Pet friendly camping near Pine Bluff, Arkansas offers a mix of riverside sites and wooded areas along the Arkansas River. The region features lowland forests with an average elevation of 220 feet and high humidity during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Mosquitoes are prevalent near water during warmer seasons, particularly at sites along the river navigation system.
What to do
**Fishing access: Take advantage of riverfront spots at Tar Camp where you can watch commercial traffic on the water. "Great site on the river. So happy to find a site right on the river. We could watch the tug boats with their barges go by," reports Angela G.
**Wildlife viewing: Visit Cane Creek State Park Campground during different seasons for varied wildlife sightings. "I have seen ducks, deer armadillos and eagles live here as well," notes Joseph B., highlighting the natural wildlife diversity in south Arkansas.
**Kayaking: Rent boats at Cane Creek State Park for water exploration. "They have all kinds of boat rentals here including some with motors. The camp sites have trees and shade, water right next to your tent," explains Kim B.
What campers like
**Private bathroom facilities: Many campers appreciate the individual facilities at Rising Star campground. "BATHROOM/SHOWER COMBO FOR 1 PERSON OR FAMILY!!! We will be back for sure!!" exclaims Stacy H.
**Spacious sites: Campsites at Willow Beach provide room between neighbors. "Willow Beach is small, remote, and quiet. Situated between the Arkansas River and Willow Lake, every site is waterfront. Sites were close but in good repair," notes Jeff R.
**Waterfront views: Many campgrounds offer direct river access and water views. "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," states Kelly E. about Willow Beach.
What you should know
**Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds have limited operating seasons or close due to flooding. About Tar Camp, Steve S. reports: "Was a great park at one time with a boat ramp and bathrooms. Nice spot to camp with plenty of wildlife. Hope they reopen soon. WAS INFORMED 11-1-2020 That they will be opening March of 2021."
**Insect protection: Bring appropriate repellents, especially during summer. "It is near water so there are a lot of mosquitos, so come prepared," warns one Willow Beach visitor.
**Wildlife precautions: Be aware of local wildlife when exploring with pets. "Nice day use area and playground but watch for snakes," cautions Steve S. about Rising Star campground.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Maumelle Park offers family-friendly amenities within easy reach of Pine Bluff. "It's a beautiful park by the AR River with lovely grounds to walk or bike. It's nothing fancy but very well maintained, quiet and family friendly. Lots of kids riding bikes and being outdoors," reports Jason W.
**Halloween camping: Consider seasonal events that cater to families. About Cane Creek State Park, Joseph B. notes: "Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!"
**Shaded sites: Look for campgrounds with natural shade for summer comfort. "The campgrounds are nice and the visitors center offers fun activities for the kids," reports Lindsey P. about Cane Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
**Hookup reliability: Check electricity capacity before setting up. "Our neighbors had issues with their electricity because they were trying to run an air fryer, and it kept throwing the breaker. We ran our box fan without any issues," shares Lacee G. about her stay at Cane Creek.
**Urban camping options: Consider Downtown Riverside RV Park for easy access to urban amenities. "It's nothing fancy but you can take a walking bridge across the river directly into downtown Little Rock," explains Richard S.
**Level sites: Most campgrounds near Pine Bluff offer relatively level parking. "The sites were level. We did have several fire ant hills that we had to deal with and quite a few red wasps," reports one Cane Creek visitor, highlighting the importance of checking your site upon arrival.
