Tent campsites near Parkin, Arkansas are scattered throughout the Delta region where elevation changes are minimal and the landscape features a mix of agricultural land and forested areas along waterways. Most camping options are located within 30-60 minutes of Parkin, concentrated around lakes and river access points. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Canoe exploration: At Maple Flat Group Campground, the lake offers numerous inlets perfect for paddling adventures. "The lake has a lot of inlets to explore by canoe," notes camper Kim B., who appreciates the variety of waterways accessible directly from camp.
Fishing access: Arkabutla Lake provides productive fishing opportunities with minimal competition at Kellys Crossing Campground. One visitor observed, "The access to the lake is nice. Would be a good spot to go if you needed to get away for some solitude."
Day hiking: Short walking trails near campsites offer opportunities to explore the wooded surroundings without venturing far from your tent. "We did a bit of hiking at the park which was nice as well," shares Sara S. about trails accessible from Maple Flat.
What campers like
Natural setting: The unspoiled environment at primitive tent sites creates an authentic outdoor experience. "Large trees, lots of moss and no overgrowth make this a beautiful place to explore for an hour or so," writes Shana D. about the natural surroundings at Maple Flat.
Solitude: The remote location and limited development at Pleasant Hill Campground mean fewer crowds than more developed camping areas. Heath T. notes about a similar site, "I am visiting at the end of December, so there are hardly any other persons around besides the fishermen out on the water."
Spacious sites: When available, many tent campsites near Parkin offer good separation between neighbors. Sara S. mentions, "There were less than 20 sites I'm guessing which made for a calm atmosphere."
What you should know
Facility conditions: Maintenance varies significantly between camping areas, with some showing signs of neglect. A recent visitor to Pleasant Hill Campground reported, "The campsites are overgrown or sunken. Looks like no one has camped here or taken care of the property in years."
Toilet facilities: Most tent campgrounds in the region offer only basic toilet facilities with no showers. "There is (1) vault style toilet in the center of camp," notes a visitor to Maple Flat, while another camper described Pleasant Hill's facilities as "the terrible smelling vault toilet bathroom."
Water access: Bringing sufficient drinking water is essential as most primitive tent sites near Parkin lack potable water sources. Most campgrounds are situated near lakes or rivers, but this water requires treatment before drinking.
Tips for camping with families
Scout-style camping: Maple Flat Group Campground offers a traditional camping experience reminiscent of scout camps. "This is an old, boy scout style group camp. A couple of picnic tables are grouped together at the front of the camp and then there are several remnants of old tent pads throughout the area," explains Shana D.
Plan day trips: Extend your camping experience by researching nearby attractions. "Everyone spends their days out on the water but there's some trails too and tourist attractions outside the park for all ages," suggests Kim B.
Consider proximity: Some tent camping options are conveniently located near urban areas for easier access. "It's a small campground that fills up since it's so close to Memphis (and to the river)," notes one camper about a popular location.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive tent campsites near Parkin are unsuitable for RVs due to access limitations and lack of hookups. Look for camping areas specifically designated for RV use rather than primitive tent sites.
Access challenges: Some camping areas require traveling past private property to reach public land. Heath T. cautions about one area, "Private property is close by and you have to travel past them to get to the public day use area so also be aware of that."
Boat launch camping: Some sites primarily function as boat launches with camping as a secondary use. "This is more of a boat ramp than a campground with a couple of picnic tables with an few areas to set up tents," explains Shana D. about the setup at Kellys Crossing Campground.
