Established campgrounds near the Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam provide a mix of developed camping options. The riverfront Willow Beach campground offers sites for both tent and RV camping with water and electric hookups, while Maumelle Park and Toad Suck campgrounds provide additional riverfront options. Other nearby options include Downtown Riverside RV Park in North Little Rock and Lake Catherine State Park, which offers cabin camping along with traditional sites. Little Rock North KOA features both tent and RV camping plus cabin and glamping accommodations.
Access to most campgrounds in the area remains available year-round, with many sites offering paved, level pads suitable for RVs and trailers. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall popular camping seasons. "This is a small and quiet campground during the week -- the day-use area next door may make the whole park busier on weekends," noted one visitor about Willow Beach. Most campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though few offer full sewer connections at individual sites. Seasonal considerations include mosquitoes during summer months, particularly at dusk near the river, and occasional flooding in low-lying areas after heavy rain.
The mixed-use campgrounds along the Arkansas River receive high ratings for their water views and spacious sites. Willow Beach campers frequently mention the peaceful river setting and well-maintained grounds, with several reviewers noting the large, level sites and good spacing between camping areas. The campground features covered picnic tables at some sites and a new shower house with individual bathroom units. Many developed campgrounds in the area serve both recreational visitors and travelers passing through the Little Rock region. Campers appreciate the proximity to Little Rock attractions while still enjoying natural surroundings. Some campgrounds like Camp Robinson RV Park and Little Rock AFB FamCamp cater to military personnel but are available to civilians when space permits.
$26 - $75 / night
"Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront. Showers and bathrooms were clean and in good condition. Sites were close but in good repair."
"Beautiful campsite along the Arkansas River. The sites are all very spacious with very long back in driveways. Some of the sites had covered picnic tables, which was great."
"The location is truly excellent with easy access to the Arkansas River Trail, the Clinton library, restaurants and other attractions."
"Not a resort but right next to the foot bridge that accesses parks on the other side of the Arkansas River. Traffic noise is minimal."
$28 - $75 / night
"Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."
"Beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas river. Amenities are great. Friendly staff and clean park. Close to restaurants, shopping and services. Full year round so make a reservation!"
"We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in. Neighbors are close but nice as was the staff."
"Location good. Site: one tent camp site. Which was Off to self. Had covered picnic table (all of which was positive to us) Power and water. Bathrooms; great."
$26 - $75 / night
"On the Arkansas River, it’s a clean and beautiful park. Rv spots on all on the rivers edge. Plenty of room. Price for rv camping was very good."
$15 - $25 / night
"We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."
"Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean! Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. "
TravelerWe've stay here twice when heading West. It's an easy in and out. Has a nice view of the river & bridges. My only complaint would be that there's not much grass, and the rocks are rough on our dogs feet. If you have the time visit the ESSE Purse Museum, its really cool and for food we loved Camp Taco at lost forty brewing.
TravelerClose to the highway so there’s that ambiance. But pretty secluded. I’m sure it’s used more during hunting seasons since it’s marked for such. It was good for an overnight along the way.
TravelerCannot access this place.
GuideI was pleasantly surprised by what I found in this WMA. Although there are no bathrooms available that I could find the road is easy to access and well-maintained and all of the camping sites are clearly designated with blue stripes on the trees and signs. Although there is road noise and people passing it still feels like a great place to stop and spend a night or several especially for those who like to fish!
ScoutWe arrived from Nashville today (traveling from Mt) to this beautifully curated RV park. It was right at sunset, so the sky was crimson against the beautiful river in the back of the property. The crickets were chirping and the geese in the water were talkative. What a perfect way to end our long drive. Stephanie is so pleasant, professional and eager to help with anything needed. We have stayed at many RV parks in our travels from Mt and I will say without reservation, this is hands down the nicest one. Don't miss this one if you're traveling through. Beautiful, beautiful!!!
ScoutVery nice place to come to had a very, very clean laundry mat with excellent prices. Very clean park does not look rundown.. very nice on-site Manager. Takes care of you. Quiet place. Animals are welcome. Have a dog run all around great park and great prices.
TravelerGreat C/G on the Arkansas River with a boat ramp and dock. Water and electric sites with a dump station.
RangerI had heard that the COE campgrounds are very well maintained and that is true. Our pad was very level and offered a nice view of the River. Easy to get to and very smooth check in. The Camp Host was very friendly and courteous. The pad was super clean and offered ample space for our 25 foot trailer and truck. We felt safe and it was quiet. Power and water worked perfectly for us. Did not use the bath house, but we saw it being cleaned and it seemed well placed and convenient. We took a little stroll in the morning to check out the boat ramp and get a good look at the bridge and the spillway and locks. Had an issue in our RV and needed some screws, luckily Ace Hardware just down the road!
TravelerI was the only person here, they have two campsites on either side of the road. Quiet, and easy access from the highway.
Riverfront camping sites along the Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam provide water views with varying amenities. The river system features a series of locks and dams that maintain water levels for both recreation and navigation. Sites typically range from 15 to 80 feet in length with most campgrounds experiencing summer highs averaging 90-95°F and winter lows around 30-35°F.
Fishing access at the lock: Toad Suck Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities directly on the river. "Great access to water. Good boat ramp, picnic tables and RV sites. Very clean, bring your mosquito repellent," notes Jason W. about Toad Suck.
Wildlife observation: Watch for native birds and animals along the riverbanks. At Willow Beach, campers can spot various wildlife. "Water hyacinths were in full bloom while we were here and are beautiful!! I will be coming back next year!" shares Jo E.
River barge watching: Observe commercial traffic on the Arkansas River. "We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by. Not many campers here right now so it's quiet," mentions Angela G. about Tar Camp. Some sites offer unobstructed views of the lock operations.
Spacious riverside campsites: Maumelle Park features large sites with good separation. "Our 34 ft class A FDDS opened right onto a silty patch that forced us to navigate our entry into our motorhome," reports Stevann H., indicating the terrain considerations at waterfront sites.
Well-maintained facilities: Recent renovations have improved several campgrounds. "Small campground with only 21 spots ran by the Corps of Engineers. It's very quiet. The campground is well maintained," shares Nicole F. about Willow Beach.
Level concrete pads: Downtown Riverside RV Park offers stable platforms for easy setup. "All the spots had large concrete pads," notes William M. The park also features "Concrete, level pads" and "Overlooks the Arkansas River," according to Beth R.
Flooding potential: Low-lying areas may close during high water periods. "The park itself is beautiful other than the volunteer camps at the gate house. They evacuated the park due to high water while we were there," explains Christopher T. about Tar Camp.
Limited sewer connections: Most Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam campgrounds offer water and electric hookups but not full sewer at individual sites. "50 Amp electric, water no sewer hook up but dump station. Spaced spread out not crowded. Campground is low and will be soggy after rain," notes Rod A.
Insect considerations: Lake Catherine State Park and other waterfront areas require preparation for bugs. "Lots of bugs due to being near the river," warns Shiloh M. about Willow Beach, while Jennifer C. advises, "It is near water so there are a lot of mosquitos, so come prepared."
Multiple playgrounds: Many riverside parks include recreation areas. "The kids enjoy the playgrounds x 3, walking, plenty of open space, and watching the barges coming down the river," says Lona T. about Toad Suck.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encounters with local fauna. "We encountered lots of snakes. I shooed a few off the road and they disappeared as soon as they slithered into the grass, so to me it's pretty risky walking around or letting kids play in the grass," cautions Jennifer C.
Security features: Some parks implement additional safety measures. "They lock a gate every night at the entrance to the campground, however they do give you the code to the padlock," notes Jennifer C. about Willow Beach campground security protocols.
Site selection strategy: Look for pull-through sites at Little Rock North KOA for larger rigs. "Easy access for a KOA, we have a cyclone 4270 (44' triple axel 5th wheel) which is pushing it for most KOA's. We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in," recommends Daniel.
Leveling challenges: Many riverfront sites require adjustment. "The sites are extremely level! I didn't even need to level my pop-up camper!!" exclaims Jo E. about Willow Beach, though experiences vary by specific site and campground.
Reservation timing: "Thanks to those who cancelled at the last minute! It was very kind of you to cancel the reservation to allow others a spot for the night!" shares Jennifer K., indicating the benefit of checking for late cancellations when sites appear fully booked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam is Willow Beach with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam.
What parks are near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam that allow camping, notably Arkansas River - Pool 5 and Arkansas River - Pool 3.
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