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This recreation area is part of Arkabutla Lake Class D camping – Kelly’s Crossing & Pleasant Hill Campgrounds: Free 14 days only – no extensions, year round
Guide
Ample spaces in some campgrounds while some have small area, still larger than most of other camping locations. It can still be better if they can make camp bed with gravel for tent camping
Guide
My husband and I chose this campground because it was in our “Best in Tent Camping Tennessee” guidebook. Not my favorite. The sites are extremely close together and there is absolutely no privacy. We chose an ADA site because my husband is a wheelchair user, but the grassy patch next to the cement was a hill (which made tent camping + wheelchair interesting). There was also zero shade and A LOT of bugs-we got eaten alive. I would only recommend this site for RV users who don’t plan to spend much time outside their rig (or, are camping in cooler months), and don’t care about privacy.
The bathhouse felt like a sauna-zero ventilation.
As a an aside the restroom at the visitor’s center is not wheelchair accessible.
Scout
Found this campsite on the Dyrt and was pleasantly surprised with the location and family friendly atmosphere. Right on the River but not swimable water. In an industrial park but felt very safe. Just a few minutes from the interstate.
The tent site is just a primitive grassy group area but had tons of shade from giant oak trees and is right next to the bathhouse.
Laundry is free on the second story of the bathhouse which was a wonderful treat.
The bathrooms weren’t awful but could use some TLC.
Tent sites do not get picnic tables. No fire rings.
Overall a decent night’s stay - whatever you do don’t forget your bug spray!
Guide
This was such a nice relaxing place to stay. We met a park interpreter who was very nice and informative. We stayed in a small tent camping area beside one of the lakes. The hiking trail was beautiful and we saw several woodpeckers!
Guide
Decent camp ground if the grounds were better maintained, lots of trash at all of the sites. We tent camped and the tent pads were ok nothing to brag right home about but functional. Your also nut to butt with all the other sites, talking some are less than 10ft apart. Also there was a mondo dump left in 2 of the toilets at the rest room near our site.
ScoutWe had originally planned to stop here for a night based on good reviews. But once arriving & doing a quick drive thru changed our minds. Tent camping area is just small grassy area behind laundry house. Had to drive all the way thru to even see the river. We did see a tugboat on our drive thru though. Just seems too run down & not cared for. Now rv spots by the water looked nice- but not a good place for tents.
Guide
It's a small camping area but very nice! There's a lake that allows canoeing, walking trail with exercise equipment. huge playground, huge parking areas with pavilions, bathrooms with hot water, water fountains throughput. They have a movie theater type to teach you about the land & heritage with mist that sprays on you to give live effects. $25.per night whether RV, Pull along, or tent camping. Bath house with toilets, showers, hot water. All camping spots have water, electric, sewage, and personal trash cans. Cons- were one area to camp The tenants were very stand off-ish and a bit rude. The folks caring for the property were nice at first then became judgemental, had the law constantly come through plus the park rangers/co-workers would sit and watch our every move, and be very nosey. I felt safe but also felt luke I was walking on eggshells the whole time. Tent camping here is not recommended but acceptable. We were visiting from out of state to get away from a hurricane in our home state and our visit was quite disappointing to say the least as far as what I've mentioned but enjoyed the park.
Legend
While the perks of this campground include the proximity to Memphis and spacious sites. The campground was pretty quiet and everything seemed clean and well kept. The downsides outweigh these positives though... The tent camping area was not private. There were some trees, but they were in the RV area of the park. The thing that turned us off the most though, was a terrible smell which we learned is from a sewage treatment plant very close to the park :(
ScoutTom Sawyer's RV Park offers a unique camping experience on the Mississippi River with a mix of pros and cons suika game. Visitors praise the beautiful river views, spacious sites, and pet-friendly policies, as well as convenient amenities like free laundry facilities. However, recurring issues include basic or outdated bathroom facilities, limited tent camping options, and inconsistent site maintenance. Overall, it's a great choice for short stays, particularly for those with RVs, looking to enjoy scenic riverfront views and the charm of tugboat traffic.
Scout
We had reservations for another place further down the road but decided to leave a day early and see if we could find something on the road. This place fit the bill! It’s convenient to the highway and while we have our food, there are places to eat close by. The owner was polite and met us at the gate and showed us to our site. There are few big trees and it’s more suitable for RV camping than tent camping but this was exactly what we needed this trip. Thanks so much!
GuideWe have been to many states and campgrounds. This is one of our favorites. It only has 14 Full Hookup sites but they are all beautiful. Well kept campgrounds, lake, and facilities. There is also a tent site area and a primitive camping area. The sites stayed booked, so if you want to give it a try, you need to book well in advance of your desired date of travel. We go here at least 4 or 5 times a year. It is only about 40 min drive from Forrest City and a 10 min. drive from Marianna, Arkansas. There is a boat dock where you can put your boat in the water. They also have fishing boats and kayaks for rent.
TravelerThis description really needs to be updated. They are not just an historic area but an Historic State Park. They have about a dozen RV sites plus another 20 tent sites. Facilities are very nice and include showers. They have really worked hard to improve the entire park in the last 3 years or so and have really turned this into a hidden gem. The historic site of Ft Pillow from the Civil war is on one of the hiking trails. The trails also go along the Mississippi river and provide some beautiful views. They also have a small lake and available canoes/kayaks for rent. The staff is very attentive and provide a variety of programs.
Scout
Oh yeah, it’s the lake. Apparently it was drained to repair the dam. Looks like and apocalyptic wasteland where the lake was. Walked out to the middle of it and some Perv was flying a drone over my head. Stayed at the tent campsite which was ok because no one else was there, but you can see the rv site and some dumb buildings and a big streetlight. With the amount of dogs barking it sounds like you are in a neighborhood. It was ok. I guess any state park is better than no state park.
LegendThis was our 2nd time camping here. It’s the nicest campground close to home. All of the sites are large with full hookups. They really did an excellent job with this place. The bathrooms are the best of the best (private, suite style rooms). I like that it is not a large park (only 14 RV sites and 3 tent sites) l, so even when it is full, it does not feel overcrowded. I do wish they had more hiking trails, but the bear creek look is really nice. The park office is excellent with a museum area. Fire wood can be purchased at the office as well. Very popular lake for fishing!
LegendThis place is still relatively new, but they have really done a great job with it! The park office is first class! The Trotting Fox Trail and Bear Creek Loop trail are very nice! The park office has a large room for exhibits. The Rangers also keep a very full schedule of activities to keep locals and campers busy. They rent out kayaks for those looking to explore the lake! The Beech Point Campground is a gorgeous RV/Tent Campground. I highly recommend it to those that love camping! There is also a really nice day use area.
Ranger
We’ve camped at Village Creek State Park a number of times and we love it! It’s a family friendly park with ball fields, tennis courts, and a first-class golf course. We have tent camped, pop-up camped and RV camped here. We normally stay in the lower campground area which is a great spot for families due to all the green space. The upper campground area is much better for RVs given the access to sewer. There is a renovated playground in the upper campground area as well.
All sites are mostly level. There are a few at the back of the lower campground with steep inclines near the trailhead entries. There is also a creek that runs behind some of the campsites on the lower campground which could be a mosquito haven in warmer months.
This is a great family park! You will enjoy your time for sure!
Traveler
I have stayed at this campground twice. The first time (2022) was a rainy day and I didn't feel like setting up a tent in my reserved space, so I upgraded to one of the very nice, and at the time quite new cabins for about $75 total. I loved the winding drive down to Helena-West Helena. It was beautiful, the rain was not too bad. The cabin was wonderful. I had such a happy experience that time, I returned to car camp last year (2023) on my way west. I did not bother setting up a tent, but rented an RV space. It was fine. . . lots of mosquitos in the evening (mid-September) and a construction crew was renting out an RV spot across from me. There were no other campers, but I felt safe. The bathrooms (unisex) were not nearly as clean as the first visit, but were ok. The guys across the way were quiet and respectful. The whole thing was ok. . . but I did have the thought expressed in another comment that there is just too much concrete and asphalt in this place. Maybe they are concerned about keeping the jungle at bay, so they paved it . . . but consequently it feels like a parking lot with a beautiful periphery. Is also was pretty expensive for what I needed ($42), since I sleep on a cot in my SUV and don't need electricity, water, dumping, etc. But that is my fault for not asking for a tent site.
I decided to head there at the last minute, and called the office right before closing to rent via telephone (should have asked for a tent site, cheaper). I did not have to make the 14 mile drive to Marianna to check in.
The crew staying in the RV across the way, left vert early in the morning. It was cool and shady in my spot, so I moved my vehicle to sunny spot (tent area!) and had a nice leisurely breakfast before heading out. It was mid-week, and nobody else was there. A ranger (?) drove through pretty early (before I moved my car) and said hi. She knew i had rented a spot. Very friendly, just as the folks in Marianna had been when I went there in 2022.
All in all it is a good spot. Quiet and safe.
TravelerThe tents sites are cheap but this is really for someone passing through. You basically share a feild with a few picnic tables, no fire pits from what I saw. The bathrooms/shower were okay but you get what you pay for. Other than that, the walk over to the view of the river is gorgeous.
LegendThis was one of the first state parks in Tennessee I visited on my trip through the state. Despite being an older feeling camp it offered many unique features and options for keeping myself entertained. (Check Out Their Website)
When it came to camping not only were there tent sites but also cabins which had a very rustic feel. I opted for a tent site which ran $25 and had full electrical hookups (site 40), a big perk for charging my devices at the end of a busy day. My site had a bbq grill and fire ring in addition to a picnic table and was well shaded. I felt like the sites along this side of the road were a little more spacious than the other side of the road which were a little more close together.
I was about half way down the loop and a short distance from the restroom and showers which were in decent shape but nothing super special. The water pressure here was good for showering.
My favorite thing about this camp was the outdoor activities which seemed to be everywhere. I hiked both the Woodland and Pioneer Springs trails (MAP), each about 4 miles and along the way enjoyed just taking in the outdoors. I will say that if you do any trails in late summer here you will need mosquito spray because they come in droves.
You can travel to the boat ramp and marina and rent boats there or bring your own to take advantage of the lake which winds through various types of vegetation and allows you to see the lake in a way you cannot from the shore line. I most enjoyed taking out a kayak and exploring the swampy feeling area, though I will say being so close to the Mississippi River I was afraid of what I might find lurking in the water.
TIPS:
LegendPROS
Senior discount
Reserved on-line 346 prior to arriving
Good overnight stop for$25
Very small park and campground
Site#4 totally level
Site#4 some shade 100% gravel site
Metal picnic table that was moveable
One hook lantern pole
Metal fire pit with cooking grate
Pedestal BBQ grill (looked brand new)
CONS
30amp electrical breaker bad.
Tripped twice in 8 hours.
Single lane campground road extremely tight. If campsites across from ours wasn’t empty, it would of been extremely difficult to get our 28ft backed-in
Our reserved campsite#4 was occupied upon our arrival and campers tried to convince us to take another site that they were suppose to move to, but it was much smaller, so we declined
Never saw any rangers patrolling campground
Train noise from tracks in Harrisburg
4 unisex toilets/showers for all 26 campsites PLUS 4 tent sites!
One-lane dump station
No TP in campground toilets
No camp-host or even a full hook up site for one
No security gate closure overnight
No WIFI
1 bar LTE
Legend
I checked into this park while looking for a place to stay in Memphis, it was a very secure facility right on the state line of Mississippi and Tennessee and it appeared to have good reviews so I wanted to see if they offered tent camping since I had seen nothing about that. I arrived and the staff was very friendly however they were also very thorough in stating it was RVs only.
I went ahead and told them I am a ranger for the Dyrt and also a travel blogger and was interested in passing on the knowledge to other campers potentially looking in the area and they took me on a tour bragging on the facilities which had spacious road that were fully paved and well maintained. The restrooms were large and equipped for handicapped accessibility and there was a neighborhood vibe about this location.
Spaces were a little close together but it seemed as though most of the people here were retirees in larger rigs who didn't want the responsibility of having a lot of space in their immediate "yard". They offer nightly rates along with weekly and monthly however I believe that most are taking advantage of the monthly.
The person giving me the tour, the campground host, did mention that a lot of people misunderstand their RV policy and come in with pop ups or teardrops and those usually are not acceptable. So that s a major thing to know when coming here, you must be in a RV as defined by these standards.
I noticed that the site was incredibly clean. They offered additional storage for sports equipment and other items, a rec center and office and for each site both cable and wifi are available.
All in all this park was great, but not allowing tents or certain types of RVs did knock it down a few notch simply because not everyone would be able to take advantage of this site. I was overall happy to have checked it out for my fellow travelers and maybe one day when I RV across America I will be able to visit again.
LegendWe ended up camping here after another campground didn't work out. We arrived without reservation and didn't know much about the park, so we needed a little help from the rangers when we were choosing a spot. The campground seems to have been renovated in the last few years. The sites are all mixed together. You have a handful of RV sites with 50 amp, a couple of 30 amp sites and then lots of tent sites that have 20 amp or no power at all. The problem for us was that the leaves have fallen, so we couldn't even see where the parking pads were and all of the different sites were mixed together. I think it would be easier to sort it out via the website that has info listed for each site.
Ranger Tyson informed us that they were doing a night hike to the Fort and they would be serving Gumbo for dinner around the campfire at the Fort. Sign me up! It was one of the fee based activities, but for $5 per person, it was totally worth it! Tyson and Matt were awesome and the evening hike was surprisingly very cool!
As for the park itself, they don't have a huge "tourist attraction" like some parks, so it was very peaceful and not overcrowded. They work hard to offer great ranger lead programs. You can tell right away that the staff really does care about this park.
The bathhouse was newer and clean. Each bathroom was private in that you had your own suite style bathroom with toilet, sink & shower. The only drawback is that the bath house building (2) only had (1) mens suite and (1) womens suite each. I could see a line forming during warmer months, especially if there were lots of tent campers.
The park had a really nice day use area with a new playground, pavilion area and picnic tables. There is also a basketball goal/court area near the day use area. The visitors center/museum was a bunker style building built into the side of the hill. Great exhibit and lots of info on the battle and fort at Fort Pillow. There is also a small fishing lake with a boat ramp and pier.
LegendCraighead Forest Park was conceived in 1937 when the Young Mens' Civic Club began work on the lake. It is now a city owned park that is located in the rolling hills of Crowley's Ridge. The park encompasses 692 acres and should be the pride and joy of Jonesboro. A residential area has grown around the park which will ensure the peacefulness of the area. Basketball, bike and running trails, bird watching, camping, disc golf, fishing, horseshoes, playgrounds, softball, volleyball. There is a great splash pad for the kids. This place has it all rolled into one great package. The grass and wooded areas are well maintained to make for a wonderful stay.
This is a small, compact campground on a one lane road with a nice turn around at the bottom at the lake. Some sites are called water sites but I consider them sites with a view of the water. Most sites are level, some not, so when you reserve ask for one of the sites that has the new concrete pads. The campground is located away from the ball areas so it is very quiet and not being on a thru street the only traffic is to be the campground traffic. Sites are wooded and there was a nice breeze coming off the lake. My first thought when I booked was MOSQUITOES you can't be from that area with out thinking of them. For the two days we were there not a mosquito and almost no flies. This is a wonderful surprise for anyone coming through Jonesboro. We will be back. Being in the south we all know how hot and humid it can be and a trip to the bathroom/shower facility is often not the most pleasant. Loved the shower/bathroom facilities. Air Conditioned, it was amazing with the temps reaching 100 and more while we were there.. This campground had set the bar high and I am sure they will always attain excellence.
The park has approximately 15 miles of mountain bike trails intertwined in the forest, there is a 2.4 mile chat trail that winds around the lake and a 2.9 miles if nicely paved road that circles the park. There is an area for ATV riders and many trails can accommodate horses. Check out the three trails that lead to the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center.
The Forest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center gives the visitor a chance to see the story of a very special ridge that runs along the top of the Mississippi Delta. They have a 17,033 square foot facility that features an education, exhibit and meeting facility that is on 160 acre prairie. There is a 2.5 acre pond and about 100 acres of woodlands. the Nature Center is the perfect accessory to your stay at the Craighead Forest Park.
Jonesboro offers plenty of entertainment not nature related. Arkansas State University, a great college town, all types of restaurants, chain and local, movie theatre, grocery stores, shopping mall. There is the Arkansas State University Museum that features a 21,000 square feet of historic, archaeological and natural history exhibits. It mainly focuses on the history and cultural heritage of Northeast Arkansas and the Mississippi River Delta.
Jonesboro might not be quite the draw of many other areas but I think you might be surprised.
Jonesboro is the fifth largest city in Arkansas weighing in at over 67,000 people
GuideLet me start by saying that the Rangers who run this place are top notch folks. The head Ranger stopped in a couple times every day to ask if we needed anything and to inquire about our opinion of the new site (more on this later). The facilities were well maintained, and a pleasant surprise for such a small state park.
So, we stayed on site #3. According to the head Ranger, we were the first to camp on this site since its renovation. Previously it had been a tent pad, but was now a concrete pad with a new 50A post and new water hydrant. Online, it lists the site as being 40’ long and 15’ wide. What they don’t tell you is that only the pad is this size. I had another 30’+ of gravel to park on in front of the pad. It was large enough for the biggest of fifth wheels with slides on both sides. There are now 11 total sites like this in the park thanks to recent renovations. All seemed very level. Site #3 and it’s neighbor #2 seemed perfectly level laterally, but required dropping the nose quite a bit to get level longitudinally. I still believe any length RV could pull it off easily. Each concrete site had a charcoal grill with adjustable height grates, a lantern pole, a fire pit with grill grate, and a picnic table that is bolted down (this might be my only nitpick complaint, as I like to move my picnic tables under the awning and on top of my mat... but I understand why it’s done.). The two bath houses are basically single occupancy Men and Women side facilities, but are almost brand new and heated for winter use. The Ranger said they added to accompanying porta potties for extra toilets until they can add an extra stall on each side to the buildings.
There is no playground in the campground, but a short drive into the park gets you to a very nice picnic area with a playground that looks as new as the bath houses and RV pads. Drive a bit further and you can visit the museum dedicated to the Fort after which the park is named and the men who died there. Get a map and hike the well marked trail to see a recreated portion of the fort (yes, it well marked with colored flashes and signs). Along the drive you will also find a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River and a small lake you can fish in. Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Boat rentals are available at the museum.
For those wishing for a more rustic camping experience, the primitive sites here are among the best I have ever seen. Ever site is level, and graveled with smooth pea gravel. They all have the same fire pit, grill, and table as the RV sites. Some Require a bit of a walk from your parking spot, but you will well rewarded with some isolation. The only down side for some is that these sites have no on site water and only a few offer an electric post. There are community hydrants around the park for filling up bottle or tanks.
My personal favorite spot for primitive tent camping would have been site number 27. It is accessed via a short gravel road off the main paved road and past site 26. While it is a haul to get water, it is almost completely isolated from the rest of the campground and you can drive rite up to it with no walking. It has low ground on three sides. One side is the road leading into the park, but traffic here is light and it shouldnt be an issue.
Speaking of roads, this place is kind of out in the middle of nowhere, and the roads in can be narrow when meeting oncoming traffic. It’s not terrible but can make you a bit nervous when you meet another RV heading the other way.
All in all, I would say this park is a gem of a find since the remodeling of the RV sites and a solid 7/10 for those primitive tent campers. My only knock is the lack of a playground for those with kids. If you are empty nesters or young adults or just generally travel without kids, this is a solid 10/10 kind of place.
Traveler
Although this is called the Memphis KOA - it is a bit of a hike. Especially when the bridge (I-40) is out.
This campground is very typical for a KOA Journey. Right off the interstate, nice pull-throughs, minimal amenities.
We stayed here for a couple of weeks while working in Memphis - good/bad comments below:
Good
1. Staff. Super nice, very helpful.
2. Ease of access to I-55.
Bad
1. Remote (not in a good way). Kind of far from West Memphis, within 10 minutes to Marion, but nothing is convenient.
2. Not in Memphis. Per the name, this is really important to note. Assume it is 30 minutes to where you are going in Memphis. 45 if the bridge is out.
3. It floods when it storms. Like 5 inches standing water. Should probably be fixed.
GuideThis Arkansas state park is top notch. It offers a very quiet, immaculate campground with only 17 sites for RV hook ups. There are additional camping areas for tents, although one is closed for repairs. The Bear Creek lake surrounds the RV camping area on all three sides. There is fishing, small boats, and swimming in the summer. The RV sites were very spaced apart and completely level. Things to note for planning—1. Visitor Center is pretty far from camping. You would have to drive there. But it is very nice with exhibits, and staff was very helpful. They have bait and fire wood too. 2. Cell service is not great. 3. No playground. But park is quaint enough bike riding and game playing for small kids works great!
Legend
Little did I know when I was traveling through Arkansas that there was a site in this region. It wasn't until I saw one of the numerous State Park signs scattered throughout the state that I discovered not only this camping area for small tents only but also the historic site.
I first checked out the historic site and they filled me in a bit more about the camp. The camp is tent only and relatively secluded to one area of the park. That area is near the recreation day use area which has a playground for the kiddos. Being such a small park you are literally a few hundred yards from the Visitor Center which is much closer than a typical camp site.
The historic site is filled with information about the Mississippian tribe which settled this area initially before the community of Parkin was even through to be established.
I checked out the camping area where a few small groups were gathered and it looked like a pretty typical site with very few accommodations. I chose to settle in for a short time and take in the site with the trails and spoke to some of the locals which highly enjoy this area as an outdoor space.
All in all I would say for the proximity to the State Park information and the facility itself I will return again, I even told a family member about it when I left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marion, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marion, AR is Kellys Crossing Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Marion, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Marion, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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