Prairie Creek Park is the closest and most popular Beaver Lake recreation area to Rogers — a full-service Corps of Engineers park with a swim beach, a big boat ramp, a lakeside campground, and a full marina. If you want to get on Beaver Lake for the day or camp by the water, Prairie Creek is the easiest place to start.
About Prairie Creek
Just a few miles east of Rogers, Prairie Creek is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area on Beaver Lake — the region’s marquee lake. It packs a swim beach, camping, boating, and a marina into one convenient spot, making it a go-to for families, anglers, and boaters. For the full picture of the lake, see our Beaver Lake guide.
Things to Do
- Swim at the designated swim beach (at your own risk; no lifeguards).
- Launch a boat from the five-lane boat ramp.
- Rent a boat at Prairie Creek Marina — pontoons, deck boats, and wave runners, plus 750+ slips, a fuel dock, ship store, and a floating restaurant.
- Fish for Beaver Lake’s bass, crappie, and catfish (Arkansas license required for anglers 16+).
- Play at the sand volleyball court and playground.
Camping at Prairie Creek
The Prairie Creek campground offers lakeside and wooded sites with restrooms (flush and vault), showers, and a dump station, plus easy access to the boat ramp and beach. Sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov — book early for summer weekends. For more camping ideas across the region, see our sister site Make Camping Fun.
Good to Know
- Cost: Day-use and camping fees apply (standard Corps of Engineers rates).
- Location: East of Rogers off Hwy 12 / Prairie Creek Drive, then North Park Road.
- Best season: May–September for swimming and boating.
- Great for: Families, boaters, anglers, and lakeside campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Prairie Creek?
Yes — there’s a designated swim beach on Beaver Lake (swim at your own risk; no lifeguards).
Is there a marina at Prairie Creek?
Yes. Prairie Creek Marina offers boat rentals (pontoons, deck boats, wave runners), 750+ slips, fuel, a ship store, and a floating restaurant.
Can you camp at Prairie Creek?
Yes — the Corps of Engineers campground has lakeside and wooded sites with showers and a dump station. Reserve through Recreation.gov.
Location & Directions
- Location: Prairie Creek Recreation Area, off Hwy 12 east of Rogers, AR 72756
- Managed by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Reservations: Recreation.gov
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