Camping near Star City, Arkansas is centered around Cane Creek Lake, a 1,675-acre waterway surrounded by pine forests and wetlands. The region features relatively flat terrain with elevations ranging from 200-250 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winters remain mild but can occasionally drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayak through cypress trees: Cane Creek State Park Campground offers kayaking among trees and flowers with moonlit full moon kayak events. "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!" notes camper Kim B.
Fish from designated piers: Fishing opportunities abound at COE Arkansas River Merrisach Lake Park with access to multiple waterways. "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," explains Jason W.
Observe river traffic: Watch commercial barges navigate the McClellan-Kerr navigation system from shoreline viewing areas. "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," shares Joseph from Rising Star campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Rising Star campground provides excellent wildlife observation, particularly for bird enthusiasts. "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," warns Steve S. The area also attracts pelicans during certain seasons.
Halloween celebrations: Pendleton Bend offers spacious sites with significant distance between camping spots. "One of our favorite spots," shares Kimberly V. At nearby Cane Creek, "Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!" explains Joseph B.
Spacious, private sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Star City feature well-spaced sites providing privacy for pets and owners. "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," notes Allison N. about her experience at Pendleton Bend.
What you should know
Seasonal bug issues: Insect populations vary dramatically by season, affecting outdoor activities. "Nice sights, quiet, beautiful but mosquitoes are terrible went by today 1/31/2021 it was nice and clean they have done some upgrades nice new handicap trail from camping area to boat dock, boat, canoe, kayak, and bike rentals no mosquitoes this time of year," reports Steve S.
Limited connectivity: Tar Camp and surrounding areas have minimal cell service. "I'd give more than three stars but the Corp has a poor track record keeping parks open," notes Jason W. At Pendleton Bend, "There is absolutely no cell phone signal and no WiFi, so have physical directions on you," warns Allison N.
Seasonal closures: Several pet-friendly campgrounds around Star City operate only during warmer months. Rising Star operates from March 1 through October 31, while Notrebes Bend Park follows the same schedule. "Was informed 11-1-2020 that they will be opening March of 2021," shared Steve S. about Tar Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: COE Arkansas River Notrebes Bend Park and nearby facilities offer play areas for children. "Nice day use area and playground but watch for snakes," cautions Steve S. At Cane Creek, "The playgrounds are good. The pavilions are clean and the AC works well," shares Joseph B.
Rental options: Consider park rentals for families new to camping or without equipment. "You can rent an RV here as well. It's set up at the entrance of the campground. It seemed like a nice setup," notes Lacee G. about Cane Creek State Park.
Wildlife education: Use wildlife sightings as educational opportunities. "We were able to watch numerous birds (pileated woodpeckers) and even saw a swamp rat swimming in the lake (resembles a beaver with a skinny tail)," shares Lacee G. from her Cane Creek experience.
Tips from RVers
Hookup distances: At many Star City area dog friendly campgrounds, water connections may be shared between sites requiring longer hoses. "The water hookups are half way between the sites to be shared, and my 50ft hose just barely could reach," shares Allison N. about Pendleton Bend.
Power limitations: Merrisach Lake and other campgrounds may have electrical restrictions. "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," shares Lacee G. about Cane Creek.
Dump station locations: Plan for potentially distant dump stations. "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," warns Aaron D G. about his stay at Merrisach Lake.
