Lake Charles State Park Campground near Cherokee Village offers yurt accommodations along a 645-acre lake with water temperatures reaching 72°F during summer months. The park provides paved camping pads at 60 sites with electricity and water hookups. Winter temperatures can drop to 30°F, requiring proper insulation for cold-weather yurt camping in the Ozark region of northeastern Arkansas.
What to do
Fishing access at multiple locations: Dam - Quarry provides excellent trout fishing opportunities below the Norfolk Dam. "Great trout fishing! Beautiful waterfront camping! The water is clear and freezing cold, and the breeze off the water feels amazing!" notes one visitor.
Kayaking routes: Kayakers can access clear water at Sylamore Creek Camp with direct creek access. "We love having direct access to creek. It is kayak, family, pet friendly," reports a regular camper. The camp offers kayak rentals for visitors who don't bring their own equipment.
Hiking nearby: The area offers several hiking options on paved trails. At Lake Charles State Park, one visitor mentions, "Well maintained state park with a swimming beach, walking/biking trails, playgrounds." The trails connect to multiple points of interest throughout the park system.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Lake Charles State Park Campground offers recently renovated bathroom facilities. "Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower," according to a visitor, making the yurt camping experience more comfortable.
Waterfront camping spots: Henderson Park provides waterfront sites for smaller trailers and tents. A camper notes, "This is a wonderful small campground. Will not handle large rigs. Better suited to smaller trailers or tents. Right on the water so it is great if you have kayaks or similar."
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds feature designated swimming zones. At Bidwell Point Park, campers appreciate the proximity to water: "We are in site 13 right on the water! But be warned if you are not proficient in backing your camper sites 10-13 are probably not the best choice. You have to back down a hill quite a ways."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Robinson Point runs from May 1 to October 31, affecting yurt availability during off-season months.
Weather impacts: Flooding can affect campsite access. "Arkansas is experiencing flooding at this time and we were fortunate that our site was not flooded," notes a Henderson Park visitor. Lower sites at Sylamore Creek Camp can flood during rain events.
Limited services in remote areas: Lake Charles is located in a dry county with minimal shopping options. "It is a dry county have to drive 30 or so minutes to get to a decent store for food. Keep that in mind if you stay here, make sure to be prepared or you will be hungry," advises one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment. A visitor to Bidwell Point Park mentions, "It is beautiful! Quickly becoming one of our favorites," highlighting its family-friendly amenities.
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, especially during evenings. "It's in Arkansas so don't forget your mosquito spray after dark," warns a Lake Charles visitor. Biting flies can also be problematic in morning hours.
Swimming safety: Water conditions vary by location. Jordan Campground offers both calm swimming areas and more adventurous options: "Kids had a blast here! Cliff jumping, great fishing, kayaking, swim beach, and even pizza from the marina!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: When selecting yurt or RV sites near Cherokee Village, consider leveling requirements. "Not all of the sites are level, so consider that if you're in an RV," notes a Lake Charles visitor. Robinson Point offers "asphalt ramps with concrete pads" that are "relatively level."
Hookup variations: Campgrounds offer different levels of service. At Sylamore Creek Camp, "They have all levels of sites: primitive, water and electric, or full." This allows for various yurt and RV camping experiences depending on preference.
Space considerations: Some sites have limited spacing. At Jordan Campground, "Spaces are a little close together," which might impact privacy for larger RVs or groups requiring more separation between sites.