RV parks near Jonesboro, Arkansas sit within the unique geological formation of Crowley's Ridge, an unusual highland rising 250-500 feet above the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. This 150-mile long ridge creates distinct camping environments with forested areas contrasting with the surrounding flatlands. Camping options span from full-hookup private RV facilities to state parks with swimming lakes, hiking trails, and natural springs.
What to do
Hiking trails: Craighead Forest Park offers multiple trail options including a paved multi-use trail with exercise equipment. "Fantastic place. Close to civilization. Great pad & hook ups. Shower & laundry is clean and nice. Beautiful lake, mtb & and walking trails better than most places," notes a visitor.
Swimming access: Lake Charles State Park Campground provides a dedicated swimming area on the lake. "Really lovely lake with a great area for swimming. We had kind neighbors and felt very safe," reports one camper, though they advise "the nice swimming area and the campground are quite a ways away."
Fishing opportunities: Most area lakes permit fishing, though regulations vary. Lake Charles attracts fishing enthusiasts, and while one camper noted "We did not catch any fish and did not see anyone else catch any either" during their stay at Jacksonport State Park, others report better luck at different parks.
Playground access: For families with children, multiple options exist. "Several different playgrounds and walking trails! Great fishing and even a splash pad for the kids to enjoy!" mentions a Craighead Forest visitor. Jacksonport State Park also "has a nice play area" according to reviews.
What campers like
Clean bathhouses: Jacksonport State Park Campground receives praise for its facilities. "The grounds are very well maintained, about half the sites back up to the White River, and there is a very nice beach/swimming area as well as a boat launch. Added bonus, the bathrooms were incredibly clean!" writes a recent visitor.
Campsite privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Lake Poinsett, one camper noted, "Very nice campground with 30something sites. Mostly 30 amp with a few 50 scattered about. Sites were not the fartherest apart, but each was very spacious."
Free amenities: A unique benefit at some Jonesboro area campgrounds is complimentary firewood. "Staff is so friendly and place is so clean and nice. Free fire wood and trash pickup at your site!" reports a Craighead Forest Park visitor.
Water features: Many campers appreciate access to lakes and rivers. "The lake area is beautiful with a small spring fed waterfall, a swim beach area and even a slide into the water," writes a visitor to Crowley's Ridge State Park, adding that "there is another lake across the street that looks perfect for fishing!"
What you should know
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on your needs. "Some are really small, so make sure to take RV length into consideration," advises one camper about Crowley's Ridge. At Lake Poinsett State Park Campground, "Site#4 totally level" but others noted "not all of the sites are level, so consider that if you're in an RV."
Weather considerations: Summer heat brings mosquitoes. "The only thing negative I can say is the mosquitos come out at dark and are pretty bad so bring your mosquito spray," warns a Crowley's Ridge visitor. Another camper at Lake Charles cautions "the biting flies + mosquitos were ROUGH in the morning. You'll need your bug spray."
Store access: Some parks are remote. At Lake Charles, a visitor warns, "located near a very tiny town, so bring everything you need with you because a quick trip to the store will take you at least 30 min."
Noise levels: Proximity to highways affects some locations. Willow RV Park provides a "nice place to camp, clean and nice site" according to one reviewer, whereas at other locations interstate noise can be significant.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple parks feature play areas for children. "There are several very cool playgrounds, a paved trail that encompasses the park as well as a dirt trail around the outside," reports a visitor to Craighead Forest Park.
Swimming beaches: Lake Charles State Park Campground offers dedicated swimming areas suitable for children. "Kids had a blast here! We did paddle boating and walked the trails!" writes a visitor to Crowley's Ridge.
Nature exploration: Some parks provide educational opportunities. "The visitor's center is a must see. Lots of great exhibits detailing the history of the area," notes a Jacksonport visitor, which provides an indoor option during inclement weather.
Safety considerations: Most campgrounds are described as family-friendly. "We had kind neighbors and felt very safe," reports one visitor to Lake Charles, reflecting the generally positive atmosphere at Jonesboro area RV parks.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Select sites based on your RV needs. At Lakeview RV Resort, "The asphalt camp sites are extremely long but narrow," notes one reviewer, while Lucky Camper & RV receives praise for "Full hook-ups. Level sites."
Hookup availability: Not all parks offer sewer connections. At Crowley's Ridge, there are "great tent spots and a variety of paved spots" but full hookups are limited.
Accessibility: Some parks have tricky access routes. For Jacksonport State Park, an RVer advises, "I would recommend coming into Jacksonport off of AR Hwy 69 and onto Avenue St, which is also a tight turn from the North, but the street is much wider... much more RV friendly."
Seasonal considerations: While most rv parks near Jonesboro operate year-round, winter camping offers different experiences. "We love winter camping as we enjoy the parks when they are more quiet. I bet this place is very popular in the summer," notes a visitor to Crowley's Ridge State Park.
