Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)
Campground · Arkansas · 13 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
Dierks Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access
- 13
- Bookable sites
- 45 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 150
- People per site
- 681 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Horseshoe Bend Park, located along the Saline River just south of Dierks Dam, is home to a paddlers dream course. This aquatic whitewater park, built along three quarters of a mile of pristine river funneled over native river stone, offers four or more challenging drops. The course is designed with paddlers in mind and is an excellent training location. The water park was home to the Olympic trials in the late 90’s and is dependent on spillway releases from Dierks Lake dam. When water conditions are right the course simulates Class II to Class IV rapids, all within a safe location that is easily accessible for paddlers to practice new techniques. For those looking to stay and play a while, 12 class A campsites are available along the riverfront
Recreation
Camping
Day use
Playground
Shelter
Paddling
Facilities
12 Campsites (Overnight)
1 Pavillion (Day Use)
2 Restrooms 1 Shower Facility
Playground
Natural Features
Dierks Lake is in the Ouachitas region of Arkansas and sits on the Saline River. Horseshoe bend sets at the base of a 300 foot verticle cliff offering scenic views along the steep wooded areas
Nearby Attractions
A day trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, just 30 miles from the park, is a popular activity. The diamond mine is the only one of its kind in the country, where visitors get to keep any diamonds and semi-precious stones they unearth, regardless of value.
Hot Springs National Park known for its naturally headed springs ust an hours drive away offers a multiple bathouses, resturants, and activies.
Choctaw nation located just an hour away at Brokenbow offers world class gaming casino as well a variet of natural features and resturants
The facts
- 13 bookable sites
- 1 site for day use only
- Vehicles up to 45 ft
- Up to 150 people per site
Site types
- 12 Standard Electric
- 1 Group Shelter Electric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, grills, pets allowed.
13 campsites at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Pavilion- Day Use | — | Group Shelter Electric | — | — | Riverfront | — | 150 | |
| Site 1 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 10 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 11 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 12 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 2 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 3 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 4 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 5 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 6 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 7 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 8 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 | |
| Site 9 | — | Standard Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 45 ft | 10 |
Getting there
From Dierks, travel toward DeQueen on Hwy 70 for approximately 3 miles. At the brown U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sign, turn right on Dierks Lake road and travel approximately 5 miles. Horseshoe Bend Campground Road is the last road located on the left, before crossing Dierks Lake Dam.
34.14764, -94.08765 · 34°8'51.5"N 94°5'15.5"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 4.0 | 3.9 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 5.4 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 5.0 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)
- Can you reserve a site at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?
- Yes, Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) have?
- 13 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?
- 45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Does Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) have hookups?
- Electric, Water.
- Are campfires allowed at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)?
- Campfires are allowed at Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)
- Jefferson Ridge 2.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Blue Ridge Park 3.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cossatot Reefs 9.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Big Coon Creek 10.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Little Coon Creek Park 11 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Star of The West 15.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Arrowhead Point 17.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Oak Grove (AR) 17.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Big Coon Day Use Pass 10.4 mi · Activity pass
- Shady Lake 15.3 mi · Campground
- Bard Springs Recreation Area 17.4 mi · Campground
- Oak Grove Day Use 17.9 mi · Activity pass
Contact
- Phone 870-286-3214
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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