Camping near Crossett, Arkansas offers outdoor recreation opportunities centered primarily around water-based activities and forested settings. The region sits in the Gulf Coastal Plain with an average elevation of 180 feet and receives approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall. Most campsites in the area feature moderate to heavy tree coverage, providing natural shade during the hot summer months when temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s.
What to do
Kayaking ancient waterways: Chemin-A-Haut State Park features thousand-year-old cypress trees along its creek. "Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle to them," recommends one visitor to Chemin-A-Haut State Park. The park's unique ecosystem provides a glimpse into the region's natural history.
Fishing from dedicated structures: Grand Marais County Park offers fishing docks, though visitors note improvements are needed. "Great level clean sites, no sewer, dump station easy access. Store on site and ice onsite. Needs repairs desperately on the fishing docks very unsafe!" reports a camper at Grand Marais County Park.
Hiking woodland trails: Lake D'Arbonne State Park features "nice hilly trails for hiking" with varied terrain. A visitor observed, "The park is beautiful, especially right now with all the changing colors of the trees." The trails wind through forested areas and provide wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
What campers like
Level, concrete campsites: Many campers appreciate well-maintained, level sites at Moro Bay State Park. "All the sites were concrete and level. Most sites had nice level tent pads as well," noted one visitor to Moro Bay State Park Campground. The park's attention to site preparation makes setup easier for both tent and RV campers.
Uncrowded camping atmosphere: Chemin-A-Haut State Park offers a secluded camping experience with minimal crowds. "Have camped here on multiple occasions. Every time there have been very few campers so it's almost like having the entire campgrounds to yourself," shared a camper. This quiet environment creates opportunities for solitude not found at busier parks.
Recreation amenities: Lake D'Arbonne State Park provides diverse recreational options beyond water activities. "Lots of amenities. Tennis courses, disc golf course, hiking/biking trails, swimming pool, cabins, lodges, several playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions & WiFi," reports a visitor to Lake D'Arbonne State Park. The varied facilities allow for multiple activity options regardless of weather conditions.
What you should know
Hurricane impacts: Severe weather can affect campground conditions and accessibility. "It was a last minute booking, for a holiday weekend, after a major hurricane. Campground was nice, nice & clean bathhouses, nice pool [closed due to pandemic]," noted a visitor at Moro Bay State Park.
Seasonal water level variations: Water levels significantly impact activities at certain parks. "Water has been high for a few months so its ugly and not so useable. There's supposed to be a route by canoe to old growth trees but water is too high," reported one camper at Chemin-A-Haut State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Local campgrounds feature active wildlife that may approach campers. "Raccoons are very curious and obviously human fed because they will walk right up to you," warns a visitor at Crossett Harbor RV Park. Local wildlife includes deer, raccoons, wild hogs, and various bird species.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Campgrounds with play areas provide activities for children. "There was a large playground for children," noted a visitor at Moro Bay State Park, making it suitable for families with younger children needing recreational outlets.
Kid-friendly trails: Some parks offer trails specifically designed for children. Lake D'Arbonne State Park "had two playgrounds and kids trail," according to one visitor, creating age-appropriate outdoor experiences for families.
Rental equipment availability: Crossett RV Park offers "bike rental, a dock with fishing boat rental as well as kayaks, and peddle boats." A visitor noted the park has "a store with firewood and boat, bike rentals," providing families with equipment options without needing to transport their own.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: RVers should carefully select sites based on levelness. "I almost never got my camper level in sight #21," cautions one RVer about Moro Bay State Park. Requesting specific site numbers based on rig size and leveling requirements can improve setup experience.
Off-season availability: Winter camping offers fewer crowds with mild temperatures. "Great place to spend Christmas nice hot showers fishing right from our site," noted an RVer at Moro Bay State Park, highlighting the year-round accessibility of many area campgrounds.
Full hookup locations: Union County Grand Marais Campground offers electric hookups and is "great for fishing very far out from town." The remote location provides fishing access while still maintaining necessary amenities for RV camping, though the distance from town requires planning for supplies.
