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 60 miles.

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, Arkansas
⌖ 4.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Heber Springs, Arkansas

Heber Springs offers outdoor lovers a year-round escape with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling around Greers Ferry Lake. This peaceful Ozark town blends water and land adventures with friendly small-town charm.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Romance, Arkansas
⌖ 21.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Romance, Arkansas

Romance, Arkansas offers a tranquil outdoor experience with hiking, fishing, paddling, and bird watching amid serene lakes and forests. Ideal for travelers seeking rustic charm and quiet adventures off the usual tourist trails.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Mountain View, Arkansas
⌖ 22.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mountain View, Arkansas

Mountain View, Arkansas, offers a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural charm. From hiking the Ozarks to exploring Blanchard Springs Caverns, it's a haven for nature and music lovers.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Batesville, Arkansas
⌖ 25.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Batesville, Arkansas

Batesville is a relaxed Arkansas town where paddling the White River meets scenic hikes through rolling hills and woodlands. Ideal for anglers, campers, and nature lovers seeking less crowded outdoors experiences.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Fifty-Six, Arkansas
⌖ 29.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fifty-Six, Arkansas

Fifty-Six, AR, offers a peaceful retreat into nature with thrilling cave explorations, hiking, and scenic drives. Perfect for adventurers seeking tranquility in the Ozarks.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Windsor, Arkansas
⌖ 30.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Windsor, Arkansas

Windsor is a quiet Arkansas town ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching in peaceful forest and river settings. It’s a great base for exploring the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge and other natural gems.

Spring through Fall
Explore 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.