Openings · last 7 days
0
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-232714
When Sunlight Bay reopens
Sunlight Bay's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
7
Openings · last 90 days
7
Only 7 openings in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
02 · Availability Outlook · Sep 18, 2026 – Mar 19, 2027 · of 29 monitored sites
Of the 2,815 tracked site-dates (Sep 18, 2026 – Mar 19, 2027): 1,999 open for online reservation · 236 reserved · 94 on sites not offered for online reservation (first-come, first-served or administrative) · 397 closed · 89 unavailable (cause unspecified). Of the facility's 29 monitored sites, 28 can be reserved online and 1 are first-come, first-served.
Where the open windows are
29% of tracked site-dates are not currently open for online reservation. 1,999 of 2,815 remain open; here is where they are.
Load status
Sep 18, 2026 – Mar 19, 2027Not open online29%
Open site-dates1,999 / 2,815
Reserved (of online inventory)236 / 2,235
Weekday openings1,109
Weekend openings796
Of the open site-nights on mapped sites, 1,109 fall on weekdays and 796 on weekends (Fri–Sun). The split covers the 1,905 open site-nights on mapped sites; 1,999 site-dates are open across all monitored inventory.
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Mar 2027January shows no online availability. 0 of 31 tracked site-dates are open there — 31 unavailable.
Holiday windows
Sites open per night · of 28 sites| Window | Night | Sites open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open | |
| Thanksgiving | THU Nov 26 | 14 | Open |
| FRI Nov 27 | 15 | Open | |
| SAT Nov 28 | 16 | Open | |
| Christmas | THU Dec 24 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Dec 25 | 0 | None open | |
| New Year | THU Dec 31 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Jan 1 | 0 | None open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked night. Thanksgiving: 14 sites are available for the complete three-night stay. Christmas: no online availability on any tracked night. New Year: no online availability on any tracked night.
Holiday windows — day use
Units open per date · of 1 day-use unit| Window | Date | Units open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open | |
| Thanksgiving | THU Nov 26 | 1 | Open |
| FRI Nov 27 | 1 | Open | |
| SAT Nov 28 | 1 | Open | |
| Christmas | THU Dec 24 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Dec 25 | 0 | None open | |
| New Year | THU Dec 31 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Jan 1 | 0 | None open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked date. Thanksgiving: 1 day-use unit is available for all three dates. Christmas: no online availability on any tracked date. New Year: no online availability on any tracked date.
Best-availability sites
Most open site-nights · tracked window| Site | Open site-nights |
|---|---|
| 01 | 94 |
| 12 | 94 |
| 15 | 94 |
| 16 | 94 |
| 18 | 94 |
The 5 sites with the most open site-nights in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.
Availability by day-use unit
Most open reservation dates · tracked window| Unit | Open reservation dates |
|---|---|
| GS1 | 94 |
This day-use unit currently has 94 reservation dates available.
Next windows
As of Sep 18, 2026 snapshotNext open dateFri · Sep 18
Next open weekendFri · Sep 18
January0 of 31 · unavailable
The next bookable night is Sep 18; the first open weekend starts Sep 18. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Stays and site detail
1,905 open site-nights across 27 sites at Sunlight Bay, from the same hourly snapshot as everything above.
28 overnight sites and 1 day-use unit are represented in the current inventory. Day-use inventory is excluded from every night-based figure on this page — site-nights, longest runs, multi-night stays, holiday stays and RV fit; its reservation dates are listed separately below.
Multi-night stays. 80 2-night, 78 3-night, 71 7-night openings where a single site is free for every night, per Campsite Sniper's current snapshot — soonest Sep 18 at site 01.
RV length. Longest recorded site here is 72 ft. 28 sites take 25 ft, 22 sites take 35 ft, 19 sites take 40 ft.
All 27 sites with current availability
| Site | Max RV | Hookups | Open site-nights | Longest run | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 28 ft | Yes | 94 | 75 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +82 more |
| 12 | 40 ft | Yes | 94 | 75 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +82 more |
| 15 | 34 ft | Yes | 94 | 75 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +82 more |
| 16 | 41 ft | Yes | 94 | 75 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +82 more |
| 18 | 63 ft | Yes | 94 | 75 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +82 more |
| 19 | 45 ft | Yes | 94 | 75 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +82 more |
| 17 | 45 ft | Yes | 91 | 52 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +79 more |
| 07 | 33 ft | Yes | 89 | 44 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +77 more |
| 08 | 32 ft | Yes | 88 | 49 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +76 more |
| 09 | 38 ft | Yes | 81 | 23 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +69 more |
| 10 | 49 ft | Yes | 80 | 38 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +68 more |
| 06 | 28 ft | Yes | 78 | 35 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +66 more |
| 11 | 72 ft | Yes | 74 | 38 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 4, Oct 5 +62 more |
| 03 | 35 ft | Yes | 69 | 38 nights | Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2 +57 more |
| 02 | 48 ft | Yes | 68 | 31 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 3, Oct 4 +56 more |
| 20 | 45 ft | Yes | 63 | 44 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +51 more |
| 21 | 62 ft | Yes | 63 | 44 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +51 more |
| 22 | 48 ft | Yes | 63 | 44 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +51 more |
| 23 | 30 ft | Yes | 63 | 44 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +51 more |
| 24 | 37 ft | Yes | 63 | 44 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +51 more |
| 04 | 56 ft | Yes | 61 | 19 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +49 more |
| 23B | 50 ft | Yes | 61 | 22 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +49 more |
| 25 | 40 ft | Yes | 60 | 21 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +48 more |
| 26 | 45 ft | Yes | 54 | 20 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +42 more |
| 05 | 51 ft | Yes | 33 | 19 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Nov 27, Nov 28, Nov 29 +21 more |
| 28 | 50 ft | Yes | 20 | 19 nights | Dec 1, Mar 1, 2027, Mar 2, 2027, Mar 3, 2027, Mar 4, 2027, Mar 5, 2027, Mar 6, 2027, Mar 7, 2027, Mar 8, 2027, Mar 9, 2027, Mar 10, 2027, Mar 11, 2027 +8 more |
| 27 | 40 ft | Yes | 19 | 19 nights | Mar 1, 2027, Mar 2, 2027, Mar 3, 2027, Mar 4, 2027, Mar 5, 2027, Mar 6, 2027, Mar 7, 2027, Mar 8, 2027, Mar 9, 2027, Mar 10, 2027, Mar 11, 2027, Mar 12, 2027 +7 more |
Day-use inventory
94 available reservation dates across 1 day-use unit. Day-use inventory is reserved by the date, so it carries no stay length.
All 1 day-use unit with current availability
| Unit | Open reservation dates | Consecutive dates | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS1 | 94 | 75 dates | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 +82 more |
About Sunlight Bay
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.
29 monitored sites1 FCFS siteRVs up to 72 ft28 with hookups23 shadedPets OKFire pitsMax party 16
Getting there
From Plainview, Arkansas, take Highway 28 west for a quarter mile, then follow signs to the campground.
Sunlight Bay Campground, Plainview, AR 72857479-272-4234
BoatingCampingFishing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
03 · Field Photos · roll CS-232714 · facility + sites
Photo gallery
Roll CS-232714 · Sunlight Bay · Plainview AR12 frames · facility + sites
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Sunlight Bay?
Reservations for Sunlight Bay are made through Recreation.gov. The current snapshot shows substantial availability: 1,999 of 2,815 tracked site-dates are open (71%), though availability can change. Campsite Sniper has also detected 7 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site or unit on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this facility for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 16:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
How often do new openings appear at Sunlight Bay?
Campsite Sniper detected 7 site-date openings here over the last 90 days, none in the last 7. A free alert watches around the clock and pings you the moment one appears.
Can I get a multi-night stay at Sunlight Bay?
78 three-night openings are showing, counting only runs where the SAME site is free for all three nights. The soonest starts Sep 18 at site 01. Confirm and book on Recreation.gov.
Which sites at Sunlight Bay fit a 35-foot RV?
22 of the 28 sites that support RV analysis have a recorded maximum of 35 ft or more; the longest recorded is 72 ft.
Which month has the most availability at Sunlight Bay?
October 2026, with 633 open site-dates in the current snapshot of 899.
When is the next open date at Sunlight Bay?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Fri, Sep 18 and the next open weekend starts Fri, Sep 18. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
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Watch
We run paced availability checks for Sunlight Bay. One watch covers every matching online-reservable site.
Get the ping
When a match opens, you get a push with a Recreation.gov link so you can review and book it yourself.
Alerts monitor online-reservable inventory only; first-come, first-served sites are not included.