4th of July Daisy Bicycle Parade

Daisy State Park on the shores of Lake Greeson in Kirby, Arkansas is the kind of place that rewards travelers who are willing to drive an extra hour into the Ouachita Mountains for something smaller and more personal than a city celebration. The annual Fourth of July bicycle parade winds through the park campground at 103 East Park Road, decorated wheels moving along wooded paths near the lake with a simple, unhurried energy that suits the park’s character well. Times vary year to year, so checking with park staff in advance is advised, but the event consistently draws the campground community together for a morning of holiday spirit before the afternoon opens up for lake time. Admission is free.

Lake Greeson and the Park

Lake Greeson is a 7,000-acre reservoir on the Little Missouri River, created by Narrows Dam in 1950 and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The lake is known for its clear water, steep wooded banks, and strong fishing for striped bass, crappie, and catfish, and it draws a dedicated regional following that keeps its shorelines relatively uncrowded compared to larger Arkansas lakes. Daisy State Park occupies a well-maintained stretch of the lake’s eastern shore, with campsites, picnic areas, a swim beach, and a boat launch giving visitors direct access to the water at multiple points. On July 4th morning, the campground takes on a festive character as campers string flags and decorate bikes before the parade, then disperse onto the lake for the afternoon.

Before and After the Parade

The bicycle parade is a morning anchor for a day that is best built around the lake. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the park’s marina during summer months, and the lake’s coves and quiet upper reaches make for peaceful paddling even on a busy holiday weekend. Little Missouri Falls, located along Forest Road 43 about 20 miles south of the park, is one of the Ouachita Mountains’ most rewarding short hikes and worth the drive for visitors who want a morning of natural scenery before returning to the park for the afternoon.

Dining Near Kirby

Kirby is a small community with limited dining infrastructure, and most Daisy State Park visitors either cook at their campsites or make the drive to Murfreesboro, about 20 miles east, where Serendipity Restaurant on Lillian Street is a reliable local address for home-style cooking. Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, where visitors can dig for actual diamonds and keep what they find, is a strong day-trip addition for families building a longer Ouachita Mountains weekend around the Fourth.

Where to Stay

Daisy State Park’s own campground puts you directly on Lake Greeson for the full holiday experience, from the morning bike parade to evening fishing off the dock. For those who prefer a cabin or vacation rental, properties near Lake Greeson and the surrounding Ouachita corridor are available through Lake.com. Book your accommodations near Lake Greeson on Lake.com and let the water set the pace for your Arkansas Fourth.