Horseshoe Bend Overlook
Kayaker at Horseshoe Bend
Dierks Lake Spillway
Saline River
Hometown Throwdown Festival

Featured amenities

River Access River Access
Showers Showers

Available sites

12 total sites

About Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

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

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

River Access River Access
Showers Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

12 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ Site 1 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 10 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 11 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 12 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 2 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 3 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 4 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 5 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 6 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 7 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 8 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Site 9 Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade

Reviews (39)

What Guests Are Saying

Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) offers a peaceful and well-maintained campground with excellent hookups, clean sites, and friendly hosts who actively maintain the area. The beautiful lakeside location and serene atmosphere make it a great place to relax. However, the bathhouse is old and in need of renovation, which detracted from the overall experience for some visitors.

Review Summary

4.5
39 reviews
5
69.2%
27
4
17.9%
7
3
7.7%
3
2
5.1%
2
1
0.0%
0

Karl R

Verified

September 14, 2020 • Stayed at: Site 6

5

The campsite was well kept and we didn’t have to worry about anything. The river running by the site was neat and calming! It’s a great area for getting away and enjoying the outdoors.

Michael L

Verified

October 29, 2020 • Stayed at: Site 10

4

Bathrooms need updating

Doug H

Verified

November 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Site 7

5

Very nice area; only 10 campsites most of which have a view of the small river (Saline River). Lots of area to walk our dog. Clean restrooms/shower. Camp host very helpful and friendly.

Reid A

Verified

December 3, 2020 • Stayed at: Site 7

4

As always the park we enjoy! We stay as a group which provides a good friendly, family environment. The spots are close enough so everyone can enjoy each other but also far enough to spend quality family time. My only wish would be for better phone reception without having to go up to the Vista. My last trip we had issues with the hostess, the issues were minor, but they were pretty rude in their ability to confront the issues.

MELBA H

Verified

April 5, 2021 • Stayed at: Site 8

5

very nice campground. clean restrooms

Danny S

Verified

April 21, 2021 • Stayed at: Site 1

5

We love the campground and will definitely be returning.

Gary H

Verified

May 28, 2021 • Stayed at: Site 10

5

12 sites, one picnic shelter, in the campground but other picnic area overlooking the Saline River. Sites are large, with space, shady, 50 amp, good water pressure, a dump station and all but two sites along the river. Restrooms were cleaned regularly, only one shower in both men's and women's and both are handicapped accessible. River was flowing slowly due to so much rain downstream they were not letting much out of Dierks Lake which was 20 ft high. Great camp ground with picnic tables, fire pit, and grill at each site. The city of Dierks is about 6 mi away with a Dollar General and gas stations. DeQueen is about 22 mi away. Not a lot to do here. Some people were fishing below the dam and in the river but were not catching many fish. Wildlife viewing is good. No cell phone service unless you drive up to the overlook. Although we could get occasional text messages, just could not use telephone and no wifi.

Leslie D

Verified

June 17, 2021 • Stayed at: Site 2

5

Nice quiet campground on the river. We love camping here. It's become one of our go to spots and we hope to continue camping here.

Claudia B

Verified

September 13, 2021 • Stayed at: Site 10

5

This place is just the perfect getaway! With a limited number of lots available, there is never a crowd. The location is gorgeous. The Camp Hosts are fabulously friendly and know about the area's history. All the amenities that one would need to camp in style. We will make this place a regular stop for us each year.

Juan V

Verified

September 13, 2021 • Stayed at: Site 7

5

Very nice, quiet and safe, campground!
We camp in tent
My family and I enjoyed
The only thing I didn’t like, is that doesn’t have a swimming area in place, bathrooms were ok so far,

Location & Directions for Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

246 Jefferson Ridge Road, Dierks, AR 71833 United States

Elevation: 210 ft

Getting There

<p>From Dierks, travel toward DeQueen on Hwy 70 for approximately 3 mi. At the brown U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sign, turn right on Dierks Lake road and travel approximately 5 mi. Horseshoe Bend Campground Road is the last road located on the le...

Nearest town

Dierks, AR - 6.4 mi

About 9 min to downtown

Highway access

Horseshoe Bend is accessible via US Highway 70, approximately 12 miles to the north, and Arkansas State Highway 27, which runs through the nearby locality of Dierks.

Policies & Rules

General

  • Dierks Lake Project Office: 870-286-2346 Arkansas Game and Fish: 501-223-6459 Howard County Sheriff’s Office: 870-845-2626 Sevier County Sheriff’s Office: 870-642-2125

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 20, 2026

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Explore Dierks, AR

Population: 728

Nearby larger city

Fort Smith, AR

Approx. 88 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 440 ft

US Army Corps of Engineers Logo
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers