Looking for the best St. Charles tent camping? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near St. Charles. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of St. Charles, Arkansas's most popular destinations.
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
There are 38 primitive campsites maintained by area personnel.
There are approximately 270 acres of old beaver ponds that provide valuable habitat for furbearers and waterfowl. There are 2024 acres of old fields managed on a rotational basis by control burning, bush hogging, disking and planting. There is 14,419 acres of timber, primarily oak and hickory; 96 acres in streams and 113 acres in ponds and lakes. The main streams include; Wattensaw Bayou, Hurricane Creek, Miller Creek, Clark Creek, Barkley Branch and Bell Branch. There are numerous small ponds, 9 ponds created by removing dirt for I-40 construction and Webb and Mooreês lake which are oxbow lakes off the White River on the east side of the area
Sainte Marie Park sits on the banks of Lake Langhofer and the Arkansas River by Pool 3 Lock and Dam. Whether boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking or hosting a group event, Sainte Marie has facilities to accommodate a range of activities.
The campground is popular among fishermen. There is excellent catfish fishing in the tail-waters of Joe Hardin Lock and Dam as well as Emmitt Sanders Lock and Dam at the upstream end of Pool 3. Anglers often catch bass, crappie and bream. Hunting is available in nearby forests, and there is duck hunting on the waterways. On shore, families enjoy picnicking and using the playground.
Sainte Marie offers two reservable group picnic shelters that can each accommodate up to 75 people. There are no electric hookups, but drinking water is provided. Additional amenities include grills, a courtesy dock and fishing dock.
The park is in a forested area along the riverfront, close to the rolling fields of cotton farms. It is 193 feet above sea level; winters are generally mild and summer temperatures reach the upper 90s with high humidity. Red fox are frequently seen in the park, and numerous species of waterfowl live in the water and along the shores.
The City of Pine Bluff is the home for the Arkansas Railroad Museum, Pine Bluff Regional Park, the Martha Mitchell Home and other points of interest, as well as shopping and groceries.
$75 / night
Guide
This was such a nice relaxing place to stay. We met a park interpreter who was very nice and informative. We stayed in a small tent camping area beside one of the lakes. The hiking trail was beautiful and we saw several woodpeckers!
Scout
We 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!
GuideWe have been to many states and campgrounds. This is one of our favorites. It only has 14 Full Hookup sites but they are all beautiful. Well kept campgrounds, lake, and facilities. There is also a tent site area and a primitive camping area. The sites stayed booked, so if you want to give it a try, you need to book well in advance of your desired date of travel. We go here at least 4 or 5 times a year. It is only about 40 min drive from Forrest City and a 10 min. drive from Marianna, Arkansas. There is a boat dock where you can put your boat in the water. They also have fishing boats and kayaks for rent.
LegendThis was our 2nd time camping here. It’s the nicest campground close to home. All of the sites are large with full hookups. They really did an excellent job with this place. The bathrooms are the best of the best (private, suite style rooms). I like that it is not a large park (only 14 RV sites and 3 tent sites) l, so even when it is full, it does not feel overcrowded. I do wish they had more hiking trails, but the bear creek look is really nice. The park office is excellent with a museum area. Fire wood can be purchased at the office as well. Very popular lake for fishing!
LegendThis place is still relatively new, but they have really done a great job with it! The park office is first class! The Trotting Fox Trail and Bear Creek Loop trail are very nice! The park office has a large room for exhibits. The Rangers also keep a very full schedule of activities to keep locals and campers busy. They rent out kayaks for those looking to explore the lake! The Beech Point Campground is a gorgeous RV/Tent Campground. I highly recommend it to those that love camping! There is also a really nice day use area.
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.
Ranger
Ok this is the most beautiful place we’ve found in Arkansas with kayaking among the trees and flowers. They have tons of events like moonlit full moon kayak, we didn’t get to do it - next time! They have all kinds of boat rentals here including some with motors. The camp sites have trees and shade, water right next to your tent, wasn’t too much of a trek to the bathrooms and shower houses, which were clean and modern.
GuideThis Arkansas state park is top notch. It offers a very quiet, immaculate campground with only 17 sites for RV hook ups. There are additional camping areas for tents, although one is closed for repairs. The Bear Creek lake surrounds the RV camping area on all three sides. There is fishing, small boats, and swimming in the summer. The RV sites were very spaced apart and completely level. Things to note for planning—1. Visitor Center is pretty far from camping. You would have to drive there. But it is very nice with exhibits, and staff was very helpful. They have bait and fire wood too. 2. Cell service is not great. 3. No playground. But park is quaint enough bike riding and game playing for small kids works great!
Ranger
Arkansas River scenery. Sportsman’s paradise. Everything to hunt and fish for in the Southeast. Bugs. Well maintained.
Guide
Very 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.
Legend
Just on the opposite side of the highway from historic Pine Bluff and within the same area as their Nature and Conservation area this reasonably priced camp is pretty nice with water front views.
The only downside no tents!! It really is ashes because the views here are some of the best I found in Pine Bluff of the river.
This is a Good Sam campground and thus meets a certain type of amenities. Had they accepted tents it would have been a much higher rating (probably a 4)
Fresh Water, Dump Station and 20 amp hook ups available.
Traveler
December 14, 2021 Primitive camping. Only one other camper [tent] in campground. Toilet clean considering Primitive camping. Some sites are a bit too close for my liking. Overall I would return to this campground
Ranger
Good, clean campground. Family friendly. Great fishing. Merrisack Lake joins the ship canal to the Arkansas River. Fabled White River National Wildlife Refuge, America’s first national refuge, close by.
Legend
Beech Point Campground is an amazing lakeside spot. Our site came with a bench to view the lake and tent pad is in the perfect spot. It was peaceful and provided the perfect place to recharge our batteries! The bathrooms were very nice. Throughout the campground, sewer hook-ups are available.
Traveler
This place has nice pads to put tents on and picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Only 10 sites though and it is first come first serve. They have one bathroom at the visitor center with a cold water fountain inside! All campsites are shaded, but have bug spray ready because there is a ton of mosquitoes! All together not a bad place to stay for $15!
Legend
This is an old, boy scout style group camp. A couple of picnic tables are grouped together at the front of the camp and then there are several remnants of old tent pads throughout the area. Large trees, lots of moss and no overgrowth make this a beautiful place to explore for an hour or so. There is (1) vault style toilet in the center of camp.
RangerMississippi River State Park is in Marianna, AR and was built in 2008 in the St. Francis National Forest. The park office and convention center are beautiful and have several learning stations and activities for kids and families. There is also a simple paved walking trail with identification points for local trees, birds, wildlife, etc.
The campground has only a few sites. I don’t remember exactly but I believe it’s only 18 but all have lake views. All sites are level with electricity, water, and tent pad. Some sites have tiered tent pads that might not be great for kids or “old knees”. If you bring your own kayak, canoe, or boat, you can launch directly from your camp site without any issue. Our kids just wanted to through rocks 😂. There aren’t many hikes but there is a 1.5 mile trail (video included) which was fun. We saw a few snakes but they were just king snakes.
MS River SP is a short drive from Memphis and is a great quick weekend getaway. There isn’t much for small kids to do when the swim beach and swim area are closed but most families will love the serenity and peace that MS River SP offers.
Legend
Wow this place is NICE! This is a small, but beautiful campground! There's only 14 full hook up RV sites and 3 tent only sites. All RV sites are huge, have beautiful water views and most have water access. Many of them are fenced to get you closer to the water and still be safe. The small gravel tent and hang out areas was also nice. We tracked a lot less dirt into the camper than normal. The bathrooms are the nicest we have ever used! There are 4 private suite style bathrooms with your own toilet, sink and shower. All are handicap accessible as well. We walked the nature/hiking trail across the street from the campground (Bear Creek Loop). We were shocked to find out that the trees were marked with educational markers. My husband really enjoyed the trail because of this. The park also has a couple of kayaks that can be rented. There is a boat ramp, fishing pier and swim beach all within view of the campground. The campground also has a small courtesy dock to pull up to or fish from. Water appears to be very shallow at this dock.
One of the Mississippi River State Park Interpreters came out and hosted a short campfire chat on bats. Very informative! We also went to the park office to check out the exhibits. Man this place is first class! The walking trail around the office is a lovely 10-15 minute walk. Firewood and snacks can also be purchased here.
GuideWe stayed at Beech Point campground at site #12 on June 20, 2019. This was a huge campsite with lots of room for our two large tents. It was set back on its own point out into the lake, so our tents were surrounded on three sides by water. The campground was not very crowded on a Thursday night so even pulling in late we still could choose from a few great sites. We were right across from the swimming area which had a sandy wade-in. It was hot and humid at night but still reasonable for sleeping. Sites were very spread out so we didn’t hear the hum of nearby RV A/C units.
Bathrooms and showers were organized in banks of 4 private shower/bath combos and were clean and well-maintained. We didn’t see a camp store on-site (just a gift shop with a few scattered camp supplies) but the visitor center had very helpful rangers. The only real lack for facilities in the camp was a dish-washing station. You can get to the main Mississippi River from the park, but it is about 20 mins drive from this campground.
The visitor center offers a drop-off service for SUPs and we woke up the next morning with the boards dropped right next to our van. There is a small boat dock in the campground - only for carry-able boats since there is no ramp and about 5 steps to negotiate. The lake is smallish but filled with coves to explore and abundant wildlife to see.
Guide
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. First we were in E campground and it was not very well taken care of. The pads for the campers were starting to become covered up with grass and tree debris. 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. There was no showers in E and the restrooms were just toilets, no sinks to wash your hands. We were told by several people that we would be all but guaranteed to see an alligator but we never did. Not that they aren’t there, we just never got that lucky. 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. Overall it was an ok park but the campground E was definitely on the decline. Other campgrounds seemed to be in better shape but still sad that part of the park is in such shape. I would not put this on the top of my list but it’s not the worse either.
GuideThis was called Bear Creek many years ago. The state of Arkansas recently took this campground over and modernized it. There are 14 Full Hookup sites. This park is very clean and has an atmosphere for relaxation. We go here often because it is close to home. The sites all have a water view. Some are on the lake. They are all good sites. Small fishing boats are allowed and Kayaks and boats are available for rent. The bathhouse is always clean and centrally located in the park.
TravelerI grew up in Star City and have been to this park many times. It is not a breathtaking place, but it accurately portrays the nature of south Arkansas. I have seen ducks, deer armadillos and eagles live here as well. The playgrounds are good. The pavilions are clean and the AC works well. Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!
RangerMississippiRiver 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. Shower house had 4 separate rooms, each with shower. Very very clean! # pull thru & the rest backin on concrete pads with room for either a toad, truck or boat to the side. $36 a night, but disabled military, including vets, half off. Not much to do is you don't fish, but a nice quiet place to relax. Swimming beach is nearby.
Guide
I stopped here for one night with a travel trailer and was in site B-01 for $16. 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. It is pet friendly and we had fun sitting on a dock and watching the cargo boats. There is absolutely no cell phone signal and no WiFi, so have physical directions on you. The park is only a couple miles from Arkansas Post National Memorial which was very beautiful and worth a visit.
Legend
Stopped off hoping to stay here when traveling out to the Louisiana Purchase State Park (which does not offer camping because it is a swamp area) this is the closest campsite in the area so I was very hopeful.
Arrived and began to survey the site which is pretty basic only to realize it has a severe ant Infestation!! There is no way as a tent camper I could have stayed here because of this.
The camp itself is pretty basic with gravel pull ins and few amenities. It is a city operated site (that is who you pay).
So unfortunate that I had to find a place further away to stay instead of being able to enjoy this one. Still very worth the trip here perhaps if you have a contained unit as it is closer to the state park than any other.
GuideOur Review: The camp sites were very nice, all had either 30 amp or 50 amp electric hook ups and water. The electricity was super convenient with having the space heater in the tent. Most of the sites have nice views of the water too! It was a little too cold to fish but from what we’ve gathered from the visitor’s center they have some decent fishing and lots of other activities! Cane Creek offers several options like fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, etc. There was a boat dock specific for campers closer to the campsites. We were very pleased with the bath house which was really clean and fairly central to all campsites. We will definitely be back when it warms up to test out the fishing!
Guide
We 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.
Tent camping near St. Charles, Arkansas, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from well-reviewed campgrounds to unique local attractions, there's something for every tent camper.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Charles, AR is Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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