Camping near Turrell, Arkansas provides access to unique natural landscapes formed by the ancient Mississippi Alluvial Plain. With an average elevation of just 217 feet above sea level, this low-lying area features distinct soil compositions and water features compared to other parts of Arkansas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights frequently drop below freezing between December and February.
What to do
Hiking historic trails: At Fort Pillow Historic State Park, trails lead along Mississippi River bluffs with educational markers. "We enjoyed the hikes around the Civil War historic area and the nature center was very interesting as well. There is a nice raised walking area there as well," notes a visitor. The park includes well-preserved sections of the Trail of Tears.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Poinsett State Park offers recently restored fishing access after dam repairs. "Fishing is catch and release only except for Catfish and Brim due to recently reopening the lake," explains a camper who visited during Memorial Day weekend. The park provides shoreline access and boat launches.
Golf course access: Village Creek State Park features a 27-hole golf course adjacent to camping areas. A regular visitor notes, "Only an hour from Memphis, this campground is VERY nice - three camping areas, two lakes with boat rentals, 6 cabins, and a gorgeous 27 hole golf course."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot deer, birds, and small mammals throughout the region. At Village Creek, trails through Crowley's Ridge showcase unique plant species not found elsewhere in Arkansas. "The Crowley's Ridge region of the state is home to unique geological formations, soil and plant life unlike anywhere else in Arkansas."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers campsites with good separation. "Every site feels like it was cut right out of the trees. They are all RV sites with electric and water but I pitched a tent with no problem," explains a tent camper. This park provides a forest atmosphere within 20 minutes of Memphis.
Clean facilities: Parks in the region maintain high cleanliness standards. A first-time camper at Meeman-Shelby noted, "Areas are very clean kid friendly playgrounds. Each space was far enough but not but also in proximity to each other for those who afraid to camp out somewhere totally alone. Bathrooms are nice and easily accessible near campsites."
River views: Tom Sawyer's RV Park offers unobstructed Mississippi River access. "As the sun began to set, we walked along the river and climbed on huge logs and ran up and down the river bank," shares a visitor. "Tugboats pushed barges against the current at a slower than walking pace. Trees with root balls intact floated downstream."
Free amenities: Several campgrounds offer unexpected free services. One reviewer highlighted Tom Sawyer's conveniences: "Beautiful park right by the river. Friendly, helpful staff, free laundry, and even some small walking trails!"
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region, especially in forest areas. A camper at Meeman-Shelby reports, "We had 0 service anywhere near our campsite. Nice to disconnect for a night, but plan accordingly." Download maps and essential information before arriving.
Seasonal challenges: Summer camping brings specific issues. "Mosquitos are straight up in the forest. This park has tons of trees," notes a camper at T.O. Fuller State Park. Another cautions about Fort Pillow: "There was also zero shade and A LOT of bugs—we got eaten alive."
Reservation requirements: Most state parks require advance bookings. Lake Poinsett's online system allows reservations up to a year in advance. A camper noted, "Reserved on-line 346 days prior to arriving. Good overnight stop for $25."
Flooding impacts: Tom Sawyer's RV Park occasionally closes due to high water levels. "This campground is right on the Mississippi River, only problem is if the river is over its banks, then the campground is closed. We had to keep checking to see if the river was down."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature updated play areas. At Fort Pillow, "The group site is away from all the other sites so you have plenty of room for children of all ages to run around and play without disturbing other campers."
Swimming options: Memphis KOA offers pool access for cooling off in hot weather. "The pool was clean and a great way to cool off. They have a Cafe that serves breakfast and dinner. Dinner is delivered to your site," notes a family who appreciated these amenities.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. T.O. Fuller State Park visitors receive "free tickets to Chucalissa museum when checking in," with exhibits displaying artifacts found on the property.
Kid-friendly food options: Some campgrounds offer on-site dining. A KOA visitor shares, "Very impressed they have breakfast and dinner + they deliver right to ur site!" This convenience helps after long travel days with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Village Creek, "All sites with water, 30A, fire ring, grill and picnic table. Some sites on the back sides of the camp ground are subject to erosion and can be unlevel and not ideal for kids," advises a long-term visitor.
Leveling challenges: Fort Pillow requires careful site selection. "About half of the sites are on a slight incline that we would consider unlevel. Sites have electric (30 and 50 amp) and water that are easy to reach," notes an RV camper with a 45-foot rig.
Campground access: Road conditions affect large vehicle access. Regarding Tom Sawyer's RV Park, a camper cautions, "The drive into the park is not very pretty but once in the park, it is VERY nice. The staff keep the area clean, they are aware of who is supposed there and who is not."
