Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Walcott, AR

Excellent weekend camping at Craighead Forest State Park outside Jonesboro, Ar.

The park offers four trails, one gravel pedestrian only, one paved multi-use with excercise equipment, a forest trail and one dirt trail for bikers and runners. Three large playgrounds, pavilions and several small playgrounds. A dog park/beach access area and dog dock. Fishing and watercraft access. Camping and a nature center.

When we arrived at the campground we had the choice of several primitive campsites. There is limited parking in the small gravel lot. There are three sites near the lot and then several others about 200 to 300 ft down the gravel trail.

This is the same gravel trail, approximately 3 miles long, that circles the lake. Needless to say there is a lot of foot traffic on it.

There was plenty of room at the site. We set up two tents and a hammock plus had the picnic table, fire pit and gravel pad which is right on the lake. If you bring your fishing gear or water craft it’s easy to tie off right at your campsite.

Directly across from primitive camping are two very large , active playgrounds a pavilion and restroom. There’s a snow cone vendor with loud music who frequents that parking area too. In addition the park is not closed during the night so we got to listen to several loud conversation, music blaring from a car stereo until about 1:30am and a rather colorful argument at one point.

You drive through the RV area on your way in to the primitive area. There is a nice new bathroom facility with uncomfortably warm cranking heat, the metal fixtures were warm to the touch. One drawback to there being only one restroom about 1/4 mile from the primitive area, you know people aren’t walking that far at night when the need to go…, just saying.

So Pros: centrally located, water access, nice trails, good size sites, a lot to do

Cons: foot traffic, noise, no privacy, noise, not limited access

I must make a comment regarding two other reviews. A lake is generally deeper than a pond. You weigh the depth and surface to judge if a body of water is one or the other. In Arkansas you will find a pond on a ranch or a farm. Now in some areas of the United States there are lakes that cover masses of acres and I had to laugh at the fact that Lake Charles was being called a pond. In the south we consider Lake Charles a lake even if it is only 645 acres.  Please don't take offense, I meant none, we just look at things a bit different, we are also very proud of Arkansas and the fact that it is considered "The Natural State."

Folks if you travel to very many state parks or Corp of Engineer COE parks in Arkansas you will encounter another southern foible.  Narrow roads.  Most of Arkansas is rural and you will find that most roads are older, narrow and farm equipment or ranching equipment uses the roads.  That also leads toward the "charm" of Arkansas.  If you stay in the larger towns you will manage to get by fairly well but venture towards the campgrounds and we hope you enjoy the state.  Take your time.

Lake Charles State Park is 1/2 more or less hour from Jonesboro on a quiet country road.  It has a 645 acre lake with bass, crappie, bream and catfish.  This park operates year round.  From March to October to will be able to purchase bait and tackle at the Visitor Center.  There are Class AAA sites to tent sites with many on the lake.  There are yurts available.  From November to February a 3-D Archery range is open.  You will find 4 hiking trails and there are several programs offered by the rangers.  Check on the programs offered through the Arkansas State Parks, find the park you want, and plan your stay.  It will be a learning experience for young and old.  So map out everything you want to do and learn.

Fish, kayak, hike, ranger talks, camping, picnicking, what more can you ask for.  Lake Charles was established in 1963 and was dedicated on May 28, 1967.

Picnic tables, grills, lantern hooks and paved pads are at each campsite.  Restrooms and bathhouses are modern and "air conditioned" which come in handy when you are dealing with Arkansas heat and humidity.  There is a dump stationed and trash area shortly after coming into the park.  All sites may be reserved.  Beautiful shades trees, level sites with some a bit tight.  No waterskiing or tubing is allowed.

Four walking trails with the Cedar Trail being paved.  The Butterflies and Blooms Trail is a short gravel trail and the Native Plant Trail uses plants that will attract butterflies and local wildlife.

Swimming area is free of charge and is located in a day use area.  You will not find life guards so please watch over all.  Alcohol, glass bottles and pets are not allowed.  You will find a gently sloping sandy beach.  

A short distance away from the park is Davidsonville Historic State Park and Powhatan Courthouse State Park.  There is plenty to keep you busy and we hope you enjoy a laid back southern vacation.

Word of warning.  Even a native Arkansan quakes when it come summer time and the dreaded flies and mosquitoes come out to play.  Research, find all kinds of options for keeping them at bay, screens on your doors, campfire smoke, anything just don't let them stop you from enjoying.

Have Fun - Stay Safe   Leave No Trace Better Than You Found It

Craighead Forest Park was conceived in 1937 when the Young Mens' Civic Club began work on the lake.  It is now a city owned park that is located in the rolling hills of Crowley's Ridge.  The park encompasses 692 acres and should be the pride and joy of Jonesboro.  A residential area has grown around the park which will ensure the peacefulness of the area.  Basketball, bike and running trails, bird watching, camping, disc golf, fishing, horseshoes, playgrounds, softball, volleyball.  There is a great splash pad for the kids.  This place has it all rolled into one great package.  The grass and wooded areas are well maintained to make for a wonderful stay.

• 5 tent sites
• A primitive camping area
• Electrical outlets
• Fire rings
• Picnic Tables,
• Water
• Tolilet and shower facilities
• Laundry facilities
• 41 sites with water and electric
• Dump station
• Reduced rates for seniors
• Free firewood
• Pets They have a dog jumping pier

This is a small, compact campground on a one lane road with a nice turn around at the bottom at the lake.  Some sites are called water sites but I consider them sites with a view of the water.  Most sites are level, some not, so when you reserve ask for one of the sites that has the new concrete pads.  The campground is located away from the ball areas so it is very quiet and not being on a thru street the only traffic is to be the campground traffic.  Sites are wooded and there was a nice breeze coming off the lake.  My first thought when I booked was MOSQUITOES you can't be from that area with out thinking of them.  For the two days we were there not a mosquito and almost no flies.  This is a wonderful surprise for anyone coming through Jonesboro.  We will be back.  Being in the south we all know how hot and humid it can be and a trip to the bathroom/shower facility is often not the most pleasant.  Loved the shower/bathroom facilities.  Air Conditioned, it was amazing with the temps reaching 100 and more while we were there..  This campground had set the bar high and I am sure they will always attain excellence.

The park has approximately 15 miles of mountain bike trails intertwined in the forest, there is a 2.4 mile chat trail that winds around the lake and a 2.9 miles if nicely paved road that circles the park.  There is an area for ATV riders and many trails can accommodate horses.  Check out the three trails that lead to the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center.

The Forest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center gives the visitor a chance to see the story of a very special ridge that runs along the top of the Mississippi Delta.  They have a 17,033 square foot facility that features an education, exhibit and meeting facility that is on 160 acre prairie.  There is a 2.5 acre pond and about 100 acres of woodlands.  the Nature Center is the perfect accessory to your stay at the Craighead Forest Park.

Jonesboro offers plenty of entertainment not nature related.  Arkansas State University, a great college town, all types of restaurants, chain and local, movie theatre, grocery stores, shopping mall.  There is the Arkansas State University Museum that features a 21,000 square feet of historic, archaeological and natural history exhibits.  It mainly focuses on the history and cultural heritage of Northeast Arkansas and the Mississippi River Delta.

Jonesboro might not be quite the draw of many other areas but I think you might be surprised.

Jonesboro is the fifth largest city in Arkansas weighing in at over 67,000 people

Another great Arkansas State Park! The campground is small, but the sites are nice. Arkansas has some of the best bathhouses as well! There is a really nice playground and also a walking trail that you can access from the campground.

The lake has finally been repaired and they have begun the refill process after is has been dry for several years.

The town of Harrisburg is close by in case you need to make a store run or grab some food. There is a small store here at the park, but it was closed while we were here, so I’m not sure how much stuff they have to offer.