Sunlight Bay

Campground · Arkansas · 29 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Nimrod Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access

29
Bookable sites
72 ft
Max rig length
up to 50
People per site
362 ft
Elevation
SUNLIGHT BAY GATEHOUSE
Photo: Nimrod Lake · Recreation.gov

Overview

Sunlight Bay Campground sits along the shores of Nimrod Lake just off of the Fourche Lafave river on Wilson Slough. Nimrod Lake is cradled between Arkansas' Ouachita and Ozark Mountains.

Recreation

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the lake, with an abundance of catfish, bluegill, bass and crappie available. Boating, water skiing and tubing are also popular, with 11 boat ramps conveniently located around the lake, however, skiing and tubing are only allowed from the tip of Carden Point eastward toward the dam because areas west of there are too hazardous. Campers are likely to spot white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrel, rabbit, fox, mink, black bear, dove and waterfowl in the area. Seasonal hunting is also permitted throughout the lake, except in or near recreation areas.

Facilities

With 29 spacious and modern campsites and one large day use group picnic shelter, Sunlight Bay Campground has plenty of room for the family. Two boat ramps and playground are also provided.

Natural Features

Nimrod Dam was completed in 1942 as part of a comprehensive plan for flood control and development of water resources in the Fourche LaFave River. Although recreation was not part of the initial mission of the dam project, the lake and surrounding 21,000 acres of pristine land have now become a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nearby Attractions

Nimrod Lake is conveniently located adjacent to State Highway 7, a National Scenic Byway and other nearby points of interest like Petit Jean State Park, Mount Nebo State Park and Hot Springs National Park.

The facts

  • 29 bookable sites
  • 30 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • 1 site for day use only
  • Vehicles up to 72 ft
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: SBAY

Site types

  • 28 Standard Electric
  • 1 Group Shelter Electric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

30 campsites at Sunlight Bay

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
01SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved28 ft8 🐾
02SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved48 ft8 🐾
03SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
04SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved56 ft8 🐾
05SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved51 ft8 🐾
06SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved28 ft8 🐾
07SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved33 ft8 🐾
08SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved32 ft8 🐾
09SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved38 ft8 🐾
10SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved49 ft8 🐾
11SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved72 ft8 🐾
12SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved40 ft8 🐾
13SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved47 ft8 🐾
14SBAYManagementBack InPaved60 ft8 🐾
15SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved34 ft8 🐾
16SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved41 ft8 🐾
17SBAYStandard ElectricPull ThroughPaved45 ft8 🐾
18SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved63 ft8 🐾
19SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
20SBAYStandard ElectricPull ThroughPaved45 ft8
21SBAYStandard ElectricPull ThroughPaved62 ft8 🐾
22SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved48 ft16 🐾
23SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved30 ft8 🐾
23BSBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved50 ft8 🐾
24SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved37 ft8 🐾
25SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved40 ft16 🐾
26SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft16 🐾
27SBAYStandard ElectricBack InPaved40 ft16 🐾
28SBAYStandard ElectricBack InGravel50 ft8 🐾
GS1SBAYGroup Shelter Electric—Paved—50

Getting there

From Plainview, Arkansas, take Highway 28 west for a quarter mile, then follow signs to the campground.

34.95472, -93.30389 · 34°57'17.0"N 93°18'14.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.63.65.05.25.94.23.73.54.24.25.14.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

SUNLIGHT BAY PLAYGROUND
Photo: Nimrod Lake · Recreation.gov
SUNLIGHT BAY ENTRANCE
Photo: Nimrod Lake · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Common questions about Sunlight Bay

Can you reserve a site at Sunlight Bay?
Yes, Sunlight Bay is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Sunlight Bay have?
30 sites in total, of which 29 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Sunlight Bay?
72 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Sunlight Bay?
Yes, pets are allowed at Sunlight Bay.
Does Sunlight Bay have hookups?
Electric, Water.
Are campfires allowed at Sunlight Bay?
Campfires are allowed at Sunlight Bay. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Sunlight Bay

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.