Camping near Arkansas River - Pool 3
Campgrounds along the Arkansas River near Pool 3 include a mix of riverside locations and state park facilities, providing options for tent camping and RV stays. Rising Star Campground offers riverfront sites with water and electric hookups, while Tar Camp provides similar amenities with views of passing barges on the river. Cane Creek State Park Campground, located southeast of Pine Bluff, offers more developed facilities with asphalted sites, electric and water hookups, and access to lake activities. Most established campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering boat ramp access for water recreation.
The camping season varies considerably across locations in this region. Rising Star and Tar Camp typically operate from March through October, while Willow Beach and Cane Creek State Park remain open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Several parks charge modest fees ranging from $19-20 per night for basic sites with water and electric hookups. Facilities generally include picnic tables, toilets, and trash service, though shower availability is limited to select locations like Cane Creek State Park. A camper at Cane Creek noted, "Staff is wonderful! Sites are large to accommodate any size rig & truck. Smaller campground with many nearby trails thru the forest. Very peaceful quiet place."
Riverfront camping represents a significant draw in this region, with several campgrounds offering direct Arkansas River access. Visitors particularly value sites that allow them to observe river traffic. One reviewer at Tar Camp mentioned, "So happy to find a site right on the river. We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with squirrels, birds, and occasional water-dwelling species. Insect activity can be problematic during warmer months, as multiple reviewers mentioned mosquitoes becoming particularly troublesome after dark. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across locations, though Cane Creek State Park earns consistent praise for its clean, newer bathhouse facilities and amenities like boat, canoe, kayak and bike rentals.
