Camping near Arkansas River - Pool 5
Campgrounds along Arkansas River - Pool 5 range from waterfront sites to urban RV parks, with several Corps of Engineers managed facilities providing access to the river. Tar Camp and Willow Beach offer riverfront camping with boat ramps and water views, while facilities like Downtown Riverside RV Park in North Little Rock provide more urban camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few locations like Maumelle Park providing boat-in access as well. Campground density increases near Pine Bluff and Little Rock, with more isolated options found along rural stretches of the river.
Water levels and seasonal closures significantly impact camping availability throughout the area. The Corps of Engineers manages several campgrounds which may close during high water events or flood conditions. "The park itself is beautiful but they evacuated the park due to high water while we were there," noted one camper at Tar Camp. Sites typically open from March through October, though some like Maumelle Park and Willow Beach remain accessible year-round. Mosquitoes present a common challenge during warmer months, particularly at waterfront locations. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays, especially at popular sites like Maumelle Park which receives high ratings from visitors.
Waterfront sites along the Arkansas River provide unique opportunities to observe river traffic and wildlife. Campers at Tar Camp mention watching tug boats with barges pass by their sites. The camping experience varies significantly between locations, with some offering full hookups and others providing more basic amenities. According to one visitor at Willow Beach, "The sites are all very spacious with very long back-in driveways. Some of the sites had covered picnic tables, which was great." Many campgrounds feature clean bathroom facilities, though maintenance issues occasionally arise. Visitors should note that several camping areas lock their gates at night, with Willow Beach providing access codes to campers. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with squirrels abundant at Saracen Trace RV Park and snake encounters reported at Willow Beach during warmer months.
