Camping spots near Jersey, Arkansas center around Moro Bay, where the Ouachita River joins Moro Bay and Raymond Lake. This convergence creates diverse fishing opportunities at elevations around 85 feet above sea level. Winter camping sees average lows of 30°F while summer highs reach 93°F with humidity levels regularly exceeding 80%.
What to do
Fishing from designated piers: Moro Bay State Park Campground offers fishing directly from campsites with boat, kayak, and pedal boat rentals available on-site. "We had site 8 and 9 for children and grandchildren weekend before Halloween 2020... a dock with fishing boat rental as well as kayaks, and peddle boats and they sell bait, boat ramp and day use facilities," notes a camper.
Cycling with rental equipment: The park provides bike rentals for exploring the surrounding areas. "Have a spot to rent boats and bikes and a few nice trails," reports one visitor who found the park ideal for outdoor activities without bringing personal equipment.
Wildlife viewing: Lake D'Arbonne State Park features cypress trees and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Just a beautiful, hilly campground on a gorgeous lake with big, beautiful cypress trees. Lots of trails," explains a reviewer who visited the park.
Paddling ancient waterways: Cane Creek State Park offers unique water trails through flooded timber. "The water trail is unlike any I have seen. Don't miss out on the hiking trails, but watch out for ticks!" advises a camper who explored the area.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: At Moro Bay State Park, campers consistently mention the level sites. "All the sites were concrete and level. Most sites had nice level tent pads as well," reports one visitor who appreciated the stable setup for both RVs and tents.
Clean facilities: Chemin-A-Haut State Park receives praise for its maintenance standards. "Bathrooms are hands down the best I've ever seen. Campsites aren't on top of each other but are pretty close," notes a tent camper who found the facilities exceptional despite limited space.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the region offer peaceful settings away from crowds. "I needed a place to come in late that was safe and quiet. This spot is perfect. Expensive but worth it for the cleanliness and safety," states a Moro Bay visitor who valued the tranquility.
Playground access: Multiple parks feature playgrounds for younger campers. "All the sites were level. Restrooms were very clean. There was a large playground for children," mentions a Moro Bay visitor who found the facilities family-friendly.
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Bug activity varies dramatically by season in the region. At Cane Creek State Park, a camper notes, "nice sights, quiet, beautiful but mosquitoes are terrible... no mosquitoes this time of year [winter]," highlighting the importance of timing your visit to avoid peak insect seasons.
Limited tent pad sizes: Some campgrounds have restrictions on tent placement. "My tent wouldn't fit on the tent pad but was able to find a level spot to set up anyways," reports a Chemin-A-Haut camper who needed to adapt their setup.
Water level variations: Water activities can be affected by seasonal changes. "Went to go to kayak out to Castle Tree and found out the water was too high to really see the base of it," explains a visitor at Chemin-A-Haut, suggesting calling ahead to check conditions.
Electric capacity limits: Power hookups may not support all appliances. At Cane Creek, "Our neighbors had issues with their electricity because they were trying to run an air fryer, and it kept throwing the breaker. We ran our box fan without any issues," indicates a camper who observed electrical limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for mixed groups: Moro Bay State Park offers cabin accommodations for those who prefer not to tent camp. "My parents rented a cabin and it was immaculate. Honestly, there was not one negative thing for our 3 day stay. This park is excellent for kids and grandkids of all ages," shares a visitor who combined camping styles for their family trip.
Recreation field access: Several parks include open areas for group activities. "Playground and recreation field are fantastic. You can rent bikes, kayaks, pedal boats and small fishing boats," notes a Moro Bay camper who found multiple activities for different age groups.
Holiday camping traditions: The area has special seasonal events. At Cane Creek, "Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!" explains a local who highlights this unique family opportunity.
Swimming options: Some parks provide swimming facilities during summer months. "Tennis courses, disc golf course, hiking/biking trails, swimming pool, cabins, lodges, several playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions," lists a Lake D'Arbonne visitor describing the comprehensive family amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: For quieter stays at area campgrounds, location within the park matters. "Quiet if you get a stop in the back area. Drove the other side and was close to highway so not sure on noise," advises a Moro Bay visitor who scouted different sections before setting up.
Leveling conditions: Silver Eagle RV Campground offers full hookups but has some site limitations. "Went and checked it out today looks clean, tight spots, not much privacy and not a place to enjoy nature more like a trailer park would be a good place to stay if passing thru or long term," notes a visitor describing the utilitarian nature of this option.
Dump station access: Most parks in the region offer dump stations even when full hookups aren't available. "Great level clean sites, no sewer, dump station easy access. Store on site and ice onsite," reports a Grand Marais County Park visitor who found the facilities adequate despite the lack of sewer connections at individual sites.
Winter camping viability: The region remains accessible year-round with specific seasonal advantages. "About 15 inches of snow and lake froze over awesome," shares a Cane Creek camper who enjoyed winter conditions that transformed the typical camping experience.
