Rising Star

4.58

264 reviews

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

Fishing

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

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$26 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$26 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Rising Star

$26.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates are $26.00 for standard electric campsites and $75.00 for the group shelter. Additional fees may apply for late cancellations or...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$26.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-479-3292

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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 264 reviews

89 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersspacious

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Rising Star

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

Driving directionsFrom Pine Bluff, Arkansas, take U.S. Highway 65 south for 7.8 miles to Linwood. Turn left on Blankinship Road, drive 3.5 miles and follow the signs for Rising Star Campground.

The campground is accessible by paved roads for most of the route. However, some user reviews recommend avoiding roads with potholes or flooding. "Go to the entrance marked Blankenship Rd which was smooth."

Nearby places

12 miles from Pine Bluff.

Nearby supplies

Shopping and groceries are available in Pine Bluff, 12 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Rising Star

Experience the gentle embrace of mild winters that make year-round camping a pleasure at Rising Star. As spring unfolds into summer, the campground transforms into a lush riverside oasis, though temperatures can soar into the upper 90s accompanied by that distinctive Southern humidity. Early mornings and evenings offer the most comfortable conditions for summer activities, with the river breeze providing natural relief from the heat. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall present ideal camping weather, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring all the campground has to offer.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open in summer with boating/fishing; summer heat and bugs may reduce appeal vs spring/fall.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in AR

Reviews praise fall for mild weather and serene riverside atmosphere; peak praise season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in AR

Spring is highly praised for mild weather and lush riverside conditions; top season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed during winter months.

Planning Tips

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

About Rising Star

Nestled along the meandering banks of the Arkansas River, Rising Star Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of riverside tranquility and adventure. This Army Corps of Engineers-managed gem offers modern comforts alongside timeless natural beauty, featuring full water and electric hookups at every RV site. Families will delight in the well-maintained playground and shaded picnic areas, while anglers cast their lines into the productive waters of the Arkansas River. Whether you're seeking the thrill of the hunt, the patience of fishing, or simply the peace of watching sunset paint the river gold, Rising Star provides the ideal basecamp for your outdoor pursuits.

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 SeasonsExperience the gentle embrace of mild winters that make year-round camping a pleasure at Rising Star. As spring unfolds into summer, the campground transforms into a lush riverside oasis, though temperatures can soar into the upper 90s accompanied by that distinctive Southern humidity. Early mornings and evenings offer the most comfortable conditions for summer activities, with the river breeze providing natural relief from the heat. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall present ideal camping weather, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring all the campground has to offer.

ElevationPerched at a gentle elevation of 193 feet above sea level, Rising Star Campground offers the perfect vantage point along the Arkansas River valley. This modest elevation provides excellent drainage for campsites while maintaining easy access to the river's edge, creating an ideal balance between riverside camping and protection from seasonal flooding.

Natural Features and SceneryRising Star Campground unfolds like a hidden sanctuary where dense forest meets the flowing waters of the Arkansas River. Towering trees create a natural cathedral of shade, their branches alive with songbirds and the occasional flash of a red fox darting through the underbrush. The campground's riverfront location attracts an impressive array of waterfowl, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Beyond the forested boundaries, the landscape opens into a patchwork quilt of rolling cotton fields, their seasonal transformations painting an ever-changing backdrop. This unique setting where woodland meets water and wilderness borders agriculture creates a diverse ecosystem that captivates visitors throughout the year.

Geological RegionPositioned strategically along the Arkansas River's fertile corridor, Rising Star Campground occupies a fascinating geological transition zone where ancient river deposits have created rich bottomlands. The campground sits where dense riparian forests give way to the gently undulating terrain that supports the region's historic cotton farming heritage. This unique location showcases the river's millennia-long influence on the landscape, from the sandy loam beneath your feet to the sweeping vistas of agricultural fields that stretch toward the horizon.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4p.m.

Check-out

2p.m.

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

Site layoutSites are arranged in two loops with options for riverfront or forested camping. "You are not very close to your neighbors; these are not wall to wall.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyThere is a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (after midnight the day before check-in) incur an additional charge equal to the first night's fee for individual campsites. Group shelter cancellations within 14 days of arrival forfeit the entire fee.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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.

FishingFishing is a prominent activity, with excellent opportunities for catching bass, crappie, bream, and catfish in the tailwaters of the Joe Hardin Lock and Dam and Emmitt Sanders Lock and Dam.

BoatingBoating is supported with access to the Arkansas River via an on-site boat ramp. Some reviews highlighted the ease of launching boats.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with red foxes frequently seen in the park and numerous species of waterfowl along the river shores.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Poisonous snakes are found in the area, use caution when walking through brush."

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but visitors are asked to buy and burn firewood locally to minimize pest risks.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are standard but not explicitly mentioned in the materials.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely located in Pine Bluff, 12 miles away.

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.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the Arkansas River, with many sites providing riverfront access.

Camp Host"Host is on duty from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m." Hosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. "The camp hosts are friendly and helpful."

Weather at Rising Star

Reviews

4.6

264 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 264 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 264 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 264 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 264 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 264 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 264 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 264 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 264 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 264 reviews

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