The area surrounding Colt, Arkansas sits in the eastern portion of the state at approximately 260 feet above sea level, within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain ecoregion. This flat terrain experiences hot, humid summers with average July temperatures reaching 92°F and mild winters with January lows around 30°F. Most camping spots near Colt remain accessible year-round, though early fall brings more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects.
What to do
Horseback riding on dedicated trails: At Village Creek State Park Campground, equestrian enthusiasts have access to over 30 miles of trails and specialized facilities. "Horse camping is really cool and different - a BIG hit with our kids. The park has over 30 miles of equestrian trails and is a popular destination for horse owners," notes Laura G.
Fishing in record-setting waters: The lakes at Mississippi River State Park Campground offer productive fishing opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "There is a boat dock where you can put your boat in the water. They also have fishing boats and kayaks for rent." The nearby parks have produced notable catches, as Jonathan C. points out: "The lakes have produced state record fish."
Explore the Trail of Tears historic section: Multiple parks in the region feature segments of this historically significant trail. "There is a particularly stunning trail that includes one of the most well-preserved sections of the Trail of Tears. This made for both a lovely hike and a history lesson for our seven year old," shares one camper about their experience at Village Creek.
Bird watching opportunities: The diverse ecosystems around camping areas near Colt attract various bird species. At Mississippi River State Park, one visitor reported: "The hiking trail was beautiful and we saw several woodpeckers!" This park's location in the St. Francis National Forest creates ideal habitat for bird observation.
What campers like
Private shower facilities: Many campers appreciate the bathroom setups at Tom Sawyer's RV Park. "The rest room is a single unisex toilet and stand alone plastic shower," notes one reviewer. At Mississippi River State Park, visitors praise "four private toilet/shower rooms. All handicapped accessible."
Unique riverside camping: Watching barge traffic on the Mississippi River ranks as a favorite experience. "Tugboats pushed barges against the current at a slower than walking pace. Trees with root balls intact floated downstream," describes Greg S. about his stay at Tom Sawyer's RV Park, adding that despite some maintenance issues, "As I sat on the bench with my sons at dusk looking out across the mighty miss, the condition of the campground wasn't on my mind."
Free laundry amenities: Several parks offer complimentary laundry services, which campers consistently mention as a valuable perk. "Free laundry, and even some small walking trails!" writes one visitor about Tom Sawyer's RV Park. Another camper at Delta Ridge RV Park noted the practicality: "Perfect for a single overnight... The campgrounds are very clean and full of blooming Crape Myrtles."
Well-designed site layouts: Campers frequently comment on thoughtful campsite arrangements. Bob M. observed at Village Creek State Park: "The sites there are large, and spaced out pretty well," while at Mississippi River State Park, Sean F. appreciated how "Sites were very spread out so we didn't hear the hum of nearby RV A/C units."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mobile connectivity varies dramatically across campgrounds. At Village Creek State Park, "We had no signal on ATT but there is free WIFI by the office which you can connect to day or night." Similarly, at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, "We had 0 service anywhere near our campsite. Nice to disconnect for a night, but plan accordingly."
Seasonal insect concerns: Bug activity becomes particularly intense during warmer months. "If you go after the weather warms up, be forewarned that the mosquitos will eat you alive. We mostly camp at Meeman-Shelby in the fall/winter. We do not camp Spring/Summer," warns one regular visitor. Another camper at Tom Sawyer's RV Park mentioned, "The mosquitoes were unbearable. Very few people were spending any time outside due to the bugs."
Flooding potential: Some riverside campgrounds experience periodic closures. "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, campground was cleaned up and open," reports Christine U. about Tom Sawyer's RV Park.
Lake refilling process: After dam repairs at Lake Poinsett State Park Campground, "The lake has finally been repaired and they have begun the refill process after it has been dry for several years." A visitor notes fishing regulations have been adjusted accordingly: "Fishing is catch and release only except for Catfish and Brim due to recently reopening the lake."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access considerations: Several parks offer play areas with varying proximity to campsites. At Lake Poinsett State Park, "In the picnic area the children have a playground," while one visitor to Mississippi River State Park noted what wasn't available: "No playground. But park is quaint enough bike riding and game playing for small kids works great!"
Educational opportunities: The region's parks provide learning experiences beyond recreation. At Village Creek State Park, "The Big Ben Nature Trail offers a great opportunity to identify these unusual plant species and is a short, easy hike." Families can also take advantage of ranger programs, as one visitor to Mississippi River State Park shared: "We met a park interpreter who was very nice and informative."
Swimming availability varies: Not all parks permit swimming or have dedicated swimming areas. "There is a small swimming area for campers only, but this lake is not great for swimming as it is pretty muddy," notes one camper about Village Creek State Park. At Lake Poinsett, a visitor clarifies: "No swimming at the park. It is not allowed."
Kid-friendly rental activities: Several parks offer equipment rentals that appeal to families. "The visitor center offers a drop-off service for SUPs and we woke up the next morning with the boards dropped right next to our van," shares a visitor to Mississippi River State Park, while another mentioned that "They rent out kayaks for those looking to explore the lake!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: While most campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles, specific areas work better. At Village Creek State Park, Bob M. advises: "If you stay in the B loop, you're about a two mile hike to the hiking trails FYI. The A loop is much closer to that." Another camper noted that "We checked out the other camping areas and they were in much better shape, recently renovated and with full hookups."
Overnight-focused campgrounds: Some RV parks specifically cater to travelers passing through. At Memphis KOA, reviewers appreciate the convenience: "Right off the highway. The most Level site in our 6k mile trip." Similarly, at Delta Ridge RV Park, Dale Y. explains it's "Perfect for a single overnight... Small, tight campground that has no amenities at all, but is priced accordingly."
Hookup variations: Water and electric availability differs between parks and specific loops. "Sites have electric (30 and 50 amp) and water that are easy to reach. A dump station is located as you exit the park and is easy to navigate in and out of," notes one RVer about T.O. Fuller State Park. At Delta Ridge RV Park, "This campground has full hookups at every site, the sites are tight enough together that opposing slides wouldn't fit."
Local urban amenities: For RVers needing supplies, some campgrounds offer easy access to services. "Right next to the park as well" is a "fully stocked grocery store," according to Stacey T. at Delta Ridge RV Park, while Thomas H. notes the area has "several restaurants, gas stations and some grocery stores, including a Walmart, nearby."
