Camping cabins near Newport, Arkansas are situated within the Crowley's Ridge region, a unique geological formation with distinctive soil and plant life unlike other areas in Arkansas. This northeastern Arkansas region features elevations reaching 550 feet above sea level, with cabin accommodations available year-round. Average summer temperatures range from 75-95°F, while winter temperatures typically fall between 30-55°F.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Lake Frierson State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities with lake-view campsites. According to one camper, "This is a great fishing hole with a small campground! The sites are nice and have great views of the lake" and cautions that "for those of you with RV's beware that there is no sewer dump station here."
Equestrian trails: Village Creek State Park features dedicated equestrian facilities including stables and exercise corrals. A reviewer notes: "Village Creek is a somewhat unique park in that has an Equestrian Camp offering with stables, exercise corrals, water, mounting blocks and the like available for those who would like to travel with their own horses."
Hiking historic paths: The park system includes sections of the Trail of Tears with interpretive signage. One visitor shared: "There is a particularly stunning trail that includes one of the most well-preserved sections of the Trail of Tears. This made for both an lovely hike and a history lesson for our seven year old."
Golfing near cabins: Village Creek features a 27-hole golf course adjacent to cabin accommodations. A visitor describes it as "VERY nice state park! There are 3 camping areas, two lakes, and a gorgeous golf course!"
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Red River Trout Dock provides individual bathroom facilities that receive high marks from guests. One reviewer emphasized: "Bath houses are private and immaculate. RV sites are full hook up 50 amp. RV sites are spacious and nightly rate is a great value."
Cabin locations above water: Village Creek's cabin placement offers strategic views. A camper noted: "In the morning, the spot was very beautiful and tucked away in the woods with visibility to the lake down the hill."
Spacious layouts: Lake Frierson State Park cabins, though limited in number, offer ample space. A review states simply but effectively: "Only 7 sites no sewer, very clean and spacious."
WiFi availability: Some parks provide free internet access. One camper at Village Creek mentioned: "We had no signal on ATT but there is free WIFI by the office which you can connect to day or night."
What you should know
Lake conditions vary: Lake Poinsett State Park recently completed dam repairs. A 2022 reviewer shared: "The lake has finally been repaired and they have begun the refill process after is has been dry for several years."
Fishing regulations: Some lakes have specific catch rules. A visitor noted: "Fishing is catch and release only except for Catfish and Brim due to recently reopening the lake."
Cell coverage limitations: Service can be spotty throughout the region. One camper reported: "We lost service about 5/10 minutes out from the park with Verizon so if there are things you need to search before do that!"
Mosquito preparation: Insect activity increases in evening hours. A reviewer at Crowley's Ridge State Park warned: "The only thing negative I can say is the mosquitos come out at dark and are pretty bad so bring your mosquito spray."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Several parks include dedicated play areas. A Lake Poinsett visitor mentioned: "There is a really nice playground and also a walking trail that you can access from the campground."
Water activities: Spring River Oaks provides river access for various activities. A camper explained: "The river that runs through it has great fishing. (Just down from fish hatchery)."
Swimming options: Some parks feature swimming beaches with recreational equipment. A reviewer described Crowley's Ridge: "The lake area is beautiful with a small spring fed waterfall, a swim beach area and even a slide into the water."
Educational opportunities: History and nature programs engage younger visitors. A Village Creek camper shared: "The Big Ben Nature Trail offers a great opportunity to identify these unusual plant species and is a short, easy hike."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Crown Lake RV Resort offers superior views despite modest site dimensions. A reviewer noted: "The sites aren't very big but they are set up in such a way that even if someone parks next to you, it will not ruin your view."
Electric hookup details: Different campgrounds offer various amperage options. At Lake Poinsett, a camper pointed out: "Very nice campground with 30something sites. Mostly 30 amp with a few 50 scattered about."
Dump station locations: Some parks lack on-site facilities. One Lake Frierson visitor clarified: "You have to drive to Crowleys Ridge State Park to use their dump station. (10 minute drive)."
Site selection strategy: At Village Creek, a reviewer advised: "If you stay in the B loop, you're about a two mile hike to the hiking trails fyi. The A loop is much closer to that."
