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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.
"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."
from $37 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 / night
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GuideFor a quick (and cheap!) weekend getaway it's hard to beat. The grass is well manicured. The sites are nice and level with full hookups. 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!) and visited the Delta Cultural Center.
GuideI 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.
LegendThis park is all concrete with level sites. Huge dog park and close to any type of store you might need. Clean facilities and very nice staff.
ScoutSo far so good, great views of the Mississippi River and the freight boats coming in. Wished they would add a dog park !
ScoutThis is a nice place. The staff is very knowledgeable and kind. Small place, mosquitoes were bad other than that it was great. we were invited to watch them feed the pet snake that was caught in the area. Will definitely camp there again. The site was $15 a night. We were on motorcycles so they let us drive them to the campsite otherwise they are a walk-in it's a really short walk.
TravelerWe stopped for one night and it was a great stay. Super clean and easy concrete pull through spot. We had a nice view of the Mississippi River even though we were in the second row. Pet friendly!
LegendPROS
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
GuideThis place was ok, very small, however more than half the trails and park were closed due to flooding. Lots of construction in progress. There was no sewage hook ups (water electricity only), nearby dump station. Bathroom facilities were very clean. The two trails opened were nice. My kids brought there bikes and enjoyed the one bike trail. I was a little annoyed by the park staff. They came by at least 15 times each day, checking tags, checking fire pits, checking pets, etc. I get it, but it kind of ruins the whole experience when you are relaxing in your camper and see park personnel snooping around constantly. We saw them everywhere. We couldn’t even hike without seeing them. It just felt invasive.
LegendThere 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 13 reviews.
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