West Memphis, Arkansas sits alongside the Mississippi River at an elevation of around 210 feet. The terrain is mostly flat with clay-based soils that can become muddy after heavy rain. Camping options near West Memphis include established RV parks, state park campgrounds within driving distance, and a few facilities offering cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Access nearby lakes at Village Creek State Park Campground where campers report catching state record fish. "There are two small lakes that are popular with anglers. A couple of boat ramps are available for fishing boat launch," notes one visitor. The park also offers boat rentals for those without their own equipment.
**Trail exploration: Hike through unique terrain on the Big Ben Nature Trail which features unusual plant species found only in the Crowley's Ridge region. A camper mentioned, "The Crowley's Ridge region of the state is home to unique geological formations, soil and plant life unlike anywhere else in Arkansas." For history buffs, Village Creek State Park also contains a well-preserved section of the Trail of Tears.
**Riverside activities: Watch barge traffic from Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, located about 25 minutes from West Memphis. "This park has tons of trees. Every site feels like it was cut right out of the trees," reports one camper who appreciates the forest setting. The park offers both hiking and biking trails through densely wooded areas.
What campers like
**River views: Visitors appreciate watching Mississippi River traffic from their campsites. "Tugboats pushed barges against the current at a slower than walking pace. Trees with root balls intact floated downstream. The distant banks of the Tennessee side showed their sandy promontory," described one visitor at Tom Sawyer's RV Park, noting the ever-changing river scenery.
**Free amenities: Several campgrounds offer complimentary services not commonly found elsewhere. "Low key RV Park, and sites are a bit close together, but it's right on the Mississippi, and is wonderful views of the river! The staff was extremely helpful," shares a camper who appreciated that the staff helped them switch sites to accommodate their power needs.
**Family activities: T.O. Fuller State Park Campground offers multiple recreational facilities. "There are several hiking trails, a swimming pool (in season), and a native American history Museum (Chulissa) that is very popular," notes a camper. Despite its location in South Memphis, the park maintains a natural setting with updated playgrounds and hiking trails.
What you should know
**Flooding impacts: The Mississippi River regularly affects camping conditions. "Holy heck the drive getting to this place is crazy... When you get to the park check in building it's a relief but not a departure from what you've just seen," reported a camper describing the access road conditions at one riverside campground during high water periods.
**Heat and insects: Summer months bring temperatures exceeding 90°F with significant humidity. "This place is very beautiful and DEEP into to woods. The sites are very spread out with privacy though and we loved that!" noted a visitor at Village Creek State Park Campground, though many campgrounds in the region report problems with mosquitoes, particularly in wooded areas from May through September.
**Urban proximity: Some campgrounds near West Memphis provide convenient access to Memphis attractions while others feel more remote. "T.O. Fuller SP Is a decent campground situated 5 miles from Graceland and about 15 minutes (by car) from downtown Memphis," explains a camper who appreciated the park's surprising natural beauty despite its urban location.
Tips for camping with families
**Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Memphis offers numerous amenities specifically for children. "Traveling from California with kids who have been at the mercy of cross-country RV parks- this was a reprieve for them, pool, bikes, playgrounds," shares one parent who felt the facilities justified the higher price point.
**Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities during warmer months. "I was a first time camper and didn't know what to expect. I can say that it was very serene and relaxing. Areas are very clean kid friendly playgrounds," reports a camper at Jellystone Park who appreciated the family-oriented atmosphere.
**Educational opportunities: Incorporate history lessons at Village Creek State Park. "There is a particularly stunning trail that includes one of the most well-preserved sections of the Trail of Tears. This made for both an lovely hike and a history lesson for our seven year old," mentioned a parent who combined outdoor recreation with learning.
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: Reserve carefully at EZ Daze RV Park where concrete pads provide level parking. "The park is very clean and exceptionally well maintained. Perfect overnight. One exit north has everything you need; food, Aldi's, Walmart," notes one RVer who appreciated the convenient access to supplies.
**Power requirements: Check electrical specifications before arrival. "The sights are pretty cozy, but I have seen worse. Nice concrete pads," reports a visitor to EZ Daze, while another mentions, "Some of the sites only have 50 and 30 amp power, and I primarily use 20 amp for my camper van, and the staffer was very willing to help me switch sites to accommodate my needs."
**Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Several large RVs and travel trailers were able to comfortably fit in these campsites," reports a camper at Village Creek State Park, though they caution that "not all sites are suitable for tent campers" and suggest calling ahead to ask about specific site characteristics when booking online.
