Campgrounds near Gillett, Arkansas accommodate a range of camping styles within the Arkansas River Valley. The area maintains relatively mild winter temperatures averaging 40-50°F while summer months can reach 90°F with high humidity. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 150-200 feet above sea level, creating accessible terrain for campers with limited mobility.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: At Pendleton Bend, visitors can fish from dedicated piers along the Arkansas River. "We had fun sitting on a dock and watching the cargo boats," notes one camper about the accessible fishing areas.
**Wildlife viewing: The wetland ecosystems near Gillett provide habitats for diverse wildlife. A camper at Cane Creek State Park reported, "We were able to watch numerous birds (pileated woodpeckers) and even saw a swamp rat swimming in the lake (resembles a beaver with a skinny tail)."
**Kayaking: Water trails through cypress forests offer distinctive paddling experiences. "Cane Creek is the most beautiful place we've found in Arkansas with kayaking among the trees and flowers. They have tons of events like moonlit full moon kayak," shares a visitor who enjoyed the rental options.
What campers like
**Spacious sites: Many RV campgrounds in Gillett, Arkansas feature extra room between campsites. At Rising Star Campground, campers appreciate that "We had site 15 which was at the end of the park and had a beautiful, large site with plenty of privacy."
**River views: Watching commercial traffic on the Arkansas River provides unique entertainment. "We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by. Not many campers here right now so it's quiet," reports a visitor to Tar Camp.
**Clean facilities: Multiple campers mention well-maintained campgrounds. "The bathrooms were immaculate and the campground was very well maintained. The campsites were all sufficiently spaced," notes a camper who gave Rising Star a 5-star rating.
What you should know
**Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Pendleton Bend warns, "There is absolutely no cell phone signal and no WiFi, so have physical directions on you."
**Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. A visitor to Tar Camp noted, "They will be opening March of 2021" after winter closure.
**Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary widely between locations. A camper at H&G RV Campground points out the site has "full hookup 50/30Amp, water and sewer. Gravel pads and well maintained" but lacks restroom facilities for non-RV campers.
**Insect preparation: Seasonally heavy insect activity requires preparation. "Mosquitoes are terrible" warns a camper about Cane Creek, while another notes "The air was black with the bugs" during love bug mating season.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreation areas for children. A camper mentions Rising Star has a "playground and boat ramp. Nice pavilion," making it suitable for families with young children.
**Halloween events: The fall season brings special activities at certain parks. A Cane Creek visitor shares, "Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!"
**Nature programs: Organized activities enhance family camping experiences. "The visitors center offers fun activities for the kids," notes a local family who frequently visits Cane Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
**Electrical capacity: Power limitations affect what appliances can be used simultaneously. At Rising Star, campers mentioned "only 1 bar on my Verizon phone this time" and that some neighbors "had issues with their electricity because they were trying to run an air fryer, and it kept throwing the breaker."
**Water hookup planning: Shared utilities require equipment preparation. At Pendleton Bend, a camper notes "the water hookups are half way between the sites to be shared, and my 50ft hose just barely could reach."
**Advance booking: Limited availability necessitates planning at popular RV sites near Gillett. A visitor to H&G RV Campground advises "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."
