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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
