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Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · AR

Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area

Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities centered around the scenic Greers Ferry Lake, with rich wildlife habitats and abundant fishing, hiking, and camping experiences.

Wildlife Management Area7,2004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

7,200

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area

Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities centered around the scenic Greers Ferry Lake, with rich wildlife habitats and abundant fishing, hiking, and camping experiences.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area is located in north-central Arkansas, surrounding the 40,500-acre Greers Ferry Lake, which is a reservoir formed by the Greers Ferry Dam on the Little Red River. The WMA spans several thousand acres of forested hills, wetlands, and shoreline, providing critical wildlife habitat and public access for outdoor enthusiasts. The area supports a mix of oak-hickory forests and cedar glades, with abundant species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and various species of small game and fish. Established primarily for wildlife management and conservation, the area also attracts anglers targeting largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish in the lake’s clear waters. Several boat ramps and fishing piers offer convenient lake access. Hiking and nature watching are popular here due to the mix of forest and aquatic environments, with trails providing birding opportunities and occasional wildlife sightings. The area’s history is tied closely to the construction of Greers Ferry Dam in the 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which created the reservoir now central to the region’s recreation and wildlife management activities. Visitors appreciate the quieter, less developed landscape compared to other nearby recreational lakes, offering peaceful camping spots and opportunities for paddle sports such as kayaking and canoeing. The WMA is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, which maintains public access for fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation, ensuring the area's natural resources remain protected and accessible.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Cascading Beauty: Bridal Veil Falls, Arkansas★ 8.7⌖ 6 miHiking
Bridal Veil Falls

Cascading Beauty: Bridal Veil Falls, Arkansas

Explore Bridal Veil Falls in Heber Springs, Arkansas, known for its easy access and natural beauty. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers, enjoy the tranquility and surrounding greenery. Visit in spring for the best water flow and enjoy nearby hiking and fishing.

The Enchanting Mirror Lake Waterfall★ 8.5⌖ 29 miHiking
Mirror Lake Waterfall

The Enchanting Mirror Lake Waterfall

Explore Mirror Lake Waterfall in Fifty-Six, Arkansas. This picturesque spot offers hiking and fishing, with beautiful views of waterfalls and wildlife in a peaceful setting. Best visited in spring and fall for optimal weather and scenery.

Exploring Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Arkansas★ 8.2⌖ 30 miCave Exploring
Blanchard Springs Caverns

Exploring Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Arkansas

Explore Blanchard Springs Caverns, 15 miles from Mountain View, Arkansas. With moderate difficulty, the caverns feature guided tours through unique cave formations. Popular for cave exploring year-round; best visited in spring or fall to avoid summer crowds.

Cave ExploringView Details→
Scenic Views at Calico Rock★ 7.8⌖ 39 miHiking
Calico Rock

Scenic Views at Calico Rock

Explore the scenic views of Calico Rock with its colorful bluffs and the White River. Known for hiking and trout fishing, this area offers history and nature combined. Best visited in spring and fall.

Cave Wonders at Indian Rockhouse★ 7.8⌖ 48 miHiking
Indian Rockhouse

Cave Wonders at Indian Rockhouse

Explore the fascinating 3-mile trail to Indian Rockhouse near Yellville, Arkansas. With moderate terrain and historical significance, this destination is ideal for hiking and wildlife watching, particularly in spring and fall. Bring a flashlight for cave exploration.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Greers Ferry Dam and Visitors Center with panoramic lake views✦ Shoreline wetlands offering prime waterfowl and wading bird habitats✦ Popular largemouth bass fishing spots along lake coves✦ Remote hiking trails connecting forested ridges and lake vistas
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits required for day use; fishing and hunting require appropriate Arkansas state licenses.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Wildcat Campground

Located on the northern shore of Greers Ferry Lake, offering electric hookups, restrooms, and direct lake access.

South Shore Campground

Rustic camping along the quieter southern shore with hiking trails nearby and limited facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Heber Springs
⌖ 4.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Heber Springs, Arkansas

A friendly small town surrounded by lakes and hills, offering a balanced mix of water and land outdoor activities perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Romance
⌖ 21.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Romance, Arkansas

A quiet rural retreat offering gentle outdoor pursuits amidst Arkansas’s lush farmland and forested tracts, perfect for low-key paddling, biking, and wildlife watching.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Mountain View
⌖ 22.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mountain View, Arkansas

A charming small town known for its vibrant folk music scene and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Batesville
⌖ 25.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Batesville, Arkansas

A charming small town offering easy access to river paddling, scenic hiking, and nearby state parks with a friendly, laid-back outdoor atmosphere.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Fifty-Six
⌖ 29.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fifty-Six, Arkansas

A quaint town with access to the natural beauty and adventure opportunities of the Ozark National Forest.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Windsor
⌖ 30.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Windsor, Arkansas

A quiet rural town offering access to forested trails, rivers, and outdoor activities ideal for nature lovers seeking serene adventures in southeastern Arkansas.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Greers Ferry Lake Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Primitive Camping at Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park in Kingston, ArkansasKingston, Arkansas · 48.58 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch and Adventure Park

Primitive Camping at Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park in Kingston, Arkansas

Discover primitive camping at Moonstruck Pond B with Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch in Kingston, Arkansas. Relax amidst shaded trees, a tranquil pond, and expansive grounds—perfect for RVers and tents alike. Read on to learn why this peaceful retreat stands out.

N/A

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Upstairs Cabin | Lodging in Boles | Boles, Arkansas · 50.45 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Fourche Mountain Adventures Campground

Upstairs Cabin | Lodging in Boles |

Discover a restful yet adventurous stay at Fourche Mountain Adventures Campground's Upstairs Cabin, seamlessly blending comfort with Arkansas’s scenic wilderness. It’s the perfect spot to unwind while exploring nature’s hidden gems.

Weekend or extended stay

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Canoe & Cabin Retreat at Cranor's White River Lodge in CotterCotter, Arkansas · 52.73 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Cranor's White River Lodge

Canoe & Cabin Retreat at Cranor's White River Lodge in Cotter

Discover the perfect riverfront retreat in Cotter, Arkansas, with Cranor's White River Lodge. Stay in a cozy cabin with stunning views and enjoy easy access to world-class fishing and water activities. Unwind on your private patio and soak in the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Flexible, from short day trips to full-day outings

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.