Camping sites near Cabot, Arkansas range from riverside locations to secluded lake parks within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 300 feet elevation with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s from June through August. Winter camping remains viable with average daytime temperatures in the 50s, though occasional freezing temperatures occur December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Toad Suck offers direct access to the Arkansas River with both bank fishing and boat launch facilities. "Nice park playground for the kids pretty quiet and well kept good fishing," notes one visitor. The park also features multiple playgrounds and pavilions for day use activities.
Hiking trails: Woolly Hollow State Park provides well-maintained trail systems suitable for all skill levels. A camper points out, "This park has so much going for it. It is clean, small, handicap accessible....great hiking with short and long options, a pour-off waterfall during the wet season when the lake is high, biking options." The park maintains both short loop trails and longer connecting paths.
Water recreation: Lakes and rivers around Cabot support various water activities from April through October. "The kids enjoy the playgrounds x 3, walking, plenty of open space, and watching the barges coming down the river," mentions a Toad Suck camper. Most water recreation areas charge small day-use fees between $3-5 per vehicle.
What campers like
Riverside views: Willow Beach provides spacious sites along the Arkansas River. "Willow Beach is small, remote, and quiet. Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront," reports one camper. Sites feature covered picnic tables and level parking pads.
Convenient urban access: Downtown Riverside RV Park offers proximity to Little Rock while maintaining riverside views. A visitor explains, "You can take a walking bridge across the river directly into downtown Little Rock. It's nothing fancy but you can take a walking bridge across the river directly into downtown Little Rock." The park provides concrete pads and full hookups.
Private lake settings: Some campgrounds feature exclusive lake access not mentioned in state park systems. "This privately owned campground has tons of history in the bluegrass and country music areas," states a visitor about Ohana Celebration Park. "When you pull up Leicester Flats Road windy as it is, you are rewarded by an outdoor chapel overlooking the lake and then when you come over the hill, you can see the full lake in the beginning of the campground area."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying riverside campgrounds occasionally close due to water levels. "Toad Suck is temporarily closed. June 2019 flood deviated it and looks to remain closed thru 2020," reported a camper during a past closure period. Check current conditions before planning trips to riverside locations.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathroom facilities were clean," notes a Woolly Hollow visitor, while another camper at a different park mentions, "Public showers need a renovation." Always bring supplies for your own sanitation needs.
Wildlife encounters: Willow Beach and other waterfront sites report increased snake activity. "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 a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature multiple playground areas. "The kids enjoy the playgrounds x 3, walking, plenty of open space, and watching the barges coming down the river," reports a Toad Suck camper. Most playgrounds remain accessible year-round.
Educational opportunities: State parks often provide ranger-led programs. "The best part was the guided hike with Master Naturalist group of AR. They put our daughter right up front and identified every plant and tree we passed as well as answered every question she had," shares a parent who stayed at Woolly Hollow State Park.
Water safety: Riverfront locations have strong currents not suitable for swimming. "Water flows by very fast. No swimming. Lots of fishing," warns a camper about Toad Suck. Stick to designated swimming areas at lake locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Sweet Escape RV Resort offers full-service sites with level concrete pads. "Very friendly campground. Many amenities including laundry, bathhouse, very nice showers, and large dog park. We really enjoyed the fishing ponds as well," reports an RVer.
Leveling considerations: Check site specifications before reserving. "The sites are extremely level! I didn't even need to level my pop-up camper!!" shares a Willow Beach visitor. Other campgrounds may require significant leveling equipment.
Security features: Some campgrounds implement security measures. "They lock a gate every night at the entrance to the campground, however they do give you the code to the padlock," mentions a Willow Beach camper. Gated entrances typically close between 9 PM and 6 AM.
