Craighead Forest Park sits at approximately 360 feet above sea level on the eastern edge of Crowley's Ridge, a unique geological formation rising from the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The area features loess soil deposits and hardwood forests uncommon to the Arkansas Delta region. Campgrounds near Jonesboro typically experience hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 90°F in July and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and light snow.
What to do
Trail exploration around lakes: At Lake Frierson State Park, campers can enjoy trails with views of the water. "The walking trail that you can access from the campground" provides beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, with occasional deer sightings early in the morning.
Boating and kayaking: Lake Charles State Park offers excellent water recreation options with boat rentals. "You can travel to the boat ramp and marina and rent boats there or bring your own to take advantage of the lake which winds through various types of vegetation and allows you to see the lake in a way you cannot from the shore line," notes a visitor who enjoyed exploring the area by kayak.
Historical sites: Davidsonville Historic State Park combines camping with educational opportunities. "The lake area is beautiful with a small spring fed waterfall, a swim beach area and even a slide into the water," and visitors can explore historical exhibits that showcase early Arkansas settlement history with interpretive signage.
What campers like
Accessibility to urban amenities: Meeman-Shelby State Park offers a unique advantage for campers visiting the Jonesboro area. "You really can't go wrong with Meeman-Shelby. It is so damn close to Memphis that while you won't feel like you are near an urban center, you benefit from its proximity," allowing campers to combine outdoor recreation with city attractions within a reasonable drive.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note the well-maintained facilities at pet-friendly campgrounds near Jonesboro. At Lake Poinsett State Park, visitors appreciate the "shower house/bathroom cleaned and well maintained" and comment that "Arkansas has some of the best bathhouses."
Quiet camping environments: Lucky Camper & RV (formerly Perkins RV Park) receives praise for its peaceful atmosphere. "Nice quiet RV Park with tall shade trees and in a good location. Full hook-ups. Level sites," making it ideal for those seeking a calm retreat with their pets.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times of year. At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, campers advise to "bring citronella candles for your table when camping and try to put a dryer sheet in your pocket to ward off mosquitoes. In addition to spray these will make your trip here a bit more comfortable."
Weather impacts: Flooding can affect trail accessibility in some parks. At Village Creek State Park, a visitor noted that "more than half the trails and park were closed due to flooding" during their stay, so checking conditions before arrival is recommended.
Campsite privacy varies: Site selection can significantly impact your experience. At Crowley's Ridge State Park, "sites on the outside of the loop back up to the woods, sites on the inside of the loop are more exposed to other campsites," providing different levels of privacy for pet owners seeking seclusion.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground offers excellent facilities for children. "The lake area is beautiful with a small spring fed waterfall, a swim beach area and even a slide into the water. No fishing in this lake, but there is another lake across the street that looks perfect for fishing!"
Water activities: Multiple parks offer family-friendly water features. At Village Creek State Park, families can enjoy "two lakes with boat rentals" and a variety of trails suitable for children of different ages and ability levels.
Educational opportunities: Several parks incorporate learning experiences for young campers. Davidsonville Historic State Park has "historic sites with interpretive signage" that can engage children while teaching them about local history, making it more than just an outdoor adventure.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: RV campers should carefully check site specifications before booking. At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, "we watched a super long RV struggle to back into their site, so I wouldn't recommend this campground to RVs that require pull through sites."
Hookup variations: Availability of full hookups differs across campgrounds. Lake Poinsett State Park offers "30amp electrical breaker" connections but campers report issues with reliability, noting that one visitor experienced breakers that "tripped twice in 8 hours."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional preparation for RVs. At Village Creek State Park, visitors note that "some sites on the back sides of the camp ground are subject to erosion and can be unlevel," requiring leveling blocks or other equipment to ensure a comfortable stay.
