Millwood Lake dominates the camping landscape near Ashdown, Arkansas, with its 29,500-acre expanse offering numerous waterfront camping opportunities. The region experiences summer temperatures averaging 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows typically range from 30-40°F. Several Corps of Engineers campgrounds surround the lake, with most sites providing direct water access and basic amenities for both tent and RV camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Millwood State Park Campground, anglers can access the lake's abundant fish populations. "Beautiful park with clean facilities and excellent fishing. Would recommend," notes one visitor. The campground provides boat ramps and fishing docks throughout the property.
Bird watching platforms: Multiple observation platforms dot the shores of Millwood Lake, particularly at Beard's Bluff Park. "There were lots of bird watchers during our trip in May but I forget what they were looking for," shares one camper. Serious birders might spot great white pelicans according to seasonal patterns.
Lake exploration: The vast size of Millwood Lake offers boating possibilities ranging from kayaking to motorboating. "The lake is huge and we wished we had a big boat to explore it with," reports a visitor. Multiple boat ramps provide access points around the perimeter of the lake.
What campers like
Lakefront campsites: Many reviewers praise the water proximity at Cottonshed Park. "The views are simply amazing and just wait for the sunsets," shares one camper. Most waterfront sites include concrete pads with electric and water hookups for $16 per night.
Spacious, well-designed sites: Campers consistently mention the thoughtful layout of campgrounds in the area. "The lots are spacious and well spread out. And most of all this place is peaceful!" notes a Cottonshed Park visitor. Many sites feature covered picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern poles.
Wildlife viewing: Beyond fishing and birding, campers can spot diverse wildlife. "Deer were everywhere in the evening," mentions a visitor to the broader region. More uniquely, Millwood Lake hosts alligators, with several campgrounds posting warning signs for visitors.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Ashdown now require advance online booking. A visitor to Clear Spring cautions, "Remember to book in advance online! They won't let you in without an online reservation and cell coverage is minimal."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between providers and locations. At Millwood Landing Golf & RV Resort, a camper reports, "Cell phone signal for T-Mobile is non-existent. Verizon is AWFUL. AT&T is bad but doable."
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to nearby highways. A Sunrise RV Park visitor notes, "Only downside is there are several potholes on the entrance to the campground. Have to go very slow." Consider requesting sites further from major roads if noise sensitivity is a concern.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At White Cliffs Park, families can enjoy "Clean park, clean bathrooms, level pad, a little narrow, picnic table, bbq pit, and a large hook to hang stuff," according to a recent visitor.
Easy lake access: For families planning water activities, choosing sites with direct lake frontage proves beneficial. "Campsite 22 overlooks the water, and the playground which is perfect for our young family," reports a camper from the area.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife observation provides learning experiences for children. One camper shares, "The lake is BEAUTIFUL, we saw an alligator (I was quite excited about that)." Bring binoculars and wildlife identification guides to enhance these encounters.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Millwood State Park Campground, an RVer advises, "No shade on the full hookup side of the campground. Lots of shade in the water/electric side of the campground." This tradeoff between amenities and environment appears common throughout the area.
Site levelness: Many RVers comment positively on the concrete pads available at numerous campgrounds. "Sites are gravel and very level, did not have to use our automatic levelers, impressed," notes one camper about a nearby RV park.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should prepare for summer humidity that can affect comfort. "We got in at 1:30 it was 100. A little too hot to really walk around," shares a summer visitor, suggesting spring and fall might offer more comfortable camping conditions.
