Cabin camping near Harrisburg, Arkansas combines convenient access to outdoor recreation with comfortable lodging. The region sits along Crowley's Ridge, a unique geological formation rising 200-550 feet above the Mississippi Delta flatlands. Lake Poinsett sits at 232 feet elevation and provides fishing opportunities, though camping areas around Harrisburg can experience significant mosquito activity during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails near campgrounds: Most state parks offering cabin rentals feature hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Lake Poinsett State Park has a 1.3-mile trail accessible directly from the campground. "There is a really nice playground and also a walking trail that you can access from the campground," notes one visitor to Lake Poinsett State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Fishing remains popular at Lake Poinsett following dam repairs and lake refilling. "Fishing is catch and release only except for Catfish and Brim due to recently reopening the lake," reports a camper at Lake Poinsett State Park. Lake Frierson State Park Campground offers additional fishing options with one reviewer calling it "a great fishing hole with a small campground."
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, several parks offer kayaking, canoeing, and boat rentals. "We had a wonderful time fishing and hiking the 1.3 mile trail," writes a visitor to Lake Poinsett. The surrounding lakes allow for varied water activities, though swimming is prohibited at some locations including Lake Poinsett.
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: Village Creek State Park receives positive feedback for its site layout. "The sites there are large, and spaced out pretty well," notes one camper about the B loop full-hookup area at Village Creek State Park Campground. This campground features multiple camping areas spread across a larger property.
Clean facilities: State parks in the region maintain clean restroom facilities. "Arkansas has some of the best bathhouses," mentions a Lake Poinsett visitor. Another notes, "Shower house/bathroom cleaned and well maintained," highlighting the staff attention to facility upkeep.
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings create peaceful camping environments. At Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground, a camper describes it as a "small but hidden treasure" with multiple recreational options. Another mentions, "Beautiful park with lots of trees. Clean bathrooms."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat and insects can impact camping experiences. "The only drawback that I can think of was the mosquitos," notes a Lake Poinsett camper. At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, a visitor cautions, "If you go after the weather warms up, be forewarned that the mosquitos will eat you alive. We mostly camp at Meeman-Shelby in the fall/winter. We do not camp Spring/Summer."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between parks. Lake Frierson has limited amenities with a visitor noting, "The drawback for me is that this campground only has vault toilets and no showers." Conversely, Crowley's Ridge offers "a newer, well maintained showerhouse."
Cell coverage limitations: Connectivity can be limited, with some parks having minimal cell reception. At Lake Poinsett, a reviewer reports "No Cell service for ATT." Similarly, at Meeman-Shelby, visitors mention a "back to nature experience as our cell phones didn't get service."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer playground facilities for children. At Crowley's Ridge State Park, "In the pick nick are the children have a playground," mentions one visitor. Another camper describes finding "a nice clean bathhouse and outside the campground is an all season pavilion."
Kid-friendly water activities: Lakes provide opportunities for family recreation. At Tom Sawyer's RV Park, families enjoy "running around in the big grassy areas" and watching river activity. One visitor shares, "Loved waking up every morning to the sunrise over the Mississippi River (2 young kids means we get up early), watching the barges and running around in the big grassy areas!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wildlife encounters enhance family camping experiences. At Lake Poinsett, hiking trails and lakeshores provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. A camper at Meeman-Shelby notes the park offers "a nature center that is under renovation that has snakes, spiders and owls to see."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV site characteristics vary significantly between parks. At Village Creek, a visitor advises, "If you stay in the B loop, you're about a two mile hike to the hiking trails fyi. The A loop is much closer to that." When staying at Memphis KOA, one RVer mentions, "Located just off the freeway the front sites are a bit noisy."
Hookup availability: Utilities differ between parks and specific sites. A Lake Poinsett camper reports, "Very nice campground with 30something sites. Mostly 30 amp with a few 50 scattered about. Sites were not the fartherest apart, but each was very spacious. Large level gravel sites with water, but no sewer."
Dump station access: Not all parks with cabin and RV camping offer on-site dump stations. At Lake Frierson, a visitor cautions, "For those of you with RV's beware that there is no sewer dump station here. You have to drive to Crowleys Ridge State Park to use their dump station (10 minute drive)."
