 10 hp motor limit and "no wake" restriction). Its tranquil beauty is a consistent highlight for visitors.

• Accessible Facilities: Shores Lake Campground prides itself on its inclusivity, featuring "fully accessible bathroom facility with ramps for the physically challenged," "fishing piers designed with wheelchair use in mind," a "ramp on the swimming beach," and an "accessible pavilion." This commitment to accessibility makes it a welcoming destination for all Arkansans.

• Extensive Trail Network: Direct access to diverse trails is a major draw. The prominent "Shores Lake Loop Trail" (a "picturesque 7.2-mile route") offers opportunities for "hiking through oak, hickory, and pine forest," with "views of waterfalls and wildlife." This connects to broader trail systems like the White Rock-Shores Lake Loop, perfect for extended adventures.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The natural setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Visitors have reported "saw a bald eagle across the lake!", indicating the rich biodiversity of the area. This adds an exciting element to the outdoor experience.

• Shady and Forested Environment: The campground is "forested and shady," providing natural cooling and a comfortable atmosphere even during warmer Arkansas days. This creates a more pleasant and immersive nature experience, allowing campers to truly relax amidst the trees.

• Electric and Water Hookups: While not all sites are fully private, the availability of "electric and water hook ups" at many campsites is a significant convenience for RV and tent campers, ensuring a comfortable stay with essential amenities.

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, Shores Lake Campground consistently maintains a "quiet" and peaceful ambiance. This is highly valued by visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

• Fishing Excellence: The lake is specifically stocked with "bass, catfish, and bluegills," and boasts "underwater structures ... to attract fish to the fishing piers," making it a premier destination for anglers in Arkansas.

Address: 18660 Bliss Rdg Rd, Mulberry, AR 72947, USA

Phone: (479) 667-2191

Mobile Phone: +1 479-667-2191

For residents across Arkansas, Shores Lake Campground in Mulberry stands out as an outstanding choice for their next outdoor adventure or serene retreat. In a state proudly known as the "Natural State," finding a campground that beautifully combines accessibility, diverse activities, and breathtaking natural beauty is a true gem, and Shores Lake delivers on all fronts.

One of the primary reasons Shores Lake Campground is ideal for locals is its rich array of recreational opportunities centered around the stunning 82-acre lake. Arkansans who love to fish will appreciate the well-stocked waters and accessible fishing pier. Those who enjoy cooling off will find inviting swimming areas, while boaters can enjoy the tranquil waters (with the gentle "no wake" restriction). The presence of diverse trails, including the scenic Shores Lake Loop Trail, caters to hikers and nature walkers eager to explore the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, offering chances to spot wildlife like the majestic bald eagle and discover hidden waterfalls. This variety ensures that every family member, from the active adventurer to the serene nature lover, finds something to cherish.

Furthermore, the campground's commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly restrooms, fishing piers, and a swimming beach ramp, makes it a welcoming destination for all Arkansans, ensuring that outdoor experiences are inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. The convenience of electric and water hookups at many sites also provides a comfortable camping experience, blending the ruggedness of nature with essential modern amenities. This is a significant draw for local RVers and tent campers alike, making their stay more relaxing and manageable.

The "forested and shady" environment, coupled with a consistently "quiet" atmosphere, ensures a genuinely peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For locals from Little Rock, Fort Smith, or any other part of the state, this means less time traveling to a remote destination and more time immersed in the tranquility and beauty of the Ozarks. Shores Lake offers a refreshing opportunity to disconnect, unwind, and reconnect with family and friends amidst Arkansas's stunning natural landscapes.

In essence, Shores Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a comprehensive outdoor experience perfectly suited for the desires of Arkansas residents. It provides an accessible, beautiful, and activity-rich environment where lasting memories are made, proving that some of the best natural escapes are found right here in the heart of the Natural State.

Shores Lake Campground

18660 Bliss Rdg Rd, Mulberry, AR 72947, USA