Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground welcomes pets at all camping areas, offering both RV sites with 50-amp hookups and secluded tent sites. The park features newly renovated concrete pads with water and electric connections where campers can set up with their dogs. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park similarly accommodates pets throughout its tent, RV, and cabin sites, providing shaded areas that keep animals comfortable during hot summer months. All pet-friendly campgrounds in the region require animals to remain leashed when outside vehicles or tents, typically with a 6-foot maximum leash length. Green's Quiet Acre maintains 16 clean, level sites with full hookups where pets can accompany their owners. Most campgrounds near Osceola don't charge additional pet fees but limit guests to two pets per site. The sites are generally clean and well-maintained, making them suitable for campers traveling with dogs.
Several hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly parks accommodate leashed dogs, with Fort Pillow offering historical trails where pets can join their owners exploring Civil War sites. The bath houses at these campgrounds are regularly cleaned and maintained, an important consideration for campers returning from muddy trail walks with their pets. Tom Sawyer's RV Park allows pets at their cabin accommodations, providing a comfortable indoor option during inclement weather. Visitors note the campground roads can be narrow when meeting oncoming traffic, something to consider when walking larger dogs. Memphis KOA features additional amenities like a market where campers can purchase pet supplies if needed. Temperature considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, as summer heat can be intense, and shaded sites become essential for pet comfort and safety.
"The group site is away from all the other sites so you have plenty of room for children of all ages to run around and play without disturbing other campers. It’s very roomy and beautiful."
"I had to ask for everything, like a campsite map to my site, a trail map, and buying firewood. Nothing was offered, so definitely ask. The layout is also backwards."
$28 - $27 / night
"The campground is generally more expensive than the other surrounding camping spots in the area. However, the camp is very nice."
"Took our brand new RV here for its shakedown trip the very day I picked up as it is so close to home. Was pleasantly surprised by the overall atmosphere of the campground."
$40 / night
"Quiet, safe location with easy access to town. Owner was friendly and made everything simple. Definitely recommend if you’re passing through or need a long-term spot."
"Wished they would add a dog park !"
"Pet friendly!"
"Easy exit I called reservations were easy to make and when I got there everything was set. I extended my stay and that was incredibly smooth."
"There is a dog park, horseshoes and cornhole. They offer daily breakfast and lunch and will deliver site made pizza to your camper. They also have a community garden.Very close to Memphis."
"The CG is close to the commissary. Not much else with in walking distance."
"Dogs loved their late night and early morning walks."
"Cicadas will drive you mad (even with earplugs I struggled to sleep but can't do anything about them..just fyi)."
"Excellent weekend camping at Craighead Forest State Park outside Jonesboro, Ar."
"Craighead 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. "
TravelerIt’s incredibly easy to find right off 55. Easy exit I called reservations were easy to make and when I got there everything was set. I extended my stay and that was incredibly smooth. Very impressed they have breakfast and dinner + they deliver right to ur site! My dog LOVES the dog park ~ the swimming pool looks nice and showers bathrooms are some of the best I’ve seen since Michigan Highly recommend!
GuideSmall but clean. Very friendly staff. There are plenty of trees for shade. Nice pool, bathrooms and rec room. The laundry room is large and air conditioned. There is a dog park, horseshoes and cornhole. They offer daily breakfast and lunch and will deliver site made pizza to your camper. They also have a community garden.Very close to Memphis. The only downside is it has quite a bit of road traffic noise and a strange side road entrance.1
ScoutSo far so good, great views of the Mississippi River and the freight boats coming in. Wished they would add a dog park !
GuideOk for a night. Easy 15 min drive to downtown Memphis for sightseeing. In a low lying area and it had rained earlier in the week. Campground very wet. Lots of puddles and muck. Should have used the gravel pile at the back of the campground to fill in potholes. Bathhouse clean but in a slight state of disrepair like loose toilets. Amenities included pool, playground, store, cafe, dog park, horseshoes, beanbag, ladder ball, bikes. Staff very nice.
LegendExcellent weekend camping at Craighead Forest State Park outside Jonesboro, Ar.
The park offers four trails, one gravel pedestrian only, one paved multi-use with excercise equipment, a forest trail and one dirt trail for bikers and runners. Three large playgrounds, pavilions and several small playgrounds. A dog park/beach access area and dog dock. Fishing and watercraft access. Camping and a nature center.
When we arrived at the campground we had the choice of several primitive campsites. There is limited parking in the small gravel lot. There are three sites near the lot and then several others about 200 to 300 ft down the gravel trail.
This is the same gravel trail, approximately 3 miles long, that circles the lake. Needless to say there is a lot of foot traffic on it.
There was plenty of room at the site. We set up two tents and a hammock plus had the picnic table, fire pit and gravel pad which is right on the lake. If you bring your fishing gear or water craft it’s easy to tie off right at your campsite.
Directly across from primitive camping are two very large , active playgrounds a pavilion and restroom. There’s a snow cone vendor with loud music who frequents that parking area too. In addition the park is not closed during the night so we got to listen to several loud conversation, music blaring from a car stereo until about 1:30am and a rather colorful argument at one point.
You drive through the RV area on your way in to the primitive area. There is a nice new bathroom facility with uncomfortably warm cranking heat, the metal fixtures were warm to the touch. One drawback to there being only one restroom about 1/4 mile from the primitive area, you know people aren’t walking that far at night when the need to go…, just saying.
So Pros: centrally located, water access, nice trails, good size sites, a lot to do
Cons: foot traffic, noise, no privacy, noise, not limited access
TravelerWe stopped for one night and it was a great stay. Super clean and easy concrete pull through spot. We had a nice view of the Mississippi River even though we were in the second row. Pet friendly!
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
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.
LegendAnother great Arkansas State Park! The campground is small, but the sites are nice. Arkansas has some of the best bathhouses as well! There is a really nice playground and also a walking trail that you can access from the campground.
The lake has finally been repaired and they have begun the refill process after is has been dry for several years.
The town of Harrisburg is close by in case you need to make a store run or grab some food. There is a small store here at the park, but it was closed while we were here, so I’m not sure how much stuff they have to offer.
Camping areas near Osceola, Arkansas generally feature flat terrain with elevations below 300 feet. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with hot summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the area are situated within a 30-mile radius of Osceola, providing access to both Mississippi River views and inland wooded settings.
Explore Civil War history trails: Fort Pillow Historic State Park offers several hiking trails that lead to historical sites. "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," according to Rick P., who visited Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground.
Visit the Chucalissa Museum: Located within T.O. Fuller State Park, the museum showcases Native American artifacts found on the property. "Chucalissa Museum is worth checking out if you are here," notes one reviewer who adds that winter visits offer better hiking conditions since "being this close to the river and the Memphis humidity, I can't even begin to imagine how awful the bugs are during the warmer months."
Fish at Craighead Forest Park: The lake at Craighead Forest Park is popular for fishing and feeding ducks. "The lake is nice for fishing and feeding the ducks," mentions Bill D., while another camper notes there's "a fishing pier and plenty of room for the kids to play."
Private riverside camping: At Tom Sawyer's RV Park, campers appreciate the waterfront sites. "We got a riverfront pull through site... As evening rolled around, the beauty of this place came alive. We ate dinner in the shade due to the smart layout of the sites," shares Greg S. The riverside location lets visitors "watch the barges go up and down the river," according to Linda A.
Free laundry facilities: Several campgrounds offer convenient laundry options. Tom Sawyer's RV Park provides "free laundry, and even some small walking trails," according to TK n E. This benefit is especially valuable for travelers with pets who need to clean muddy or wet items.
Nature-immersed sites: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers heavily wooded campsites. "This park has tons of trees. Every site feels like it was cut right out of the trees," explains Richard, while Ryan S. notes the variety of sites: "all sites with water, 30A, fire ring, grill and picnic table."
Weather-related closures: Riverside locations like Tom Sawyer's RV Park may close during high water. "Only problem is if the river is over its banks, then the campground is closed. We had to keep checking to see if the river was down, campground was cleaned up and open," shares Christine U.
Seasonal insect considerations: The region's humid climate means bugs can be problematic, particularly during summer months. At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, one camper warns: "If you go after the weather warms up, be forewarned that the mosquitos will eat you alive. We mostly camp at Meeman-Shelby in the fall/winter. We do not camp Spring/Summer."
Service connectivity varies: Cell service can be limited in some parks. At Meeman-Shelby, "we had 0 service anywhere near our campsite. Nice to disconnect for a night, but plan accordingly," notes Ellie B.
Multiple playground options: Craighead Forest Park stands out for its child-friendly amenities. "Wonderful campground! Friendly park hosts. Great view," shares Crystal, while another visitor mentions, "Several different playgrounds and walking trails! Great fishing and even a splash pad for the kids to enjoy!"
Easy-access lakefront sites: At Craighead Forest Park, families appreciate the convenient water access. "We had the site closest to the water. Nice fishing pier and plenty of room for the kids to play," notes Kyle, making it ideal for families with children who enjoy fishing or water activities.
Ranger-led activities: Look for special programs at state parks. At Fort Pillow Historic State Park, one camper shared, "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!"
Concrete pads available: Green's Quiet Acre offers level sites with complete hookups. "The lot was clean, level, and had full hookups. Quiet, safe location with easy access to town," notes a recent visitor to Green's Quiet Acre.
Site selection matters: Not all sites work equally well for all campers. At Fort Pillow State Park, "The inner loop of the primary campground has been updated with new concrete and gravel and 2 sites (I think 6,8) are ADA accessible," explains Ryan S. For tent campers, "Not all sites are suitable for tent campers. I would call ahead to ask what sites to consider if booking online," advises Daniel L.
Navigate entry roads carefully: Some dog-friendly campgrounds near Osceola have challenging approach roads. At Tom Sawyer's RV Park, "The drive into the park is not very pretty but once in the park, it is VERY nice," explains Linda A., while Memphis KOA is noted as "Right off the hiway, the most Level site in our 6k mile trip," according to Kathy F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Osceola, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Osceola, AR is Fort Pillow Historic State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Osceola, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dog-friendly camping locations near Osceola, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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