Cane Creek State Park offers upscale glamping close to Arkansas River - Pool 3. The park spans 2,053 acres of mixed Delta and woodlands terrain, with camping options located 7 miles from Star City. The waterways and surrounding forest create distinct seasonal environments with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and mild winters that rarely see freezing temperatures.
What to do
Kayaking through cypress areas: The water trails at Cane Creek provide unique paddling experiences with distinctive scenery. "The water trail is unlike any I have seen," notes one visitor at Cane Creek State Park Campground. Kayak rentals are available at reasonable rates directly at the park.
Halloween celebrations: October brings special decorations and activities to the camping areas. "Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!" shares a local camper familiar with the park traditions.
Wildlife viewing: The park offers opportunities to spot native species in their natural habitat. "We were able to watch numerous birds (pileated woodpeckers) and even saw a swamp rat swimming in the lake (resembles a beaver with a skinny tail)," reports a camper who stayed at site 17.
Military history exploration: Camp Robinson, located near the Arkansas River, houses the Arkansas National Guard Museum with free admission. A visitor to Camp Robinson RV Park notes, "Camp Robinson played a very important role in various wars and continues today for training. It also housed a large German prisoner of war facility."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: The parks near Arkansas River - Pool 3 feature clean amenities that enhance comfort during glamping stays. A visitor to Little Rock North KOA commented, "Nice level, cement, pull through spots," while another noted the "Super clean facilities."
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children and families. "The campgrounds are nice and the visitors center offers fun activities for the kids," writes one Cane Creek visitor who lives nearby in Star City.
Fishing access: Anglers appreciate the designated areas for fishing throughout the area. "Cane Creek Lake has great fishing," states a camper, while another visitor pointed out the convenience of fishing areas: "My husband mostly chose to walk down to the fishing pier and docks. It was about a two minute walk away from our site."
Scenic water views: Several glamping locations near Arkansas River - Pool 3 provide views of lakes and waterways. A visitor to Merrisach Lake described it as "a nice quiet campground by a lake" with "a pretty spot by a lake."
What you should know
Seasonal insect challenges: Depending on timing, bugs can significantly impact your glamping experience. "We visited this park twice. The first time it was great. The second time it was unbearable because a hurricane had blown in trillions of 'love bugs'. Our visit was during the bugs' mating season," warns one camper about their experience.
Water access varies by site: Not all sites offer direct water access despite being promoted as waterfront locations. "You have to walk through thick brush on a slope to reach the water," notes one visitor describing their Cane Creek experience.
Utility connections may have limitations: Some sites share utilities or have placement issues. A camper mentioned, "Our picnic table has a corner busted off and the water hydrant was combined for two sites to one hydrant spot. Our 25 ft hose was too short."
Weather considerations: The climate near Arkansas River - Pool 3 can produce extreme conditions. "Nice new handicap trail from camping area to boat dock... about 15" of snow and lake froze over awesome," reported a winter visitor to Cane Creek, highlighting the variability in conditions throughout the year.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Look for sites near recreational facilities for children. At JB's RV Park & Campground, the location "just off the interstate" makes it convenient for families needing quick access to facilities, though site quality can vary.
Bike-friendly areas: Many campgrounds have paths suitable for family cycling. "We rode bikes so it didn't take long to get the the restroom," mentions a visitor about Cane Creek, indicating the compact layout is navigable for children on bicycles.
Wildlife education opportunities: Turn animal sightings into learning experiences. "We were from Star City so we have visited the park often but finally decided to camp there and it was so nice," shares a local family, noting the educational value of returning to familiar natural settings.
Handicap-accessible options: Some sites offer improved accessibility features. A recent visitor noted "a new handicap-accessible trail connecting the glamping area directly to the boat dock," making waterfront activities more accessible for all family members.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared for varying site conditions when glamping near Arkansas River - Pool 3. "The sites were level. We did have several fire ant hills that we had to deal with and quite a few red wasps," reports a visitor who stayed at Cane Creek.
Power capacity awareness: Different sites may have electrical limitations. "Our neighbors had issues with their electricity because they were trying to run an air fryer, and it kept throwing the breaker. We ran our box fan without any issues," advises an experienced camper.
Dump station locations: Plan for potentially distant facilities. "The dump station is probably a mile and a half from the campground so if you have a grey water tote tank that you pull behind the truck like me, expect a fairly long drive," warns a visitor to Merrisach Lake Campground.
Advance research for military bases: When considering military facility camping, verify requirements. "Camp Robinson is a training center and is home to the Arkansas National Guard Force along with other military teams," notes a visitor, emphasizing the need to understand access protocols for these specialized glamping options near Arkansas River.
