Best Glamping near Harrisburg, AR

I must make a comment regarding two other reviews. A lake is generally deeper than a pond. You weigh the depth and surface to judge if a body of water is one or the other. In Arkansas you will find a pond on a ranch or a farm. Now in some areas of the United States there are lakes that cover masses of acres and I had to laugh at the fact that Lake Charles was being called a pond. In the south we consider Lake Charles a lake even if it is only 645 acres.  Please don't take offense, I meant none, we just look at things a bit different, we are also very proud of Arkansas and the fact that it is considered "The Natural State."

Folks if you travel to very many state parks or Corp of Engineer COE parks in Arkansas you will encounter another southern foible.  Narrow roads.  Most of Arkansas is rural and you will find that most roads are older, narrow and farm equipment or ranching equipment uses the roads.  That also leads toward the "charm" of Arkansas.  If you stay in the larger towns you will manage to get by fairly well but venture towards the campgrounds and we hope you enjoy the state.  Take your time.

Lake Charles State Park is 1/2 more or less hour from Jonesboro on a quiet country road.  It has a 645 acre lake with bass, crappie, bream and catfish.  This park operates year round.  From March to October to will be able to purchase bait and tackle at the Visitor Center.  There are Class AAA sites to tent sites with many on the lake.  There are yurts available.  From November to February a 3-D Archery range is open.  You will find 4 hiking trails and there are several programs offered by the rangers.  Check on the programs offered through the Arkansas State Parks, find the park you want, and plan your stay.  It will be a learning experience for young and old.  So map out everything you want to do and learn.

Fish, kayak, hike, ranger talks, camping, picnicking, what more can you ask for.  Lake Charles was established in 1963 and was dedicated on May 28, 1967.

Picnic tables, grills, lantern hooks and paved pads are at each campsite.  Restrooms and bathhouses are modern and "air conditioned" which come in handy when you are dealing with Arkansas heat and humidity.  There is a dump stationed and trash area shortly after coming into the park.  All sites may be reserved.  Beautiful shades trees, level sites with some a bit tight.  No waterskiing or tubing is allowed.

Four walking trails with the Cedar Trail being paved.  The Butterflies and Blooms Trail is a short gravel trail and the Native Plant Trail uses plants that will attract butterflies and local wildlife.

Swimming area is free of charge and is located in a day use area.  You will not find life guards so please watch over all.  Alcohol, glass bottles and pets are not allowed.  You will find a gently sloping sandy beach.  

A short distance away from the park is Davidsonville Historic State Park and Powhatan Courthouse State Park.  There is plenty to keep you busy and we hope you enjoy a laid back southern vacation.

Word of warning.  Even a native Arkansan quakes when it come summer time and the dreaded flies and mosquitoes come out to play.  Research, find all kinds of options for keeping them at bay, screens on your doors, campfire smoke, anything just don't let them stop you from enjoying.

Have Fun - Stay Safe   Leave No Trace Better Than You Found It

Great facilities. First time at an Arkansas state park and impressed.

There are nearly 100 sites here at Village Creek State Park. They are Spacious, paved and well maintained. The campground is spread out on plenty of land. 2nd largest park in Arkansas in such a tiny town. Many deer walking freely at night. Water and electric hookups, bathrooms and a museum too. They have concerts occasionally here in the big field. Cabins are great too above the rim of the lake. Many hikes to take here and so peaceful. There are stables and horse trails as well as mountain biking. The park is located in Wynne, Arkansas. I have visited here many times camped in RV and stayed in the cabins. The rangers are always friendly and it is close to my relatives in Forrest City.

This was a pretty, uncrowded state park in Arkansas. Nice small pond with a good walking trail around it.  The park was hard to get to, narrow/windy roads. I enjoyed my stay there and its great if its on your way from point A to point B.

Lake Frierson State Park is a nice stop off on the way to Jonesboro Arkansas.

Nice trails, water recreation and quiet. The campground is small. 7 sites near one of the boat ramps. Your on the road next to the public access so not much privacy at all! There is also a primitive camping area. I guess one plus is it’s not very crowded and if you have enough relatives you can book the whole site for yourself.

Like Charles is definitely a fishing destinations but offers many other activities of camping. There are trails for hiking or bike riding all three campground areas have access to the lake for fishing or bring your own boat and explore the lake. The bath houses have just been renovated and the facility is maintained very well. He there is a playground and swimming area, I boat ramp, haste door in the office, and the staff are very friendly and helpful . It’s in Arkansas so don’t forget your mosquito spray after dark.

We camped at Village Creek State Park in the Crowley’s Ridge region of Arkansas over Labor Day weekend. We booked two class B RV sites - one for ourselves and one for my husband’s parents - in advance. On our way to camp we got a call informing us that they had accidentally deleted one reservation assuming it was a duplicate (same name), and that there were no longer two sites together in that loop. They offered to re-book us in the only section that still had side-by-side campsites available. Village Creek is a somewhat unique park in that has an Equestrian Camp offering with stables, exercise corrals, water, mounting blocks and the like available for those who would like to travel with their own horses. While it was not what we originally booked, staying in “Horse Camp” was 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. While all of that made for really cool atmosphere, the sites themselves left a lot to be desired. It almost looks like major erosion has occurred since these sites were first built - at every site in this loop, the picnic table and fire ring are IN the woods, and often partway down a ravine, with lots of brush, branches and vines hanging around them. We tried to use the table and fire ring on our first night and abandoned it for the rest of the trip. Our inlaws’ table was in such a dangerous location that we couldn’t access it at all, and we quickly realized was a cozy home for copperheads. Our water hookup had a wasp nest inside it. All of these details made it hard to relax as we were constantly on our guard with our kids and dog. We checked out the other camping areas and they were in much better shape, recently renovated and with full hookups. The trails at Village Creek were BEAUTIFUL. 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. The Crowley’s Ridge region of the state is home to unique geological formations, soil and plant life unlike anywhere else in Arkansas. The Big Ben Nature Trail offers a great opportunity to identify these unusual plant species and is a short, easy hike. However, erosion is a big issue on the ridge, and sections were somewhat washed out after recent heavy rains. There are two small lakes that are popular with anglers. A couple of boat ramps are available for fishing boat launch. There is a small swimming area for campers only, but this lake is not great for swimming as it is pretty muddy. Take lots of bug spray in summer, and maybe only consider horse camp if you HAVE a horse. It’s worth a walk through in the morning or late afternoon when riders are tacking up or returning from rides.

PROS 

Senior discount 

No fee assessed to make on-line reservations 

Quiet 

light view of lake from #57 

Site 57 has no site next to it or behind it 

Good distance between campsites 

Dark sky friendly except for sites near toilet/shower facilities where there is an actual street light 

Climate controlled toilet/shower facility in campground B 

Both campground B toilet/shower facilities very clean with ample supply of TP, soap and paper towels 

Wood picnic table (on concrete pad), pedestal BBQ grill, metal fire ring with cooking grate and metal lantern hook 

Wide roadway in campground B 

Small playground 

Access to lake swimming area from campground B 

Trash receptacles at toilet/shower facility 

Lots of deer


Smaller Walmart in Wynne AR 

Pops Grill in Wynne real good

CONS 

County burn ban in place upon arrival but no signage anywhere alerting of ban. We saw the Arkansas burn ban website and inquired upon checkin if it was enforced and park clerk affirmed ban but we saw many campers had a wood fire burning all the time. So without any signage we understand the confusion and noncompliance. Park should at least place burn ban signage at campground entrance. 

Site 57 unlevel side-to-side 

No cell service. 

No public phone in park. 

Parks signage states WiFi at park visitor center could be used to make phone calls. We found this not true with our T-MOBILE service as we purposely went to the visitor center to make a WIFI call. There is WIFI at visitors center but only one bar and too weak to transmit a call. So if there is an emergency after visitor center is closed and you need to make a call, good luck, as there is no public phone nor any camp hosts. We drove approximately 8 miles towards Wynne to get sufficient cell signal to make calls and connect with internet. 

Only free WiFi is at park visitor center. We purchased WiFi from park vendor Viasat $20 unlimited for 3 days for one device. Viasat delivered a good signal within 200 ft of toilet/shower facility so it was useless in our campsite#57. Don’t waste your money! Sewer connection at rear of site pad so bring the looooong stinky slinky! 

Pets not kept on leash 

No security gate closure overnight

This park is one of a kind. The campsites have plenty of space and the park was very clean. We saw tons of dear and birds. We stayed during thanksgiving so it wasn’t real busy. The kids loved playing in the leaves. We can’t wait to come back next year.

Lots of trails and activities to do around the area. Wish we weren’t staying in a tent and would have come at a cooler part of the year. Was too hot to do anything at the beginning of July. Ended up leaving early.

We enjoyed our stay at Village creek state park. There was a pretty little creek that ran right behind our campsite. There are 2 lakes at this park and I think both have swimming areas although one was closed. The campgrounds had a nice amount of space inbetween each other and the bath houses were clean.

 Very nice wooded campground and good space between campsites. We took one of the hiking trails to a lake within the park. We only stayed one night but would definitely consider returning.

We live 15 miles from this park so we camp here often. It's quiet and peaceful. There is little to no service but we love to just relax without phones.

We loved our stay at Viilage Creek State Park. It was beautiful! We rode our bikes all over the park. It was so green, so pretty and lots of area and trails to walk and enjoy. It had its own equestrian camping area as well. The sites were large, full hookup and there was lots of wildlife. We would definitely go back!

Was told on the phone to just pick a spot and pay on my way out in the morning since I arrived after office closed. Many spots to choose from in several separate loops. Heated bathrooms have very clean showers with hot water. Street lamps around site made me feel safe although I can see how people might find them annoying. You have to drive pretty far into the park to get to the sites but that seems to discourage locals from driving through randomly like I’ve seen in other places. I had 2 bars of Verizon service and was able to text and use data.

Very nice park, NO cell phone service though (C-Spire).  Enjoyed the hiking trails and views.

It was such a lovely place. Beauty everywhere we looked! We stayed in the horse camp which was WONDERFUL! People were pleasant, lots of horses and children, simply magical. There was a Halloween party which we opted out of because we had travelled all day. All The children in the campground sure were excited. Great thing to remember if you have littles.

Village Creek has nearly 7,000 acres of forest hills, 33 miles of multi-use trails, playground for children, 2 lakes, Andy Dye designed 27 hole golf course, & visitor center & gift shop. The park has cabins as well as rv sites.

There are three main campgrounds: Loop A (no sewer hookups & mostly dirt pads), Loop B (full hookups & concrete pads), and an equestrian campground with stable facilities. Multiple bathhouses located throughout the park; however, in Loop A the bathhouse as you enter the loop has hot showers, where the lower Loop A bathhouse only has cold. As for the bathhouses they were clean and up to date.

The sites in Loop A were not level and some were very steep. Loop B sites seemed to be mostly level. All the sites contained a picnic table and fire pit.

We stayed in Loop A site 23 at the very end of the loop. This site was probably the steepest site at the park and we had difficulty getting our camper completely level. There is also a sign at the end of the loop that states this area can have storm damage and to watch for falling trees. While we were there a tree limb fell not even 20 feet from our camper and broke in two. If your willing to take a risk though this site is secluded and more private and right at the entrance to the Lake Dunn trail.

This campground also has no cell service or internet. You can pay to have internet and they have different options available but to get cell service you either need to leave the park or find the right spot and stay still.

Pros: •Beautiful campground •Multiple trails to hike •Two lakes to fish in and designated swim areas •Clean bathhouses and showers •Ampitheater with multiple education programs •Rent kayaks/canoes, fishing boats

Cons: •No sewer in Loop A area •Watch for falling tree limbs •Ticks and other insects-do tick checks and bring insect repellent •No cell/WiFi service

Beautiful park! Huge green fields and walking paths. Would definitely return. Our site had two different tent pads as well and the parking area for the RV if you have one.

The roads leading to this campground are fantastic for bikers, and the lakes have produced state record fish. It's well maintained, and has a lot of options. Not the biggest or best park in the state, but a good one, with plenty to do, and usually not very heavily populated, even by the locals.

Only an hour from Memphis, this campground is VERY nice - three camping areas, two lakes with boat rentals, 6 cabins, and a gorgeous 27 hole golf course. It is always well kept, the staff is pleasant and they have a small store at the visitor center.

This park was stunning the drive though a little narrow at times was scenic from the drive to the RV site. Pull Through with own area not to close to other sites. Also a short walk to the lakeside beach and park.

Two things l loved:

1. The site setup is a really nice paved driveway with perfect patios area private and plenty of space from neighbors.
2. The stunning views with multiple deer walking close by but not too close.

Very nice place to stay. Quiet. Serene. Peaceful. Glad we stopped in for the week. The staff, Vicky, Nina and others, made us feel very welcomed. We had a small issue with our site and they were very accommodating in helping to resolve it. Thank You! There are plenty of places to stay that are very nice, from just water and electric to full hook-up. They even have an equestrian area if you have a horse. The restroom/bathhouse are cleaned daily and well kept. Many campers used it for their morning shower! There is lot's to do, if you wish. You can hike, bike, fish, boat, rent kayaks or just walk around and enjoy the peaceful setting! Heads up.... The Verizon cell service is sparce. We bought the Via-Sat WIFI svc for a few days while here. It's a bit pricey so be prepared. It's has a decent download but a slow upload.

It was a pleasure camping in our RV at Village Creek. We were initially given a spot in loop A, but moved to loop B to be closer to the playground and lake. Loop A was about 2.5 miles away - park is huge! The bathrooms in A looked brand new and really nice. In B, they were more average, but I still enjoyed a nice hot shower. If you have kids, definitely stay in B. Park staff was very accommodating about switching our site, and it no doubt helped that the park wasn’t very busy midweek.

We ended up in a spacious, level pull through site with a little patio with a picnic table, grill, fire ring and lantern hook. There’s a little beach swimming hole there and a lot of space to run around.

There is a lot of wildlife living in the park and the insects are no joke. Make sure to do tick checks when enjoying the hot showers!

We went on a Monday, and it was quiet and peaceful. We checked in at the office, bought some ice and drove around to look at the scenery. Lots of deer, and squirrels. There are day use pavilions, a swimming beach, boat dock, and lots of trails. Our campsite was near Lake Dunn Trail head so we decided on that one. It was absolutely beautiful in the evening and in the morning. Signs warn to be prepared entering the trails, as it is a 33 mile trail system. The campsite was well kept, and clean. I did not have phone service at all, but I was able to pay for wifi. $8 for 24 hours.

This was our first stay at an AR state park and it will not be the last! Making a reservation was easy, staff were hospitable, and check in was a breeze. We chose to stay in Loop B which offers all concrete pads and both water and sewer hook up. The campsites were very well kept and spaced apart nicely. The bath houses were well maintained. The park is large and offers a number of opportunities for activities but we thoroughly enjoyed hanging out around our site by the lake. Highly recommend this park. We will be back for sure! A few FYIs: park was very dog friendly! Big plus, loop A does not offer sewer hook up and some pads are dirt, loop C is the equestrian loop with stables, pens, etc.

Nice campground along rt 65, surrounded by river on three sides. The campsites are not immediately next to the water, but still close enough to enjoy. You can see a lot with a very short walk and the drive is also pretty.

Yay: very peaceful place, some educational programs, kayaking, fishing, small hiking trails, quite clean

Nay: very open and sunny. The water can be dangerous so talk to the rangers.

Surprise: Go in autumn!! It’s open all year.