6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tom Sawyer's RV Park sits directly on the Mississippi River, allowing pets at all of their spacious camping sites. Located in West Memphis, Arkansas, the park maintains a consistent pet-friendly policy with no reported breed restrictions. Full hookup sites accommodate RVs and tents, while the on-site cabin options also welcome pets. Memphis KOA in nearby Marion similarly permits pets at their tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. The bathrooms and grounds at Tom Sawyer's are kept clean, making it comfortable for both pets and owners. Some sites offer ample shade while others feature more open space along the riverbank where dogs can enjoy watching barge traffic pass by. Most pet owners appreciate the grassy areas for walking dogs, though poison ivy and ticks can be problematic during warmer months.
Access to outdoor areas varies between campgrounds near West Memphis. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park provides pet-friendly camping with access to hiking trails where leashed dogs are welcome. T.O. Fuller State Park Campground offers additional pet exercise opportunities with walking paths throughout the grounds. The area experiences significant seasonal variation, so pet owners should be mindful of summer heat when planning activities with dogs. Portable water bowls are recommended as temperatures can rise quickly during warmer months. While wildlife encounters are possible at riverfront sites like Tom Sawyer's, the established campgrounds maintain good separation between camping areas and denser forest habitats. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements, though specific pet areas may have different rules. Veterinary services are available in West Memphis and across the river in Memphis for emergency pet care.
"Really like the park, but really wasn’t impressed by West Memphis. Luckily, the park seems to be well buffered from the town. Went into Memphis on days one and two."
"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."
"Dogs loved their late night and early morning walks."
"Cicadas will drive you mad (even with earplugs I struggled to sleep but can't do anything about them..just fyi)."
Available this weekend
"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."
Available this weekend
"Easy exit I called reservations were easy to make and when I got there everything was set. I extended my stay and that was incredibly smooth."
"There is a dog park, horseshoes and cornhole. They offer daily breakfast and lunch and will deliver site made pizza to your camper. They also have a community garden.Very close to Memphis."
"Nice campground next to Graceland. Clean park. Open area for dogs to walk."
"We showed up after hours and the security guard was able to help us get situated. We walked right over for a tour of Graceland and the Elvis museums."
"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
"Huge dog park and close to any type of store you might need. Clean facilities and very nice staff."
"One exit north has everything you need; food, Aldi's, Walmart. The Dog Run is a huge area."
"This is a huge campground and the price for a spot was at least double what we would pay elsewhere (nearly $100)."
"Airplanes every few hours, traffic from a nearby highway. Site 44 happens to be the only one without a tree for shade though, so unless you like hot sun- book another one."
ScoutLike others, we found the area outside the park to be industrial and a little dodgy, but once in the park itself, it is a real gem! The barge channel is right off the park's riverbank, so you get an up close look as they pass by
TravelerOwners/managers have been very helpful and accommodating . This camp is a work in progress but I have nothing to complain about. Seems safe and has been very quiet since we got here. $40/full hookups. Two bars T-Mobile but I am using StarLink Mini. I am sure this will earn a 5th Star when the makeover is complete.
GuideWe really enjoyed our stay at Graceland RV Park and Campground. If you’re coming to Memphis to visit Graceland, it’s hard to beat the location. Being so close made everything easy and gave us plenty of time to enjoy the whole experience without rushing.
The Graceland Mansion tour was fantastic. Even if you’ve seen it countless times on TV, actually walking through Elvis’s home and seeing the rooms for yourself is something completely different. There’s so much history there, and it really gives you a sense of the man behind the legend.
We were equally impressed with the museums and exhibits. There is far more to see than we expected, from Elvis’s cars and stage outfits to memorabilia and displays covering his incredible career. Give yourself a good 3–4 hours at a minimum to see everything properly. You could easily spend longer if you’re a big Elvis fan.
While we were in Memphis, we also made the trip downtown to Beale Street, and we’re glad we did. It’s exactly the kind of place you picture when you think of Memphis — live music coming from the bars, plenty of restaurants, lots of places to grab a drink and a great atmosphere as you walk along the street. It made for a brilliant evening after spending the day at Graceland.
For us, staying at Graceland RV Park, touring the mansion and museums, and then experiencing the music, bars and restaurants of Beale Street made for a memorable Memphis visit.
We’d happily stay here again. If you’re traveling by RV and Graceland is on your bucket list, this is a great place to make your base.
GuideBooked a complete reservation(paid in full) online 2 weeks in advance and called a few days prior to inquire on check-in procedures and ask about early check in since we were coming from a few hours away. Was told that the RV Park has"any time" check in and when you check in proceed to the hotel registration desk to receive your site number. Upon arrival-- DO NOT FOLLOW THE SIGNS THAT DIRECT YOU TO THE RV PARK! Instead proceed down the far, far left arrow(not under the archway) around the back and that will take you to the hotel entrance where you can park easily to go inside and check in I reserved a pull through. We did not get a pull through. Every pull through was occupied but one and the water did not work on that site. We were given a back in site. I asked at check in if it was the same price since I booked a pull through and was told it was the same price. I also asked if we would fit and was informed that every site is the same length. They are not! We were given site#43. We did not even attempt it, we would not have fit. Our camper is 35 ft. And truck is 25 ft. I called the number and was transferred to the supervisor and explained the situation. By chance we were driving around and saw site#10 and inquired while she was on the phone with me. We fit in site#10. 1st and foremost, I am in no way bashing work camps. They serve a purpose and hubby has utilized them over the years with his previous employment. However, this is a work camp with a few travelers. Totally misrepresented online. It is not your typical casino RV park. It is run down along with the casino and several of the casinos in the Tunica area have been closed or are being torn down. It was quiet-ish. Being a work camp, diesels fired up between 3am-6am. People returned to their campers between 5pm-8pm. The bathhouse resembled a barracks after quitting time. Quiet time was 10pm and it was quiet until it was time to go to work. Everyone around did keep to themselves. Our"neighbors" were friendly and courteous. The RV park served its purpose to decompress and look at our route over the Mississippi River. We camped at Hollywood Casino Hotel& RV Park in a Travel Trailer.
ScoutAwesome Clean camp grounds with easy bathroom and water and electric hook ups definitely a 10 out of 10
GuidePulled in here after driving all day and the park was full of campers that looked to be somewhat long term. I went inside to pay for site 63 (which was empty and the camper next door said was used all the time for overnight camping) and they said we are full and there's no water at site 63. The manager said this park used to be used for casino customers, but now they are renting long term to construction workers. It would have cost $40 to stay if they had space. Too bad- we would have eaten in a casino restaurant and played a bit. We left and drove to Enid Lake and stayed at a COE CG that was one of the nicest ever, at $10 less for the night. Lessons learned-definitely need to call ahead even though people said just pull in no reservations needed-also- awesome stay for less just down the road. Spaces at Hollywood were close together, paved, there is laundry on site. Staff in the casino (hotel desk) were friendly and helpful.
GuideThis is our 3rd visit to this campground. Worth the short drive off Route 40 to get an awesome view of the river and nice benches along river if you’re not up for walking in the heat of summer. Rather level concrete and gravel spots.
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
Tom Sawyer's RV Park and Memphis KOA offer pet friendly camping near West Memphis, Arkansas with 50-amp hookups for big rigs. Both campgrounds sit within a 30-minute drive of downtown Memphis, providing convenient access for travelers who need to keep their pets with them while exploring the region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping with animals in this Mississippi River valley area.
River watching opportunities: At Tom Sawyer's RV Park, the Mississippi River provides entertainment directly from your campsite. "Sunrise over the river was perfect. Watching the tug boats moving up and down the river all day and night was relaxing," notes one visitor. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife along the shoreline or observe river traffic.
Water recreation: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the lake system. "You can travel to the boat ramp and marina and rent boats there or bring your own to take advantage of the lake which winds through various types of vegetation," explains a camper who enjoyed paddling through the "swampy feeling area."
Swimming options: Children enjoy the large pool at Sun Retreats Horn Lake during summer months. "Traveling from California with kids who have been at the mercy of cross-country RV parks - this was a reprieve for them, pool, bikes, playgrounds," reports a visiting family, though note that some water amenities operate seasonally.
Complimentary amenities: Memphis KOA offers unexpected services that campers appreciate. "Very impressed they have breakfast and dinner + they deliver right to ur site! My dog LOVES the dog park ~ the swimming pool looks nice and showers bathrooms are some of the best I've seen since Michigan," notes a satisfied guest who extended their stay.
Free laundry facilities: Multiple campers mention Tom Sawyer's RV Park provides free laundry facilities, a rare perk in campgrounds. "The free laundry facilities were very clean and nice with several machines," reports one long-term visitor who stayed from March through November.
Pet exercise areas: Dedicated spaces for dogs make traveling with pets easier at several campgrounds. "The Dog Run is a huge area," notes one reviewer at EZ Daze RV Park, while another mentions they "loved waking up every morning to the sunrise over the Mississippi River, watching the barges and running around in the big grassy areas" with their kids.
Flooding issues: The Mississippi River occasionally rises beyond its banks, affecting campground availability. "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, campground was cleaned up and open," warns one Tom Sawyer's visitor.
Industrial surroundings: Some campgrounds near Memphis have industrial neighbors that affect the experience. At T.O. Fuller State Park Campground, "There's a smell due to the industrial zone right outside the park," and "Apparently there is a sewage treatment plant upwind and the odor is pretty acute depending on how the wind is blowing."
Seasonal insects: Bug pressure varies dramatically by season. At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, "Unless you are in love with mosquitos you may want to stay away from here in the summer," warns one camper. Another suggests, "Bring citronella candles for your table when camping and try to put a dryer sheet in your pocket to ward off mosquitoes."
Archaeological experiences: Village Creek State Park Campground offers unique historical learning opportunities. "There is a particularly stunning trail that includes one of the most well-preserved sections of the Trail of Tears. This made for both a lovely hike and a history lesson for our seven year old," shares one family who appreciated the educational aspect.
Multiple playground options: Some campgrounds feature multiple play areas for different age groups. "There were several playgrounds my son enjoyed & we had a blast doing the scavenger hunt," reports a Sun Retreats Horn Lake visitor, while another noted the "areas are very clean kid friendly playgrounds."
Proximity to attractions: When camping with kids, consider the location relative to Memphis attractions. "10 minutes to Graceland. 20 minutes to Beale Street, 30 minutes to The Lorraine Motel," explains a T.O. Fuller visitor, making it convenient for families mixing camping with city exploration.
Access challenges: The approach to some campgrounds can be challenging for large rigs. At Tom Sawyer's RV Park, "Holy heck the drive getting to this place is crazy - left off the interstate, through a shady part of Memphis, past all kinds of industry, across tracks and over a dike, down a curvy bumpy gravel road past ancient campground signs and various unrelated turn offs."
Site selection importance: At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, "Not all sites are suitable for tent campers. I would call ahead to ask what sites to consider if booking online," advises one visitor. Another noted, "We watched a super long RV struggle to back into their site, so I wouldn't recommend this campground to RVs that require pull through sites."
Voltage issues: Electrical systems can be inconsistent at some campgrounds. One EZ Daze visitor reported, "We experienced a problem with our Powerdog 50 EPO Surge protector getting an E1 and E2 code error from the pedastals... I checked my Powerdog app and it showed 142.5 volts on line 2," suggesting bringing a surge protector when camping in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near West Memphis, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near West Memphis, AR is Tom Sawyer's RV Park with a 4-star rating from 62 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near West Memphis, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 dog-friendly camping locations near West Memphis, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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