Raised Platforms and Woodsmoke: Primitive Camping at Shady Grove Campsite 5

EUREKA SPRINGS LODGING FIELD GUIDE

Raised Platforms and Woodsmoke: Primitive Camping at Shady Grove Campsite 5

A primitive campsite on Lake Leatherwood with raised tent platforms, picnic tables and fire rings, nearby restrooms and a bathhouse—well suited to families and leashed pets.

Raised Platforms and Woodsmoke: Primitive Camping at Shady Grove Campsite 5.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Eureka Springs
Operator
Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation
Category
Lodging
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Shady Grove Campsite 5 (SG5) at Lake Leatherwood offers a back-to-basics camping experience: raised tent platforms, picnic tables and fire rings for cooking, with nearby accessible restrooms and a bathhouse to ease the logistics of a primitive stay. There are no electrical, water, or waste hookups at the site, but water spigots are available by the bathhouse and parking area, and pets are welcome on leash.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CAMPSITE

Raised platforms and campfire cooking

SG5 is built for tent camping on raised platforms and centers around a picnic table and fire ring with grill—a simple setup for evenings under the stars and meals cooked over wood or coals.

THE AMENITIES

Bathhouse and nearby restrooms

Though the sites are primitive and lack hookups, an accessible restroom facility and a bathhouse sit conveniently close by, and water spigots at the bathhouse and parking area let you refill containers when needed.

THE PRACTICALS

Family- and pet-friendly, with booking details to note

SG5 welcomes families and domestic pets on leash; check-in is at 3:00pm and check-out at 2:00pm. Longer stays require a phone call to the operator, and military guests can apply a discount with code 002 and proof of service at check-in.

What the day feels like

What the stay actually feels like

The stay is intentionally simple: arrive, set your tent on a raised platform, use the picnic table and fire ring for meals, and rely on the nearby bathhouse and restrooms for water and washing. With no on-site hookups, the rhythm is one of packing in what you need and enjoying the straightforward comforts laid out for campers and their leashed pets.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this site suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Active FamiliesA good match for families seeking straightforward tent camping with basic amenities nearby, including accessible restrooms and a bathhouse.
2
Pet OwnersSuitable for visitors bringing domestic pets, provided animals remain on leash while on site.
3
Minimalist/Back-to-Basics CampersBuilt for campers who prefer primitive sites—expect raised platforms, a picnic table and fire ring, and no utility hookups.
4
RV or Hookup-Dependent TravelersNot ideal: there are no electrical, water, or waste hookups at SG5, so travelers who require hookups should consider alternate sites.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Check-in

Check-in is at 3:00pm and check-out is at 2:00pm. For stays longer than seven nights call 479-253-7921 to arrange the reservation.

What to Bring

Bring your own water containers (no water hookup at the site; spigots are available by the bathhouse and parking area), tent and sleeping gear for a raised platform, camp cookware for the fire ring, and pet supplies if bringing a dog. There are no electrical, water, or waste hookups.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Are pets allowed at SG5?

Yes. Domestic pets are allowed but must be kept on-leash.

Are there electrical or water hookups at the campsite?

No. SG5 has no electrical, water, or waste hookups.

Is there water available on site?

There is no water at the individual site; water spigots are available by the bathhouse and parking area.

How long can I reserve a stay?

For any stays longer than seven nights you must call 479-253-7921 to arrange the reservation.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is at 3:00pm and check-out is at 2:00pm.

Is there a military discount?

Yes. Military members may apply a discount by entering code 002 when booking and must provide proof of service at check-in or the discount will be removed.