Dog-Friendly Camping near Paragould, AR

Paragould camping areas span northeastern Arkansas's distinctive topography where Crowley's Ridge rises 250 feet above the Mississippi River Delta plains. Most campgrounds in this region experience humid subtropical conditions with hot summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. The area contains a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows with camping options ranging from primitive sites to developed state parks with modern amenities.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Poinsett State Park offers excellent birdwatching along its 1.3-mile trail accessible from the campground. "We stayed over Memorial Day weekend. Every site was booked but not crowded. Had a wonderful time fishing and hiking the 1.3 mile trail," notes Sean D. about Lake Poinsett State Park Campground.

Kayaking on smaller lakes: Both Craighead Forest Park and Davidsonville Historic State Park offer paddle boats and kayak rentals for exploring their small lakes. "Fantastic place. Close to civilization. Great pad & hook ups. Beautiful lake, mtb & and walking trails better than most places," reports Phil B. about Craighead Forest Park.

Historical exploration: Davidsonville Historic State Park features interpretive signage about early Arkansas settlements. "Beautiful, peaceful, smaller campground with a small lake, a river, hiking trails and historic sites with interpretive signage," shares Kim C. about Davidsonville Historic State Park Campground.

What campers like

Clean, modern bathroom facilities: Several parks offer recently renovated bathroom facilities with hot showers. "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," mentions Shana D. about Lake Poinsett State Park.

Suspension bridge hiking trails: Crowley's Ridge State Park features unique trail structures. "The trails had interesting bridges and a suspension bridge. Moderate to strenuous. There is a swimming area next to a historic CCC building and bridge," reports Shelly S. about Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground.

Spring-fed swimming areas: Lake Charles State Park offers a designated swimming beach with clear water. "Cons: located near a very tiny town, so bring everything you need with you because a quick trip to the store will take you at least 30 min. Also, the biting flies + mosquitos were ROUGH in the morning. You'll need your bug spray," advises Mandy J. about Lake Charles State Park Campground.

What you should know

Limited shopping options: Many campgrounds are located 30+ minutes from major grocery stores. "Cons: located near a very tiny town, so bring everything you need with you because a quick trip to the store will take you at least 30 min," warns Mandy J. about Lake Charles State Park.

Insect preparation essential: Biting flies and mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in morning and evening hours. "Bring bug spray I bulk, mosquitoes were super bad," advises Amy S. about Crowley's Ridge State Park.

Varied cell service: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. "No Cell service for ATT. There is WiFi at the bathhouse, but was very sketchy due to the busy weekend," reports Sean D. about Lake Poinsett State Park Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Multiple playgrounds available: Craighead Forest Park offers several play areas for different age groups. "Great campground. perfect for family's. the lake is nice for fishing and feeding the ducks. bathrooms are great," notes Bill D. about Craighead Forest Park.

Kid-friendly water activities: Several parks offer paddle boats specifically designed for families with children. "Kids had a blast here! We did paddle boating and walked the trails!" shares Donna M. about Crowley's Ridge State Park.

Dog-friendly campgrounds near Paragould: Most campgrounds allow leashed pets throughout common areas. "Great place to camp. Perfect for family's. The lake is nice for fishing and feeding the ducks. Bathrooms are great," mentions Bill D. about Craighead Forest Park.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for privacy: At Crowley's Ridge, exterior sites offer more seclusion. "Lucky enough to get site 9 for our return leg of our week trip. The most secluded site they offer and it is level. Very clean and quiet," shares Donald W. about Crowley's Ridge State Park.

Limited sewer hookups: Most campgrounds offer electric and water only. "Super nice campground with 30something sites. Mostly 30 amp with a few 50 scattered about. Sites were not the fartherest apart, but each was very spacious. Large level gravel sites with water, but no sewer," reports Gary P. about Lake Poinsett State Park.

Dog-accommodating RV parks: For full-hookup sites with pets, Lucky Camper & RV Park in Jonesboro provides options. "Nice quiet RV Park with tall shade trees and in a good location. Full hook-ups. Level sites. Nice owner. Good prices," notes PBD D. about Lucky Camper & RV - Formerly Perkins RV Park.