46 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The northeastern Arkansas region surrounding Turrell provides access to several established campgrounds within an hour's drive, including Village Creek State Park and Mississippi River State Park. Village Creek, located in Wynne about 30 miles west of Turrell, features nearly 100 spacious sites spread across multiple camping loops, with options for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Mississippi River State Park offers a smaller, more intimate camping experience with only 17 RV sites surrounded on three sides by Bear Creek Lake. Between Memphis and Turrell, campers will find several commercial options like Tom Sawyer's RV Park in West Memphis and Memphis KOA in Marion, both providing convenient access to Interstate 55.
Camping availability remains consistent year-round at most area campgrounds, though summer humidity and mosquitoes can be challenging, particularly in locations near the Mississippi River. As one camper noted about Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, "mosquitoes are terrible in the summer around dusk. Some bug spray, citronella, and a campfire seemed to ward them off." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with several state parks having limited or no coverage. Village Creek State Park visitors report driving "approximately 8 miles towards Wynne to get sufficient cell signal to make calls and connect with internet." Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays, with state parks typically booking up several months ahead.
State park campgrounds in the region receive consistently high ratings for their well-maintained facilities and natural settings. Mississippi River State Park earns particular praise for its spacious, level sites and clean facilities. According to one visitor, "This Arkansas state park is top notch. It offers a very quiet, immaculate campground with only 17 sites for RV hook ups." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer commonly spotted at Village Creek State Park. Campers seeking urban proximity appreciate T.O. Fuller State Park and Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park near Memphis, though some note road noise at commercial campgrounds near the interstate. Water recreation is available at most state parks, with fishing, boating, and seasonal swimming areas complementing the camping experience.
"The campground is generally more expensive than the other surrounding camping spots in the area. However, the camp is very nice."
"Took our brand new RV here for its shakedown trip the very day I picked up as it is so close to home. Was pleasantly surprised by the overall atmosphere of the campground."
"This campsite is in West Memphis, Arkansas right across the river from Memphis Tennessee. The sites are right on the river bank, beautiful. Sunrise over the river was perfect."
"This place is a 6 star park next to Ms river close to Memphis,TN quite, great spots, clean and a lake oand ponds on the sites."
"We spent the night while driving north past Memphis. The staff was super helpful. Our site (and the whole campground) was covered in snow and in was cold."
"They also have a community garden.Very close to Memphis. The only downside is it has quite a bit of road traffic noise and a strange side road entrance.1"
"Cicadas will drive you mad (even with earplugs I struggled to sleep but can't do anything about them..just fyi)."
"There is a dump station at the entrance of the campground. There is a 4.5 mile hiking trail and a 2 mile novice trail."
"This campground is located very convenient location. Some people complained noise from the freeway but it didn’t bother much form us. Bath house was clean."
"I am near the interstate so it is loud. But great people very nice set up. You can order food and they bring it to your site. Cafe on site aswell. Just an enjoyable place"
"There are nearly 100 sites here at Village Creek State Park. They are Spacious, paved and well maintained."
"This park was stunning the drive though a little narrow at times was scenic from the drive to the RV site. Pull Through with own area not to close to other sites."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"It is located next to Elvis Presley’s Memphis and across the street from Graceland- it’s a busy area."
"You can walk right from the RV park to the museum. There’s a private gate from the campground to leads to the museum so you don’t have to drive anywhere."
"The group site is away from all the other sites so you have plenty of room for children of all ages to run around and play without disturbing other campers. It’s very roomy and beautiful."
"The bathrooms were close by and extremely clean, with good water pressure and temperature. It’s also a great price compared to other state park prices. We cannot wait to come back!"
"Another great Arkansas State Park! The campground is small, but the sites are nice. Arkansas has some of the best bathhouses as well!"
"Really enjoy camping at lake Poinsett. The campground is mostly shady with water and electric at each site. There is no sewer hook up but a dump station is next to the visitor center."
"The CG is close to the commissary. Not much else with in walking distance."
ScoutMy husband and I loved the 20Amp tent sites. The bathrooms were close by and extremely clean, with good water pressure and temperature. It’s also a great price compared to other state park prices. We cannot wait to come back!
ScoutNice place after you get past the Oil refinery and the neighborhood. Once in park it is well maintained and safe. Nice to watch the bardges on the Mississippi
TravelerClean air conditioning bathrooms, which is very nice because the heat was close to 100°. Campground camping spots were flat for RVs and a beautiful lake.
ScoutI don’t understand why others are complaining. It is the nicest park in Jonesboro. (Try staying at some of the others and worry about your stuff being stolen.) It is gated with lots of security cameras which make me feel safe. I come over here for work often. It is off the interstate, so you will hear traffic. This is a DUH! If you can’t grasp that then don’t stay at a park off a highway or interstate. I love watching the geese when I come in for weekly stays. Animals poop outside. Do you tell the geese to go poop in the bathroom? Do you tell the wildlife at other parks to quit pooping outside? That seems nuts to complain about animals pooping outside. It is a great park for the things that matter. The customer service is the best in comparison to the other parks.
TravelerThis place is a hidden gem. The campground is small, but the sites are surprisingly spacious — you won’t feel stacked on top of your neighbors here. The lake is gorgeous, the facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the birdwatching is honestly next level — more birds than you can imagine, all day long.
Just know what you’re getting into: this park is genuinely in the middle of nowhere. Don’t plan on going out to dinner — there isn’t anywhere to go. A decent grocery store nearby covers the basics, so stock up before you settle in. Free WiFi at the campground was a nice surprise touch given how remote it feels.
If you want a peaceful, well-kept campground away from crowds and noise, this is it. Just come prepared and ready to unplug — except maybe for the WiFi.
LegendNice and clean, small campground.
TravelerCampground was a little difficult to find. Had to ask a ranger for directions. It was dusk when we arrived and the bugs were no joke. We are talking mosquitoes, no seeums, moths, flies. Make sure you pack your bug spray!
However, the campground was very well maintained with nice bathhouses. There were 3 bathroom stalls, 4 showers all ADA accessible, and the AC felt so nice. Make sure you have your reservation on hand because the cell service is really bad there (I have Verizon) and couldn’t load my reservation confirmation. Without it I would not have been able to get into the bathrooms since you need to put in a code to access them.
The area is really nice for its proximity to the city.
GuideOvernight stop while traveling east in I40. A little detour, but a nice, quiet place to stay for military
ScoutGood quiet and peaceful
Camping near Turrell, Arkansas provides access to unique natural landscapes formed by the ancient Mississippi Alluvial Plain. With an average elevation of just 217 feet above sea level, this low-lying area features distinct soil compositions and water features compared to other parts of Arkansas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights frequently drop below freezing between December and February.
Hiking historic trails: At Fort Pillow Historic State Park, trails lead along Mississippi River bluffs with educational markers. "We enjoyed the hikes around the Civil War historic area and the nature center was very interesting as well. There is a nice raised walking area there as well," notes a visitor. The park includes well-preserved sections of the Trail of Tears.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Poinsett State Park offers recently restored fishing access after dam repairs. "Fishing is catch and release only except for Catfish and Brim due to recently reopening the lake," explains a camper who visited during Memorial Day weekend. The park provides shoreline access and boat launches.
Golf course access: Village Creek State Park features a 27-hole golf course adjacent to camping areas. A regular visitor notes, "Only an hour from Memphis, this campground is VERY nice - three camping areas, two lakes with boat rentals, 6 cabins, and a gorgeous 27 hole golf course."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot deer, birds, and small mammals throughout the region. At Village Creek, trails through Crowley's Ridge showcase unique plant species not found elsewhere in Arkansas. "The Crowley's Ridge region of the state is home to unique geological formations, soil and plant life unlike anywhere else in Arkansas."
Spacious, private sites: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers campsites with good separation. "Every site feels like it was cut right out of the trees. They are all RV sites with electric and water but I pitched a tent with no problem," explains a tent camper. This park provides a forest atmosphere within 20 minutes of Memphis.
Clean facilities: Parks in the region maintain high cleanliness standards. A first-time camper at Meeman-Shelby noted, "Areas are very clean kid friendly playgrounds. Each space was far enough but not but also in proximity to each other for those who afraid to camp out somewhere totally alone. Bathrooms are nice and easily accessible near campsites."
River views: Tom Sawyer's RV Park offers unobstructed Mississippi River access. "As the sun began to set, we walked along the river and climbed on huge logs and ran up and down the river bank," shares a visitor. "Tugboats pushed barges against the current at a slower than walking pace. Trees with root balls intact floated downstream."
Free amenities: Several campgrounds offer unexpected free services. One reviewer highlighted Tom Sawyer's conveniences: "Beautiful park right by the river. Friendly, helpful staff, free laundry, and even some small walking trails!"
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region, especially in forest areas. A camper at Meeman-Shelby reports, "We had 0 service anywhere near our campsite. Nice to disconnect for a night, but plan accordingly." Download maps and essential information before arriving.
Seasonal challenges: Summer camping brings specific issues. "Mosquitos are straight up in the forest. This park has tons of trees," notes a camper at T.O. Fuller State Park. Another cautions about Fort Pillow: "There was also zero shade and A LOT of bugs—we got eaten alive."
Reservation requirements: Most state parks require advance bookings. Lake Poinsett's online system allows reservations up to a year in advance. A camper noted, "Reserved on-line 346 days prior to arriving. Good overnight stop for $25."
Flooding impacts: Tom Sawyer's RV Park occasionally closes due to high water levels. "This campground is right on the Mississippi River, only problem is if the river is over its banks, then the campground is closed. We had to keep checking to see if the river was down."
Playground access: Several parks feature updated play areas. At Fort Pillow, "The group site is away from all the other sites so you have plenty of room for children of all ages to run around and play without disturbing other campers."
Swimming options: Memphis KOA offers pool access for cooling off in hot weather. "The pool was clean and a great way to cool off. They have a Cafe that serves breakfast and dinner. Dinner is delivered to your site," notes a family who appreciated these amenities.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. T.O. Fuller State Park visitors receive "free tickets to Chucalissa museum when checking in," with exhibits displaying artifacts found on the property.
Kid-friendly food options: Some campgrounds offer on-site dining. A KOA visitor shares, "Very impressed they have breakfast and dinner + they deliver right to ur site!" This convenience helps after long travel days with children.
Site selection strategy: At Village Creek, "All sites with water, 30A, fire ring, grill and picnic table. Some sites on the back sides of the camp ground are subject to erosion and can be unlevel and not ideal for kids," advises a long-term visitor.
Leveling challenges: Fort Pillow requires careful site selection. "About half of the sites are on a slight incline that we would consider unlevel. Sites have electric (30 and 50 amp) and water that are easy to reach," notes an RV camper with a 45-foot rig.
Campground access: Road conditions affect large vehicle access. Regarding Tom Sawyer's RV Park, a camper cautions, "The drive into the park is not very pretty but once in the park, it is VERY nice. The staff keep the area clean, they are aware of who is supposed there and who is not."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Turrell, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Turrell, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 46 campgrounds and RV parks near Turrell, AR and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Turrell, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Turrell, AR is Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Turrell, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Turrell, AR.
Keep Exploring
