Tent camping opportunities near Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool area offer direct access to the diverse wetland ecosystems of eastern Arkansas. The region sits at approximately 165 feet above sea level and experiences hot, humid summers with relatively mild winters. Camping areas are situated primarily along the Delta Heritage Trail system, a rails-to-trails conversion project spanning former railroad corridors.
What to do
**Trail exploration: Access the Delta Heritage Trail directly from several trailhead campgrounds. At Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground, campers can hike or bike portions of the 84-mile trail. "The staff is very knowledgeable and kind. Small place, mosquitoes were bad other than that it was great. We were invited to watch them feed the pet snake that was caught in the area," reports Hook C.
**Wildlife viewing: Watch for native wildlife throughout the lowland forests. Camping at Arkansas City Trailhead provides proximity to both forest and river habitats. "This is convenient to the levee and right in the middle of town. Clean restrooms with flush toilets. There are no assigned sites but just a grassy area adjacent to the parking area," notes Cheri H.
**Fishing access: Fish the Arkansas River and connecting waterways. Some sites offer direct water access for anglers seeking catfish, bass, and crappie common to the region.
What campers like
**Tent-specific amenities: Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground provides designated tent pads at each site. Hook C. describes, "We were on motorcycles so they let us drive them to the campsite otherwise they are a walk-in it's a really short walk."
**Shade coverage: Barton Trailhead and other sites along the Delta Heritage system feature mature tree coverage, providing critical shade during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
**Bathroom facilities: Most established sites maintain toilet facilities, though amenities vary by location. Jacob W. notes about Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground: "They have one bathroom at the visitor center with a cold water fountain inside!"
What you should know
**First-come availability: Most tent sites operate without reservations. Jacob W. explains about Delta Heritage, "Only 10 sites though and it is first come first serve."
**Seasonal access limitations: Ste Marie Park has reported access issues with gates. According to Steve S., "Went by 1/17/2021 gate locked closed for winter opens up March 1st." Another visitor, Donta R., reports ongoing access challenges: "Would be a great place but its always locked... I live nearby and the gate is locked EVERY DAY."
**Insect preparedness: The riverside location means significant mosquito activity. Jacob W. advises: "All campsites are shaded, but have bug spray ready because there is a ton of mosquitoes!"
**Cost considerations: Expect nominal fees at established campgrounds. Delta Heritage Trail State Park charges $15 per night for primitive tent sites, which include a picnic table and fire pit.
Tips for camping with families
**Educational opportunities: Visit the Delta Heritage Trail visitor center near camping areas to learn about local ecology. Hook C. mentions an unexpected educational experience: "We were invited to watch them feed the pet snake that was caught in the area."
**Bathroom planning: Most sites have limited bathroom facilities. At Arkansas City Trailhead, families appreciate the "clean restrooms with flush toilets," though other locations may offer more primitive options.
**Fire limitations: Confirm fire regulations before arrival, as some locations restrict fires during dry periods or altogether. White River NWR - Hudsons Landing and other wildlife refuge areas typically have stricter regulations regarding fires.
Tips from RVers
**Limited RV accommodations: Most sites near the Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool cater primarily to tent campers with few or no RV-specific amenities.
**Hookup availability: Ste Marie Park offers some of the only water and electric hookups in the immediate area, but access reliability remains problematic. Donta R. notes frustration with access: "I pay taxes but am not allowed access to Park..it sucks some people smh. Its so easy to unlock the gate."
**Alternative options: RVers seeking full hookups should consider campgrounds in Pine Bluff or Helena-West Helena, approximately 30-45 minutes from the immediate river area.
