The Arkansas River corridor near Maumelle provides a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites within 30 minutes of Little Rock. Maumelle Park, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serves as the primary camping destination with 95 water and electric sites along the riverfront. Several miles east, Downtown Riverside RV Park offers urban camping with easy access to Little Rock attractions. For those seeking more natural settings, Camp Robinson Dispersed Site provides primitive camping options north of the city. Petit Jean State Park, located about an hour northwest, offers a more remote experience with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Most campgrounds in the region feature boat ramps and fishing access, reflecting the area's strong connection to the Arkansas River.
Reservations are essential for Maumelle Park, particularly for waterfront sites which fill quickly during summer weekends. As one camper noted, "Count yourself lucky to get a space during the summer. Sites can be reserved and I do suggest you reserve." The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while spring brings occasional heavy rainfall that can cause muddy conditions at some sites. Cell service is generally strong at developed campgrounds, with campers reporting "T-mobile and AT&T speeds were great for remote work" at Maumelle Park. Most Corps of Engineers sites require payment, with rates typically $22-26 per night, though discounts are available with federal recreation passes.
Waterfront camping dominates the reviews of Maumelle Park, with visitors highlighting the "beautiful panorama view of the Arkansas River." The park's proximity to Pinnacle Mountain State Park (less than two miles away) makes it popular for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Many campers mention the mature trees providing shade throughout the campground. Tent campers should note that the area tends to be RV-centric, with one reviewer observing they were "the only tent-only campers" during their stay. Weekend evenings can be lively with local campers, while weekdays offer more tranquility. The park's cleanliness and maintenance receive consistent praise, though some mention limited privacy between sites and occasional issues with insects, particularly "no-see-ums" in the evening hours.
$28 - $75 / night
"Stayed 6 nights at Maumelle COE campground next to Arkansas River. Nice and quiet especially after the weekend crowd left. Nice walking trails and still close to major conveniences."
"If you are coming to the park you will see signs for Maumelle Park."
"The location is truly excellent with easy access to the Arkansas River Trail, the Clinton library, restaurants and other attractions."
"Not a resort but right next to the foot bridge that accesses parks on the other side of the Arkansas River. Traffic noise is minimal."
"We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in. Neighbors are close but nice as was the staff."
"Location good. Site: one tent camp site. Which was Off to self. Had covered picnic table (all of which was positive to us) Power and water. Bathrooms; great."
$26 - $75 / night
"Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront. Showers and bathrooms were clean and in good condition. Sites were close but in good repair."
"This is a great RV campground right on the Arkansas river. The sites are large and mostly level."
$24 - $75 / night
"This park and campground is less than an hour outside of Little Rock, and it is a quiet, peaceful overnight stay on our way to Oklahoma. It was a bit tricky to find after exciting US 60!"
"On the bank of the Arkansas River, great access to water. Good boat ramp, picnic tables and RV sites. Very clean, bring your mosquito repellent."
$25 - $40 / night
"_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."
"Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."
"Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."
"The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps. The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum. The sunset was beautiful."
$28 - $32 / night
"Great C/G on the Arkansas River with a boat ramp and dock. Water and electric sites with a dump station."
$25 / night
"The most beautiful spot on the Arkansas river"
TravelerCame into town for the Horse races. Campground was easy access in the middle of town. Area was pretty quiet and secure. Hosts were great and welcoming. Will be back again next time we are doing in town activities! Concrete sites are clean and very level so set up was a breeze.
TravelerThis site is in BEAUTIFUL spot and is well maintained! But just know that this is a popular location it seems. We reserved our spot for one night about a month ago (if not more) and there were a lot of sites booked them. I think we saw ONE open spot last night. That said, everyone was respectful of quiet hours, and it’s mostly a lot of RV camping—looks like people say for longer periods of time! There are tent sites too, but only a handful. The bathrooms have a shower and real toilets. For a campsite they are incredibly clean!
We stayed in site 21 and could walk down the hill to the bank of the lake for a beautiful view. Noting this as a place we should come back to if we are ever in the area again! So lovely.
TravelerThe location is convenient, and everyone is super friendly! It’s mainly long term/permanent campers, which makes for a small neighborhood vibe. Choose a back in site along the pretty little creek. All the basic amenities plus coin operated laundry.
ScoutStayed 3 nights on Sunday I went to do laundry got back to find my step stool and skillet dog bowls/beds campsite was cleaned trash bag and all the ranger never put a tag on site 69 and no one knows who took our things. Sad after spending 40+years camping here
GuideWe stayed in section D, site 114! It was so nice and quiet, the trees made it feel so spacious and like you weren’t right on top of other campers! The bathrooms were eh. Not the best but not the worst! All the trails in walking distance was absolutely amazing! Would definitely camp here again :)
GuideThis is a great RV campground right on the Arkansas river. The sites are large and mostly level. The grounds are well taken care of and everyone is extremely friendly if you’re towards the front that’s closer to the Botox towards the back you’re closer to the bathrooms and shower house.
TravelerWe loved being on the water and the sites had lots of room between each other.
GuideWe arrived about teo hours before sunset. It was easy to find and about thirty minutes from the interstate.
There were five people fishing and another trio camping across from us. A group of young girls was also enjoying the park. Felt very safe. We could only find two clear camping sites each with a table.
Campground is clean but the water wasn’t so nice. We wanted to paddle out and go for a swim as it was 90 degrees and unseasonably hot when we arrived on a spring break weekend. However, both disappointed the water wasn’t as fresh as much of the water in the Ozarks.
Lots of dogs barking at night and noisy geese in the morning but it didn’t bother us. Nice to be away from the sounds of the city and have a free shaded camp spot.
ScoutThis place is right off the river, with a huge bike trail. It’s nice.
Maumelle camping areas sit along the Arkansas River floodplain with elevations ranging from 250 to 400 feet above sea level. The region's oak-hickory forests provide natural shade at many campgrounds, while the river system offers over 40 miles of accessible shoreline within a 30-minute drive. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with riverside camping spots often affected by spring rainfall that can sometimes restrict access to lower-lying sites.
Fishing access points: At Willow Beach campground, situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, fishing is a major attraction. One visitor notes, "Willow Beach is small, remote, and quiet. Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront."
Mountain biking: Near Maumelle Park, access the Pinnacle Mountain trails directly from your campsite. As one reviewer explains, "The Pinnacle Mountain Trail system was a shaded easy trail system that can be accessed right from this campground."
Bird watching: Riverside RV Park provides excellent bird watching along the river corridor. Campers report seeing "lots of geese wandering around & still chatty late at night- but kinda cute to hear" at the riverfront areas.
Spacious riverfront sites: Little Rock North KOA offers well-maintained sites with good separation. One camper shares, "Easy access for a KOA, we have a cyclone 4270 (44' triple axel 5th wheel) which is pushing it for most KOA's. We landed a pull through just behind the office and on way out of curve in road so we slide right in."
Clean facilities: Petit Jean State Park maintains exceptionally clean grounds. A camper raves, "Cleanest park I've ever see! From the loop A, great view to the lake. A lot of hiking around."
Urban access with nature: Downtown Riverside RV Park provides direct access to downtown Little Rock via a pedestrian bridge. One camper mentions, "Great location, walkable to downtown. Good WiFi, great reception."
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers primitive camping with no facilities. One camper reports, "This is one of those no frills, bring your mosquito spray, dig a hole to poop in places. Big lakefront access."
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds close due to flooding. At Toad Suck Park, "June 2019 flood deviated it and looks to remain closed thru 2020," though it has since reopened with "nice new spots" according to recent visitors.
Noise levels vary: Highway noise affects some camping spots near Maumelle. At Little Rock North KOA, one camper notes, "The only downside was the traffic noise from the interstate, but that was to be expected."
Multiple playgrounds: Toad Suck Ferry Park offers excellent facilities for children. A visitor notes, "Plenty green areas to throw frisbee or just play with pets," and another adds the park has "multiple playgrounds and pavilions."
Kid-friendly activities: Maumelle Park has a safe environment for children. A camper shares, "It's a little close to the Little Rock metro area for me BUT it's very well maintained, quiet and family friendly. Lots of kids riding bikes and being outdoors."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Waterfront sites offer children chances to observe river wildlife. At Downtown Riverside RV Park, campers mention watching barges and waterfowl along the Arkansas River which provides educational opportunities.
Level sites: Petit Jean State Park offers excellent RV accommodations. One RVer shares, "So unusual for a state park" to have "full hookups including 50 amp service and sewer."
Site selection matters: At Maumelle area campgrounds, loop selection affects your experience. One RVer advises, "Some sites are angled differently and there is no clear indication how you have to enter the loop to be able to access your site. It can create some frustration when trying to get set up."
Water access considerations: For RVers, Willow Beach offers sites near water but requires preparation. A camper advises, "Mosquitos are very bad" so come prepared with appropriate repellent when staying at waterfront sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RV rentals available near Maumelle, Arkansas?
Sweet Escape RV Resort in nearby Austin, Arkansas offers RV accommodations and is conveniently located near Highway 167 with easy access to Cabot and Little Rock. For those visiting the Little Rock area, Downtown Riverside RV Park provides urban camping options. Several RV rental companies operate in the greater Little Rock area, offering a range of RV sizes for rent. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak camping seasons, as availability can be limited.
Where is Maumelle Park Campground located in Arkansas?
Maumelle Park is located on the Arkansas River in central Arkansas, just outside of Little Rock. The campground is situated approximately 20 minutes from most Little Rock homes and about 5 minutes from Pinnacle Mountain and Two Rivers Park. This Corps of Engineers (COE) managed park provides a convenient location for local recreation while still offering beautiful natural surroundings along the river.
Can I go camping at Lake Maumelle in Arkansas?
While there isn't designated camping directly on Lake Maumelle itself, nearby options provide excellent access to the area. Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed offers free camping in the Ouachita National Forest near the lake region. For those preferring established campgrounds, Petit Jean State Park is within reasonable driving distance and offers developed sites with amenities. The Lake Maumelle area is primarily a day-use recreation destination for water activities.
What amenities are available at Maumelle Recreation Area & Campground?
Maumelle Recreation Area & Campground offers water and electric hookups at every site, with multiple dump stations throughout the park. The campground features spacious sites with good separation, particularly in Loops A and B which offer waterfront views. Amenities include clean facilities, playgrounds, and walking trails. The park is well-maintained with friendly staff. Cell service is strong with good T-Mobile and AT&T coverage for remote work. Rates range from $22-26 per night, with discounts available for pass holders. The campground is open year-round and reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
Keep Exploring
