Ethel, AR is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Ethel is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Ethel. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Pendleton Bend Campground and Day Use Park is located on the bank of the Arkansas River. The campground offers 31 campsites, a two lane boatramp, a comfort station with hot showers and restrooms, playground, picnic sites, and a group shelter that can accomodate 75 users.
Hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and hunting are all popular activities for visitors. World-class bass and crappie fishing is found in Pool 2, and the tailwaters of the dam provide excellent opportunities to catch a variety of gamefish, especially catfish. A boat ramp is available for access to the Arkansas River. Hiking and birding is available in the nearby Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area. Many species of waterfowl frequent the lower Arkansas River and its adjacent wetlands making this area a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is located in the lush Eastern Arkansas alluvial bottomland forest in Desha County. Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is approximately 3.5 miles upstream of the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Arkansas Electric Coop Hydropower Dam. The Campground and Park sits along the track for migratory birds as they come and go from the Gulf of Mexico, making it a destination for birders. Many species of waterfowl frequent the Arkansas River and adjacent wetlands making it a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Nearby, visitors can visit the Arkansas Post National Memorial. Here, Henri de Tonti established the first European village west of the Mississippi River in 1686. In 1819, Arkansas Post became the capital of the Arkansas Territory and remained so until the Civil War. The Dale Bumpers White River Refuge is nearby that offers 160,000 acres of excellent hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities as well.
$75 / night
Merrisach Lake Campground and Day Use Park is situated on the banks of Merrisach Lake and the Arkansas Post Canal in the lush bottomland forest of eastern Arkansas. The campground is described as off the beaten path, providing visitors with the peace and quiet to enjoy fishing, hunting, picnicking and boating.
The campground and day use park offers visitors the perfect amount of seclusion to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors enjoy fishing for bass, crappie and catfish in Merrisach Lake and other tributaries of Pool 2. The tailwaters of Wilbur D. Mills Dam provide excellent opportunities to catch many species of gamefish, especially catfish. Visitors to this area also find great hunting, birding and boating opportunities. Merrisach sits on the famed Mississippi Flyway, where millions of songbirds, ducks, geese and butterflies pass during migration.
The Arkansas Post Canal creates a waterway from the Arkansas River to the White River, and Merrisach Lake stems from the pool between the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Lock Number 2. Wilbur D. Mills Pool boasts 96 miles of shoreline and 10,600 acres of water.
The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife and migratory birds, and is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. The National Park Services's Arkansas Post National Memorial is also a great place to visit while camping in the area.
$26 / night
Mississippi River State Park provides quality access to the St. Francis National Forest and offers visitors endless adventures where the Mississippi River, Crowley’s Ridge and the Arkansas Delta meet. Visitors can explore everything from hardwood forests to the sandy shores of the Mississippi River while enjoying three lakes, the All American Great River Road and Crowley's Ridge Parkway (Both are National Scenic Byways), four hiking trails and two recreational areas. Interpretive programs include tours of historic sites, cooking demonstrations, hiking, biking, kayaking and much more. The visitor center includes interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a large, multi-purpose area for hosting meetings, family reunions and other group events. Boat, kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals are available.
$37 / night
Located where the Coastal Plain meets the Mississippi Delta, Cane Creek Campground offers you the opportunity to experience both in one visit. The trail system is a point of pride at the park. Trail run, ride, or backpack through rolling terrain, along the lake, and across three suspension bridges. Paddle or fish Cane Creek Lake. Explore nearby Bayou Bartholomew, the world’s longest bayou. Interpretive programs include guided walking, biking, kayaking, and birding tours. Facilities include 29 campsites (11 Class A and 18 Class B), one Rent-An-RV, picnic sites, a backpacking shelter, pavilions, visitor center with exhibits and gift shop, launch ramp, fishing piers, a bathhouse, and playground. Boat and bicycle rentals are available.
Rising Star Campground is located on the Arkansas River by Pool 3 Lock and Dam. Whether camping, fishing, boating or just relaxing in the sun, this area provides something for everyone.
The campground is popular among fishermen. There is excellent catfish fishing in the tail-waters of Joe Hardin Lock and Dam as well as Emmitt Sanders Lock and Dam at the upstream end of Pool 3. Anglers often catch bass, crappie and bream. Hunting is available in nearby forests, and there is duck hunting on the waterways. On shore, families enjoy picnicking and using the playground.
The park is in a forested area along the riverfront, close to the rolling fields of cotton farms. It is 193 feet above sea level; winters are generally mild and summer temperatures reach the upper 90s with high humidity. Red fox are frequently seen in the park, and numerous species of waterfowl live in the water and along the shores.
Rising Star Park is located 12 miles from Pine Bluff, the home for the Arkansas Railroad Museum, Pine Bluff Regional Park, the Martha Mitchell Home and other points of interest, as well as shopping and groceries.
$75 / night
Wilbur D. Mills Campground is a small, quiet campground offering 21 campsites. The park is located just downstream of the Wilbur D. Mills Dam on the right descending bank of the Arkansas River.
Hiking, fishing, hunting, birding, and boating are all popular pastimes in this area. The waters below Wilbur D. Mills Dam can be an excellent place to catch Blue, Channel and Flathead catfish as well as other species such as crappie, white bass, striped bass, and their hybrids. Many outdoor enthusiasts find the whitetail deer hunting to be excellent in the fertile soils of the bottomland hardwoods of the public lands adjacent to the area. Birders find many species to check off their lists as well. Hiking is permitted year round in the area, except during permit drawn hunts outside the park. Hikers are reminded to wear bright colors, such as fluorescent orange or yellow during hunting seasons as well.
The Wilbur D. Mills Campground is on the lower portion of the Arkansas River, just below the Wilbur D. Mills Dam. This non-commercially navigable portion of the Arkansas River meanders below Wilbur D. Mills Dam as it makes it's 26 mile journey to the confluence with the Mississippi River. Many species of shorebirds find the shallow water and sand bars great feeding and nesting habitat. Federally Endangered Least Terns (Sterna antillarum) can be seen feeding and nesting in this portion of the Arkansas River. Please exercise caution and avoid active nesting sandbars.
The Arkansas Post National Memorial marks where the first European village west of the Mississippi River was built in 1686. Arkansas Post was also the capital of Arkansas up until the Civil War. Arkansas Post State Park is also close to WIlbur D. Mills Campground and is worth a visit. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area is a state managed public land area offering many outdoor activities. The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge also offers many recreational activities on its 160,000 acres of public land.
$24 / night
Class D No Hookups Available first come, first served. Please contact the park at 870-572-2352 or deltaheritagetrail@arkansas.com for more information. Rate(s): $15.00
$13 - $15 / night
Pendleton Bend Campground and Day Use Park is located on the bank of the Arkansas River. The campground offers 31 campsites, a two lane boatramp, a comfort station with hot showers and restrooms, playground, picnic sites, and a group shelter that can accomodate 75 users.
Hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and hunting are all popular activities for visitors. World-class bass and crappie fishing is found in Pool 2, and the tailwaters of the dam provide excellent opportunities to catch a variety of gamefish, especially catfish. A boat ramp is available for access to the Arkansas River. Hiking and birding is available in the nearby Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area. Many species of waterfowl frequent the lower Arkansas River and its adjacent wetlands making this area a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is located in the lush Eastern Arkansas alluvial bottomland forest in Desha County. Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is approximately 3.5 miles upstream of the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Arkansas Electric Coop Hydropower Dam. The Campground and Park sits along the track for migratory birds as they come and go from the Gulf of Mexico, making it a destination for birders. Many species of waterfowl frequent the Arkansas River and adjacent wetlands making it a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Nearby, visitors can visit the Arkansas Post National Memorial. Here, Henri de Tonti established the first European village west of the Mississippi River in 1686. In 1819, Arkansas Post became the capital of the Arkansas Territory and remained so until the Civil War. The Dale Bumpers White River Refuge is nearby that offers 160,000 acres of excellent hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities as well.
$75 / night
Merrisach Lake Campground and Day Use Park is situated on the banks of Merrisach Lake and the Arkansas Post Canal in the lush bottomland forest of eastern Arkansas. The campground is described as off the beaten path, providing visitors with the peace and quiet to enjoy fishing, hunting, picnicking and boating.
The campground and day use park offers visitors the perfect amount of seclusion to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors enjoy fishing for bass, crappie and catfish in Merrisach Lake and other tributaries of Pool 2. The tailwaters of Wilbur D. Mills Dam provide excellent opportunities to catch many species of gamefish, especially catfish. Visitors to this area also find great hunting, birding and boating opportunities. Merrisach sits on the famed Mississippi Flyway, where millions of songbirds, ducks, geese and butterflies pass during migration.
The Arkansas Post Canal creates a waterway from the Arkansas River to the White River, and Merrisach Lake stems from the pool between the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Lock Number 2. Wilbur D. Mills Pool boasts 96 miles of shoreline and 10,600 acres of water.
The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife and migratory birds, and is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. The National Park Services's Arkansas Post National Memorial is also a great place to visit while camping in the area.
$26 / night
Mississippi River State Park provides quality access to the St. Francis National Forest and offers visitors endless adventures where the Mississippi River, Crowley’s Ridge and the Arkansas Delta meet. Visitors can explore everything from hardwood forests to the sandy shores of the Mississippi River while enjoying three lakes, the All American Great River Road and Crowley's Ridge Parkway (Both are National Scenic Byways), four hiking trails and two recreational areas. Interpretive programs include tours of historic sites, cooking demonstrations, hiking, biking, kayaking and much more. The visitor center includes interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a large, multi-purpose area for hosting meetings, family reunions and other group events. Boat, kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals are available.
$37 / night
Located where the Coastal Plain meets the Mississippi Delta, Cane Creek Campground offers you the opportunity to experience both in one visit. The trail system is a point of pride at the park. Trail run, ride, or backpack through rolling terrain, along the lake, and across three suspension bridges. Paddle or fish Cane Creek Lake. Explore nearby Bayou Bartholomew, the world’s longest bayou. Interpretive programs include guided walking, biking, kayaking, and birding tours. Facilities include 29 campsites (11 Class A and 18 Class B), one Rent-An-RV, picnic sites, a backpacking shelter, pavilions, visitor center with exhibits and gift shop, launch ramp, fishing piers, a bathhouse, and playground. Boat and bicycle rentals are available.
Traveler
I have stayed at this campground twice. The first time (2022) was a rainy day and I didn't feel like setting up a tent in my reserved space, so I upgraded to one of the very nice, and at the time quite new cabins for about $75 total. I loved the winding drive down to Helena-West Helena. It was beautiful, the rain was not too bad. The cabin was wonderful. I had such a happy experience that time, I returned to car camp last year (2023) on my way west. I did not bother setting up a tent, but rented an RV space. It was fine. . . lots of mosquitos in the evening (mid-September) and a construction crew was renting out an RV spot across from me. There were no other campers, but I felt safe. The bathrooms (unisex) were not nearly as clean as the first visit, but were ok. The guys across the way were quiet and respectful. The whole thing was ok. . . but I did have the thought expressed in another comment that there is just too much concrete and asphalt in this place. Maybe they are concerned about keeping the jungle at bay, so they paved it . . . but consequently it feels like a parking lot with a beautiful periphery. Is also was pretty expensive for what I needed ($42), since I sleep on a cot in my SUV and don't need electricity, water, dumping, etc. But that is my fault for not asking for a tent site.
I decided to head there at the last minute, and called the office right before closing to rent via telephone (should have asked for a tent site, cheaper). I did not have to make the 14 mile drive to Marianna to check in.
The crew staying in the RV across the way, left vert early in the morning. It was cool and shady in my spot, so I moved my vehicle to sunny spot (tent area!) and had a nice leisurely breakfast before heading out. It was mid-week, and nobody else was there. A ranger (?) drove through pretty early (before I moved my car) and said hi. She knew i had rented a spot. Very friendly, just as the folks in Marianna had been when I went there in 2022.
All in all it is a good spot. Quiet and safe.
Legend
This is convenient to the levee and right in the middle of town. Clean restrooms with flush toilets. There are no assigned sites but just a grassy area adjacent to the parking area.
Traveler
Literal rest stop on the side of highway. Says no tent camping, but it seemed like an RV was planning on staying. Went to a lot of back roads to get here, some looked like small camping spots, but didn’t stop, thinking it would lead to a larger group of spots.
Traveler
Not much too it. Basically just two relatively small parking lots in the woods, past some houses off the highway. Would only be good for a super quick over night.
Scout
I would love to experience a stay and let yall know
RangerSpent just one night here. Easy to find and has a water spigot. Noticed a sign in the morning that said hunting, fishing, or camping permit required but no one came by to check. One other person here. A bit buggy but otherwise a quiet spot to get some sleep!
Traveler
Really cool spot we parked next to the gator swamp and it was a really cool area. We saw some big splashes from the pond but no gators. Great spot for the night. Free camping
ScoutGreat people $40
Scout
Would be a great place but its always locked.but theres always sum guys fishing.but the gate is locked to general public .i almost think they only open the gate to specific friends or people..this used to be a place where the disabled could fish now i can.i live nearby and the gate is locked EVERY DAY.i pay taxes but am not allowed access to PArk..it sucks some people smh .its so easy to unlock the tate.
Guide
very nice spot found it quickly at night. Soft ground. Quick to get to off highway
Scout
My family uses a pop up camper to explore many of the Arkansas parks, after this trip we are considering a change!
Let me tell you about their bathroom/showers situation…. Do they have flushing toilets, yes! Sadly only slightly better than a hole in the ground with a seat. They thankfully have provided toilet paper, that’s a step up from tree bark, but no place to put any sanitary items…. Was there a place at one time to dispose such things? YES! Is there one any more? NO! Just a slot with a lid where the metal box once was. Granted I am at a camp that for the majority of the time only houses manly hunters, keeping that in mind I assume they do still sometimes bring their wives/girlfriends who would appreciate maybe having another small box installed for these womanly things. Moving on I don’t consider myself vain in anyway but the mirror situation is comparable to trying to see your reflection in crinkled aluminum foil, at best! While staring into what may or may not be my reflection, I start to question where is the hand soap? Absolutely nowhere, there is none. I feel they expect us to grab a pine cone and pray we don’t get pink eye because that is all your working with, pinecones and prayers! While releasing a irritated sigh I noticed I could see my breath! It’s currently 30 degrees outside and guess what these bathrooms do not have a heater!! Now to the showers, I’m only able to compare it to a prison scene from a movie… Longest yard…? The Rock…? Maybe…I’m not sure but it falls somewhere between comical and terrifying. Curtains you ask? No we don’t need those! Being able to adjust water temperatures? No! Luke warm Is what you have Luke warm is what you are happy with(said in best Russian accent) Somewhere to place your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lufa and razor? Unheard of! You are in the wild girl…. You should have held on to that pinecone! A large button on the wall you have to push every(no exageration) ten seconds to keep the spit temperature trickle of water running?? Yes ma’am! The over head lights on a timer that goes off five minutes into your lovely prison shower experience reminding you to not drop the soap or close your eyes? WE GOT YOU BOO! Need less to say my time here, although brief, feels like purgatory, making me want to lay down in front of the passing Corps of Engineers truck as a martyr for bathroom improvements! (**US Army Corps of Engineers please reference ANY State ran park bathroom for your example!)
TravelerSuper peaceful, quiet...shady sites or sunny, whatever you prefer. Some on the water sites, but others aren't far off. Camp host is very helpful and friendly!!! I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CLEANER BATHROOM!!! BATHROOM/SHOWER COMBO FOR 1 PERSON OR FAMILY!!! We will be back for sure!!!!!
TravelerNice place down a long dirt road. Free camping. No facilities. Sites a marked by blue bands on trees or signs. Lots of spots spaced far apart.
GuideWe came from the east, got off 40, and turned onto Tower Road. We went down tower road for about a mile and then turned onto Fawn Acres Road. I think you could also follow Tower road to County Road 705 and there is camping there as well. There are a ton of campsites down the gravel road and they are well marked. There are signs for designated camping and the trees have a blue ring painted around them, so it stands out. A lot of the spots we saw were gravel so I’m not sure if it would be super comfortable to sleep here in a tent. It wasn’t too buggy this time of year and we only saw two other cars passing by. We were able to make a little fire pit and were happy to see it so well kept with no trash.
Guide
My family and I had a nice little getaway to Cane Creek State park. The sites are all asphalted and have electric and water. The dump station is on the way out of the park. The boat dock is really nice and the bait shop has minnows, worms, and crickets. Also, the bathrooms are located in the middle of the park and are clean. There are also a few concreted walking trails. The only bad part of the weekend was the bugs were really bad after dark so we had to go inside early. I would recommend this place to anyone and we will be back.
GuideVery nice campground. The camp hosts were wonderful people. The bathrooms were immaculate and the campground was very well maintained. The campsites were all sufficiently spaced. Occasionally a barge would go by. The Arkansas River is part of the McClellan-Kerr navigation system. Approximately 11 million tons of cargo is shipped from the Mississippi River to Tulsa every year through the McClellan-Kerr navigation system. The sunsets were taken from my chair on the bank of the Arkansas River.
TravelerAlthough we were towing while having to stop here, Gary made it worth it to have to disconnect for the night. He answered a late night phone call, knew exactly where we were when trying to look for a spot for the night, sent us directions and met us at our spot to get us all set up. There are only a few pull through spots and the rest back in. It was a perfect little spot close enough to the highway but far enough not to even see it. Overall a very nice spot for an overnight stay.
ScoutOnly $10 for no hookups and a whole plot to myself, no complaints.
GuideAn overnight stop on our route. Gary was great, most helpful and it was a pleasure talking with him. This is a rather small campsite and I recommend advanced reservations. Two pull through sites that do not have sewer hookups but there is a dump station if needed. Electrical hookups are 50 amp so have an adapter if you need 30 amp service. I’d certainly recommend it.
ScoutWe're traveling across the country and used our RV site as home base for 2 days. Campsites and bath/showers were very clean. Very quiet. A bit too much pavement, with no trees or natural space between campsites. When you are leaving, the pump out station is located on the wrong side of the road without an easy way to turn around. Also the water hose at the pump out station wasn't working -- no water to rinse with but from our tank.
GuideHere’s the thing. You cannot trust either Apple or Google maps to get you here by these coordinants. Also, “here” is a relative term. DO NOT just look for a body of water as you’re going on the gravel road to let you know you’ve gotten to a legitimate campsite. I got very lost trying to find the place at night, and then getting back to the freeway the next morning. Apple Maps and Google maps showed me two completely different places over half an hour away from each other with the same coordinates. In the morning, I drove 20 minutes on the gravel road trying to get back to the highway, just to run into a dead end at a locked gate. I had to turn around and find another way to the freeway just by navigating myself down every road I could identify on the map visually, until I found a legitimate one. The reason the reviews are so disparate, is because there are dozens, if not hundreds of campsites over what I’m guessing is hundreds if not thousands of acres of woods. Some are by stagnant ponds that I’m sure are horrific breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and some are far enough from the water that you can’t see, or hear the water, and have fewer mosquitoes and bugs. Some campsites are pretty close to the road, and some are quite far. The main thing to do is, as soon as you exit the road, whatever turn off you take, start looking for very small signs that say “designated camping area”. By getting lost, I can tell you, there are multiple Roads you can take off the main highway. Get yourself to this general area, and don’t be in a rush, or frantic. Go very slowly, and just keep your eyes out for these tiny signs. Once you see one, you’ll realize they’re all over the place. Decide ahead of time if you want to be close to the road, or explore and try to find a place, closer to the water. Some areas are more open and the water is less stagnant (no, I did not find anywhere. I would personally feel comfortable swimming. The water is very murky, and does not look deep. In all of my getting lost, on a Monday in early April 2023, I did not see another single, solitary soul. Where I can’t, I also could not hear cars at all. I woke up to birds, singing, and trees rustling. It was very beautiful and peaceful.
Traveler
I stayed a few days during the week. It's a pretty spot by a lake. Clean restrooms with showers.
ScoutAbsolutely horrendous. The road access is gravel, but LARGE gravel that we are surprised didn't ruin our tires. Flies so thick we didn't want to get out of our truck. Abandoned our stay before we got all the way there!!! Horrible Horrible Horrible
TravelerWhile they don’t have much in way of amenities they make up for it in service.
Legend
Beech Point Campground is an amazing lakeside spot. Our site came with a bench to view the lake and tent pad is in the perfect spot. It was peaceful and provided the perfect place to recharge our batteries! The bathrooms were very nice. Throughout the campground, sewer hook-ups are available.
Legend
This park is absolutely fantastic! The ride through the park, on the Crowley's Ridge Parkway is breathtakingly beautiful. There is an abundance of wildlife and nature's beauty. This park travels along the Mississippi River and there are roads that take you right to the river to view. We traveled down to the St. Francis and Mississippi River confluence to see the historic lows. All along the way, the scenery is amazing. We never knew there was such a variety in landscape not only in this area, but the park as well. Everything is very well taken care of and the park overall keeps a smile on your face! The staff at the Visitor's Center is VERY friendly and knowledgeable. Take some time to view the exhibits and learn about the area. They offer quite a bit for nature lovers. Overall, there are 4 campgrounds in this park. While they may offer different amenities, they are all well kept with beautiful scenery. Beech Point Campground is an island you can drive to and camp, located on Bear Creek Lake. We stayed at Storm Creek Campground and loved every minute of it.
LegendTo check in, you must go to the Mississippi River State Park welcome center which is only 14 miles away but the gorgeous, twisty road makes the trek a little longer. And that's not necessarily a complaint. We saw 11 turkeys on the way. Wildlife and the beauty of nature (especially the leaves during this time of year) is incomparable. We had NO idea that this part of the state was so beautiful. Finding this place is truly a treasure. Pictures won't do it justice. Clean, quiet, and peaceful describe this little treasure. There are 4 bathroom and shower combos which are incredibly clean. There is even a little bicycle repair station by the bathhouse as there are many biking and hiking trails around! There are 5 little camper cabins as well and they are SUPER cute! To sum it up, this camp and this park are FANTASTIC!! Oh! And the people at the Welcome Center are some of the nicest we have encountered! They will even deliver firewood for you!
Camping near Ethel, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.
Camping near Ethel, Arkansas, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ethel, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ethel, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 35 campgrounds and RV parks near Ethel, AR and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ethel, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ethel, AR is Pendleton Bend with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ethel, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Ethel, AR.
What parks are near Ethel, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Ethel, AR that allow camping, notably Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool and Arkansas River - Pool 3.
