Lake Charles State Park RV & Campground Guide
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During the early 1960s, Arkansas conservationists grew concerned about the erosion along the Black River high in the Ozarks. The resulting dam created Lake Charles, which controls the water runoff and supplies water to the area during the hot summer months. Lake Charles State Park blossomed into existence in 1967 and sits on the bluff above Lake Charles, covering 140 acres of land near the shore where fishing docks jut into the lake. Many travelers venture to the park through the nearest community, Powhatan, AR, while others travel from urban areas like Little Rock, AR.
Spring 40-80 F
Summer 67-91 F
Fall 40-84 F
Winter 29-52 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Charles State Park
Visitors who stay at Lake Charles State Park find it easiest to camp in an RV. Most first-time RV users quickly discover the advantages of using a large vehicle to hold all the little things needed for an extended stay. The added room, the increased comfort, and the fact that RVs are easy to move between campgrounds make vacations a memorable event. If you don't have an RV, you can rent one on RVshare.
Lake Charles State Park Campground
Lake Charles State Park Campground offers 60 RV campsites with fire rings, lantern posts, and picnic tables. The park service makes sure a dump station with potable water access is available. A bathhouse provides a location where visitors can enjoy a warm shower. Restrooms with flush toilets are scattered throughout the park. Other facilities include a children's playground, an interpretive center, and boat/fishing docks. Two boat ramps allow access to 645-acre Lake Charles. Three ADA approved fishing piers jut into the lake, providing easy access for everyone to various fish populations. A boat, canoe, and kayak rental service are available so that anyone wishing to play on Lake Charles's waters can do so. A swimming beach is provided, and abundant hiking trails run through the forests and the lake's edge.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30 amps
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Fee: $12 to $32 per night
Davidsonville Historic State Park
Davidsonville Historic State Park lies twenty miles northeast of Lake Charles State Park in Pocahontas, AR. There are 20 RV sites with spacious asphalt pads that include a fire ring and a picnic table. The campsite sits near the confluence of the Black, Eleven Point, and Spring Rivers. Hot showers are available for all guests at the campground bathhouse, and the restrooms placed about the park have flush toilets. A boat ramp empties onto the Black River allowing visitors to run their boats up the Spring and Eleven Point Rivers. The park includes a 12-acre fishing lake that is stocked with catfish, bass, and crappie. While boats are allowed on the rivers, only canoes, kayaks, and paddle rafts are used on the lake. A water-craft rental is available for guests to choose the craft they wish to use on the water. Hiking is another favorite activity. Four hiking trails of various lengths wander about the park and along the Black River. A park interpreter guides nature hikes and presents other programs throughout the year.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Fee: $25 to $30 per night
Crowley's Ridge State Park
Crowley's Ridge State Park sits 29 miles west of Lake Charles State Park in a heavily forested section of northeastern Arkansas. Most of the 291-acre park sits atop Crowley's Ridge and contains many excellent work examples done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1930s. The rock constructed bridge, bathhouse, comfort station, and dining hall are listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places. The campground offers 18 RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Hot showers, restrooms with flush toilets, and a dump station raise RV campers' comfort level. Lake Ponder, a 31-acre fishing lake, lies next to the campground. Constructed in 1933 by the Arkansas National Guard, the lake is well-stocked with catfish and largemouth bass twice per year. Guests often rent boats, canoes, or kayaks to ride around the lake. A separate, 3-acre, spring-fed lake, which is continuously lifeguarded, is one of the state's favorite swimming areas. Trails for hikers and bicyclists wander throughout the park.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 15/20/30 amp
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Fee: $23 per night
What to Do at
Lake Charles State Park
Inside Lake Charles State Park
Fishing, swimming, hiking, and the appreciation of nature are the main attractions that bring visitors to Lake Charles State Park. Many fish species, such as catfish, bass, crappie, and bream, are regularly stocked in the lake. There is no horsepower limit for boats on the lake, however, there is an enforced "no wake" regulation when approaching the swimming area where children enjoy the water. The four hiking trails that wander through the park and along the lake are considered easy to moderate, and each route has markers describing wildlife habitat areas.
How to Get to
Lake Charles State Park
Approaching Lake Charles State Park is the easiest from Powhatan, AR. To begin your drive from the center of Powhatan, head west on Arkansas Highway 25 (AR-25) toward Main Street. Drive straight on AR-25 for four miles, then turn left on Lawrence Road 258. The park entrance is 200 feet ahead.
To get to Powhatan from Little Rock, AR, find Interstate 30 North (I-30 N) out of Little Rock and stay on it for three miles until you see the signs for United States Highway 67 North (US-67 N). Turn left onto US-67 N and drive for 120 miles. Take the right ramp toward United States Highway 63 (US-63), then turn left onto US-63. Travel another 11 miles, turn right onto AR-25, and drive straight into Powhatan.
Entering Lake Charles State Park
Lake Charles State Park is a day-use area that is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM all year except on Saturday and Sunday during December, January, and February when it is open from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Lake Charles State Park Entry fee : $0.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Lake Charles State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one withRVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Charles State Park
There are campsites and restrooms at Lake Charles State Park that are accessible to disabled guests. Additionally, there are three ADA-approved fishing piers that jut out into the lake, making it easy for visitors with disabilities to fish.
Lake Charles State Park contains a large campground with 60 designated RV campsites. The campground boasts 23 RV sites with full hookups and 37 sites with only water and 30-amp electrical hookups.
You're allowed to bring your pets to the park, but they need to be well-mannered and leashed at all times. Plus, all dogs have to be tagged, licensed, and vaccinated before they can enter the park.
Lake Charles State Park is generally very warm and somewhat humid. Summers in the area regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter temperatures usually hover between 28 and 52 degrees. The park sees occasional rainfall throughout the year.
The best times to visit the park are between May and September. If you visit during this time between late spring and early fall, the area will be nice and warm to enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, and hiking.