Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Parkin is the way to go. Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
$14 - $27 / night
The 625-acre Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area has 30 miles of shore line and offers the following recreational opportunities: camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Sitting atop Crowley’s Ridge, the recreation area offers three campgrounds, two picnic areas, a mile-long nature trail, a swim beach and a handicap-accessible fishing pier which all provide visitors a variety of recreational experiences. Bear Creek Nature Trail provides a one-mile loop winding through a forested area. There are excellent scenic views of the lake shoreline, including Beech Point, and interpretive posts that highlight ecology in action. Trophy Largemouth Bass, Red-eyed Bream and Channel Catfish are just a few of the many species of fish that you’ll find in the lakes and streams in the area. Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Bass, Panfish; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait; ADA Accessible fishing access with fishing pier and boat launch The Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area is managed by the Mississippi River State Park. Please call the Mississippi River State Park - Marianna Office for any questions at 870-295-4040.
$14 - $75 / night
Guide
Really enjoyed this trip on 4th of July weekend!! Stayed at site 43 which is close to the swim beach and the bathrooms are very close. They have a really nice visitor center too. Just make sure to have bug spray. Mosquitoes get bad at night and ticks were pretty active. Overall, it’s a great State Park!!!!
Guide
It is definitely not the nicest Park we have been to- laundry facilities are run down, two of the dryers will tear up your clothes, and the bathrooms are never clean. They are working on adding gravel to the spaces, right now though when it rains you are in a swamp. The spaces are also very close together. All that being said, not a terrible monthly price, the trash cans are shared and the wifi is slow in the evening, but you're not paying extra for that or water or power. It is quiet, everyone keeps to themselves, they say it is 3 month maximum but I do know of some who are staying longer. It is in the nicer part of Memphis, so if you are looking for a safe place to stay here, this is it. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway in the country, it is not.
GuideI called ahead and arrived after hours. It was as easy as it gets. They said to just pick an open site and register in the am. I had a lake front site, with a nice fire pit and picnic table and grill setup.
The next morning I registered / paid $44.00 for the night. Super friendly staff. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
ScoutWe live 15 miles from this park so we camp here often. It's quiet and peaceful. There is little to no service but we love to just relax without phones.
GuideVery nice park, NO cell phone service though (C-Spire). Enjoyed the hiking trails and views.
TravelerWas told on the phone to just pick a spot and pay on my way out in the morning since I arrived after office closed. Many spots to choose from in several separate loops. Heated bathrooms have very clean showers with hot water. Street lamps around site made me feel safe although I can see how people might find them annoying. You have to drive pretty far into the park to get to the sites but that seems to discourage locals from driving through randomly like I’ve seen in other places. I had 2 bars of Verizon service and was able to text and use data.
LegendPROS
Senior discount
No fee assessed to make on-line reservations
Quiet
light view of lake from #57
Site 57 has no site next to it or behind it
Good distance between campsites
Dark sky friendly except for sites near toilet/shower facilities where there is an actual street light
Climate controlled toilet/shower facility in campground B
Both campground B toilet/shower facilities very clean with ample supply of TP, soap and paper towels
Wood picnic table (on concrete pad), pedestal BBQ grill, metal fire ring with cooking grate and metal lantern hook
Wide roadway in campground B
Small playground
Access to lake swimming area from campground B
Trash receptacles at toilet/shower facility
Lots of deer
Smaller Walmart in Wynne AR
Pops Grill in Wynne real good
CONS
County burn ban in place upon arrival but no signage anywhere alerting of ban. We saw the Arkansas burn ban website and inquired upon checkin if it was enforced and park clerk affirmed ban but we saw many campers had a wood fire burning all the time. So without any signage we understand the confusion and noncompliance. Park should at least place burn ban signage at campground entrance.
Site 57 unlevel side-to-side
No cell service.
No public phone in park.
Parks signage states WiFi at park visitor center could be used to make phone calls. We found this not true with our T-MOBILE service as we purposely went to the visitor center to make a WIFI call. There is WIFI at visitors center but only one bar and too weak to transmit a call. So if there is an emergency after visitor center is closed and you need to make a call, good luck, as there is no public phone nor any camp hosts. We drove approximately 8 miles towards Wynne to get sufficient cell signal to make calls and connect with internet.
Only free WiFi is at park visitor center. We purchased WiFi from park vendor Viasat $20 unlimited for 3 days for one device. Viasat delivered a good signal within 200 ft of toilet/shower facility so it was useless in our campsite#57. Don’t waste your money! Sewer connection at rear of site pad so bring the looooong stinky slinky!
Pets not kept on leash
No security gate closure overnight
Legend
Beech Point Campground is an amazing lakeside spot. Our site came with a bench to view the lake and tent pad is in the perfect spot. It was peaceful and provided the perfect place to recharge our batteries! The bathrooms were very nice. Throughout the campground, sewer hook-ups are available.
LegendThis is basically a parking lot for RV’s, not a campground. Campers are stacked on top of each other. I would only recommend this place if you are working an event at the Agricenter or if you are passing through town and desperate for a place to stay.
ScoutAbsolutely a hidden Gem! Amazing views and everything is so clean and beautiful! We were even able to spot an Eagle!! Just perfect in every way.
TravelerWe stayed here for ~2.5 months. Will detail good/bad comments below:
Good
1. Owner. Wes. He is awesome.
2. Safety. This is next to police academy, and has several students living in it - never felt danger here.
3. Away from it all. But still close to Memphis. About 15 minutes to downtown, but within cell service.
Bad
1. Workers mainly. Ton of construction, trade, and 0500-1700 workers. This was great from a sleeping standpoint (no one was ever loud) but kids didn't have a scene so to speak.
2. Exposed. In the sun, rain, wind, etc. It was an old mobile-home park, so very exposed to elements.
RangerBeautiful park! Huge green fields and walking paths. Would definitely return. Our site had two different tent pads as well and the parking area for the RV if you have one.
LegendWe loved our stay at Viilage Creek State Park. It was beautiful! We rode our bikes all over the park. It was so green, so pretty and lots of area and trails to walk and enjoy. It had its own equestrian camping area as well. The sites were large, full hookup and there was lots of wildlife. We would definitely go back!
ScoutIt was such a lovely place. Beauty everywhere we looked! We stayed in the horse camp which was WONDERFUL! People were pleasant, lots of horses and children, simply magical. There was a Halloween party which we opted out of because we had travelled all day. All The children in the campground sure were excited. Great thing to remember if you have littles.
ScoutThis was our first stay at an AR state park and it will not be the last! Making a reservation was easy, staff were hospitable, and check in was a breeze. We chose to stay in Loop B which offers all concrete pads and both water and sewer hook up. The campsites were very well kept and spaced apart nicely. The bath houses were well maintained. The park is large and offers a number of opportunities for activities but we thoroughly enjoyed hanging out around our site by the lake. Highly recommend this park. We will be back for sure! A few FYIs: park was very dog friendly! Big plus, loop A does not offer sewer hook up and some pads are dirt, loop C is the equestrian loop with stables, pens, etc.
GuideWe went on a Monday, and it was quiet and peaceful. We checked in at the office, bought some ice and drove around to look at the scenery. Lots of deer, and squirrels. There are day use pavilions, a swimming beach, boat dock, and lots of trails. Our campsite was near Lake Dunn Trail head so we decided on that one. It was absolutely beautiful in the evening and in the morning. Signs warn to be prepared entering the trails, as it is a 33 mile trail system. The campsite was well kept, and clean. I did not have phone service at all, but I was able to pay for wifi. $8 for 24 hours.
LegendVery nice place to stay. Quiet. Serene. Peaceful. Glad we stopped in for the week. The staff, Vicky, Nina and others, made us feel very welcomed. We had a small issue with our site and they were very accommodating in helping to resolve it. Thank You! There are plenty of places to stay that are very nice, from just water and electric to full hook-up. They even have an equestrian area if you have a horse. The restroom/bathhouse are cleaned daily and well kept. Many campers used it for their morning shower! There is lot's to do, if you wish. You can hike, bike, fish, boat, rent kayaks or just walk around and enjoy the peaceful setting! Heads up.... The Verizon cell service is sparce. We bought the Via-Sat WIFI svc for a few days while here. It's a bit pricey so be prepared. It's has a decent download but a slow upload.
ScoutGot us in late held our spot
ScoutSo far not impressed. Only one bathroom working and is in disrepair.
GuideThis park was stunning the drive though a little narrow at times was scenic from the drive to the RV site. Pull Through with own area not to close to other sites. Also a short walk to the lakeside beach and park.
Two things l loved:
ScoutGreat facilities. First time at an Arkansas state park and impressed.
GuideVillage Creek has nearly 7,000 acres of forest hills, 33 miles of multi-use trails, playground for children, 2 lakes, Andy Dye designed 27 hole golf course, & visitor center & gift shop. The park has cabins as well as rv sites.
There are three main campgrounds: Loop A (no sewer hookups & mostly dirt pads), Loop B (full hookups & concrete pads), and an equestrian campground with stable facilities. Multiple bathhouses located throughout the park; however, in Loop A the bathhouse as you enter the loop has hot showers, where the lower Loop A bathhouse only has cold. As for the bathhouses they were clean and up to date.
The sites in Loop A were not level and some were very steep. Loop B sites seemed to be mostly level. All the sites contained a picnic table and fire pit.
We stayed in Loop A site 23 at the very end of the loop. This site was probably the steepest site at the park and we had difficulty getting our camper completely level. There is also a sign at the end of the loop that states this area can have storm damage and to watch for falling trees. While we were there a tree limb fell not even 20 feet from our camper and broke in two. If your willing to take a risk though this site is secluded and more private and right at the entrance to the Lake Dunn trail.
This campground also has no cell service or internet. You can pay to have internet and they have different options available but to get cell service you either need to leave the park or find the right spot and stay still.
Pros: •Beautiful campground •Multiple trails to hike •Two lakes to fish in and designated swim areas •Clean bathhouses and showers •Ampitheater with multiple education programs •Rent kayaks/canoes, fishing boats
Cons: •No sewer in Loop A area •Watch for falling tree limbs •Ticks and other insects-do tick checks and bring insect repellent •No cell/WiFi service
GuideIt was a pleasure camping in our RV at Village Creek. We were initially given a spot in loop A, but moved to loop B to be closer to the playground and lake. Loop A was about 2.5 miles away - park is huge! The bathrooms in A looked brand new and really nice. In B, they were more average, but I still enjoyed a nice hot shower. If you have kids, definitely stay in B. Park staff was very accommodating about switching our site, and it no doubt helped that the park wasn’t very busy midweek.
We ended up in a spacious, level pull through site with a little patio with a picnic table, grill, fire ring and lantern hook. There’s a little beach swimming hole there and a lot of space to run around.
There is a lot of wildlife living in the park and the insects are no joke. Make sure to do tick checks when enjoying the hot showers!
GuideVery nice wooded campground and good space between campsites. We took one of the hiking trails to a lake within the park. We only stayed one night but would definitely consider returning.
RangerWe stayed 4 nights in the B loop FHU area. The sites there are large, and spaced out pretty well. Bathrooms were clean, park staff was great. The golf course here is really nice, hiking trails good as well.
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.
Town of Wynne not too far away for groceries, supplies. We really liked this place and will return someday ( in warmer weather).
GuideWe camped at Village Creek State Park in the Crowley’s Ridge region of Arkansas over Labor Day weekend. We booked two class B RV sites - one for ourselves and one for my husband’s parents - in advance. On our way to camp we got a call informing us that they had accidentally deleted one reservation assuming it was a duplicate (same name), and that there were no longer two sites together in that loop. They offered to re-book us in the only section that still had side-by-side campsites available. 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. While it was not what we originally booked, staying in “Horse Camp” was really cool and different - a BIG hit with our kids. The park has over 30 miles of equestrian trails and is a popular destination for horse owners. While all of that made for really cool atmosphere, the sites themselves left a lot to be desired. 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, with lots of brush, branches and vines hanging around them. We tried to use the table and fire ring on our first night and abandoned it for the rest of the trip. Our inlaws’ table was in such a dangerous location that we couldn’t access it at all, and we quickly realized was a cozy home for copperheads. Our water hookup had a wasp nest inside it. All of these details made it hard to relax as we were constantly on our guard with our kids and dog. We checked out the other camping areas and they were in much better shape, recently renovated and with full hookups. The trails at Village Creek were BEAUTIFUL. 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. The Crowley’s Ridge region of the state is home to unique geological formations, soil and plant life unlike anywhere else in Arkansas. The Big Ben Nature Trail offers a great opportunity to identify these unusual plant species and is a short, easy hike. However, erosion is a big issue on the ridge, and sections were somewhat washed out after recent heavy rains. There are two small lakes that are popular with anglers. A couple of boat ramps are available for fishing boat launch. There is a small swimming area for campers only, but this lake is not great for swimming as it is pretty muddy. Take lots of bug spray in summer, and maybe only consider horse camp if you HAVE a horse. It’s worth a walk through in the morning or late afternoon when riders are tacking up or returning from rides.
GuideLittle to no AT&T cell signal. We were able to get 3-4 mbs with our hot spot plugged into an antenna about 10’ in the air. The people were great, all of the sites are spread out bathrooms are dated but well maintained. Firewood was pricey so I would bring your own.
Camping near Parkin, Arkansas, offers a blend of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.
Camping around Parkin, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Parkin, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Parkin, AR is Village Creek State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Parkin, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Parkin, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
