The cabins near Parkin, Arkansas sit within the Mississippi Delta region characterized by flat alluvial plains and mild winters with hot, humid summers. This area, with elevations averaging 200-300 feet above sea level, was historically swampland before agricultural development. Insect activity remains significant from April through October, with mosquitoes particularly abundant near water features.
What to do
Fishing on stocked lakes: Lake Poinsett State Park Campground offers fishing opportunities with recent lake restoration. "The lake has finally been repaired and they have begun the refill process after is has been dry for several years," notes one visitor, adding that there are catch and release restrictions "except for Catfish and Brim due to recently reopening the lake."
Wildlife viewing at dawn: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park provides natural habitat for deer and other wildlife. According to a visitor, the park has "unique geological formations, soil and plant life unlike anywhere else in Arkansas," with "30 miles of equestrian trails" available for exploration.
Mississippi River barge watching: Tom Sawyer's RV Park in West Memphis offers direct river viewing. "Tugboats pushed barges against the current at a slower than walking pace. Trees with root balls intact floated downstream," describes one camper, highlighting the river experience that continues "all day and night."
Disc golf courses: Village Creek State Park Campground features recreational options beyond standard hiking. "The golf course here is really nice, hiking trails good as well," reports one visitor who stayed in the B loop full hookup area, noting "the sites there are large, and spaced out pretty well."
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: While accessible to urban amenities, many cabins provide woodland privacy. A visitor to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park observed that "every site feels like it was cut right out of the trees," creating a sense of isolation despite being "25 min from downtown Memphis."
Water access options: Several parks offer boat rentals for lake exploration. A camper at Village Creek noted: "There are 3 camping areas, two lakes, and a gorgeous golf course," with "boat rentals" available for those without personal watercraft.
Clean bathroom facilities: Lake Poinsett State Park Campground maintains updated amenities. "Arkansas has some of the best bathhouses," reports one reviewer who appreciated the "nice sites" in this "small" campground with "a really nice playground and also a walking trail that you can access from the campground."
Free amenity access: Some properties offer unexpected services at no cost. A reviewer at Tom Sawyer's RV Park appreciated "free laundry facilities" that were "very clean and nice with several machines," making extended stays more convenient.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito intensity: Insect protection is essential, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park warned: "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."
Limited cellular connectivity: Signal strength varies dramatically between properties. At Village Creek, one visitor 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!"
Site selection importance: Not all cabin and camping sites offer equal experiences. At Meeman-Shelby, "not all sites are suitable for tent campers. I would call ahead to ask what sites to consider if booking online," advises one reviewer, while another noted "We were fortunate to get a very shaded site that was very private."
Flood-prone areas: Memphis KOA in Marion provides stable ground when river levels rise. "It's incredibly easy to find right off 55. Easy exit," notes a camper, highlighting its convenience when other riverside campgrounds close due to Mississippi River flooding.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season planning: Consider fall or early spring for better camping conditions. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Horn Lake, Mississippi noted: "We were staying off-season so there was no activities and they actually deflated the jumping pad, but my kids still had fun."
Playground access: Multiple parks offer dedicated play areas for children. At Lake Poinsett, campers appreciate that "in the picnic area the children have a playground," while another reviewer mentioned they "have a really nice playground and also a walking trail that you can access from the campground."
Educational history elements: The Trail of Tears passes through Village Creek State Park, creating learning opportunities. A camper 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 a lovely hike and a history lesson for our seven year old."
Pool availability: SK Campground provides private accommodations with pond access. "It has a pond in the rear with fishing allowed. Deer come out in the evening. Can see the stars at night," reports one visitor, noting the quiet atmosphere ideal for families seeking tranquility.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some parks have erosion issues affecting site quality. At Village Creek, a visitor observed: "It almost looks like major erosion has occurred since these sites were first built - at every site in this loop, the picnic table and fire ring are IN the woods, and often partway down a ravine."
Hookup variations: Water and electric access differs between parks and loops. At Memphis KOA, "sites are a decent size but the mosquitoes were unbearable. Very few people were spending any time outside due to the bugs," making full hookups with air conditioning access important during summer months.
Laundry facilities: Tom Sawyer's RV Park offers complementary laundry. "Free laundry, and even some small walking trails!" notes one camper who stayed seven months, while another mentioned that "laundry was free" as a key benefit for extended stays.
Urban proximity balance: Meeman-Shelby Forest provides natural settings with city access. "You really can't go wrong with Meeman-Shelby. It is so damn close to Memphis that while you won't feel like you are near an urban center, you benefit from its proximity."
