Camping near Mabelvale, Arkansas centers around the Arkansas River valley, with most campgrounds situated at elevations between 250-400 feet. The region experiences average summer highs of 91°F with humidity levels often exceeding 80%. Most campgrounds in the area open for reservations 6 months in advance, with weekends from April through October typically booking within 30-45 days.
What to do
Boat access fishing: Willow Beach provides direct access to the Arkansas River with boat ramps and shore fishing opportunities. "Situated on the river with beautiful scenic views. Covered picnic table and tall fire ring. Spacious camps. Flat pad," reports one camper, though they note there's "no clean space to get down to fish from the bank."
Explore historical sites: Downtown Riverside RV Park offers a pedestrian bridge connecting directly to downtown Little Rock attractions. "You can walk across the bridge directly into downtown Little Rock. It was nice to be parked in a place that didn't require driving to explore," shares Michelle H. The Clinton Presidential Library is accessible via this bridge.
Waterfall hiking: Lake Catherine State Park Campground features the Falls Branch Trail, ideal for families with children. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," writes Alison C. The park offers several hiking difficulty levels around the lake.
Mountain biking: Trails accessible from Maumelle Park connect to nearby mountain biking networks. "The Pinnacle Mountain Trail system was a shaded easy trail system that can be accessed right from this campground," notes one visitor who also visited Angry Dave's bike shop nearby for repairs and local trail information.
What campers like
Riverfront camping: Toad Suck campground offers direct views of commercial river traffic. "We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by. Not many campers here right now so it's quiet," explains Angela G. Sites face directly onto the Arkansas River with concrete pads large enough for multiple tents.
Urban convenience: Downtown Riverside RV Park combines outdoor accommodations with city access. "Great location, walkable to downtown. Good WiFi, great reception... It was nice to be parked in a place that didn't require driving to explore," mentions Michelle H. The riverfront location provides views of downtown Little Rock lit up at night.
Lake recreation: Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers diverse water activities. "You can rent a boat and fish all day. Play in the waterfall or walk the great trails," says Tiffany H. Campsites backing up to the lake provide direct water access and space for hammocks.
Spacious sites: Willow Beach features "well manicured, spacious lots" according to Ronnie B. Another camper notes "The sites are all very spacious with very long back in driveways. Some of the sites had covered picnic tables, which was great."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding risks: Several riverfront campgrounds close periodically due to high water. Tar Camp has experienced closures, with one camper reporting: "They evacuated the park due to high water while we were there and we never received the phone call or a text."
Facility limitations: Gulpha Gorge Campground lacks showers despite its $30 nightly fee. "While it didn't have showers it did offer a pavilion and an amphitheater which apparently they have functions at often," notes one visitor. Consider bringing portable shower options for campgrounds with limited facilities.
Insect preparation: Riverside locations can have significant mosquito populations. At Willow Beach, campers report "mosquitos are very bad" and recommend "come prepared" with repellent. Another visitor advises "Temps above 50° mean stock up on bug repellent."
Loop selection matters: Campground loops vary significantly in amenities and shade. At Petit Jean State Park, "Loop A is full hookup while B-D have electricity & water only" and "A loop has very little shade. Would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and open spaces: Toad Suck offers multiple recreation areas for children. "The kids enjoy the playgrounds x 3, walking, plenty of open space, and watching the barges coming down the river," shares Lona T. The park provides basketball and volleyball courts across the street.
Wildlife awareness: Willow Beach has reported snake encounters. "We encountered lots of snakes. I shooed a few off the road and they disappeared as soon as they slithered into the grass, so to me it's pretty risky walking around or letting kids play in the grass," cautions Jennifer C.
Kid-friendly hiking: Petit Jean State Park offers trails suitable for various ages. "Plenty of trails for hiking. Pool, basketball and tennis courts. Marina with boats and kayaks," notes Ryan S., adding there are "Lots of kids riding bikes and being outdoors" at the campground.
Swimming options: Multiple parks offer water recreation for children. Petit Jean features a pool at the top of an overlook, and as one camper describes, the pool "ultimately leads down to a gorgeous waterfall."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Little Rock North KOA, positioning matters for larger rigs. "We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in," shares Daniel, who travels with a "44' triple axel 5th wheel which is pushing it for most KOA's."
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites. At Petit Jean State Park, "many sites in B & C were uneven from roots pushing the asphalt up" and "many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level."
Full hookup availability: For extended stays, research sewer connections carefully. At Petit Jean, "B loop has NO SEWER (EXCEPT FOR SITES 47 & 48)" while "A Loop has full hook up sites with sewer." Maumelle Park offers water and electric hookups but no sewer connections at most sites.
