Andrea B.
Traveler
TravelerOak Grove (MS) — Sardis Lake
Lots of sites. Bath houses aged but have great hot water.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Helena-West Helena, AR
6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Mississippi River State Park Campground accepts pets at all its sites, providing accommodations for tent campers, RV users with hookups, and cabin guests. The campground features full hook-up RV sites with level concrete pads, all offering water views with some situated directly on Bear Creek Lake. Storm Creek Lake Campground provides another pet-friendly option with clean facilities and both tent pads and RV sites. The bathrooms are extremely clean with four private suite-style bathrooms containing individual toilets, sinks, and showers. Most campsites track less dirt into campers due to the small gravel tent and hang-out areas. Campers consistently mention the campground's cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere.
Bear Creek Lake surrounds the Mississippi River State Park camping area on three sides, offering excellent opportunities for dogs to enjoy shoreline walks and water access. Lone Pine Campground provides more primitive pet-friendly camping options with large sites positioned on the water, ideal for those seeking quiet solitude with their dogs. Footpaths lead to the nearby lake where dogs can explore while on leash. The Bear Creek Loop across from the main campground offers a pleasant half-mile stroll perfect for dog walking, with educational markers identifying local trees along the trail. While swimming beaches are available, pets are not allowed in designated swim areas. Limited cell service exists throughout the area, so downloading maps or information about nearby veterinary services before arrival is recommended.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Helena-West Helena (36)
1. Mississippi River State Park Campground
"This Arkansas state park is top notch. It offers a very quiet, immaculate campground with only 17 sites for RV hook ups."
"It was set back on its own point out into the lake, so our tents were surrounded on three sides by water."
Check Availabilityfrom $37 / night
2. Storm Creek Lake Campground
"I loved the winding drive down to Helena-West Helena. It was beautiful, the rain was not too bad. The cabin was wonderful. "
"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!"
3. Pat Kelley RV Park
4. Beech Point Campground
"The state of Arkansas recently took this campground over and modernized it. There are 14 Full Hookup sites. This park is very clean and has an atmosphere for relaxation."
"We walked the nature/hiking trail across the street from the campground (Bear Creek Loop). We were shocked to find out that the trees were marked with educational markers."
5. Lone Pine Campground
"The campground was very nice with footpaths to the nearby lake and little hoppin’ toads everywhere. A little pricey for a primitive site in my opinion ($12). No showers, but a stinky bathroom nearby."
"It's also dog-friendly."
6. Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area
"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."
7. Maple Flat Group Campground
"Everyone spends their days out on the water but there’s some trails too and tourist attractions outside the park for all ages. The lake has a lot of inlets to explore by canoe."
8. Hollywood Casino RV Park - Tunica
"You get access to the indoor pool in the hotel. The problem? Outside of gambling there's not a lot to do unless you want to go for a drive. We drove over to Helena/West Helena (neat bridge!)"
"Grass and picnic table behind every other spot. Trash pickup daily. Very clean cloth washers . Very good hookups at every site. Concrete, mostly level pads. All good,,, now the very bad."
Check Availabilityfrom $23 / night
9. Hernando Point
"The COE has been working on upgrading different sections of the campground at this location! It's nice to see places put money back into their campgrounds!"
"Some are in a good spot on the camp side of the trailer, but a few are on the complete wrong side of the camper. Recently updated to full hookup sites for all sites."
28 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $30 / night
10. Village Creek State Park Campground
"There are nearly 100 sites here at Village Creek State Park. They are Spacious, paved and well maintained."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Memphis, TN
- 1 hr 45 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 1 hr 51 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs 17 min from Jackson, TN
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Helena-West Helena, AR
14 Photos of 36 Helena-West Helena Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Helena-West Helena, AR
370 Reviews of 36 Helena-West Helena Campgrounds
Jeremy B.
GuideSouth Abutment Recreation Area
We stayed here for two nights. Got here after dark in a torrential downpour and it was my first time backing in our new camper. Gotta admit, took about an hour and we got completely soaked, but got it backed in. There’s definitely a lesson in there. The rest of the time has been beautiful and peaceful. The bathrooms and showers are clean with plenty of hot water on tap. Plenty of space between most campsites so privacy was never a concern. Most of the close by walking trails are closed, so we visited a nearby one called Ark Trail just a few miles away, which was awesome! At the time of our stay, the access road for the Arkabutla Lake Dam was closed, so it has a detour that takes you another couple miles around.
- CChris A.
LegendDelta Ridge RV Park
Great Stop off I40, didn’t use an amenities. Owner was friendly and got us in a pull through last minute. Plenty of space for an overnight and $20 cheaper than Loves.
Dawn S.GuideGraceland RV Park & Campground
Very easy to work with. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Walking distance to Graceland and a short ride to everything downtown. It's a beautiful campground. We would stay again.
Evelyn M.
ScoutTom Sawyer's RV Park
Like others, we found the area outside the park to be industrial and a little dodgy, but once in the park itself, it is a real gem! The barge channel is right off the park's riverbank, so you get an up close look as they pass by
- RRonnie C.Traveler
Ray Houser's RV Park
Plain. Few trees.
Owners/managers have been very helpful and accommodating . This camp is a work in progress but I have nothing to complain about. Seems safe and has been very quiet since we got here. $40/full hookups. Two bars T-Mobile but I am using StarLink Mini. I am sure this will earn a 5th Star when the makeover is complete.
Tim R.ScoutWallace Creek
Great Location
This was our first RV trip and it was everything we hoped for. The site was spacious and mostly level. Met a great guy who helped me level our trailer and gave me a few pointers too! Thank you Jason!😀. The deer we saw across the street were icing on the cake!
Liesel G.GuideJohn W. Kyle State Park Campground
Quite Scenery beside the lake
We stayed at camp spot 216 with our 36 ft class A RV. It had full hook up and our stay for 1 night was scenic and quiet. There is only ONE functioning bathroom in this lowered end camp ground at the time of our stay and is only has cold water showers. The facility was clean though. The camp hosts at the gate house were, helpful, polite and friendly. We paid $38 for the night at this Premium location with waterfront. No swimming allowed in the lake, but you can fish. Would stay here again for a pit stop, but since we cant bathe in the bathhouse I wouldn't recommend a long stay unless you had your own camper with shower ans toilet facility to use.
- PPaul S.Guide
Graceland RV Park & Campground
A Great Place to Stay for the Full Memphis Experience
We really enjoyed our stay at Graceland RV Park and Campground. If you’re coming to Memphis to visit Graceland, it’s hard to beat the location. Being so close made everything easy and gave us plenty of time to enjoy the whole experience without rushing.
The Graceland Mansion tour was fantastic. Even if you’ve seen it countless times on TV, actually walking through Elvis’s home and seeing the rooms for yourself is something completely different. There’s so much history there, and it really gives you a sense of the man behind the legend.
We were equally impressed with the museums and exhibits. There is far more to see than we expected, from Elvis’s cars and stage outfits to memorabilia and displays covering his incredible career. Give yourself a good 3–4 hours at a minimum to see everything properly. You could easily spend longer if you’re a big Elvis fan.
While we were in Memphis, we also made the trip downtown to Beale Street, and we’re glad we did. It’s exactly the kind of place you picture when you think of Memphis — live music coming from the bars, plenty of restaurants, lots of places to grab a drink and a great atmosphere as you walk along the street. It made for a brilliant evening after spending the day at Graceland.
For us, staying at Graceland RV Park, touring the mansion and museums, and then experiencing the music, bars and restaurants of Beale Street made for a memorable Memphis visit.
We’d happily stay here again. If you’re traveling by RV and Graceland is on your bucket list, this is a great place to make your base.
Guide to Helena-West Helena
Mississippi River State Park offers lake-centered camping opportunities 10 miles northeast of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. The park sits on Crowley's Ridge, a unique geological formation that rises above the surrounding Delta flatlands. Winter temperatures average 30-50°F, while summer months can reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Trail exploration with dogs: The Trotting Fox Trail at Village Creek State Park provides excellent terrain for dog walking. "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 Laura G.
Fishing opportunities: Many campers bring their boats to Beech Point Campground for lake fishing. "There is a boat dock where you can put your boat in the water. They also have fishing boats and kayaks for rent," mentions Kathy E., who visits several times yearly.
Kayak tours: Special guided tours are available in certain seasons. "The kayak tour of Cypress forest was the highlight of the trip," says Chad L. about his experience at Mississippi River State Park. These tours provide access to unique ecosystems not visible from the shoreline.
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: The Lone Pine Campground sites offer seclusion for those traveling with pets. "The campsites are large and all on the water. It's also dog-friendly," states Jacqueline L. This primitive camping area provides a more secluded experience away from the RV sections.
Bathroom facilities: At Storm Creek Lake Campground, campers appreciate the updated facilities. "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!" reports Steve S.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local birds and animals. "We saw several woodpeckers!" mentions Lindsey P. about her tent camping experience. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in the area. "ATT cell worked fair but no Verizon," notes Gary P. about Mississippi River State Park. Download maps and important information before arrival.
Weather considerations: Storms can occur suddenly, particularly in spring. "It rained briefly and our spot was down a slight hill so there was a bit of concern with puddling, but there was proper drainage," says Brittany R. about Village Creek State Park.
Reservation requirements: The limited number of sites at Bear Creek fills quickly. "The sites stayed booked, so if you want to give it a try, you need to book well in advance of your desired date of travel," advises Kathy E. Weekends in spring and fall require bookings 3-6 months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area offers learning experiences for children. "The park office and convention center are beautiful and have several learning stations and activities for kids and families," shares Ryan S., noting the educational value of the visitor center.
Swimming considerations: Some beaches have restrictions. "Swimming beach is nearby," mentions Gary P., though pet owners should note that dogs aren't allowed in designated swim areas. The sandy swim beaches provide gradual entry points suitable for younger children.
Activity planning: Consider the season for optimal family experiences. "There isn't much for small kids to do when the swim beach and swim area are closed but most families will love the serenity and peace that MS River SP offers," advises Ryan S. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures for hiking and exploring.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pay attention to site positioning for the best experience. "My favorite sites are 12, 13, and 14. My least favorite were 9, 10, and 11, but they are pull through sites," advises Elizabeth L. about Mississippi River State Park Campground.
Pad features: RV campers appreciate the concrete pads. "The RV sites were very spaced apart and completely level," notes Melissa who visited Mississippi River State Park in 2021. This makes setup easier and reduces leveling issues.
Camping duration: Many RVers find the dog friendly campgrounds near Helena-West Helena ideal for extended stays. "We stayed 4 nights in the B loop FHU area. The sites there are large, and spaced out pretty well," shares Bob M. about Village Creek State Park, indicating its suitability for longer camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Helena-West Helena, AR?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Helena-West Helena, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Helena-West Helena, AR is Mississippi River State Park Campground with a 5.0-star rating from 13 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Helena-West Helena, AR?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Helena-West Helena, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 dog-friendly camping locations near Helena-West Helena, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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