Mississippi River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located near the towns of Helena and Mariana in Arkansas, Mississippi River State Park provides access to the Mississippi River and the St. Francis River for boating, kayaking, swimming, and more. Three lakes within the park provide excellent opportunities for swimming and water skiing. During your visit, you can also explore several miles of trails that wind through the St. Francis National Forest or stay overnight in one of several campgrounds at the park. In total, there are 536 acres to explore at this scenic park.
Spring 51 - 73 F
Summer 71 - 91 F
Fall 51 - 75 F
Winter 42 - 62 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Mississippi River State Park
There are several campgrounds at Mississippi River State Park, each offering different amenities. At the Bear Creek Lake Recreational Area, you'll find primitive sites without hook-ups at Lone Pine Campground and at the Maple Flats Group Campground. Beech Point Campground has 17 sites with full hook-ups, and most sites can accommodate RVs from 50 to 70 feet in length. Additional full hook-up sites are available at the Storm Creek Lake Campground in the Storm Creek Lake Recreation Area at the park.
What to Do at
Mississippi River State Park
Join in a nature walk, a guided birdwatching tour, a fishing lesson, or a bonfire during your visit to the park. Two National Scenic Byways wind their way through the park, the All-American Great River Road and Crowley's Ridge Parkway. Stop by the visitor's office to find out about any events happening while you are there, or check the park's online schedule in advance. Before leaving, make sure to head over to the park's gift shop to pick up a souvenir of your trip.
Paddle down the river, relax on a lakefront beach, or take a hike through the forest when you visit this Arkansas state park. You might also enjoy a relaxing scenic drive along one of the park's two National Scenic Byways.
Fishing
The park hosts regular fishing lessons where adults and kids alike can learn how to angle. You can even borrow a pole, tackle, and bait from the park's office. You're welcome to fish from the shore or a boat. Test your luck at catching large and small-mouth bass, catfish, bluegill, sunfish, bream, crappie, carp, and walleye.
Geocaching
There are usually lots of geocaches to be found at Mississippi River State Park. Check your geocache app to find clues as to where to find them, and enjoy the scenic lakeside and forest views as you hunt for hidden treasures.
Nature Watching
Stroll along the Bear Creek Lake Nature Trail, which is a relatively flat route that winds through groves of large native trees. Along this trail, you'll find several signs identifying different species of trees to learn more about the local ecosystem. If you're driving along Crowley's Ridge Parkway, there are a few spots where you can stop and enjoy the view from a scenic overlook.
Stargazing
The park hosts regular ranger-led star parties and astronomical events, so check the schedule to see what's happening during your trip.
Hiking
There are four trails to choose from at the park. At four miles long, the Base Line Trail is the longest. You'll want to head down the Hornor Neck Lake Trail for the best chance at spotting wildlife. Try the Trotting Fox Trail or the Bear Creek Lake Nature Trail for an easy hike. If you plan a longer hike, you can borrow a backpack from the park's office to pack your snacks and water.
Swimming
The currents in the rivers make swimming difficult, so the best swimming is at the lakes, where you'll find two designated swimming beaches. At the Storm Creek Day-Use Area, you'll find a grassy lawn with a beautiful sandy beach and a forest view of the lake. An additional swimming area can be found in the Beaver Point Day-Use Area. Keep in mind, however, there are no lifeguards on duty.
Boating
There are four boat ramps at Mississippi River State Park, including at Hornor Neck Lake, Bear Creek Lake, Storm Creek Lake, and along the St. Francis River. Rent a canoe, a flat-bottom boat with a motor, or a kayak from the park's concession stands and enjoy the views as you paddle around the water.
Biking
Bicycle rentals are available at the park, and there are several places you can enjoy riding. The Beech Point mountain bike trail is a popular option. For a longer ride, head out along the Big River Trail, which connects Mississippi River State Park with the nearby Delta Heritage Trail.
How to Get to
Mississippi River State Park
From Little Rock in Arkansas, head east on the I-40 and take exit 221. From there, continue on AR-78 E. and then take US-79 N to State Hwy 44. Once you reach the town of Mariana, turn right onto N Alabama St, and after about half a mile, turn left onto State Hwy 44/Martin Luther King Dr. You'll see the entrance to the park after about three miles.
Entering Mississippi River State Park
There are two main sections of the park. The visitor's center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is on the northern end of the park, closer to the town of Mariana and within the Bear Creek Lake Recreational Area. Further south, near the town of Helena and West Helena, you'll find the Storm Creek Lake Recreational Area with access to Storm Creek Lake and Horner Neck Lake. Parking is available at the entrances and campgrounds.
Arkansas state parks, including Mississippi River State Park, do not charge entry fees. Campsites start at $15 a night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi River State Park
The park is open year-round. However, some amenities, such as the swimming beaches, are only available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Just a few of the species that make their home in the park include foxes, chipmunks, and white-tail deer. Birders can look forward to spotting raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl.
Almost all of the park's camping sites can accommodate RVs, though a few sites are reserved for tents only. Amenities vary by site and by campground.
Reservations can be made online or by telephone. Primitive camping sites without hook-ups cost $15 per night. Sites with electricity start at $21, and if you need a site with full hook-ups, expect to pay at least $40 per night.
Your pets are welcome to join you at the park. However, they must be kept on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.