Camping options around Perryville, Arkansas provide a mix of lakeside settings and rural retreats across varied elevations ranging from 300 to 700 feet. The Arkansas River watershed influences many nearby camping destinations, with seasonal fluctuations affecting water levels at lakefront sites. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s, making waterfront access particularly valuable for campers from May through September.
What to do
Fishing from multiple docks: Willow Beach offers waterfront access with beautiful river views. As one camper noted, "Beautiful campsite along the Arkansas River. The sites are all very spacious with very long back in driveways. Some of the sites had covered picnic tables, which was great" while another mentioned it's "situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront."
Crystal hunting on-site: Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine provides unique opportunities for gem enthusiasts. According to a visitor, "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals... we came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems." Some lucky campers report finding crystals within their campsites: "We took the spot up top the hill [upper left corner] and found crystals in our campsite around the fire pit."
Walking access to urban attractions: Downtown Riverside RV Park connects campers to city activities via a pedestrian bridge. As one camper explains: "You can take a walking bridge across the river directly into downtown Little Rock." Another notes the "easy access to downtown Little Rock AR" with "great location, walkable to downtown. Good WiFi, great reception."
What campers like
Spacious riverfront sites: Willow Beach receives praise for its generous campsites. Visitors appreciate that "the sites are extremely level! I didn't even need to level my pop-up camper!!" Another camper highlights that "sites were close but in good repair" with "beautiful scenic views" and "covered picnic table and tall fire ring."
Privacy between sites: Adventure RV earns positive feedback for site layout and natural surroundings. One review mentions it's "peaceful and quite. Not only is it right on the lake with multiple fishing docks plus a boat ramp, but there is a private fishing pond in the middle of the park as well." The balanced spacing between sites allows for both community and privacy.
Clean facilities: Ivy's Cove RV Retreat maintains well-kept amenities. A long-term resident shared: "We lived at this RV park for 5 months while we were house hunting. Great owners. Clean, large showers. Game/exercise room." Another camper appreciated that "all amenities are clean and in good repair" during their stay.
What you should know
Train noise affects sleep: Several parks experience railroad disruptions, with varying intensity. One camper at Gold Creek Landing reported: "Trail Horn every night around 1am and not just a tute but a whole 2 minutes worth blasting away" alongside "the loudest highway I have heard, big rigs, Jake brakes you name it."
Insect preparation needed: Proximity to water bodies means mosquitoes are common. A Willow Beach visitor warned: "It is near water so there are a lot of mosquitos, so come prepared." Another visitor confirmed "mosquitos are very bad" and recommended bringing appropriate repellent.
Maintenance inconsistency: Treasure Isle R.V. Park has mixed reviews regarding upkeep. Some mention it "needs repair the gravel roads" while others report it being "nice clean and quiet." Site assignments vary significantly in quality, as one camper noted: "If you get a lakeside spot, they look lovely. But our spot was on gravel with little wiggle room."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Willow Beach offers recreation areas for children, though with seasonal limitations. "Nice playground but it was taped off during our stay due to covid," reported one family, also noting concerns about wildlife: "We encountered lots of snakes... pretty risky walking around or letting kids play in the grass."
Wildlife awareness: Families should prepare children for encounters with local fauna. A visitor to Camp Conway RV Park highlighted the "excellent bird-watching. Must have seen 12 bird varieties thriving in the park," providing educational opportunities alongside cautionary awareness of less welcome wildlife.
Bathroom facilities: Consider campgrounds with clean, well-maintained restrooms. At Willow Beach, a camper noted "the bathroom/shower rooms... all appeared clean" despite temperature issues, adding useful context: "There are four individual ones and they all feel like the heat is on in them when it is 100° here today."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Bring leveling equipment for many rv sites near Perryville, Arkansas. At Crystal Ridge RV Park, campers report "the paved areas (including the RV pads) are a bit rough, but ok. Leveling pads were needed for our site."
Clearance considerations: Watch for low-hanging obstacles at several parks. One RVer at Treasure Isle reported "low hanging wires were scary pulling into our site, scraping up against our ac units (13.5')."
Connectivity quality: Internet access varies significantly between parks. Downtown Riverside RV Park offers "good WiFi, great reception" while Treasure Isle received complaints that "WiFi was terrible" despite other positive attributes, making it important for working RVers to verify connectivity before booking.
