RV campgrounds near Mayflower, Arkansas offer convenient access to the Arkansas River and Lake Conway, with most facilities located within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront sites allowing campers to fish directly from their campsites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Willow Beach, every site is positioned along the water. "This is a pretty campground with huge trees for shade. The sites are extremely level! I didn't even need to level my pop-up camper!! The water hyacinths were in full bloom while we were here and are beautiful," notes Jo E. The campground's position on the Arkansas River provides excellent fishing access.
River watching: Campers at Tar Camp can observe commercial river traffic. Angela G. describes the experience: "So happy to find a site right on the river. We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by." The riverside location creates a unique camping experience compared to standard RV parks.
Birdwatching: The Mayflower region supports diverse bird populations. Burt at Camp Conway RV Park reports: "Must have seen 12 bird varieties thriving in the park." Camp Conway's layout and natural setting attract numerous bird species throughout the year.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many Mayflower area campgrounds feature larger-than-average sites. At Sweet Escape RV Resort, the 34 sites accommodate various RV sizes. Jessie J. mentions "many amenities including laundry, bathhouse, very nice showers, and large dog park. We really enjoyed the fishing ponds as well."
Level parking pads: Several campgrounds feature concrete or well-maintained pads. According to William M. at Downtown Riverside RV Park, "All the spots had large concrete pads." This feature proves particularly important during rainy periods when soil saturation can affect stability.
Water access: Most popular campgrounds in the area feature water access. Willow Beach camper Shiloh M. notes: "Campground located on the river with beautiful scenic views. Covered picnic table and tall fire ring. Spacious camps. Flat pad." However, they caution about "lots of bugs due to being near the river."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Not all RV campgrounds near Mayflower operate year-round. Steve S. noted about Tar Camp: "They have been repairing since it flooded they told me it would open up in March 2021." Always check current operating schedules before planning a trip.
Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for various wildlife. Jennifer C. from Willow Beach warns: "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."
Traffic noise: Some Mayflower area RV parks experience road noise. Steve S. observed at Morrilton RV Park: "It was a very nice park with full hook-ups, cabins, very clean and well kept. It pretty much has everything. Looked really great except it is right next to I40. LOTS of noise."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-friendly amenities vary between campgrounds. Kelly E. from Willow Beach mentions: "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." She adds that during her visit, "the playground was taped off."
Mosquito preparation: Water proximity means insect preparation is essential. Jeff R. cautions about Willow Beach: "Mosquitos are very bad." Similarly, Kelly E. advises: "It is near water so there are a lot of mosquitos, so come prepared."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. At Sweet Escape RV Resort, alex L. reports "the bathrooms are the cleanest that I have seen in a campground/RV park they clean them daily." This differs from Kelly's experience at Willow Beach where "the toilet paper is out or almost out in all of them and there is no soap in any of the dispensers."
Tips from RVers
Downtown access: RVers appreciate the convenient location of Downtown Riverside RV Park for exploring Little Rock. Michelle H. highlights: "Great location, walkable to downtown. Good WiFi, great reception. Overall, we both thought this was a great and unique 'campground' with full hook ups and a great price. It was nice to be parked in a place that didn't require driving to explore."
Security features: Some RV campgrounds Mayflower, Arkansas area implement security measures. Jennifer C. mentions that at Willow Beach: "They lock a gate every night at the entrance to the campground, however they do give you the code to the padlock."
Long-term stays: Several parks cater to longer stays. Steve S. notes about Brannon RV Park: "A very nice, well kept, shady little park. This is for weekly or monthly guests. Weekly rates are $130. Sites are a little tight but offer electricity, water, and sewer."