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Sunlight Bay Campground in Arkansas
Moderate to Book

Sunlight Bay Campground

Nimrod Lake, Arkansas

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As of October 2026, Sunlight Bay Campground is a campground in Arkansas with 28 campsites. Sunlight Bay Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Sunlight Bay Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Sunlight Bay Campground is located at 34.9547° N, 93.3039° W.
people allowed on 23 of 28 sites
8
people allowed on the largest site
50

Sunlight Bay Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 1 (20 sites)Oct 2 (18 sites)

20 sites open on Oct 1 at Sunlight Bay Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 10:35 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

  • Maximum stay: 42 nights
  • Military discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Sunlight Bay Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Sunlight Bay Campground

  • Standard 27
  • Group 1
  • Hookups 27

What an RV fits

  • 20–24 ft1 site
  • 25–29 ft2 sites
  • 30–34 ft3 sites
  • 35–39 ft5 sites
  • 40–44 ft5 sites
  • 45–49 ft8 sites
  • 50–54 ft2 sites
  • 70–74 ft1 site

Amenities

  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, wildlife, photography, water sports.

All sites at Sunlight Bay Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the SBAY loop.

SiteTypeSleepsMax RVHookups
01Standard823 ftElectric, Water
02Standard840 ftElectric, Water
03Standard835 ftElectric, Water
04Standard840 ftElectric, Water
05Standard844 ftElectric, Water
06Standard828 ftElectric, Water
07Standard833 ftElectric, Water
08Standard832 ftElectric, Water
09Standard838 ftElectric, Water
10Standard846 ftElectric, Water
11Standard872 ftElectric, Water
12Standard836 ftElectric, Water
15Standard825 ftElectric, Water
16Standard835 ftElectric, Water
SiteTypeSleepsMax RVHookups
17Standard845 ftElectric, Water
18Standard845 ftElectric, Water
19Standard845 ftElectric, Water
20Standard845 ftElectric, Water
21Standard848 ftElectric, Water
22Standard1648 ftElectric, Water
23Standard830 ftElectric, Water
23BStandard850 ftElectric, Water
24Standard837 ftElectric, Water
25Standard1640 ftElectric, Water
26Standard1645 ftElectric, Water
27Standard1640 ftElectric, Water
28Standard850 ftElectric, Water
GS1Group50--

About Sunlight Bay Campground

Overview

Sunlight Bay Campground sits along the shores of Nimrod Lake just off of the Fourche Lafave river on Wilson Slough. Nimrod Lake is cradled between Arkansas' Ouachita and Ozark Mountains.

Recreation

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the lake, with an abundance of catfish, bluegill, bass and crappie available.

Boating, water skiing and tubing are also popular, with 11 boat ramps conveniently located around the lake, however, skiing and tubing are only allowed from the tip of Carden Point eastward toward the dam because areas west of there are too hazardous.

Campers are likely to spot white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrel, rabbit, fox, mink, black bear, dove and waterfowl in the area. Seasonal hunting is also permitted throughout the lake, except in or near recreation areas.

Facilities

With 29 spacious and modern campsites and one large day use group picnic shelter, Sunlight Bay Campground has plenty of room for the family. Two boat ramps and playground are also provided.

Natural Features

Nimrod Dam was completed in 1942 as part of a comprehensive plan for flood control and development of water resources in the Fourche LaFave River. Although recreation was not part of the initial mission of the dam project, the lake and surrounding 21,000 acres of pristine land have now become a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nearby Attractions

Nimrod Lake is conveniently located adjacent to State Highway 7, a National Scenic Byway and other nearby points of interest like Petit Jean State Park, Mount Nebo State Park and Hot Springs National Park.

Rules and notices at Sunlight Bay Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Sunlight Bay Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Check-in time: 3:00 p.m.

Check-out time: 1:00 p.m.

Park attendants are on duty from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. & 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Two tents or one RV and one tent per campsite

Off-road vehicles not permitted. Highway legal transportation only.

Group Shelters are Day Use Only. Camping is not allowed at group shelters.

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Sunlight Bay Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Sunlight Bay Campground?

Sunlight Bay Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 28 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Sunlight Bay Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Sunlight Bay Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Sunlight Bay Campground have?

Sunlight Bay Campground has 28 campsites.

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