Searching for the best camping near St. Charles, AR? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are St. Charles campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near St. Charles, reviewed by campers like you.
Mississippi River State Park provides quality access to the St. Francis National Forest and offers visitors endless adventures where the Mississippi River, Crowley’s Ridge and the Arkansas Delta meet. Visitors can explore everything from hardwood forests to the sandy shores of the Mississippi River while enjoying three lakes, the All American Great River Road and Crowley's Ridge Parkway (Both are National Scenic Byways), four hiking trails and two recreational areas. Interpretive programs include tours of historic sites, cooking demonstrations, hiking, biking, kayaking and much more. The visitor center includes interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a large, multi-purpose area for hosting meetings, family reunions and other group events. Boat, kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals are available.
$37 / night
Pendleton Bend Campground and Day Use Park is located on the bank of the Arkansas River. The campground offers 31 campsites, a two lane boatramp, a comfort station with hot showers and restrooms, playground, picnic sites, and a group shelter that can accomodate 75 users.
Hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and hunting are all popular activities for visitors. World-class bass and crappie fishing is found in Pool 2, and the tailwaters of the dam provide excellent opportunities to catch a variety of gamefish, especially catfish. A boat ramp is available for access to the Arkansas River. Hiking and birding is available in the nearby Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area. Many species of waterfowl frequent the lower Arkansas River and its adjacent wetlands making this area a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is located in the lush Eastern Arkansas alluvial bottomland forest in Desha County. Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is approximately 3.5 miles upstream of the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Arkansas Electric Coop Hydropower Dam. The Campground and Park sits along the track for migratory birds as they come and go from the Gulf of Mexico, making it a destination for birders. Many species of waterfowl frequent the Arkansas River and adjacent wetlands making it a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Nearby, visitors can visit the Arkansas Post National Memorial. Here, Henri de Tonti established the first European village west of the Mississippi River in 1686. In 1819, Arkansas Post became the capital of the Arkansas Territory and remained so until the Civil War. The Dale Bumpers White River Refuge is nearby that offers 160,000 acres of excellent hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities as well.
$75 / night
Merrisach Lake Campground and Day Use Park is situated on the banks of Merrisach Lake and the Arkansas Post Canal in the lush bottomland forest of eastern Arkansas. The campground is described as off the beaten path, providing visitors with the peace and quiet to enjoy fishing, hunting, picnicking and boating.
The campground and day use park offers visitors the perfect amount of seclusion to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors enjoy fishing for bass, crappie and catfish in Merrisach Lake and other tributaries of Pool 2. The tailwaters of Wilbur D. Mills Dam provide excellent opportunities to catch many species of gamefish, especially catfish. Visitors to this area also find great hunting, birding and boating opportunities. Merrisach sits on the famed Mississippi Flyway, where millions of songbirds, ducks, geese and butterflies pass during migration.
The Arkansas Post Canal creates a waterway from the Arkansas River to the White River, and Merrisach Lake stems from the pool between the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Lock Number 2. Wilbur D. Mills Pool boasts 96 miles of shoreline and 10,600 acres of water.
The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife and migratory birds, and is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. The National Park Services's Arkansas Post National Memorial is also a great place to visit while camping in the area.
$26 / night
Class D No Hookups Available first come, first served. Please contact the park at 870-572-2352 or deltaheritagetrail@arkansas.com for more information. Rate(s): $15.00
$13 - $15 / night
Beech Point Campground (AAA sites 1-17 with electricity, water, sewer and bathhouse)
We are a locally owned RV Park located just one mile south of Interstate 40 in Hazen, Arkansas. Our quiet RV lot sits by the Wattensaw Wildlife Refuge and offers 50 amp hookups that can be converted to 30 amps with a pigtail adapter, water, sewer, and a comfortable atmosphere.
$10 - $35 / night
Mississippi River State Park provides quality access to the St. Francis National Forest and offers visitors endless adventures where the Mississippi River, Crowley’s Ridge and the Arkansas Delta meet. Visitors can explore everything from hardwood forests to the sandy shores of the Mississippi River while enjoying three lakes, the All American Great River Road and Crowley's Ridge Parkway (Both are National Scenic Byways), four hiking trails and two recreational areas. Interpretive programs include tours of historic sites, cooking demonstrations, hiking, biking, kayaking and much more. The visitor center includes interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a large, multi-purpose area for hosting meetings, family reunions and other group events. Boat, kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals are available.
$37 / night
Pendleton Bend Campground and Day Use Park is located on the bank of the Arkansas River. The campground offers 31 campsites, a two lane boatramp, a comfort station with hot showers and restrooms, playground, picnic sites, and a group shelter that can accomodate 75 users.
Hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and hunting are all popular activities for visitors. World-class bass and crappie fishing is found in Pool 2, and the tailwaters of the dam provide excellent opportunities to catch a variety of gamefish, especially catfish. A boat ramp is available for access to the Arkansas River. Hiking and birding is available in the nearby Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area. Many species of waterfowl frequent the lower Arkansas River and its adjacent wetlands making this area a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is located in the lush Eastern Arkansas alluvial bottomland forest in Desha County. Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is approximately 3.5 miles upstream of the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Arkansas Electric Coop Hydropower Dam. The Campground and Park sits along the track for migratory birds as they come and go from the Gulf of Mexico, making it a destination for birders. Many species of waterfowl frequent the Arkansas River and adjacent wetlands making it a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Nearby, visitors can visit the Arkansas Post National Memorial. Here, Henri de Tonti established the first European village west of the Mississippi River in 1686. In 1819, Arkansas Post became the capital of the Arkansas Territory and remained so until the Civil War. The Dale Bumpers White River Refuge is nearby that offers 160,000 acres of excellent hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities as well.
$75 / night
Merrisach Lake Campground and Day Use Park is situated on the banks of Merrisach Lake and the Arkansas Post Canal in the lush bottomland forest of eastern Arkansas. The campground is described as off the beaten path, providing visitors with the peace and quiet to enjoy fishing, hunting, picnicking and boating.
The campground and day use park offers visitors the perfect amount of seclusion to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors enjoy fishing for bass, crappie and catfish in Merrisach Lake and other tributaries of Pool 2. The tailwaters of Wilbur D. Mills Dam provide excellent opportunities to catch many species of gamefish, especially catfish. Visitors to this area also find great hunting, birding and boating opportunities. Merrisach sits on the famed Mississippi Flyway, where millions of songbirds, ducks, geese and butterflies pass during migration.
The Arkansas Post Canal creates a waterway from the Arkansas River to the White River, and Merrisach Lake stems from the pool between the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Lock Number 2. Wilbur D. Mills Pool boasts 96 miles of shoreline and 10,600 acres of water.
The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife and migratory birds, and is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. The National Park Services's Arkansas Post National Memorial is also a great place to visit while camping in the area.
$26 / night
Beech Point Campground (AAA sites 1-17 with electricity, water, sewer and bathhouse)
Ranger
I stayed 3 nights, most people do not. great WiFi for free. Walmart within walking distance. Fuel available at good prices. lots of food service places. Hard to find. It's between the restaurant and I-40. there were lots of frantic birds at dusk everyday I was there.
Traveler
I have stayed at this campground twice. The first time (2022) was a rainy day and I didn't feel like setting up a tent in my reserved space, so I upgraded to one of the very nice, and at the time quite new cabins for about $75 total. I loved the winding drive down to Helena-West Helena. It was beautiful, the rain was not too bad. The cabin was wonderful. I had such a happy experience that time, I returned to car camp last year (2023) on my way west. I did not bother setting up a tent, but rented an RV space. It was fine. . . lots of mosquitos in the evening (mid-September) and a construction crew was renting out an RV spot across from me. There were no other campers, but I felt safe. The bathrooms (unisex) were not nearly as clean as the first visit, but were ok. The guys across the way were quiet and respectful. The whole thing was ok. . . but I did have the thought expressed in another comment that there is just too much concrete and asphalt in this place. Maybe they are concerned about keeping the jungle at bay, so they paved it . . . but consequently it feels like a parking lot with a beautiful periphery. Is also was pretty expensive for what I needed ($42), since I sleep on a cot in my SUV and don't need electricity, water, dumping, etc. But that is my fault for not asking for a tent site.
I decided to head there at the last minute, and called the office right before closing to rent via telephone (should have asked for a tent site, cheaper). I did not have to make the 14 mile drive to Marianna to check in.
The crew staying in the RV across the way, left vert early in the morning. It was cool and shady in my spot, so I moved my vehicle to sunny spot (tent area!) and had a nice leisurely breakfast before heading out. It was mid-week, and nobody else was there. A ranger (?) drove through pretty early (before I moved my car) and said hi. She knew i had rented a spot. Very friendly, just as the folks in Marianna had been when I went there in 2022.
All in all it is a good spot. Quiet and safe.
TravelerLiteral rest stop on the side of highway. Says no tent camping, but it seemed like an RV was planning on staying. Went to a lot of back roads to get here, some looked like small camping spots, but didn’t stop, thinking it would lead to a larger group of spots.
Traveler
Not much too it. Basically just two relatively small parking lots in the woods, past some houses off the highway. Would only be good for a super quick over night.
Scout
I would love to experience a stay and let yall know
ScoutDelta Ridge RV Park emerges as a geometry dash sanctuary for travelers seeking solace and rejuvenation.
GuideMy wife and I stayed 2 nights while we rested as we travel across the country. The park is right off of I-40. You may find you question your GPS as the entrance is through what seems like a strip mall, it it is there. We made reservations ahead of time and I would recommend this as the campground quickly fills up in the late afternoon. We did need to call a number posted in the campito determine our site, but the experience was quick and professional. Each site is a full hookup on a gravel pad with easy leveling. The campground itself is clean and well maintained. The campground caters to those looking for a single overnight stay so there are no amenities.
RangerSpent just one night here. Easy to find and has a water spigot. Noticed a sign in the morning that said hunting, fishing, or camping permit required but no one came by to check. One other person here. A bit buggy but otherwise a quiet spot to get some sleep!
ScoutWe had reservations for another place further down the road but decided to leave a day early and see if we could find something on the road. This place fit the bill! It’s convenient to the highway and while we have our food, there are places to eat close by. The owner was polite and met us at the gate and showed us to our site. There are few big trees and it’s more suitable for RV camping than tent camping but this was exactly what we needed this trip. Thanks so much!
Traveler
Really cool spot we parked next to the gator swamp and it was a really cool area. We saw some big splashes from the pond but no gators. Great spot for the night. Free camping
ScoutGreat people $40
Scout
Would be a great place but its always locked.but theres always sum guys fishing.but the gate is locked to general public .i almost think they only open the gate to specific friends or people..this used to be a place where the disabled could fish now i can.i live nearby and the gate is locked EVERY DAY.i pay taxes but am not allowed access to PArk..it sucks some people smh .its so easy to unlock the tate.
Guide
very nice spot found it quickly at night. Soft ground. Quick to get to off highway
Scout
My family uses a pop up camper to explore many of the Arkansas parks, after this trip we are considering a change!
Let me tell you about their bathroom/showers situation…. Do they have flushing toilets, yes! Sadly only slightly better than a hole in the ground with a seat. They thankfully have provided toilet paper, that’s a step up from tree bark, but no place to put any sanitary items…. Was there a place at one time to dispose such things? YES! Is there one any more? NO! Just a slot with a lid where the metal box once was. Granted I am at a camp that for the majority of the time only houses manly hunters, keeping that in mind I assume they do still sometimes bring their wives/girlfriends who would appreciate maybe having another small box installed for these womanly things. Moving on I don’t consider myself vain in anyway but the mirror situation is comparable to trying to see your reflection in crinkled aluminum foil, at best! While staring into what may or may not be my reflection, I start to question where is the hand soap? Absolutely nowhere, there is none. I feel they expect us to grab a pine cone and pray we don’t get pink eye because that is all your working with, pinecones and prayers! While releasing a irritated sigh I noticed I could see my breath! It’s currently 30 degrees outside and guess what these bathrooms do not have a heater!! Now to the showers, I’m only able to compare it to a prison scene from a movie… Longest yard…? The Rock…? Maybe…I’m not sure but it falls somewhere between comical and terrifying. Curtains you ask? No we don’t need those! Being able to adjust water temperatures? No! Luke warm Is what you have Luke warm is what you are happy with(said in best Russian accent) Somewhere to place your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lufa and razor? Unheard of! You are in the wild girl…. You should have held on to that pinecone! A large button on the wall you have to push every(no exageration) ten seconds to keep the spit temperature trickle of water running?? Yes ma’am! The over head lights on a timer that goes off five minutes into your lovely prison shower experience reminding you to not drop the soap or close your eyes? WE GOT YOU BOO! Need less to say my time here, although brief, feels like purgatory, making me want to lay down in front of the passing Corps of Engineers truck as a martyr for bathroom improvements! (**US Army Corps of Engineers please reference ANY State ran park bathroom for your example!)
TravelerSuper peaceful, quiet...shady sites or sunny, whatever you prefer. Some on the water sites, but others aren't far off. Camp host is very helpful and friendly!!! I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CLEANER BATHROOM!!! BATHROOM/SHOWER COMBO FOR 1 PERSON OR FAMILY!!! We will be back for sure!!!!!
TravelerNice place down a long dirt road. Free camping. No facilities. Sites a marked by blue bands on trees or signs. Lots of spots spaced far apart.
GuideWe came from the east, got off 40, and turned onto Tower Road. We went down tower road for about a mile and then turned onto Fawn Acres Road. I think you could also follow Tower road to County Road 705 and there is camping there as well. There are a ton of campsites down the gravel road and they are well marked. There are signs for designated camping and the trees have a blue ring painted around them, so it stands out. A lot of the spots we saw were gravel so I’m not sure if it would be super comfortable to sleep here in a tent. It wasn’t too buggy this time of year and we only saw two other cars passing by. We were able to make a little fire pit and were happy to see it so well kept with no trash.
Guide
My family and I had a nice little getaway to Cane Creek State park. The sites are all asphalted and have electric and water. The dump station is on the way out of the park. The boat dock is really nice and the bait shop has minnows, worms, and crickets. Also, the bathrooms are located in the middle of the park and are clean. There are also a few concreted walking trails. The only bad part of the weekend was the bugs were really bad after dark so we had to go inside early. I would recommend this place to anyone and we will be back.
GuideNo amenities. Like showers and toilets. No pool, no picnic tables, no fire pit. Gravel spots. They do have water, electric and sewer. Clean Campground.
GuideVery nice campground. The camp hosts were wonderful people. The bathrooms were immaculate and the campground was very well maintained. The campsites were all sufficiently spaced. Occasionally a barge would go by. 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. The sunsets were taken from my chair on the bank of the Arkansas River.
TravelerAlthough we were towing while having to stop here, Gary made it worth it to have to disconnect for the night. He answered a late night phone call, knew exactly where we were when trying to look for a spot for the night, sent us directions and met us at our spot to get us all set up. There are only a few pull through spots and the rest back in. It was a perfect little spot close enough to the highway but far enough not to even see it. Overall a very nice spot for an overnight stay.
ScoutOnly $10 for no hookups and a whole plot to myself, no complaints.
GuideAn overnight stop on our route. Gary was great, most helpful and it was a pleasure talking with him. This is a rather small campsite and I recommend advanced reservations. Two pull through sites that do not have sewer hookups but there is a dump station if needed. Electrical hookups are 50 amp so have an adapter if you need 30 amp service. I’d certainly recommend it.
ScoutWe're traveling across the country and used our RV site as home base for 2 days. Campsites and bath/showers were very clean. Very quiet. A bit too much pavement, with no trees or natural space between campsites. When you are leaving, the pump out station is located on the wrong side of the road without an easy way to turn around. Also the water hose at the pump out station wasn't working -- no water to rinse with but from our tank.
GuideHere’s the thing. You cannot trust either Apple or Google maps to get you here by these coordinants. Also, “here” is a relative term. DO NOT just look for a body of water as you’re going on the gravel road to let you know you’ve gotten to a legitimate campsite. I got very lost trying to find the place at night, and then getting back to the freeway the next morning. Apple Maps and Google maps showed me two completely different places over half an hour away from each other with the same coordinates. In the morning, I drove 20 minutes on the gravel road trying to get back to the highway, just to run into a dead end at a locked gate. I had to turn around and find another way to the freeway just by navigating myself down every road I could identify on the map visually, until I found a legitimate one. The reason the reviews are so disparate, is because there are dozens, if not hundreds of campsites over what I’m guessing is hundreds if not thousands of acres of woods. Some are by stagnant ponds that I’m sure are horrific breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and some are far enough from the water that you can’t see, or hear the water, and have fewer mosquitoes and bugs. Some campsites are pretty close to the road, and some are quite far. The main thing to do is, as soon as you exit the road, whatever turn off you take, start looking for very small signs that say “designated camping area”. By getting lost, I can tell you, there are multiple Roads you can take off the main highway. Get yourself to this general area, and don’t be in a rush, or frantic. Go very slowly, and just keep your eyes out for these tiny signs. Once you see one, you’ll realize they’re all over the place. Decide ahead of time if you want to be close to the road, or explore and try to find a place, closer to the water. Some areas are more open and the water is less stagnant (no, I did not find anywhere. I would personally feel comfortable swimming. The water is very murky, and does not look deep. In all of my getting lost, on a Monday in early April 2023, I did not see another single, solitary soul. Where I can’t, I also could not hear cars at all. I woke up to birds, singing, and trees rustling. It was very beautiful and peaceful.
Traveler
I stayed a few days during the week. It's a pretty spot by a lake. Clean restrooms with showers.
ScoutAbsolutely horrendous. The road access is gravel, but LARGE gravel that we are surprised didn't ruin our tires. Flies so thick we didn't want to get out of our truck. Abandoned our stay before we got all the way there!!! Horrible Horrible Horrible
Camping near St. Charles, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.
Camping near St. Charles, Arkansas, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near St. Charles, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. Charles, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 35 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Charles, AR and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. Charles, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Charles, AR is Mississippi River State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Charles, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near St. Charles, AR.
What parks are near St. Charles, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near St. Charles, AR that allow camping, notably Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool and Arkansas River - Pool 3.
