Tent and RV camping options surround Helena-West Helena, Arkansas in the Mississippi River Delta lowlands where elevations rarely exceed 250 feet. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity while spring and fall offer milder conditions for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds in the area feature level sites with moderate tree cover, situated within 1-2 hours of Memphis.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Enid Lake near Wallace Creek offers productive fishing within 90 minutes of Helena-West Helena. "Enid Lake is recognized as one of America's Top 10 Fishing Spots," according to a camper. The park includes a boat launch and fish cleaning station for anglers.
Historical exploration: The Trail of Tears passes through Village Creek State Park Campground, providing educational opportunities about this significant historical path. "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," notes a reviewer.
Water recreation: Multiple lakes in the region support swimming and boating activities. At Hernando Point, "lots of sites are waterfront" with easy lake access. For campers seeking to cool off during hot summer months, this provides welcome relief from Delta heat.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campsites in the region offer good separation between neighbors. At Dub Patton Campground, "sites are clean and well kept" with water and electric hookups. Site 9 and 10 are described as "by far the most beautiful sites in the camp" as they sit directly on the lake.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates for basic accommodations. At Pat Kelley RV Park in West Helena, a reviewer noted, "This is a bare bone site with full hookups on drive through concrete pads. Nice and level. $20.00 cash." This makes overnight stays accessible for travelers on tight budgets.
Yurt camping alternatives: While traditional yurt camping near Helena-West Helena, Arkansas is limited, glamping alternatives exist at several parks. Village Creek State Park offers cabin accommodations that provide shelter with amenities. "VERY nice state park! There are 3 camping areas, two lakes, and a gorgeous golf course!" reports one visitor.
What you should know
Facility maintenance varies: State park upkeep can be inconsistent in the region. A camper at John W Kyle State Park reported, "Only half the park is open, the grass was overgrown, trash/garbage is littered everywhere." Check recent reviews before booking.
Weather preparation: Summer heat and humidity can be intense. At Village Creek, one visitor noted, "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."
Water hookup logistics: Some campgrounds require extra hose length to reach water connections. "The water hook ups are at least 100 foot away from most camp sites, so bring lots of extra hose," warned a camper. This is particularly important for RVers needing consistent water supply.
Seasonal availability: While most campgrounds operate year-round, some amenities close seasonally. "The pool and pond activity (inflatables) were closed due to them being seasonal, the price was still steep, no less for less," noted one camper regarding seasonal facilities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Memphis.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer better play facilities than others. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, families will find "several playgrounds" along with "a swimming pool, covered party pavilion, laundry and lots of kids activities." This provides entertainment options during downtime.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning 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," notes a reviewer about the unique Crowley's Ridge ecosystem.
Bike-friendly areas: Several parks accommodate cycling enthusiasts. "The roads leading to this campground are fantastic for bikers," mentions a Village Creek visitor. "My kids brought their bikes and enjoyed the one bike trail."
Safety considerations: Urban-adjacent camping may present different safety profiles. At one Memphis-area park, a camper advised, "This is a huge Campground with lots of available activities... the RV sites are flat and they have water and electricity, the bathrooms are clean, the staff is friendly and the area feels safe."
Tips from RVers
Overnight stopover options: For those needing a quick rest while traveling, Delta Ridge RV Park offers convenient access to I-40. "This RV Park was conveniently located off I40, easy to get into, very clean, super friendly owners, we felt safe, very laid back atmosphere with minimal paperwork, and a perfect stop to spend the night on your journey," reports one RVer.
Full hookup availability: Many area campgrounds provide complete utility connections. Wallace Creek offers "full hookups at $20/night a total bargain. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, bbq grill, small concrete stand next to bbq, and lantern crook."
Connectivity considerations: WiFi and cell service vary widely between parks. One camper at Village Creek noted, "We had no signal on ATT but there is free WIFI by the office which you can connect to day or night." Always check connectivity options if staying connected is important.
Level site locations: Finding level parking can be important for larger rigs. A reviewer at Wallace Creek warned, "Not all sites are level in fact we had to pass up a couple because of that reason." Calling ahead to request specific sites may improve your stay.
