Camping sites near Sherwood, Arkansas range from primitive areas without amenities to full-service campgrounds with cabin rentals. The region sits at the convergence of the Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita foothills, creating diverse camping environments within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically exceed 90°F between June and September, with high humidity making waterfront camping locations particularly desirable.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Willow Beach offers excellent fishing access along the Arkansas River. A camper noted, "Beautiful campsite along the Arkansas River. The sites are all very spacious with very long back in driveways. Some of the sites had covered picnic tables, which was great."
Walking trails: At Downtown Riverside RV Park, campers can access the Arkansas River Trail directly from the campground. A visitor shared, "You can take a walking bridge across the river directly into downtown Little Rock."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Toad Suck Campground, families appreciate the extensive play areas. One camper mentioned, "The kids enjoy the playgrounds x 3, walking, plenty of open space, and watching the barges coming down the river."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site provides isolated camping without facilities. A camper reported, "Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."
Level camping pads: Willow Beach earns praise for well-maintained sites. One reviewer specifically mentioned, "The sites are extremely level! I didn't even need to level my pop-up camper!!"
Urban access: Little Rock North KOA balances outdoor camping with city proximity. A camper shared, "This place was great. Close to all things Little Rock without feeling like you're in the middle of the city. Nice level, cement, pull through spots."
What you should know
Heat management: Summer camping requires preparation for high temperatures. At Willow Beach, a camper advised, "It is near water so there are a lot of mosquitos, so come prepared. I definitely put on bug spray right away."
Security considerations: Some dispersed camping areas experience irregular traffic. At Camp Robinson, one camper reported, "I woke up at 11pm to someone driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks and a guy was screaming out the window."
Bathroom facilities: Maumelle Park bathrooms receive mixed reviews. One camper noted, "Shower was a bit moldy but usable (why I gave the cleanliness rating only 4 stars)," while another mentioned, "We used our trailer showers. Public showers need a renovation."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing: Toad Suck offers opportunities to observe river traffic and wildlife. A visitor reported, "The kids enjoy the playgrounds x 3, walking, plenty of open space, and watching the barges coming down the river."
Swimming options: Indian Lakes Resort features unique water recreation. A camper described it as having "great fishing, swimming (water slides & diving boards in the middle of the lake) and fun for the whole family."
Safety precautions: Be aware of wildlife at certain campgrounds. At Willow Beach, a camper warned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Downtown Riverside RV Park, certain sites accommodate multiple rigs. A visitor observed, "Lots of pull through and back in sites, some are long enough you can put two rigs in (and there are hookups for two as well!)"
Leveling requirements: Toad Suck presents challenges for certain loops. One RVer warned, "Loop A seems for smaller campers, and very unlevel. Loop C seems a bit more spaced out."
Seasonal considerations: Flooding occasionally impacts campgrounds. A camper at Toad Suck mentioned, "Recently reopened after flooding. Nice new spots. Clean."