Cane Creek State Park Campground sits at the border of two distinct natural regions - the flat Delta and the rolling hills of the West Gulf Coastal Plain, creating a unique landscape 25 miles southeast of Pine Bluff. The park's 1,700-acre lake serves as the centerpiece for outdoor activities, with campsites spread across forested terrain at approximately 220 feet elevation. During peak summer months, temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity levels, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for glamping near Pine Bluff.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested areas around Cane Creek State Park Campground offer excellent bird watching, especially for woodpecker species. "We were able to watch numerous birds (pileated woodpeckers) and even saw a swamp rat swimming in the lake (resembles a beaver with a skinny tail)," reports one visitor who stayed during Memorial Day weekend.
Seasonal events: Halloween transforms the camping area with festive decorations and draws large crowds. "Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!" notes a local camper familiar with the park's traditions.
Water activities: Kayaking through the unique water trails is particularly popular at Merrisach Lake, where the bayou-like setting creates distinctive paddling experiences. "This was one of the last parks available on the Memorial Day weekend. One of the great things for us was the proximity of some Arkansas State Parks such as Cane Creek and Arkansas Post," shares a camper who explored the area.
What campers like
Accessible fishing spots: The fishing docks at Cane Creek State Park Campground are well-maintained and convenient for anglers of all abilities. "Clean park. Bring your own firewood. Cane Creek Lake has great fishing," notes a visitor who appreciated the angling opportunities.
Camping variety: Little Rock North KOA offers different accommodation styles for those seeking upscale glamping near Pine Bluff with urban access. "This place was great. Close to all things Little Rock without feeling like you're in the middle of the city. Nice level, cement, pull through spots," reports a satisfied guest.
Quiet surroundings: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Merrisach Lake, making it ideal for relaxation. "I stayed a few days during the week. It's a pretty spot by a lake. Clean restrooms with showers," shares a camper who enjoyed the tranquility of this lesser-known spot.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer brings intense heat and seasonal insect activity that can impact outdoor experiences. "We visited this park twice. The first time it was great. The second time it was unbearable because a hurricane had blown in trillions of 'love bugs'. Our visit was during the bugs' mating season," warns a Cane Creek visitor about potential seasonal challenges.
Bathroom facilities vary: Different campgrounds and even different camping loops within the same park can have vastly different amenities. "There was no showers in E and the restrooms were just toilets, no sinks to wash your hands," notes a camper at Camp Robinson RV Park about facility limitations in certain areas.
Water access notes: At many sites, accessing the water requires some effort. "You have to walk through thick brush on a slope to reach the water. My husband mostly chose to walk down to the fishing pier and docks. It was about a two minute walk away from our site," explains a Cane Creek camper about navigating to waterfront areas.
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: The visitor centers often organize kid-friendly programming that combines fun with learning about local ecosystems. "We are from Star City so we have visited the park often but finally decided to camp there and it was so nice. The campgrounds are nice and the visitors center offers fun activities for the kids," shares a local family who camps at Cane Creek.
Playgrounds and pavilions: Little Rock AFB FamCamp provides maintained play areas near picnic facilities. "Pretty pond with a nicely shaded children's play area. No WiFi. Lots of trails and entertainment watching the planes overhead," notes a visitor about the family-friendly amenities.
Pest management: Prepare for insects, especially during warm months, with appropriate repellents and protective clothing. "We did have several fire ant hills that we had to deal with and quite a few red wasps," cautions a Cane Creek camper who visited during Memorial Day weekend.
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity awareness: Understand the power limitations at your chosen campsite before running multiple appliances. "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 a Cane Creek camper about electrical considerations.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your specific needs for shade, accessibility, or privacy. "There are water and electricity hookups with a bathroom close by. We rode bikes so it didn't take long to get the the restroom," advises a camper who stayed at JB's RV Park & Campground and found the location convenient despite other drawbacks.
Dumping logistics: Plan accordingly for dump station locations and access. "The dump station is probably a mile and a half from the campground so if you have a grey water tote tank that you pull behind the truck like me, expect a fairly long drive," warns a Merrisach Lake visitor about the distance between camping areas and disposal facilities.
