Willow Beach

Star4.49
1.3K reviews
PO BOX 7835, PINE BLUFF, AR, 71611-7835, USA
Fishing

Quick Facts

193 ft

Price

$19 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Willow Beach
$19.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season. Standard electric sites are priced at $26 per night, and group shelter sites with electricity are priced at $75 per...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
501-961-1332
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 1.3K reviews

346 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanspacious

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Overall, reviewers found the campground clean, peaceful, and well-suited for short stays or family outings. The proximity to Little Rock combined with the natural surroundings makes it a convenient escape. However, some maintenance issues, such as unstocked bathrooms and a closed dump station, were noted."

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Campground Map

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

Willow Beach

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

Driving directionsFrom Little Rock, Arkansas, take U.S. Highway 165 east for 2.5 miles. Turn right on Colonel Manard Road and continue for three miles. Turn right again onto Blue Heron Parkway and follow signs to Willow Beach Park.
The park is easily accessible from major roads via U.S. Highway 165. The roads leading up to the campground are paved, ensuring smooth access for vehicles. However, some user reviews suggest challenges with GPS navigation leading to the park and recommend advance planning.
Nearby places
Little Rock: approximately 15 miles away (about 20 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, gas, and restaurants are available in Little Rock, which is a short drive away. Additional amenities may be available at nearby stores, including a Dollar General located roughly 5-6 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Willow Beach

Experience the full spectrum of Arkansas seasons at Willow Beach, where summer days soar into the upper 90s, creating perfect conditions for early morning wildlife watching and lazy afternoons by the river. The mild winters transform the campground into a peaceful retreat, allowing year-round access during operational months. While summer brings its share of Southern humidity and occasional rain showers, these natural rhythms only add to the authentic outdoor experience that draws visitors back season after season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summer brings upper-90s temps, high humidity and many mosquitoes per overview.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall praised for mild weather and fewer bugs; ideal season per reviewers.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring praised for mild weather and strong wildlife viewing; popular season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winters are quiet with fewer activities; campground closed Jan–Feb (seasonal).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1 to October 31 (peak season). November 1 to December 31 (non-peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, opening on March 1 and closing on December 31.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Willow Beach

Nestled along the Arkansas River, Willow Beach Campground offers an intimate escape with just 21 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each featuring modern electric and water hookups. This hidden gem has earned a devoted following among campers who cherish its pristine grounds, generous site layouts, and the perfect balance of convenience and natural beauty. Three welcoming group picnic shelters dot the landscape, inviting families and friends to gather for memorable day adventures along the riverfront.
Willow Beach Campground provides various standard camping options, including RV and tent sites with electric and water hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights per visit. Maximum stay within 30 days: 14 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Willow Beach Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing is particularly popular, with bass, crappie, and bream commonly caught in the Arkansas River. The site also has a boat ramp for launching. Onshore activities include picnicking, playground use, and sightseeing. Wildlife spotting is a favorite pastime, with red foxes, deer, and armadillos frequenting the area. The site is considered quiet and peaceful, especially during weekdays.
FishingFishing is a major draw, with anglers frequently catching bass, crappie, and bream in the Arkansas River and nearby waterways. One user stated, "Fishing is good on the river side."
BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp on-site. A user mentioned, "The locals seem to love this spot for fishing."
Wildlife viewingCampers often spot red foxes, deer, and armadillos, along with numerous species of waterfowl, including pelicans and Great Blue Herons. One reviewer remarked, "The park was crawling with armadillos and had incredible bird watching."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and gnats are noted as significant nuisances, especially during summer. Swampy areas near the campground may emit unpleasant odors.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

Weather at Willow Beach

Reviews

4.5
1.3K reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Willow Beach is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviewers found the campground clean, peaceful, and well-suited for short stays or family outings. The proximity to Little Rock combined with the natural surroundings makes it a convenient escape. However, some maintenance issues, such as unstocked bathrooms and a closed dump station, were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 1344 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent praise included the spacious and level sites, clean bathrooms, and beautiful views of the Arkansas River. Many users highlighted the quiet atmosphere, especially on weekdays. "Beautiful...
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Based on 1344 reviews

Common Concerns

Common criticisms were the lack of maintenance in certain areas, such as "dump station out of order," "grass not mowed," and "baths lacking soap." Some found the mosquitoes and bugs to be a nuisance,...
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Based on 1344 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future visitors are advised to bring bug spray due to mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. Fishing enthusiasts should take advantage of the riverside location. Arriving before the gate locks...
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Based on 1344 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are praised for their mild weather and fewer bugs, making them ideal for camping. Summer brings high humidity, very hot temperatures, and many mosquitoes. Winters are quiet but...
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Based on 1344 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We loved seeing all the ducks, geese, and even pelicans right from our spot." "Bathrooms were far cleaner than I expected." "The whole park is pretty loosely run, which is nice if it's quiet."
Based on 1344 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site F4 was highlighted as a good spot for being near the bathrooms but not too close to the bright security lights. Lake-view sites were often recommended for the best scenery.
Based on 1344 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is reasonable, with paved roads and relatively level sites. However, the distance to the dumpster and bathroom facilities could be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Based on 1344 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many users appreciated the pet-friendly environment. However, reviews mentioned that some pet owners did not always clean up after their dogs.
Based on 1344 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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