Looking for the best Helena-West Helena pet-friendly camping? Finding a place to camp in Arkansas with your dog is easier than ever. Search nearby campgrounds that allow pets or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Mississippi River State Park provides quality access to the St. Francis National Forest and offers visitors endless adventures where the Mississippi River, Crowley’s Ridge and the Arkansas Delta meet. Visitors can explore everything from hardwood forests to the sandy shores of the Mississippi River while enjoying three lakes, the All American Great River Road and Crowley's Ridge Parkway (Both are National Scenic Byways), four hiking trails and two recreational areas. Interpretive programs include tours of historic sites, cooking demonstrations, hiking, biking, kayaking and much more. The visitor center includes interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a large, multi-purpose area for hosting meetings, family reunions and other group events. Boat, kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals are available.
$37 / night
$25 / night
Hernando Point Recreation Area sits along Arkabutla Lake and Dam in the hills of northwest Mississippi. The dam project is on the Coldwater River and offers some of the best sailing east of the Mississippi River.
Families come to Arkabutla Lake to enjoy the great outdoors by fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and biking. Wildlife management areas around Arkabutla Lake boast a combined 30,000 acres of public hunting lands where whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail and waterfowl roam. Several trails wind around the lake and throughout the nearby landscape. The Coldwater River Nature Trail System encompasses two hiking trails as well as an interpretive trail that helps educate hikers on the wildlife and ecosystem. The Swinging Bridge Nature Trail is also nearby, and includes a section of land that was part of the river prior to the dam being built. This trail is also an interpretive educational trail. Thousands of people each year visit Arkabutla Lake to go fishing. The lake is home to several species of native fish to Mississippi waters, such as largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie.
The campground is situated on the waterfront, among rolling hills forested with a shady mixture of oak, hickory, beech, sweet gum and birch trees.
The Lost Indian Spring Disc Golf Course is just below the Arkabutla Dam near Pratt Road. The course has 18 holes and is free to the public. The Senatobia Wetlands project is just a 30-minute drive from the park. It provides visitors with educational displays and an area to observe wildlife and waterfowl.
Once your reservation has been crated, there will be a $10.00 fee to cancel and a $10.00 fee to change your site or dates. Cancellations made the day before, or up to the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first nighs use fee. No-shows are charged a $20.0.0 fee plus the first nights use fee. If your reservation is for 1 night, and you have been charged the first nights use fee, there is no $10.00 service fee.
$24 / night
$23 / night
Beech Point Campground (AAA sites 1-17 with electricity, water, sewer and bathhouse)
The 625-acre Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area has 30 miles of shore line and offers the following recreational opportunities: camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Sitting atop Crowley’s Ridge, the recreation area offers three campgrounds, two picnic areas, a mile-long nature trail, a swim beach and a handicap-accessible fishing pier which all provide visitors a variety of recreational experiences. Bear Creek Nature Trail provides a one-mile loop winding through a forested area. There are excellent scenic views of the lake shoreline, including Beech Point, and interpretive posts that highlight ecology in action. Trophy Largemouth Bass, Red-eyed Bream and Channel Catfish are just a few of the many species of fish that you’ll find in the lakes and streams in the area. Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Bass, Panfish; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait; ADA Accessible fishing access with fishing pier and boat launch The Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area is managed by the Mississippi River State Park. Please call the Mississippi River State Park - Marianna Office for any questions at 870-295-4040.
Scout
In the past year the property management and service has seriously declined. As a result of neglect the initial sites to which the management directed me were not functioning properly. I tried three sites and each either had not electricity or no water. The gravel to and from each site had grown over and the office was non-responsive to my efforts for help. As a result of the poor state of repair, I hit an impediment with my RV sewage connection. The result was at least$500 of damage. Until more attention is paid to the upkeep of this potential good property, I would recommend that you not use this location.
Guide
It’s a city RV park, what do we really expect? It’s not camping for sure. 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. We’ve paid $100 a night for less. Clean, cute, easy access, not sketchy. Noise, sure, but nothing a fan or AC could drown out. Airplanes every few hours, traffic from a nearby highway. Site 44 happens to be the only one without a tree for shade though, so unless you like hot sun- book another one.
Guide
The lake is currently drained because they are working on the dam. Made reservations online. Pretty much all the sites I thought would be easy to get into were reserved, so I chose this one. Website said it was good for 53' unit and 2 vehicles. We have a 36' 5th wheel and it was a little difficult to get in. Someone previously knocked down the site number post. I also had a problem with the post for site 31 being in the way. I finally just backed in by driving on the grass. It only fits the 2 vehicles if each one has 2 tires in the grass. It turns out that all of those reserved sites online were empty. There is hardly anyone here. It would have been nice to have one of those angled for better entry. Other than the empty lake and difficult backing in it is a nice park. Standard COE fare.
Traveler
I have stayed at this campground twice. The first time (2022) was a rainy day and I didn't feel like setting up a tent in my reserved space, so I upgraded to one of the very nice, and at the time quite new cabins for about $75 total. I loved the winding drive down to Helena-West Helena. It was beautiful, the rain was not too bad. The cabin was wonderful. I had such a happy experience that time, I returned to car camp last year (2023) on my way west. I did not bother setting up a tent, but rented an RV space. It was fine. . . lots of mosquitos in the evening (mid-September) and a construction crew was renting out an RV spot across from me. There were no other campers, but I felt safe. The bathrooms (unisex) were not nearly as clean as the first visit, but were ok. The guys across the way were quiet and respectful. The whole thing was ok. . . but I did have the thought expressed in another comment that there is just too much concrete and asphalt in this place. Maybe they are concerned about keeping the jungle at bay, so they paved it . . . but consequently it feels like a parking lot with a beautiful periphery. Is also was pretty expensive for what I needed ($42), since I sleep on a cot in my SUV and don't need electricity, water, dumping, etc. But that is my fault for not asking for a tent site.
I decided to head there at the last minute, and called the office right before closing to rent via telephone (should have asked for a tent site, cheaper). I did not have to make the 14 mile drive to Marianna to check in.
The crew staying in the RV across the way, left vert early in the morning. It was cool and shady in my spot, so I moved my vehicle to sunny spot (tent area!) and had a nice leisurely breakfast before heading out. It was mid-week, and nobody else was there. A ranger (?) drove through pretty early (before I moved my car) and said hi. She knew i had rented a spot. Very friendly, just as the folks in Marianna had been when I went there in 2022.
All in all it is a good spot. Quiet and safe.
Guide
Really enjoyed this trip on 4th of July weekend!! Stayed at site 43 which is close to the swim beach and the bathrooms are very close. They have a really nice visitor center too. Just make sure to have bug spray. Mosquitoes get bad at night and ticks were pretty active. Overall, it’s a great State Park!!!!
Traveler
I booked online ahead of time as I was traveling across country and needed a place to sleep. It is right next to downtown and a railroad yard. Driving on the roads to the site there were piles of trash and debris that had been dumped as well as abandoned broken down cars. The utility poles had blue flashing police lights with cameras. A very scary part of town. As I drive into the campground, I see the Ranger walking around in full Tactical Gear, carrying a Pistol! I find my site and get out of my car and there is no room for a tent, this is just an RV park. (Site 35) In addition, I was hit by rancid odor of raw sewage(from the Mississippi river?) The Ranger came up to me and ask to see my ID, then told me to have a nice stay, and I told him No Way am I staying here! And he said“I understand.” I got back in my car and just continued to drive. I was still charged for the nights stay.
Scout
Delta Ridge RV Park emerges as a geometry dash sanctuary for travelers seeking solace and rejuvenation.
TravelerNice quiet n peaceful...my husband and I really enjoyed our stay
RangerOk campground that served its purpose. No frills, parking-lot style campground. Neighborhood around the park and Graceland is pretty run down. Worked well for visiting Graceland, which was very interesting and worthwhile. We also visited the Rock & Soul museum and the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel where Dr King was assassinated. Both were very informative. Beale street was packed with tourists.
Scout
We had originally planned to stop here for a night based on good reviews. But once arriving & doing a quick drive thru changed our minds. Tent camping area is just small grassy area behind laundry house. Had to drive all the way thru to even see the river. We did see a tugboat on our drive thru though. Just seems too run down & not cared for. Now rv spots by the water looked nice- but not a good place for tents.
Traveler
Such a gem of a campground - 15 minutes off I-40 East but felt like a safe option a little ways out of the busy downtown Memphis area. From the moment I pulled in I could tell I had made a great choice - super clean showers, bathroom and laundry. The grounds are impeccable and sites and roads are all paved. Site 21 is nice and private at end of a row and is pull thru
GuideMy wife and I stayed 2 nights while we rested as we travel across the country. The park is right off of I-40. You may find you question your GPS as the entrance is through what seems like a strip mall, it it is there. We made reservations ahead of time and I would recommend this as the campground quickly fills up in the late afternoon. We did need to call a number posted in the campito determine our site, but the experience was quick and professional. Each site is a full hookup on a gravel pad with easy leveling. The campground itself is clean and well maintained. The campground caters to those looking for a single overnight stay so there are no amenities.
Traveler
This is a very popular camping area with very good fishing it is fairly well maintained with showers and bathrooms hookups for RVs tents etc mostly quiet and reservations can be made online. Close by many other camping areas on Enid lake, a general store, the hatchery, floating dock, fishing Pier on the channel, playgrounds, Beach, basketball, and corps of engineer field office.
RangerThis is a huge campground and the price for a spot was at least double what we would pay elsewhere (nearly $100). We weren’t able to get a campground at Tom Sawyer and the reviews were all over the place for the rest of the Memphis campgrounds that we decided to go ahead and splurge on this one.
This was our first Jellystone and I was shocked at how many campers the campground accommodated - there are RVs everywhere. Most of the amenities and services are located at the front of the campground and includes a store and propane, playground, dog run, pool, showers and laundry, gold mining station, and sports courts (basketball, Gaga ball, and basketball). Further back in the campground, was another playground and dog run and a really cute little lake.
We were staying off-season so there was no activities and they actually deflated the jumping pad, but my kids still had fun and I could see this campground either being a blast in the summer or being a nightmare because of too many people. While we were there, I saw almost no children and several of the camper sites looked like the guests were staying long-term. For a campground that is marketed towards families, the demographics were a bit strange.
That said, it was super clean, well-organized, the landscaping and sites were maintained, everyone was friendly. We got two loads of wash done and my husband said the showers looked good. There were some restaurants and a Walgreen that looked like they delivered to the campground. WiFi worked and they had cable tv.
We reserved a basic site, but for more money you could get a site with Adirondack patio furniture and there were plenty of cabins as well. We reserved same day online and they have a system for late check-ins.
I’m definitely giving Jellystone another go - but next time during the summer. I’m not sure whether this campground is a good base for exploring Memphis - I think if you had a car it would probably be fine as it’s only 20 minutes or so.
ScoutWe had reservations for another place further down the road but decided to leave a day early and see if we could find something on the road. This place fit the bill! It’s convenient to the highway and while we have our food, there are places to eat close by. The owner was polite and met us at the gate and showed us to our site. There are few big trees and it’s more suitable for RV camping than tent camping but this was exactly what we needed this trip. Thanks so much!
ScoutCamp is surrounded by industrial area. Play road entrance closed making for a high stress night entry from Memphis. Use W UseMitchell St entrance. If seeing Graceland is on ur list, better to call at Graceland.
RangerBest thing about campground is how close it is to Graceland. 24/7 security. Staff onsite in office from 9 am to 4 pm. Checkin and checkout time is 11 am. Sites are gravel. Campground can accommodate all sizes of rvs. Dogs welcome. Bathrooms are clean and functional, just need a bit of cosmetic updating (peeling paint, missing tiles). Laundry on site. Area on north side of campground for tents and small rvs with electric and water only. All other sites have full hookups which include sewer. No dump station on site. Must call to make reservations, no online option. Good Sam affiliate.
ScoutThe campground hosts are excellent in this campground. It is well maintained and has many choices of sites from woodland to lake side.
GuideI called ahead and arrived after hours. It was as easy as it gets. They said to just pick an open site and register in the am. I had a lake front site, with a nice fire pit and picnic table and grill setup.
The next morning I registered / paid $44.00 for the night. Super friendly staff. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
RangerLots of spaces, tons of trails, nice and flexible staff and very affordable. I was clear I had to have connectivity to stay and they let me come out and pick my spot before staying and gave me my.best options.
I'm up in the horse campground which is fine and. The only camper here. The bathroom is warm, water hot and all clean so frankly, with 33 miles of trails, we are staying and working for the week. I had to reply my starlink to get online and it took a few tries to find a workable direction but I did and plugged in to the bathroom which they said was fine. Spent Sunday exploring this huge place.
GuideStopover in January. Left one day early because of imminent weather on our route home. Otherwise would have stayed longer. Beautiful trees, lake, and drive. Enid Lake is big with lots of walkable shoreline. Bathhouse extra large and clean. It even smelled good if you can believe that. Large sites with elbow room. Our site 27 had great views with full Hookups. Site 30 would be optimal site with view and pull through.
Scout
They don’t tell you this is predominantly a work camp. The website shows a nice pool, only reason we went there. It does not have a pool.
ScoutIf you like tugboats you'll love this place.
GuideTom Sawyer RV park was really cute and the staff was very helpful and communicative regarding check in. The campground is set on the Arkansas side of the Mississippi River. We arrived in time to see the sunset and woke up in time to see the sunrise over the river, both were spectacular. We stayed on site 67 right on the river, it had both water and electric hookups, neither of which we ended up using. There is a ton of space for a dog to run around, but unfortunately lots of people don’t pick up after their pooch, so that put a little damper on play time. The main reason for only 3 stars was the bathrooms, they were pretty run down and I would definitely not want to take a shower in them. Great place for one night passing though. If for the views alone.
Traveler
We reserved campsites 13 and 14, at the far end, behind the restrooms. You have to park in the parking lot and carry your stuff to the site. But it’s a tent-only campground and there were only a couple other tents there so it was quiet and peaceful. Our lots were large.
There was plenty of firewood to be collected on site.
There’s a boat launch but it didn’t add significant traffic or noise.
The bathrooms were…campsite bathrooms. Not the best, not the worst. No locked on stall doors. No soap. But the toilets flushed so there’s that.
Very pretty view of Sardis Lake.
The negatives: The flies!! They were so so bad! And bighty!! My poor dogs were covered in flies, as were we.
Other negative is just about a previous camper. At our site, we picked up literally a case’s worth of Coors beer bottle caps. Evidently they didn’t throw away a single one, even though garbage is provided and literally just right there.
GuideNo amenities. Like showers and toilets. No pool, no picnic tables, no fire pit. Gravel spots. They do have water, electric and sewer. Clean Campground.
GuideThe park is very clean and exceptionally well maintained. Perfect overnight. One exit north has everything you need; food, Aldi's, Walmart.
The Dog Run is a huge area. We experienced a problem with our Powerdog 50 EPO Surge protector getting an E1 and E2 code error from the pedastals. The errors state that if the power is above 132 or below 104 on line 1 (E1) or line 2 (E2) it will shut off park power. We spoke to the office and moved spots, but received and E1 code error again. I took a chance and ran my unit without the protector. I tried it on another pedestal in the morning and received an E2 error code. I checked my Powerdog app and it showed 142.5 volts on line 2. Soooo....I'm not sure but will contact Hughes Autotransformers. Maybe it will be fine at the next stop?
Frequently Asked Questions
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-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Helena-West Helena, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 dog-friendly camping locations near Helena-West Helena, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
