Lake Chicot, a 20-mile-long oxbow lake formed from a former Mississippi River channel, provides the primary camping focal point near Lake Village, Arkansas. The surrounding Delta lowlands offer a unique ecosystem with seasonal bird migrations and cypress trees dominating the shoreline. Winter campers often report clearer water conditions and stronger cell signals when deciduous vegetation thins out between November and March.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Deer populations remain active year-round at Lake Chicot State Park Campground, with raccoons and waterfowl providing additional viewing opportunities. "Wildlife seems to be abundant as we saw dozens of deer, large raccoons, squirrels, pelicans, and ducks," notes one winter visitor.
Sunset watching: The western shore campsites offer optimal sunset views over Lake Chicot. "The lakeside sites are wonderful... Clean facilities," reports a camper who selected a premium waterfront site.
Boat rentals: The marina at Lake Chicot State Park offers seasonal boat rentals, with the availability highest during summer months. Winter visitors should note reduced services as "there is a bait store and a marina which rents boats (closed due to off-season)."
Kayaking: The bayou sections at Cane Creek State Park Campground provide a unique paddling experience through cypress stands. A visitor describes it as "kayaking among the trees and flowers. They have tons of events like moonlit full moon kayak."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Flamingo Pointe RV Park receives praise for its lakefront location and small size with only 5 RV sites. "The best part for us was enjoying the sunset and sunrise out by the water with a campfire and our 2 pups," writes one satisfied camper.
Clean bathhouses: The shower facilities at Lake Chicot remain operational year-round with consistent hot water. A November visitor noted, "Bathroom and showers were great. Clean, good water pressure and plenty of hot water."
Winter camping: Reduced crowds and pleasant temperatures make November through February attractive for campers. "Loved it! Great trails nice lake very quiet in November! Only weird thing is the showers only have one temperature for water...it's warm water."
Concrete pads: Pecan Grove RV Park offers solid parking surfaces that remain level regardless of weather conditions. "Nice concrete pads in several pull through spots," mentions a frequent visitor who uses this location regularly when traveling.
What you should know
Cell service variations: Mobile coverage fluctuates significantly based on location and season. At Lake Chicot, "Cell phone (Verizon) and antenna reception are good possibly because there are no leaves on the trees."
Standing water issues: Heavy rains can affect site availability and accessibility at rv campgrounds near Lake Village, Arkansas, particularly in the lower-elevation sites. "After booking through Arkansas State Parks website, we received a follow up call from the park itself which was unusual but very nice. We booked site 42 in area B but there was standing water in the site so we got site 50."
Insect activity: Bug populations vary dramatically by season with significant increases after wet periods. Multiple campers mention mosquitoes at Lake Chicot, while Chemin-A-Haut State Park (about 45 minutes away) provides an alternative with "Nice RV spots with full hookups."
Payment options: Cash requirements exist at several RV parks in the region. At Cypress Bend RV Park, "Cash or check only" for its monthly rates of $350-390.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play equipment for children, though quality varies by location. At Chemin-A-Haut State Park, one visitor noted it "had two playgrounds and kids trail."
Pool availability: Seasonal swimming options exist at certain parks but require verification before arrival. "Nice campground, nice & clean bathhouses, nice pool [closed due to pandemic]," reports a visitor to Chemin-A-Haut.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes provide shore fishing access with varying catches by season. A visitor to Crossett Harbor RV Park found a "nice day use area, boat ramp, bathrooms, slip rentals."
Wildlife education: Lake Chicot's visitor center provides educational displays about local wildlife. "The visitor's center is very nice and informative," mentions a camper who appreciated learning about the local ecosystem.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many RV sites in the region have length limitations. Lake Chicot campers note "Area F has full hook-ups and 30 amps. The sites are nice but a little short."
Pull-through availability: Pecan Grove RV Park serves primarily as an overnight stop with pull-through convenience. "Location is absolutely perfect for those traveling and need a nice overnight or decide to stay a few extra like I did."
Narrow spaces: RV campgrounds in Lake Village, Arkansas often feature tight spacing between sites. One RV owner mentioned "Spots are narrow and had a little trouble getting parked but we made it."
Seasonal bookings: Fall lakefront sites at Lake Chicot fill rapidly and require advance planning. "Waterfront sites are wonderful, however the other sites are much less attractive."
