38 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
St. Charles, Arkansas provides access to multiple waterfront campgrounds along the Arkansas and White Rivers. The area features a mix of Corps of Engineers sites and state park facilities, with options ranging from developed RV campgrounds to primitive tent camping. Merrisach Lake and Wilbur D. Mills campgrounds offer full hookup sites for RVs, while Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground provides tent-only sites with more rustic amenities. Many sites feature direct water access for fishing and boating, with several campgrounds situated along lakes and river bends.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the area, particularly regarding wildlife and insect activity. "Arkansas River scenery. Sportsman's paradise. Everything to hunt and fish for in the Southeast. Bugs. Well maintained," noted one camper about Wilbur D. Mills Campground. Most campgrounds in the region are open year-round, though some Corps of Engineers sites like Notrebes Bend Park operate seasonally from March through October. Flooding can affect access during spring months, with some sites having experienced extended closures due to river erosion damage. Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned in reviews, particularly at waterfront sites, making insect repellent essential equipment during warmer months.
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for many campers visiting the St. Charles area. Fishing opportunities receive consistently high ratings, with multiple reviewers mentioning wildlife viewing as an added benefit. "We stayed in e10 Thanksgiving 2020 it was very quiet only 2 other campers in our area... really nice park along of wildlife," reported one visitor about Merrisach Lake. Campground amenities vary significantly across the region, with some sites offering showers and modern bathrooms while others provide only basic facilities. Several campgrounds feature covered picnic tables, fire rings, and grills as standard amenities. The more developed sites typically include electric and water hookups, though sewer connections are less common. Delta Heritage Trail State Park offers a more primitive experience with just ten walk-in tent sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
from $45 / night
Check Availability"One of the great things for us was the proximity of some Arkansas State Parks such as Cane Creek and Arkansas Post. First we were in E campground and it was not very well taken care of."
"It's a pretty spot by a lake. Clean restrooms with showers."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability"This Arkansas state park is top notch. It offers a very quiet, immaculate campground with only 17 sites for RV hook ups."
"MississippiRiver State Park, also called Bear Creek Recreation Area, Arkansas. Only 17 sites, all level with full hook ups. ATT cell worked fair but no Verizon."
from $37 / night
Check Availability"Arkansas River scenery. Sportsman’s paradise. Everything to hunt and fish for in the Southeast. Bugs. Well maintained."
"Merrisack Lake joins the ship canal to the Arkansas River. Fabled White River National Wildlife Refuge, America’s first national refuge, close by."
"We were on motorcycles so they let us drive them to the campsite otherwise they are a walk-in it's a really short walk."
from $13 - $15 / night
Check Availability"The park is only a couple miles from Arkansas Post National Memorial which was very beautiful and worth a visit."
"quiet shady and a really great park big sights and well maintained we stay here alot ,went by 1/17/2021 4 campers there great time to stay pelicans hanging around ,very peaceful"
from $22 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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"
"The one I stayed in had slight traffic noise from the highway, but wasn't an issue as I was van camping. This seems like not would be great for group camping but I had the whole section to myself."
TravelerStayed for one night! Definitely primitive, but far enough from highway to be very quiet, no one else was here, felt very private. There are two other camping pull offs closer to the highway that are not as well maintained road wise, there’s a lot of wash out would not recommend unless you have 4x4 but the one further in maybe 3/4 of a mile is 👌👍 also for being near water it was not very buggy
GuideThis was my first dispersed camping on my road trip and I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it is compared to all the other noise that organized campgrounds can have. there are two sites across from each other and can accommodate maybe 3-4 tents each. I made the mistake of thinking it wasn’t gonna rain and I didn’t put my rain fly on and just when I was about to fall asleep it poured down on me and I made another rookie mistake of setting my tent up on the soft ground instead of the gravel and by the time the rain was over the floor of my tent felt like a waterbed luckily, my tent was waterproof. The best part of this spot was the isolation and also the spiget. Both camping sites share one. Thank goodness for the rain because I haven’t showered in four days.
TravelerClose to the highway so there’s that ambiance. But pretty secluded. I’m sure it’s used more during hunting seasons since it’s marked for such. It was good for an overnight along the way.
GuideI was pleasantly surprised by what I found in this WMA. Although there are no bathrooms available that I could find the road is easy to access and well-maintained and all of the camping sites are clearly designated with blue stripes on the trees and signs. Although there is road noise and people passing it still feels like a great place to stop and spend a night or several especially for those who like to fish!
TravelerI was the only person here, they have two campsites on either side of the road. Quiet, and easy access from the highway.
ScoutEverything you need to stay one night or one month full hook ups, including great Wi-Fi fire pits and all but 100 yards off hwy to town
RangerI reserved the last spot when I got here. Full hookups plus WiFi. Very easy and convenient but pricey.
GuideSmall, tight campground that has no amenities at all, but is priced accordingly. This campground has full hookups at every site, the sites are tight enough together that opposing slides wouldn’t fit, there are no bathrooms, laundry facilities, etc. It is conveniently located very close to I40 and is minutes from shopping and restaurants.
Added bonus……the WiFi is rock solid. I didn’t bother using my Starlink as I was able to stream from the campgrounds wifi.
GuideThis small campground is beautiful and kept very clean. Sites are full hookup. The bath house is very clean. There are four private toilet/shower rooms. All handicapped accessible. My favorite sites are 12, 13, and 14. My least favorite were 9, 10, and 11, but they are pull through sites.
The Arkansas River and White River convergence creates a unique camping environment near St. Charles, Arkansas. The region sits within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain at approximately 200 feet elevation, experiencing hot, humid summers and mild winters. Camping facilities in this delta region range from Corps of Engineers sites situated on river bends to state park campgrounds with varying amenities and reservation policies.
Fishing opportunities: Mississippi River State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access with both lake and river options. "This is one of our favorites... There is a boat dock where you can put your boat in the water. They also have fishing boats and kayaks for rent," notes Kathy E.
Wildlife viewing: The convergence of major waterways creates prime habitat for diverse wildlife. At Pendleton Bend, visitors can watch cargo boats pass and observe seasonal bird migrations. "Went by 1/17/2021... great time to stay pelicans hanging around, very peaceful," reports Steve S.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds feature short nature trails with educational components. "The Trotting Fox Trail and Bear Creek Loop trail are very nice! The Rangers also keep a very full schedule of activities to keep locals and campers busy," shares Shana D. about Mississippi River State Park.
Swimming: During warmer months, designated swimming areas provide relief from the heat. "We were right across from the swimming area which had a sandy wade-in," explains Sean F. at Mississippi River State Park, noting the convenient beach access from lakeside campsites.
Private, waterfront sites: Many campgrounds feature water-surrounded sites. At Yoder Outpost RV Park, Joseph P. appreciates the "secluded yet convenient" setting with "everything you need to stay one night or one month full hook ups, including great Wi-Fi fire pits."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise. At Mississippi River State Park, "Bathrooms and showers were organized in banks of 4 private shower/bath combos and were clean and well-maintained," reports Sean F.
Spacious campsites: Most campgrounds offer generous site spacing. At COE Arkansas River Pendleton Bend Park, Allison N. notes, "The sites are spacious. For example, the water hookups are half way between the sites to be shared, and my 50ft hose just barely could reach."
Shade coverage: Tree canopy provides crucial relief during hot months. "Great park well maintained big sights quiet and no problem with bugs... very shady," reports Steve S. about Pendleton Bend.
Seasonal closures: Several Corps of Engineers campgrounds operate on limited schedules. COE Arkansas River Notrebes Bend Park runs from March 1 to October 31 and has faced "closed for repairs from flooding" periods, according to Steve S.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Allison N. warns about Pendleton Bend: "There is absolutely no cell phone signal and no WiFi, so have physical directions on you."
Bathroom quality varies: Facility standards differ considerably between campgrounds. Ashley F. provides a detailed account of Pendleton Bend's bathrooms: "Do they have flushing toilets, yes! Sadly only slightly better than a hole in the ground with a seat... the mirror situation is comparable to trying to see your reflection in crinkled aluminum foil."
First-come camping: Some sites cannot be reserved in advance. At Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground, "Only 10 sites though and it is first come first serve," explains Jacob W., adding that each site costs $15 per night.
Look for swim beaches: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas ideal for children. "Swimming beach is nearby," notes Gary P. about Mississippi River State Park, which provides a safe environment for water play.
Consider activity options: Campgrounds with interpretive programs provide educational value. At Mississippi River State Park, "We met a park interpreter who was very nice and informative," reports Lindsey P., adding that the hiking trail was "beautiful and we saw several woodpeckers!"
Check playground availability: Not all sites have play equipment. Melissa notes about Mississippi River State Park: "No playground. But park is quaint enough bike riding and game playing for small kids works great!"
Prepare for insects: Bug protection is essential, especially at waterfront sites. At Delta Heritage Trail State Park, Hook C. advises: "Small place, mosquitoes were bad other than that it was great. We were invited to watch them feed the pet snake that was caught in the area."
Site dimensions matter: Merrisach Lake campground has varying site quality across loops. Aaron D G. warns: "The pads for the campers were starting to become covered up with grass and tree debris... we were in E campground and it was not very well taken care of."
Dump station locations: Plan for potentially distant sanitary facilities. Aaron D G. notes at Merrisach Lake: "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."
Water hookup preparation: Pack extra water hoses. Aaron D G. explains at Merrisach Lake: "Our picnic table has a corner busted off and the water hydrant was combined for two sites to one hydrant spot. Our 25 ft hose was too short so we borrowed a hose from the camp manager till we were able to buy another 25 footer."
Consider full hookup sites: Select campgrounds offer complete utilities. At Mississippi River State Park, Elizabeth L. notes: "Sites are full hookup. The bath house is very clean. There are four private toilet/shower rooms. All handicapped accessible. My favorite sites are 12, 13, and 14."
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 38 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 Campers Refuge with a 0-star rating from 0 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.
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