Camping sites near Arkansas River - Pool 3 range from riverside locations to state parks across several counties. Water levels along Pool 3 fluctuate seasonally, affecting accessibility at some camping areas. Summer temperatures often reach 90-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions for camping along this stretch of river.
What to do
Fishing from riverbanks: At Rising Star Campground, access to prime fishing spots comes with river views. "Plenty of wildlife to be seen! We will be back! Boat ramp $5, pavilion $60. Nice day use area and playground but watch for snakes," notes Steve S.
Boat watching: The Arkansas River navigation system provides unique entertainment at Tar Camp where barges regularly pass. "The Arkansas River is part of the McClellan-Kerr navigation system. Approximately 11 million tons of cargo is shipped from the Mississippi River to Tulsa every year through the McClellan-Kerr navigation system," explains Joseph.
Kayaking through cypress: Water trails at Cane Creek State Park Campground offer distinctive paddling experiences. "The water trail is unlike any I have seen. Don't miss out on the hiking trails, but watch out for ticks!" advises Lacee G. The park rents kayaks at reasonable rates.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the room to spread out at many Pool 3 Arkansas River campsites. "We had site 15 which was at the end of the park and had a beautiful, large site with plenty of privacy. Park was booked solid," writes a visitor to Rising Star Campground.
Clean facilities: Modern amenities make camping more comfortable at certain locations. "I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CLEANER BATHROOM!!! BATHROOM/SHOWER COMBO FOR 1 PERSON OR FAMILY!!!" emphasizes Stacy H. about Rising Star Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Willow Beach offers abundant opportunities to see river creatures. "The water hyacinths were in full bloom while we were here and are beautiful!! I will be coming back next year!" notes Jo E. Others mention spotting various bird species and aquatic wildlife.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several Arkansas River - Pool 3 campsites operate on limited schedules. "Closed at this time opening March 2021. Was a great park at one time with a boat ramp and bathrooms," reports Steve S. about Tar Camp.
Flooding concerns: River levels affect accessibility. "They evacuated the park due to high water while we were there and we never receive the phone call or a text," reports Christopher T. about his experience at Tar Camp.
Insect preparation: Maumelle Park visitors frequently mention bug activity. "It is warm here but many still use their fire pits creating lots of smoke. We had to close our windows to avoid that," explains Stevann H., highlighting how smoke helps keep bugs away.
Limited access: Some locations have restricted entry. "Would be a great place but its always locked. But there's always some guys fishing. But the gate is locked to general public," reports Donta R. about Ste Marie Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some Pool 3 campsites offer play areas for children. "Nice playground but it was taped off during our stay due to covid. We encountered lots of snakes," cautions Jennifer C. about Willow Beach, reminding parents to supervise children closely.
Snake awareness: Multiple campgrounds report snake sightings, particularly in warmer months. "We encountered lots of snakes. I shooed a few off the road and they disappeared as soon as they slithered into the grass, so to me it's pretty risky walking around or letting kids play in the grass," warns Jennifer C.
Educational opportunities: Downtown Riverside RV Park provides access to cultural sites. "There is a pedestrian bridge accessed through a security gate that crosses the river and arrives at the Clinton Library and park. It was so nice to stroll through after a day of driving," shares Pam R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully at Arkansas River - Pool 3 campgrounds as sites vary. "We stayed in B2 which faced the river. If we return, I'd choose a river site but this was nice too except our 34 ft class A FDDS opened right onto a silty patch," explains Stevann H. about Maumelle Park.
Utility concerns: Some electrical hookups have limitations. "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," reports Lacee G. about Cane Creek State Park.
Levelness matters: Many sites require minimal adjustments. "The sites are extremely level! I didn't even need to level my pop-up camper!!" shares Jo E. about Willow Beach, making setup faster for tired travelers.
