8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and wildlife management areas near Lexa, Arkansas provide several primitive tent camping options within a 30-mile radius. Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground in West Helena offers ten walk-in tent sites with prepared tent pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. Maple Flat Group Campground near Marianna features an old scout-style setup with multiple tent pads scattered throughout a wooded area. Mike Freeze Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area provides free dispersed tent camping with designated sites marked by blue rings painted on trees. Kellys Crossing Campground, though technically across the state line in Mississippi, offers tent-only camping with lake access about 35 miles east of Lexa.
Tent campsites in this region vary significantly in amenities and accessibility. Delta Heritage Trail State Park provides basic facilities including toilets and drinking water at the visitor center for its $15 per night sites, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Most sites feature shaded locations with dirt or gravel surfaces. Access roads to Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA consist of rough gravel that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. Campers report navigation difficulties, with one visitor noting that map applications often provide conflicting directions to designated camping areas. Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the region, particularly at sites near water, making insect protection essential during warmer months.
The tent camping experience around Lexa offers varying levels of solitude and natural surroundings. According to reviews, Delta Heritage Trail sites remain shaded throughout the day but require bug spray for comfort. One camper noted that Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA provides "large open sites" with minimal crowding, though some areas experience distant highway noise. Sites farther from access roads offer deeper seclusion, with a visitor reporting they "did not see another single soul" during an April stay. Maple Flat's wooded setting features "large trees, lots of moss and no overgrowth," creating an atmospheric backcountry tent camping environment. Water access varies by location, with some sites positioned near ponds or lakes where wildlife observation opportunities include ducks, beavers, and frogs.
"This place has nice pads to put tents on and picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Only 10 sites though and it is first come first serve."
"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."
from $13 - $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The site was right on the water with a good amount of space between us and the next site. There were less than 20 sites I'm guessing which made for a calm atmosphere."
"Fuller SP Is a decent campground situated 5 miles from Graceland and about 15 minutes (by car) from downtown Memphis."
"Quiet campground within Memphis city limits, right off of the hwy 15 mins from downtown. Friendly knowledgeable staff, beautiful trails and nice full hookup campsites, clean modern bathrooms/showers."
"Soft ground. Quick to get to off highway"
"This is a Wildlife Management Area and believe this to be a fairly large spot for camping, boon docking, hunting, fishing etc...."
"This was my first dispersed camping on my road trip and I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it is compared to all the other noise that organized campgrounds can have. there are two sites across from"
"Quiet, and easy access from the highway."
ScoutLike others, we found the area outside the park to be industrial and a little dodgy, but once in the park itself, it is a real gem! The barge channel is right off the park's riverbank, so you get an up close look as they pass by
GuideBooked a complete reservation(paid in full) online 2 weeks in advance and called a few days prior to inquire on check-in procedures and ask about early check in since we were coming from a few hours away. Was told that the RV Park has"any time" check in and when you check in proceed to the hotel registration desk to receive your site number. Upon arrival-- DO NOT FOLLOW THE SIGNS THAT DIRECT YOU TO THE RV PARK! Instead proceed down the far, far left arrow(not under the archway) around the back and that will take you to the hotel entrance where you can park easily to go inside and check in I reserved a pull through. We did not get a pull through. Every pull through was occupied but one and the water did not work on that site. We were given a back in site. I asked at check in if it was the same price since I booked a pull through and was told it was the same price. I also asked if we would fit and was informed that every site is the same length. They are not! We were given site#43. We did not even attempt it, we would not have fit. Our camper is 35 ft. And truck is 25 ft. I called the number and was transferred to the supervisor and explained the situation. By chance we were driving around and saw site#10 and inquired while she was on the phone with me. We fit in site#10. 1st and foremost, I am in no way bashing work camps. They serve a purpose and hubby has utilized them over the years with his previous employment. However, this is a work camp with a few travelers. Totally misrepresented online. It is not your typical casino RV park. It is run down along with the casino and several of the casinos in the Tunica area have been closed or are being torn down. It was quiet-ish. Being a work camp, diesels fired up between 3am-6am. People returned to their campers between 5pm-8pm. The bathhouse resembled a barracks after quitting time. Quiet time was 10pm and it was quiet until it was time to go to work. Everyone around did keep to themselves. Our"neighbors" were friendly and courteous. The RV park served its purpose to decompress and look at our route over the Mississippi River. We camped at Hollywood Casino Hotel& RV Park in a Travel Trailer.
ScoutAwesome Clean camp grounds with easy bathroom and water and electric hook ups definitely a 10 out of 10
GuidePulled in here after driving all day and the park was full of campers that looked to be somewhat long term. I went inside to pay for site 63 (which was empty and the camper next door said was used all the time for overnight camping) and they said we are full and there's no water at site 63. The manager said this park used to be used for casino customers, but now they are renting long term to construction workers. It would have cost $40 to stay if they had space. Too bad- we would have eaten in a casino restaurant and played a bit. We left and drove to Enid Lake and stayed at a COE CG that was one of the nicest ever, at $10 less for the night. Lessons learned-definitely need to call ahead even though people said just pull in no reservations needed-also- awesome stay for less just down the road. Spaces at Hollywood were close together, paved, there is laundry on site. Staff in the casino (hotel desk) were friendly and helpful.
GuideThis is our 3rd visit to this campground. Worth the short drive off Route 40 to get an awesome view of the river and nice benches along river if you’re not up for walking in the heat of summer. Rather level concrete and gravel spots.
TravelerA couple of miles on a gravel road. It's in pretty good shape. Easy road for our 23 ft Mini Lite. We grabbed the first spot with a "camping spot" sign. Leveling was easy. Really good for an overnight stop. Some Verizon signal.
ScoutNice place after you get past the Oil refinery and the neighborhood. Once in park it is well maintained and safe. Nice to watch the bardges on the Mississippi
TravelerThis place is a hidden gem. The campground is small, but the sites are surprisingly spacious — you won’t feel stacked on top of your neighbors here. The lake is gorgeous, the facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the birdwatching is honestly next level — more birds than you can imagine, all day long.
Just know what you’re getting into: this park is genuinely in the middle of nowhere. Don’t plan on going out to dinner — there isn’t anywhere to go. A decent grocery store nearby covers the basics, so stock up before you settle in. Free WiFi at the campground was a nice surprise touch given how remote it feels.
If you want a peaceful, well-kept campground away from crowds and noise, this is it. Just come prepared and ready to unplug — except maybe for the WiFi.
LegendNice and clean, small campground.
Tent camping opportunities near Lexa, Arkansas range from established state park sites to primitive Wildlife Management Area locations across varied terrain. The region sits within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, characterized by flat topography, mixed hardwood forests, and numerous wetland areas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping features mild daytime temperatures around 50°F and occasional freezing nights.
Wildlife viewing at wetlands: Wattensaw WMA offers multiple designated camping areas near ponds where visitors can observe diverse wildlife. A camper noted, "There was a large pond with nearby primitive camping for free... Ducks, beavers, frogs and more" at Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA.
Lake activities: The region provides access to several water bodies for fishing and paddling. At Kellys Crossing Campground, visitors mention "access to the lake is nice" and describe it as "technically a boat ramp that accesses Arkabutla Lake with picnic and camping areas nearby."
Trail exploration: Several campgrounds connect to hiking paths through diverse forest ecosystems. One camper at Maple Flat Group Campground mentioned, "We did a bit of hiking at the park which was nice as well," making it suitable for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips.
Seclusion factor: Many campsites provide genuine solitude, particularly during weekdays. At Wattensaw WMA, a camper reported, "In all of my getting lost, on a Monday in early April 2023, I did not see another single, solitary soul. Where I camped, I also could not hear cars at all. I woke up to birds singing, and trees rustling."
Budget-friendly options: Several camping areas require minimal or no fees. Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground provides prepared tent pads and basic facilities "for $15" according to one reviewer, while others note that Wattensaw WMA offers completely free camping.
Natural ambiance: The region's hardwood forests create distinctive camping environments. Maple Flat features "Large trees, lots of moss and no overgrowth make this a beautiful place to explore," according to visitor feedback, providing atmospheric tent camping settings.
Navigation challenges: Several dispersed camping areas have confusing access roads and limited signage. One Wattensaw WMA visitor warned, "You cannot trust either Apple or Google maps to get you here by these coordinates... I got very lost trying to find the place at night, and then getting back to the freeway the next morning."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings intense heat, humidity and insects to all camping areas. A Delta Heritage visitor advised, "They have bug spray ready because there is a ton of mosquitoes!" Road conditions also deteriorate after heavy rainfall, particularly at WMA access points.
Site identification: Look for specific markers at dispersed camping areas. At Wattensaw WMA, "There are signs for designated camping and the trees have a blue ring painted around them, so it stands out," helping visitors locate appropriate camping zones across the extensive property.
Site selection priorities: Choose established sites with amenities for easier family camping. Barton Trailhead within Delta Heritage Trail State Park provides toilet facilities and drive-in access points suitable for families with young children.
Educational opportunities: Several locations offer wildlife observation and nature study opportunities. At Delta Heritage, one camper mentioned, "We were invited to watch them feed the pet snake that was caught in the area," providing educational experiences for children.
Safety considerations: Monitor water areas carefully with children. Multiple sites feature ponds or lake access with murky water conditions. One Wattensaw visitor noted, "I did not find anywhere I would personally feel comfortable swimming. The water is very murky, and does not look deep."
Surface conditions: Most tent-focused areas have limitations for RVs. At Wattensaw WMA, a visitor observed, "A lot of the spots we saw were gravel so I'm not sure if it would be super comfortable to sleep here in a tent," though this same surface works well for small to medium RVs.
Road access limitations: Many camping areas feature rough roads unsuitable for larger recreational vehicles. One Wattensaw visitor warned, "The road access is gravel, but LARGE gravel that we are surprised didn't ruin our tires," indicating high-clearance vehicles perform better.
Vehicle positioning: Some areas allow RVs but require careful placement. As one Wattensaw camper noted, "Parking was slightly graded but an RV would be cool," suggesting the need for leveling blocks and strategic parking at many of the best tent camping sites near Lexa, Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lexa, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lexa, AR is Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lexa, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Lexa, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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