Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Buck Creek Park - Bull Shoals Lake stands out for several appealing features that contribute to its positive reputation:
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:
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.
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.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV electric hookup
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Swings
Tent sites
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
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.
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.
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.
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
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!!!!