Mississippi River State Park Campground

Mississippi River State Park Campground provides 17 full-hookup sites on level concrete pads, with reservations available through the state park system at $37 per night. The campground sits on a peninsula surrounded by Bear Creek Lake on three sides, giving most sites water views. Sites 12, 13, and 14 receive particular praise from campers for their lakefront positioning, while sites 9, 10, and 11 function as pull-through options for larger rigs.

The campground maintains a quiet atmosphere with well-spaced sites that prevent the typical RV park crowding. Four private shower and restroom facilities stay consistently clean, each offering handicapped accessibility. Cell service varies by carrier, with AT&T working fairly well while Verizon coverage proves spotty. "We could see water from every side of our camper," notes Chad L., highlighting the peninsula's unique positioning.

Bear Creek Lake allows fishing, swimming during summer months, and small boat launches directly from campsites. The visitor center, located about 20 minutes by car from the campground, rents kayaks and offers guided tours through nearby cypress forests. Rangers provide educational programs and maintain exhibits about local wildlife and the Mississippi River ecosystem. Hiking options include the 1.5-mile Bear Creek Loop trail, where campers spot woodpeckers and various snake species.

The park sits within St. Francis National Forest, with Saint Francis National Forest Boundary Campground located just 0.3 miles south for additional primitive options. Access requires driving through the park on Crowley's Ridge Parkway, which offers views of diverse terrain from forested ridges to river bottomland. Military veterans receive 50% discounts on nightly rates. The small size means sites book quickly, particularly during peak seasons, so advance reservations prove essential for securing preferred dates.

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Map & DirectionsMississippi River State Park Campground is located in Arkansas near LaGrange

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

34.75581817463576 N
90.7216278108613 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/30/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/30/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews12 Camper Reviews - Mississippi River State Park Campground

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5.0

out of 5

12 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this intimate 17-site campground for its level lakefront sites, pristine private bathhouse facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors often highlighted the helpful staff and beautiful lake setting, though families noted limited activities for young children.

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2025

Beautiful and quiet

This small campground is beautiful and kept very clean. Sites are full hookup. The bath house is very clean. There are four private toilet/shower rooms. All handicapped accessible. My favorite sites are 12, 13, and 14. My least favorite were 9, 10, and 11, but they are pull through sites.

Site13
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by elizabeth L., September 6, 2025
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by elizabeth L., September 6, 2025
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by elizabeth L., September 6, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2022

amazing

This park is absolutely fantastic! The ride through the park, on the Crowley's Ridge Parkway is breathtakingly beautiful. There is an abundance of wildlife and nature's beauty. This park travels along the Mississippi River and there are roads that take you right to the river to view. We traveled down to the St. Francis and Mississippi River confluence to see the historic lows. All along the way, the scenery is amazing. We never knew there was such a variety in landscape not only in this area, but the park as well. Everything is very well taken care of and the park overall keeps a smile on your face! The staff at the Visitor's Center is VERY friendly and knowledgeable. Take some time to view the exhibits and learn about the area. They offer quite a bit for nature lovers. Overall, there are 4 campgrounds in this park. While they may offer different amenities, they are all well kept with beautiful scenery. Beech Point Campground is an island you can drive to and camp, located on Bear Creek Lake. We stayed at Storm Creek Campground and loved every minute of it.

Site44
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Steve S., November 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Steve S., November 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Steve S., November 7, 2022
  • (44) View All
Reviewed May. 18, 2022

Super nice small park

MississippiRiver State Park, also called Bear Creek Recreation Area, Arkansas. Only 17 sites, all level with full hook ups. ATT cell worked fair but no Verizon. Shower house had 4 separate rooms, each with shower. Very very clean! # pull thru & the rest backin on concrete pads with room for either a toad, truck or boat to the side. $36 a night, but disabled military, including vets, half off. Not much to do is you don't fish, but a nice quiet place to relax. Swimming beach is nearby.

Site#7
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Gary P., May 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Gary P., May 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Gary P., May 18, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 28, 2021

Mississippi River State Park

From the time we arrived to the time we left the staff was great. The park was one of the cleanest park we have ever seen. The kayak tour of Cypress forest was the highlight of the trip.

We could see water from every side of our camper.

Site18
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Chad L., November 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Chad L., November 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Chad L., November 28, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2021

Beautiful scenic views

We had a wonderful time here, it’s just beautiful, and very clean sites, and campground! Full hookups, most of the amenities, like showers, toilets, trash cans, etc…… We fully plan on more visits here!

Site9&10
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 23, 2021

Quiet relaxing spot

This was such a nice relaxing place to stay. We met a park interpreter who was very nice and informative.  We stayed in a small tent camping area beside one of the lakes.  The hiking trail was beautiful and we saw several woodpeckers!

  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Lindsey P., May 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Lindsey P., May 23, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2021

Excellent!

This Arkansas state park is top notch. It offers a very quiet, immaculate campground with only 17 sites for RV hook ups. There are additional camping areas for tents, although one is closed for repairs. The Bear Creek lake surrounds the RV camping area on all three sides. There is fishing, small boats, and swimming in the summer. The RV sites were very spaced apart and completely level. Things to note for planning—1. Visitor Center is pretty far from camping. You would have to drive there. But it is very nice with exhibits, and staff was very helpful. They have bait and fire wood too. 2. Cell service is not great. 3. No playground. But park is quaint enough bike riding and game playing for small kids works great!

  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Melissa , April 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Melissa , April 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Melissa , April 12, 2021
  • (11) View All
Reviewed May. 23, 2020

Awesome, intimate lakeside campground

Mississippi River State Park is in Marianna, AR and was built in 2008 in the St. Francis National Forest. The park office and convention center are beautiful and have several learning stations and activities for kids and families. There is also a simple paved walking trail with identification points for local trees, birds, wildlife, etc.

The campground has only a few sites. I don’t remember exactly but I believe it’s only 18 but all have lake views. All sites are level with electricity, water, and tent pad. Some sites have tiered tent pads that might not be great for kids or “old knees”. If you bring your own kayak, canoe, or boat, you can launch directly from your camp site without any issue. Our kids just wanted to through rocks 😂. There aren’t many hikes but there is a 1.5 mile trail (video included) which was fun. We saw a few snakes but they were just king snakes.

MS River SP is a short drive from Memphis and is a great quick weekend getaway. There isn’t much for small kids to do when the swim beach and swim area are closed but most families will love the serenity and peace that MS River SP offers.

  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Ryan S., May 23, 2020
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  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Ryan S., May 23, 2020
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2020

Gorgeous peninsula campground

This was our 2nd time camping here. It’s the nicest campground close to home. All of the sites are large with full hookups. They really did an excellent job with this place. The bathrooms are the best of the best (private, suite style rooms). I like that it is not a large park (only 14 RV sites and 3 tent sites) l, so even when it is full, it does not feel overcrowded. I do wish they had more hiking trails, but the bear creek look is really nice. The park office is excellent with a museum area. Fire wood can be purchased at the office as well. Very popular lake for fishing!

Site12
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Shana D., January 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Shana D., January 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Shana D., January 3, 2020
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2019

Wonderful Park on the Water

We stayed at Beech Point campground at site #12 on June 20, 2019. This was a huge campsite with lots of room for our two large tents. It was set back on its own point out into the lake, so our tents were surrounded on three sides by water. The campground was not very crowded on a Thursday night so even pulling in late we still could choose from a few great sites. We were right across from the swimming area which had a sandy wade-in. It was hot and humid at night but still reasonable for sleeping. Sites were very spread out so we didn’t hear the hum of nearby RV A/C units.

Bathrooms and showers were organized in banks of 4 private shower/bath combos and were clean and well-maintained. We didn’t see a camp store on-site (just a gift shop with a few scattered camp supplies) but the visitor center had very helpful rangers. The only real lack for facilities in the camp was a dish-washing station. You can get to the main Mississippi River from the park, but it is about 20 mins drive from this campground.

The visitor center offers a drop-off service for SUPs and we woke up the next morning with the boards dropped right next to our van. There is a small boat dock in the campground - only for carry-able boats since there is no ramp and about 5 steps to negotiate. The lake is smallish but filled with coves to explore and abundant wildlife to see.

  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Sean F., July 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Sean F., July 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Sean F., July 12, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2018

Beautiful Park on Crowleys Ridge

This place is still relatively new, but they have really done a great job with it! The park office is first class! The Trotting Fox Trail and Bear Creek Loop trail are very nice! The park office has a large room for exhibits. The Rangers also keep a very full schedule of activities to keep locals and campers busy. They rent out kayaks for those looking to explore the lake! The Beech Point Campground is a gorgeous RV/Tent Campground. I highly recommend it to those that love camping! There is also a really nice day use area.

Site10
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Shana D., October 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Shana D., October 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Shana D., October 29, 2018
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2018

America's BEST

We have been to many states and campgrounds. This is one of our favorites. It only has 14 Full Hookup sites but they are all beautiful. Well kept campgrounds, lake, and facilities. There is also a tent site area and a primitive camping area. The sites stayed booked, so if you want to give it a try, you need to book well in advance of your desired date of travel. We go here at least 4 or 5 times a year. It is only about 40 min drive from Forrest City and a 10 min. drive from Marianna, Arkansas. There is a boat dock where you can put your boat in the water. They also have fishing boats and kayaks for rent.

Site1, 14, 13 and 9
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Kathy E., June 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Kathy E., June 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Mississippi River State Park Campground by Kathy E., June 13, 2018
  • (15) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do visitors rate Mississippi River State Park camping experiences?

Mississippi River State Park consistently receives exceptional ratings from campers. Visitors frequently describe it as one of the nicest and cleanest campgrounds they've experienced. Campers particularly appreciate the beautiful setting with water views, immaculate facilities, and overall peaceful atmosphere. Many highlight the quiet environment, the well-maintained sites, and the natural beauty surrounding the campground. The park's small size (limited to only 14-17 full hookup RV sites) creates an intimate camping experience that visitors find particularly appealing. The combination of natural beauty, excellent maintenance, and quality facilities makes this a top-rated destination that campers plan to revisit.

What amenities are available at Mississippi River State Park campground?

Mississippi River State Park campground offers full hookup sites with concrete pads that are level and well-maintained. The campground features exceptionally clean bathroom facilities with four private, handicap-accessible shower suites. Additional amenities include trash receptacles, a park office with exhibits, and trails for hiking including the Trotting Fox Trail and Bear Creek Loop. Water activities are readily available with opportunities for fishing and kayaking, including guided kayak tours of the Cypress forest. The park also provides educational programs and activities led by park interpreters, making it suitable for families seeking both recreation and learning experiences.

Is there a detailed map available of Mississippi River State Park campground?

Yes, detailed maps of Mississippi River State Park campground are available. You can obtain maps at the park office and visitor center, which also houses exhibits and information about the area. The maps show the layout of the campground's 14-17 RV sites (including which are pull-through vs. back-in), tent camping areas, and primitive camping sections. Maps also typically include trail information for the Trotting Fox Trail and Bear Creek Loop. For the most current and detailed maps, contact the park office directly or visit the Arkansas State Parks website where official park maps are generally available for download.

Where is Mississippi River State Park located in Arkansas?

Mississippi River State Park is located in Marianna, Arkansas, within the St. Francis National Forest. The park is situated along Crowley's Ridge Parkway and encompasses Bear Creek Lake. The campground itself is positioned so that it's surrounded on three sides by water, offering beautiful views from nearly every campsite. While named for the Mississippi River, and featuring access roads that lead to river viewing points, the main camping areas are actually positioned around Bear Creek Lake rather than directly on the river itself.