Dispersed camping sites near Pocahontas, Arkansas provide access to northeastern Arkansas's forested terrain and waterways. The area features a mix of developed campgrounds and primitive sites within a one-hour drive radius. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer brings consistent 80-90°F days with high humidity levels, affecting camping conditions throughout the region.
What to do
Paddling activities: Greene Road Camp Dispersed offers access to nearby rivers for kayaking and canoeing. "Two pull in spots with concrete picnic tables in the woods. Quiet, rural area," notes Kevin S., making it a good basecamp for paddlers.
Trail exploration: Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground features multiple walking paths with unique features. "The dancing rabbit trail is awesome: don't forget bug spray. Spring fed waterfall/wishingwell crystal clear and COLD!!!" advises Sammy B.
Lake recreation: Lake Frierson State Park Campground provides water-based activities on its small lake. "Kayaking and fishing was great! Beautiful place to stay!" reports Donna M., highlighting the accessible water recreation options.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Davidsonville Historic State Park Campground receives praise for its well-designed camping areas. "Larger sites, beautiful trees and surrounded by the changing colors of the leaves in mid-October," writes Kim C., who managed to fit a 44' 5th wheel in site #2.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the maintenance standards at parks like Craighead Forest Park. "Staff were extremely nice. Campground is clean. Bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," states Kyle, who stayed at a waterfront site.
Fishing opportunities: Beyond the lakes mentioned in the original description, campers appreciate shore fishing access. "This place is awesome everyone and the camp site was nice and keep to them selfs there wasnt people run all around and didnt have to worry about someone getting into our stuff and there was plent of spot to fish off the bank," notes Jeremy V. about Lake Charles State Park.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Insect activity intensifies during warmer months throughout the region. "Woods and water! Well maintained state park with a swimming beach, walking/biking trails, playgrounds. We used this as a stopping point for a longer journey and enjoyed the warm water in the showers and the lake views. Mosquitoes were a bit of a nuisance in the evening, but that is to be expected for the area," explains Nathaniel B. about Lake Charles.
Store access: Lake Charles State Park Campground is located in a rural area with limited shopping options. "Clean area. Good spot for fishing. It is a dry county have to drive 30 or so minutes to get to a decent store for food. Keep that in mind if you stay here, make sure to be prepared or you will be hungry," advises Robert L.
Campsite selection: At Davidsonville, site positioning affects the camping experience. "New campground. We stayed in site 1, which was a pull through with full hook ups. Each site has a designated tent pad as well as a lantern hook. Sites on the outside of the loop back up to the woods, sites on the inside of the loop are more exposed to other campsites," observes Sue M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "This is a great park with many things to do. Splash pad, multiple playgrounds for all ages of kids, a new walking and biking path, hiking trails, a lake that is great for fishing, very family friendly park," says Andrew H. about Craighead Forest Park.
Water recreation options: Families with children particularly enjoy the swimming areas. "The swim beach and the kayak and canoe rentals were closed (again because they did not have enough staff sitting around doing nothing)," notes Arkansas F. about Lake Charles, suggesting calling ahead to confirm facility availability.
Educational opportunities: Davidsonville offers historical learning components. "Great park to visit. Has paddle boats, lake to fish, boat ramp to Black River, newly updated campgrounds with all the hookups, playground for the kiddos, plenty of trails. Staff is awesome and do well taking care of the park," writes Rodney B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Very unleveled and rocky terrain would be only downside," mentions Gabe S. about Crowley's Ridge State Park.
RV maneuvering: Some parks require careful navigation with larger vehicles. "It would be easier to back rigs into the sites if they didn't have the wooden signs at the entrance to each site with the site#, but we got in with lots of back and forthing," explains Kim C. about fitting a 44-foot fifth wheel at Davidsonville Historic State Park.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary across camping areas near Pocahontas. "The outback" offers basic services for RVers: "Nice place but he's a little high on price for electric only hookups. Tent is $10 a night and $5 a head. Camper/rv is $15 a night + $15 a night for electric and $5 a head. But its right on spring River and has a brand new boat ramp," reports Travis G.
