Bull Shoals State Park is one of the gems in the Arkansas State Park System. Located on the banks of the White River, this park is popular with fisherman across the south due to the world renowned trout fishing in this area. This was one of the first campgrounds that we visited after buying “The Wolf” (our 36 foot travel trailer). We had been on two weekend “shake-down” camping trips within 30 minutes of home, but this was the first one that required several hours of drive time, so we considered it our maiden voyage…and we had a ball!
We were surprised by the beauty of the river and the mountains around it, and this was our first experience with a full hook up campsite. This was probably the weekend trip that convinced us that we would love RV travel. If you’re interested in a full hook-up campground at state park prices in the beautiful Arkansas Ozark Mountains with a view of a world renowned trout river , then read on to find out all you need to know about Bull Shoals State Park Campground.
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Location of Bull Shoals State Park
Bull Shoals State Park is located in the north central part of Arkansas, near the town of Mountain Home. It is approximately 1 1/2 hours south of Branson, MO and 2 1/2 hours east of Fayetteville, AR. Nestled in the midst of the Ozark Mountains, the state park campground is located down river of the Bull Shoals dam that is responsible for forming the nearby Bull Shoals lake. The dam is a working hydroelectric power plant, and river levels vary based on the amount of flow that is allowed to pass through the electric turbine generators at the base of the dam.
About Bull Shoals White River State Park Campground
Technically speaking, the state park is it located along the shore of Bull Shoals lake, and extends down stream past the dam to where the campground can be found. The campground features 113 campsites, 63 of which are full-hookup, 30 are electric and water only, and 20 are considered primitive tent sites. They even offer 3 park-model RV’s for rent during your stay. As with most state parks, the sites are spacious with plenty of shade and green grass for dogs and kids play on and enjoy.
As mentioned earlier, the river levels vary during the day depending on the amount of flow that is allowed through the dam. Fortunately, the campground itself is on a bluff approximately 20 feet above the river virtually eliminating any worry about flooding. The park store located on the trout dock is equipped with everything you may need to try your hand at trout fishing during your stay. And river trout boat rentals are available and very reasonably priced ($100/4 hours or $130 / day) for those wishing to get out onto the water. Kayak rentals are available also ($20/4 hours or $25/ day), but due to the swift nature of the river, you are recommended to stay in the area near the marina or slightly upstream.
RV site costs vary based on the amount of hook ups (partial vs full) and range in price from $23/ night to $36/ night.
Amenities At Bull Shoals State Park
- Fishing
- Amphitheater
- Dump Station On Site
- Basketball Court
- Playground
- Marina / Trout Dock
- Boat / Kayak / Canoe Rentals
- Hiking Trails
- Mountain Bike Trail
Insider Tips
- Reservations are highly recommended. Due to the immensely popular trout fishing on White River, this state park tends to book up quickly during peak season.
- Offers several RV sites that back up to the bluff along the river and have river views.
- Due to their location on the riverside bluff (and the views that come with it), campsites 62 – 81 may be in the best location and therefore are the most desirable.
- Guided fishing trips are available through several outfitters located in the area.
- Check-in time is 3:00 PM / Check-out time is 3:00 PM
| Pros | Cons |
| Low cost for full hook-up sites | Somewhat remotely located |
| Lots of shade | Can be a bit “buggie” in the summer |
| River-front sites available | |
| World Class Trout Fishing |