How much does camping cost at Rising Star?

Camping fees at Rising Star range from $26-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rising Star first-come first-served or reservation?

Rising Star accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Rising Star before I book?

Yes! Rising Star has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Rising Star?

Rising Star is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Rising Star?

Yes, Rising Star has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Rising Star have?

Rising Star has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rising Star?

Pets are not allowed at Rising Star. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Rising Star?

Rising Star offers: Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Rising Star?

Popular activities at Rising Star include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rising Star

Q: Can I have a campfire at Rising Star?

Fire policies at Rising Star: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.65

194 reviews

PO BOX 7835, PINE BLUFF, AR 71611-7835, USA

Top 13% in ARSpring

Fishing

Featured in:Spring Camping Arkansas Fishing Camping Arkansas RV Camping Arkansas +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$26 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$26 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Rising Star

$26.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $75.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-479-3292

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 7835, PINE BLUFF, AR 71611-7835, USA

Rising Star

PO BOX 7835, PINE BLUFF, AR 71611-7835, USA

Nearby places

12 miles from Pine Bluff.

Weather at Rising Star

Current alerts(7)

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.
Campsites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis
Check-in time is 4 p.m. and check-out time is 2 p.m.
For group shelter, check-in time is 8 a.m. and check-out time is 10 p.m.

Best Time to Camp at Rising Star

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best overall river recreation — daytime highs are typically in the 60s–75°F with much lower humidity than summer, making fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. Migratory and resident birds are active, the riparian forest shows late-season color, and lower river traffic means quieter campsites and better shoreline fishing for bass and catfish. Weekdays are very quiet while weekends can draw families from the region, so plan mid Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in AR

Spring is highly praised for mild weather and enjoyable riverside activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 1 to October 31 each year.

About Rising Star

Rising Star sits on the Arkansas River near Pine Bluff, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers as a small seasonal campground on Pool 3. Campers come for river access and fishing, staying in spacious sites with electric and water hookups. The campground draws praise for clean facilities and helpful hosts, though bathhouse updates remain a common request.

Rising Star Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles with 25 sites equipped with electric and water hookups. It supports RV camping, tent camping, and group gatherings in a dedicated group shelter.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best overall river recreation — daytime highs are typically in the 60s–75°F with much lower humidity than summer, making fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. Migratory and resident birds are active, the riparian forest shows late-season color, and lower river traffic means quieter campsites and better shoreline fishing for bass and catfish. Weekdays are very quiet while weekends can draw families from the region, so plan mid Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation193 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense riparian forest meets the Arkansas River here, creating a transition zone between bottomland hardwoods and the open agricultural fields beyond. The river's sandy loam supports towering trees that shade most sites, while the banks attract waterfowl and wading birds year-round. Elevation sits at 193 feet in what's essentially a floodplain corridor. Beyond the tree line, cotton fields stretch toward the horizon, their seasonal cycles marking time alongside the river's flow. Red foxes and white-tailed deer move through the understory, especially at dawn and dusk.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging, but there is an accessible group shelter available for day-use, accommodating up to 60 people.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs is available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during peak reservation periods.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site allows a maximum of 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground features an accessible group shelter for day-use. Some campsites are noted to be near facilities and accessible, though specific ADA compliance levels are not detailed.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious with 'plenty of room,' and some are large enough for RVs with 50-amp service.

PrivacyCampsites are noted to have 'good space between sites,' with some offering privacy and seclusion. Many sites back up to the river, offering scenic views.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesSites along the riverfront are ideal for fishing and views. Sites in the forested loop offer privacy.

Best CampsitesSites C-04, C-06, C-07, C-12, and C-14 consistently earn high marks for riverfront views and space. Sites backing up to the river offer direct water access for fishing and better breezes. Verizon service can be spotty away from the river but improves closer to the berm.

Need help booking Rising Star?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Rising Star Campground provides a variety of amenities suitable for different camping styles. The campground has 25 campsites with electric and water hookups. Amenities include 'hot showers, a dump station, and a playground.' Each campsite is equipped with a covered picnic table, fire ring, utility table, and a charcoal grill, as noted by users. Additionally, there is one accessible group shelter for day-use only, which can host up to 60 individuals. However, user reviews indicate that restroom facilities may be limited, with only one facility available, which some reviewers feel is not sufficient for the campground's size. Despite this, many reviews praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities, such as the 'new bathrooms with hot showers.' The campground also has a boat ramp for access to the Arkansas River.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its location on the Arkansas River. Fishing is highly popular, with anglers frequently catching bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Boating is another major activity, facilitated by the on-site boat ramp. Families can also enjoy the playground and picnicking areas. Hunting is available in nearby forests and waterways, including duck hunting. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with visitors often spotting red foxes and diverse waterfowl.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingNo traditional dumpsters are available, but there is a trailer for trash disposal. However, one reviewer noted that the trailer's location 'blocks access to the dump station,' which could be inconvenient.

Cell CoverageMixed feedback from user reviews. One user noted that Verizon service was 'spotty' at certain campsites but improved when closer to the river berm.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

194 reviews

Top-Rated

Rising Star is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Rising Star Campground are generally positive, highlighting its cleanliness, beautiful riverside views, and peaceful atmosphere. The campground is described as 'quiet,' 'relaxing,' and 'well-maintained.' While most users praise the facilities, some express concerns about the limited number of restrooms and occasional maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 194 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean campsites, spacious sites with river views, friendly and helpful hosts, hot showers, easy access to the Arkansas River, and excellent fishing opportunities. Multiple reviewers described the...

Based on 194 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited restroom facilities for the campground size, occasional maintenance issues (e.g., blocked dump station access), reports of cold showers, and the need for general improvements in some areas.

Based on 194 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite C-06 is frequently praised for its spaciousness and river views. Campsite C-04 is noted for being close to the river and offering great fishing access. Users recommend choosing sites along...

Based on 194 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray due to mosquitoes. Choose campsites close to the river for better views and fishing access. Avoid certain access roads with potholes; use Blankenship Road instead. Be cautious of...

Based on 194 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most praised during the spring and fall seasons for its mild weather and serene atmosphere. It closes during the winter, limiting access during colder months.

Based on 194 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The shower house is fantastic. Lots of space for kids and pets to run.' 2. 'The bathrooms are a bit run-down and could use a lot of improvement.' 3. 'Most of the sites back right up to the edge...

Based on 194 reviews

Accessibility Features

The group shelter is accessible, but more detailed reviews on accessibility features for individual campsites or facilities are limited.

Based on 194 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are mentioned positively in user reviews, with spaces available for pets to run. However, specific pet policies or restrictions are not detailed.

Based on 194 reviews

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Go if

You want a quiet riverside spot with electric and water hookups and direct access to Arkansas River fishing and boating.

Skip if

You need modern bathhouse facilities or prefer campgrounds open outside peak season.

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Campgrounds

Arkansas River - Pool 3

Rising Star

About Arkansas River - Pool 3

Context for the broader area surrounding Rising Star, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Overnight camping is available in Pool 3 at Rising Star Park, located about 4 mi N of Linwood off US 65. Boat launching is also available in Trulock Park and Sheppard Island Park. Excellent catfish fishing in the tailwaters of Joe Hardin Lock and Dam as well as Emmitt Sanders Lock and Dam at the upstream end of pool 3. Anglers also find excellent fishing for bass, crappie and bream.

Directions

Joe Hardin Lock and Dam is located about 23 miles east of Pine Bluff.