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Buck Creek Park - Bull Shoals Lake Introduce

For Arkansans dreaming of a peaceful lakeside getaway, Buck Creek Park on Bull Shoals Lake offers an inviting destination. Situated in a quiet corner near Peel, Arkansas, this park provides a serene environment for campers, whether you prefer the simplicity of tent camping or the convenience of an RV. With its focus on cleanliness, friendly service, and direct access to the expansive Bull Shoals Lake, Buck Creek Park is a compelling choice for a local escape into nature.

Introduction / Overview

Buck Creek Park - Bull Shoals Lake is a well-regarded campground known for its tranquil atmosphere and direct proximity to one of Arkansas's most beloved lakes. It’s a place where the sounds of nature replace the hustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to truly unwind. The park prides itself on its clean facilities and attentive staff, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests. Whether you're a seasoned angler, a family looking for a safe swimming spot, or simply someone seeking a quiet retreat by the water, Buck Creek Park aims to cater to a variety of outdoor interests. Reviewers consistently highlight the park's peaceful ambiance and the dedication of its staff, often leading to repeat visits. Its location on Bull Shoals Lake, a vast body of water spanning both Arkansas and Missouri, offers endless possibilities for water-based recreation.

Location and Accessibility

Buck Creek Park - Bull Shoals Lake is located at an unnamed road near Peel, AR 72668, USA. Peel is a small community in Marion County, Arkansas, situated directly on the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. This puts the campground in a prime position for lake access and enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains.

Accessibility to Buck Creek Park is a unique part of the adventure for many, as it is conveniently located near the Peel Ferry. The Peel Ferry is the last remaining state-operated ferry in Arkansas, connecting Highway 125 from Arkansas to Missouri across a section of Bull Shoals Lake. For those traveling from areas accessible via Highway 125, the ferry ride itself becomes a charming and memorable part of the journey to the campground. For other travelers, conventional road access leads directly to the park. The rural setting means that road traffic noises are essentially non-existent, contributing significantly to the quiet atmosphere praised by visitors. While off the main highway, the drive through the scenic Arkansas landscape to Peel is part of the experience, offering glimpses of the region's natural splendor. This combination of seclusion with a unique transportation link makes Buck Creek Park both accessible and an appealing destination for Arkansans seeking a distinct camping experience.

Services Offered

Buck Creek Park - Bull Shoals Lake is equipped with a variety of services designed to enhance the camping experience for both tent and RV users. Based on public information and customer feedback, the park provides:

  • Campsites: The campground features 38 campsites, with nearly all offering 30 and 50 amp electric hookups, suitable for both RVs and tents. There are also shaded and partially shaded sites available.
  • Restroom Facilities: Clean and well-maintained restrooms are provided, with cleaners attending to them at least once a day. Each restroom includes a shower.
  • Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.
  • Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RV users, making it convenient to manage waste.
  • Boat Launch Ramp: Direct access to Bull Shoals Lake is provided via a boat launch ramp, allowing campers to easily put their boats on the water.
  • Swimming Area: The park includes a designated swim area on the lake, perfect for cooling off on warm Arkansas days.
  • Playground: For families with children, a playground is available, offering a safe and fun area for kids to play.
  • Picnic Shelters: Several picnic shelters are scattered throughout the park, ideal for group gatherings or family meals.
  • On-site Marina and Store: There's a marina with a "most awesome little store and staff," offering convenience items, perhaps bait and tackle, and potentially boat rentals. This adds a valuable layer of service for lake users.

Features / Highlights

Buck Creek Park - Bull Shoals Lake stands out for several appealing features that contribute to its positive reputation:

  • Direct Lake Access and Activities: Its prime location directly on Bull Shoals Lake is a significant highlight. This allows for a wide range of water sports including fishing, swimming in designated areas, boating, jet skiing, and water skiing. The lake is renowned for its fishing, particularly for bass, crappie, and catfish, with friendly staff even directing visitors to "perfect fishing spot."
  • Quiet and Peaceful Environment: Campers consistently praise the park for being "quiet" and having "essentially no road traffic noises." This tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding away from urban distractions.
  • Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The daily attendance of cleaners to restrooms and the overall cleanliness of the park are frequently mentioned in positive reviews, indicating a high standard of upkeep for a natural setting. The presence of showers within the restrooms is also a major convenience.
  • Friendly and Helpful Staff: The "awesome" staff at the marina and park are noted for their helpfulness and positive attitude, contributing to a welcoming and supportive environment for visitors.
  • Variety of Camping Options: With 38 campsites that include electric hookups, the park can accommodate both tent campers and RVs, offering flexibility for different camping styles. Shaded sites provide comfort during warmer months.
  • Scenic Beauty of Bull Shoals Lake: The "nice quiet little spot on the lake" provides beautiful views of the expansive Bull Shoals Lake, which is fed by the White River and surrounded by lush hardwoods and cedar. This natural setting enhances the overall camping experience.
  • Proximity to Peel Ferry: The unique accessibility via the historic Peel Ferry adds an adventurous and memorable element to the journey to the campground, offering a charming experience for visitors.

Contact Information

To get more information about Buck Creek Park - Bull Shoals Lake, inquire about reservations, or check current conditions, you can use the following contact details:

  • Address: Unnamed Road, Peel, AR 72668, USA
  • Phone: (417) 785-4313
  • Mobile Phone: +1 417-785-4313

While the address is listed in Arkansas, it's worth noting that the contact phone number begins with a Missouri area code, reflecting the cross-state nature of Bull Shoals Lake. It is always a good idea to call ahead, especially if you have specific questions about site availability, amenities, or local conditions, to ensure the best possible experience during your visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Arkansans, Buck Creek Park - Bull Shoals Lake offers an excellent local option for a refreshing and authentic outdoor experience. Its suitability for residents stems from its perfect blend of convenience, natural beauty, and well-maintained facilities, all within a reasonable drive for many across the state.

As locals, we appreciate destinations that provide a true escape without the need for extensive travel, and Buck Creek Park delivers this with its serene lakeside setting. The opportunity to camp right by Bull Shoals Lake means immediate access to a wealth of water activities, from leisurely swims in designated areas to challenging fishing excursions. For Arkansas families, the combination of clean restrooms with showers, a playground, and a safe swimming area makes it a comfortable and practical choice for creating lasting memories.

Furthermore, the quiet atmosphere, essentially devoid of road noise, allows for a truly restful experience, which is a significant draw for those looking to disconnect from the daily grind. The friendly and helpful staff, particularly at the marina's "awesome little store," contribute to a welcoming environment that makes visitors feel at home. For those residing in North Central Arkansas or willing to travel for a quality lakeside experience, Buck Creek Park stands out as a reliable and enjoyable campground. The unique experience of taking the Peel Ferry to get there, combined with the assurance of clean facilities and a peaceful environment, makes it a top recommendation for Arkansans seeking their next outdoor adventure or just a tranquil weekend by the water.

Location

ArkansasMarion CountyPeelUnnamed Road

Customer Reviews

4.0
20 reviews
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Hydisia Bird
Jun 27, 2023

My 3 night tent camping was excellent! The park is clean, and cleaners attended to the restrooms at least once a day. Each restroom has a shower. There's a marina with the most awesome little store and staff. The young man directed us to a perfect fishing spot. Oh, and essentially no road traffic noises. I'm looking forward to my next visit.

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Carl Schober
Jul 05, 2024

Nice quiet little spot on the lake. We set up and do our open water check out dives here. Not alot of boat traffic and decent visibility most of the time.

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Mandelle
Jun 22, 2025

Updated: 6/20/25 This is no complaints upon the park nor it's host as they r amazing and the park is amazing. We r locals that come every summer and enjoy swimming and my kids play at the park. Every time we come we get harassed by a ranger! No matter what they stop n talk to us every time! This last encounter is beyond ignorable! She slammed on her brakes to block my vehicle from moving. Her adrenaline was definitely pumping. She also took a photo with her personal phone of my ID and my truck! The park ranger Elizabeth Anderson was aggressive with me and told me we aren't allowed to use the showers because we aren't a paying camper. When we come we never take all the showers we aren't rude we don't have load music and we clean up after ourselves and others all the time! So now my family isn't allowed to come there anymore because we took showers and someone said we were hogging them. We use two at a time (There are only 4atm bc of the flooding) She saw my son with a towel and started yelling at us about the showers r for paying campers only! There is no rule posted anywhere about this. And the Campground says no payment required. Maybe this will get to someone who can help me with this. The ranger was appalled that we used the showers at all..... 5/25/23 Great place to swim and play at the park.

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virgil fisher
Jun 03, 2025

Best kept secret here. So much better than most places that I've been. 100% better than lake of the Ozarks for fishing and family outings

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Doug MATHIS
Mar 28, 2022

We had such a great experience at the marina! Darren is the man to talk to for any of your boating supplies or knowledge about the lake! So give him a shout if you're in the area! You will not be dissatisfied!! They have pontoon boats for rent, And a nice place to clean ypu catch of the day!!!!