Cane Creek State Park Campground offers visitors a chance to experience nature where the Gulf Coastal Plain meets the Mississippi Delta. Located near Star City, the park sits at an elevation of around 220 feet above sea level with distinctive bottomland hardwood forests typical of southeast Arkansas. The campground contains sites spread across 1,675 acres with both wooded areas and lake access points that maintain their natural character throughout seasonal changes.
What to do
Seasonal kayaking opportunities: Cane Creek's kayaking experience changes with the seasons, with early spring bringing wildflowers and late fall showcasing colorful foliage. As one visitor at Cane Creek State Park Campground noted, "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!"
Fishing from dedicated camper docks: The park maintains separate fishing areas specifically for overnight guests, located within a short walk from most sites. A camper reported, "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!"
Winter wildlife viewing: The cooler months bring increased wildlife activity around the water, with opportunities to see various bird species and mammals. A visitor to Merrisach Lake shared, "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."
What campers like
Level, accessible sites: Campers appreciate the well-maintained, flat camping areas that accommodate various equipment sizes. A camper at Cane Creek State Park noted, "Easy to get into most spaces, flat long, asphalt RV sites. Quiet. Dock is just down the hill from the RV spaces."
Clean facilities: The modern bathhouses receive consistent positive feedback for their maintenance and accessibility. One visitor mentioned, "We were very pleased with the bath house which was really clean and fairly central to all campsites." Another camper at Pat Kelley RV Park highlighted the practical amenities: "This is a bare bone site with full hookups on drive through concrete pads. Nice and level. $20.00 cash."
Year-round accessibility: The park remains open throughout the seasons, allowing for different camping experiences. A winter visitor shared, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal bug concerns: Depending on weather patterns, insects can significantly impact camping experiences during certain periods. A camper warned, "The second time it was unbearable because a hurricane had blown in trillions of 'love bugs'. Our visit was during the bugs' mating season. The bugs were so thick that you could not even go outside your camper without getting a mouth full, nose full, eyes full, and ears full of these bugs."
Limited water visibility: Most sites don't have direct lake views despite proximity to water. As one camper explained, "The water is only visible from 2 of the campsites. There is lots of shade. It is very enjoyable when the bugs are not present."
Access challenges: Reaching the water may require navigating slopes and vegetation. A visitor explained, "You have to walk through thick brush on a slope to reach the water. My husband mostly chose to walk down to the fishing pier and docks. It was about a two minute walk away from our site."
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Fall brings special decorating traditions that appeal to families with children. A local visitor to Cane Creek State Park Campground shared, "Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!"
Educational opportunities: The visitor center offers programming specifically designed for younger campers. A family noted, "We are from Star City so we have visited the park often but finally decided to camp there and it was so nice. The campgrounds are nice and the visitors center offers fun activities for the kids."
Fire ant awareness: Families should check their immediate camping area upon arrival. One visitor cautioned, "We did have several fire ant hills that we had to deal with and quite a few red wasps. We were able to watch numerous birds (pileated woodpeckers) and even saw a swamp rat swimming in the lake."
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity limitations: Be aware of power restrictions at some sites, particularly when using multiple appliances. A camper shared, "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."
Dump station location: Plan for potential distances between camping areas and sanitation facilities. An RVer at Merrisach Lake advised, "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."
Glamping in Ethel, Arkansas alternatives: For those seeking luxury camping experiences near Ethel without traditional RV setups, consider rental options. "You can rent an RV here as well. It's set up at the entrance of the campground. It seemed like a nice setup. We rode past it several times on our explorations of the park."
