Adventure and nature come together at Mississippi River State Park to create a unique family-friendly experience. The newest member of the Arkansas State Park system boasts a variety of campsites ranging from Class AAA to Class D to primitive. Seven bodies of water give visitors ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Hikers will enjoy exploring the many trails and watching for wildlife in the forest. The visitor center includes a large, multi-purpose area for hosting meetings, family reunions, and other group events.
Camping- Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area offers three camping areas: Beech Point Campground is on a wooded peninsula. Campsites feature views of the lake and are surrounded by prime wildlife and birding habitat. Two courtesy docks provide additional lake access. The campground features 17 campsites [14 Class AAA with water/electric/sewer hookups and three Class D Walk-in Tent Sites]. Each paved site includes picnic table, grill, lantern hanger, and tent pad. A barrier-free bathhouse is centrally located. On the east side of the lake, Lone Pine Campground offers 14 primitive sites (no hookups) and vault toilets. For group camping, Maple Flats Campground (no hookups) includes a vault toilet. Storm Creek Lake Recreation Area offers one campground with 12 primitive sites (no hookups) and vault toilets.
Camping fees at Beech Point campground and Maple Flats group campground are paid at the visitor center. Camping at Lone Pine or Storm Creek is paid at the visitor center or the self-pay station in the campgrounds. Reservations can be made for Beech Point campsites and Maple Flats Group Campground by calling the park office: (870) 295-4040. Arkansas State Parks camping rules and regulations apply to all campsites.
Picnicking- There are picnic tables near the visitor center (no grills). Day-use picnic areas with tables and grills are also along the entrance road to Beech Point and adjacent to the swim beach. Beaver Point Picnic Area on the east side of Bear Creek Lake has picnic tables and grills as well as a vault toilet. Storm Creek Lake Recreation Area has picnic tables and grills by the bath house.
Swimming- Swim beaches are available on both Bear Creek Lake and Storm Creek Lake. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Pavilion- Storm Creek Lake Recreation Area offers a small pavilion (rental fee applies) for group gatherings.
Boat Ramps- On Bear Creek Lake, Storm Creek Lake, Hornor Neck Lake, and the access to the St. Francis River. Free for use for all park visitors.
Trails- Trotting Fox Trail is a 1/2-mile, barrier free path. Bear Creek Lake Nature Trail is a one-mile loop. Hornor Neck Lake is a short wildlife viewing trail. Base Line Trail is four-miles roundtrip.
Visitor Center- Observe, study, and explore the Arkansas Delta, the Mississippi River, and Crowley’s Ridge. Interactive exhibits connect visitors to the park.
Hunting- No hunting is allowed within the state park areas. Contact Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for hunting regulations on St. Francis National Forest.