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John F. Kennedy Park is located on the Little Red River just downstream of Greers Ferry Dam in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas.
In his last major appearance before his death, President John F. Kennedy stood on a flag-draped platform overlooking the just-completed Greers Ferry Dam and spoke of the prosperity the lake would bring to the region.
Today, a million visitors flock yearly to the scenic waters for family camping, fishing, boating and hiking.
Greers Ferry Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts' dream, with boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing opportunities. Hikers enjoy the area's three National Nature Trails and one multi-purpose, fitness trail.
The William Carl Garner Visitor Center is just west of the dam, with exhibits, a children's touch table, and a replica of the world record 40 lb. 4 oz. brown trout caught in the Little Red River downstream of the center.
This campground offers 68 sites with electrical hookups, 44 of which also have water hookups. Additional amenities include flush toilets, showers, a dump station, picnic shelter and a boat ramp.
A dense mix of red cedar, black gum, red oak, elm, pecan and sweet gum trees forest the area, providing shade in the summer months and beautiful fall colors in autumn.
Wildlife is plentiful around Greers Ferry Lake. Visitors commonly see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels and a wide variety of birds.
For local information, please call (501) 250-0481 or call (501) 362-2416 for general information.
With over 30,000 acres of water surface, the lake serves as a playground for all kinds of water sports. Eighteen parks around the shoreline provide modern campgrounds, boat ramps, swim areas and marinas.
The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, in Heber Springs, located below the dam, offers free tours. Built in 1965, the hatchery produces about one million rainbow trout a year for restocking the Little Red and other Arkansas streams.
From Heber Springs, AR, take SR-25 north 4 miles, cross the dam, and turn right on the second road.
Camping at JFK is great. You'll be next to the Little Red River, minutes from Greer's Ferry Lake, and minutes from the businesses of Heber Springs. You can get the full camping experience without leaving the park. Or you can eat dinner at a restaurant, shop at Walmart, stock up on bait and tackle in various locations, and never be far from camp.
The trout fishing in the Little Red is world class. If you like fishing at all, this is a "must do". You can rent a boat, hire a guide, or do as I do and put in a kayak at the boat ramp in the park.
And that's the real secret. Two paragraphs down so you had to actually "read more" to see it.
Kayak this river!
Fish, don't fish....but put a kayak in this river and experience the beauty of this place. When the dam is not generating, water levels are low and slow...float peacefully to one of several places to easily take the kayak out. When the dam is generating, the water is high with good flow. Avoid the docks (I know that seems obvious, but it HAS to be said) and let the river take you.
I camp here often, several times a year.
I grew up camping here with my family and grandparents. Now we bring our own kids here every year. It is an amazing place to come and enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, and relaxation. We love to see God’s Creation everywhere you go here. So peaceful.
Located next to the Little Red River at the base of the JFK Memorial Dam, this park is a place for those seeking a quiet getaway in nature! Our family stays here multiple times a year and we love it! The campsite offers clean camping areas (RV & tent friendly), very clean restroom and shower facilities, and a wonderful view of nature! I would advise getting a site closer to the river during the hot summer months because the Little Red River keeps the valley nice and cool, especially when they are generating electricity at the dam! There is an on-site hatchery available to the public where you can see various sizes of trout and learn about how they are raised from fertilization to release in the river. Great family-friendly and relaxing place to stay during the dog days of summer!
Great campsite near river with 30/50 Amp with water hookups. We stayed here for a week and had a great time.
Update: October 2023
Can't wait to return again next year. One of our favorite spots now. People are all very friendly and many are regulars we see each time now.
Amazing campground, stayed in the D camp area, very wooded, with lots of wildlife, very quiet. Nice paved drive, concrete picnic tables, and the showers are amazing.
Trout fishing on the little red river is insanely good. Even a nice boat ramp to launch my kayak.
I stayed 5 nights in a tent. With electricity, flush toilets and showers 200 feet away, far from roughing it.
