Known as the gateway to the Mississippi Delta area and the entrance to the fabled Route 66 highway, the virtues of Helena-West Helena, AR were first immortalized by Mark Twain more than 150 years ago. The famous humorist referred to this town as "One of the prettiest situations on the Mississippi" for its idyllic location and scenery. The original town of Helena was a prominent port city that was established in 1833, and West Helena was added in 2006.
This town was the location of the Battle of Helena in 1863, and the Confederate Cemetery is a major attraction. Artifacts from the days of indigenous tribes through to the Civil War are on display at the Helena Museum of Phillips County, and music lovers might enjoy touring the Delta Cultural Center Depot Museum. Make sure to look for the King Biscuit Time Marker on the lawn out front. It commemorates the country's longest-running radio show, which you can still catch weekdays on KFFA FM.
Not far outside of the West Helena/Helena community, you'll find campgrounds, beaches, mountain views, and plenty of other places to relax and get away from it all. Take in a bird-watching tour at Birding the Helena Delta or experience the sights on the Helena Adventure Trail. Once you're done hiking or sightseeing, stop for a bit to eat at the Downtown Bar and Grill or Rosie's Diner.
Steamboat Days - This event takes place on Tuesdays in June, with specially scheduled stops of the American Queen in Helena on Sundays. Local shops and restaurants offer special deals and discounts during Steamboat Days.
King Biscuit Blues Festival - Now in its second decade, this festival takes place for 10 days every October. Calendar and ticket information is available on the festival website.
Warfield Concerts - These live music events are hosted throughout the year at the Lily Peter Auditorium in the Fine Arts Center at Phillips Community College. Admission is free, and tickets are available from the Helena Chamber of Commerce.
The best national park near Helena, AR is Hot Springs National Park, which is conveniently close. Just take I-40 west about 170 miles and then get ready to relax. This park offers guided tours and organized educational events, and the Mountain Tower lookout provides a bird's eye view of the whole area. Don't forget to try the natural thermal springs that give this area its name.
If you want to make national parks part of an extended road trip, there are two that are less than a day away from Helena. The first is the 91-acre Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri. It's characterized by the famous 520-foot white arch that leads to the western United States and marks the starting point of the Louis and Clark Expedition. Like Helena, this park is another riverside destination and ancestral home to several Native American tribes. The park is close to historical landmarks, museums, and cultural attractions. The National Park Service also organizes riverboat tours down the Mighty Mississippi. This park is very busy, so make any necessary arrangements ahead of time or visit in the off-peak season.
Just over 350 miles away in Kentucky, you'll find Mammoth Cave National Park. The central feature is the 400 miles of underground terrain, which makes this the longest known cave system in the world. Hiding beneath, you'll see the "Frozen Niagara," a flowstone formation, as well as many natural underground rooms and rotundas. There's plenty to do above ground, too. That includes horseback riding, hiking, and organized park events. Make sure to bring a jacket because the caves are cool and damp even in summer.
Among the many state parks located nearby, RV campers will enjoy the facilities at Lake Chicot State Park. This 211-acre public space is located in Chicot County near the Arkansas Delta area and offers peaceful lakes, hiking trails, and great fishing.
The 2,053 acres of Cane Creek State Park are dominated by its 1,675-acre lake on the border of Bayou Bartholomew. With rolling hills and plenty of wildlife, it's a great spot for nature hikes and scenic photography.
Another great destination is Village Creek State Park. It offers nearly 7,000 acres of forests and streams and features a golf course and equestrian campground.
As the home to blues legends and the site of Civil War battles, Helena features several monuments and landmarks of note. In the Magnolia Cemetery, blues lovers will find the graves of two notable sons of Helena, Robert Nighthawk and Frank Frost. Continuing the area's blues tradition, check out the site of Sonny Boy Williamson's Boarding House. Another historic site in downtown Helena is the Pillow Thompson House, a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion and museum that's a popular destination for weddings and other events. History buffs will want to tour Freedom Park and Fort Curtis.
Camping and community are the best things about RV excursions, and the Memphis KOA Journey in Marion, AR, offers the best of both. Loaded with amenities and activities, this RV campground has 95 pull-through and back-in campsites with full hookups and 30/50-amp electricity. Rates start at $46 per day, and weekly rates are available.
For a more intimate setting and just the basics, consider the Dub’l River RV Park in Brinkley. This peaceful, family-friendly campground has only 11 RV campsites, but they have full hookups and WiFi access. Rates are $25 a day, and cellular signals are limited.
RV campsites with water views are one of the main attractions at the Jacksonport State Park in Newport, AR. This is an idyllic location with an on-site archeological museum. They have back-in and pull-through sites, but only electrical hookups with 30- and 50-amp service are available. There is a dump station at this location, and it is free for guest use. Activities include hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and geocaching.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Helena-West Helena, AR, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Helena-West Helena?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Helena-West Helena from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Helena-West Helena?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
