Merrisach Lake

4.30

328 reviews

148 MERRISACH LAKE LANE, TICHNOR, AR, 72166, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

174 ft

Price

$16 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

174 ft

Price

$16 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Merrisach Lake

$16.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $16 for non-electric sites to $26 for standard electric campsites, with group shelters priced at $75 per night. These rates exclude...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-548-2291

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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 328 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspaciousstaff

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight a peaceful, scenic setting with spacious sites and good fishing opportunities. Common complaints include issues with site maintenance, restroom cleanliness, and mosquitoes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

148 MERRISACH LAKE LANE, TICHNOR, AR, 72166, USA

Merrisach Lake

148 MERRISACH LAKE LANE, TICHNOR, AR, 72166, USA

Driving directionsFrom DeWitt, Arkansas, take US-165 south for 8.1 miles to State Route 44. Turn east for 5.3 miles and continue south onto Tichnor Blacktop Rd. After 10 miles, turn right onto Merrisach Lake Lane and continue into the park.

The campground is accessible via a combination of state highways and country roads. Roads leading to the campground are paved but may include bumpy sections. Seasonal factors like rainfall can further affect road conditions.

Nearby places

DeWitt, AR - 18.4 miles

Stuttgart, AR - approximately 35 miles

Pine Bluff, AR - approximately 50 miles

Nearby supplies

The nearest supplies are approximately 30 miles away from the campground. Campers are advised to bring essentials with them due to the remote location.

Best Time to Camp at Merrisach Lake

Experience the dynamic beauty of Arkansas's changing seasons at Merrisach Lake, where each time of year paints a different portrait of outdoor splendor. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels of camping season, offering crisp mornings perfect for wildlife watching and comfortable afternoons ideal for hiking. Typical temperatures range from refreshing 39°F evenings to pleasant 54°F afternoons, accompanied by gentle to moderate breezes. Summer brings the vibrant buzz of nature in full bloom, though visitors should come prepared for higher humidity and the occasional mosquito companion. Smart campers know that bug spray and lightweight, breathable clothing transform summer stays into memorable adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Good boating/fishing but 'mosquitoes are awful after dark' lowers summer comfort.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in AR

Spring and fall highlighted as crown jewels for bird migration and comfortable weather.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Excellent for migratory birds and wildlife viewing; pleasant weather but bugs can appear.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 13% in AR

Quieter season with fewer mosquitoes; fishing and access vary with river levels.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (year-round peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No specific active alerts were noted.

About Merrisach Lake

Nestled in the heart of eastern Arkansas's enchanting bottomland forests, Merrisach Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover a hidden gem where ancient waterways meet modern adventure. This tranquil retreat, part of the expansive Merrisach Lake and Arkansas Post Canal recreation area, offers generously sized campsites equipped with convenient water and electric hookups. Whether you're casting a line into peaceful waters at dawn, tracking wildlife through verdant forests, or launching your boat for a day of exploration, this campground serves as your gateway to authentic Arkansas wilderness experiences.

The campground offers a variety of site types, including standard electric, standard nonelectric, and group shelters. Sites accommodate both RV and tent camping.

Historical SignificanceStep into America's living history book at Merrisach Lake, where centuries of stories converge along these ancient waterways. Just a short drive away, the Arkansas Post National Memorial stands as a testament to some of the nation's earliest settlement chapters, inviting campers to walk in the footsteps of pioneers and Native Americans who first called this land home. The nearby Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge weaves together threads of ecological wonder and cultural heritage, creating a tapestry that speaks to both the natural and human history of this remarkable region.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of Arkansas's changing seasons at Merrisach Lake, where each time of year paints a different portrait of outdoor splendor. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels of camping season, offering crisp mornings perfect for wildlife watching and comfortable afternoons ideal for hiking. Typical temperatures range from refreshing 39°F evenings to pleasant 54°F afternoons, accompanied by gentle to moderate breezes. Summer brings the vibrant buzz of nature in full bloom, though visitors should come prepared for higher humidity and the occasional mosquito companion. Smart campers know that bug spray and lightweight, breathable clothing transform summer stays into memorable adventures.

ElevationThe campground rests at the gentle elevations characteristic of Arkansas's river bottom country, where the land meets water in perfect harmony for recreation and relaxation.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in one of North America's most spectacular wildlife theaters, where the mighty Mississippi Flyway transforms Merrisach Lake into a bustling avian highway. Throughout the year, countless migratory birds paint the skies with their journeys, while the surrounding bottomland hardwood forests create a living cathedral of towering trees and dappled sunlight. With 96 miles of pristine shoreline tracing the edges of 10,600 acres of shimmering water in the Wilbur D. Mills Pool, every sunrise brings new discoveries. From delicate butterflies dancing among wildflowers to melodious songbirds greeting each dawn, nature's symphony plays endlessly in this biodiverse wonderland.

Geological RegionMerrisach Lake Campground sits within eastern Arkansas's magnificent bottomland forest ecosystem, where the convergence of Merrisach Lake and Arkansas Post Canal creates a water-rich paradise. This precious wetland habitat, positioned along the legendary Mississippi Flyway, showcases the region's geological heritage through its maze of waterways, fertile soils, and thriving hardwood forests. Here, the ancient rhythms of river and forest continue their timeless dance, offering visitors a chance to experience one of America's most ecologically significant landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights during a visit and 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people per site, though exact numbers are not specified.

Groups

Two large group picnic shelters are available, accommodating up to 75 guests each.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are described as spacious and well-separated. Section D includes upgraded sites with covered tables, and some back directly onto the lake.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their app.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific number of walk-up sites is mentioned, but first-come, first-served availability is implied.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before check-in incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to dates outside the original reservation incur a $10 change fee.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible drinking water, flush toilets, and parking. However, clarity on other features such as ADA compliance for trails or shelters is absent.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some accommodating large RVs (e.g., a 42' camper and trailer, according to Marissa C).

PrivacySites offer a mix of privacy levels. Reviews highlight that some sites feel secluded, such as April H’s comment: 'Some sites are away from others to give privacy.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesSites in D-Loop are recommended for RVs, and some reviewers emphasize the importance of bringing long water hoses as hookups can be far from camping pads.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Merrisach Lake Campground offers a wide range of activities, including fishing, birding, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Mississippi Flyway adds a unique opportunity for bird watchers, while the location supports hunting and picnicking.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish. However, some reviews mentioned challenges with shoreline fishing due to moss buildup. One user remarked, 'The lake is beautiful, but fishing tough with regular river level fluctuations.'

BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp available. The proximity to the Arkansas Post Canal and Wilbur D. Mills Pool enhances accessibility for various watercraft.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to observe migratory birds, butterflies, and alligators. As one user noted, 'Kids enjoyed...looking for alligators.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAlligators are native to Merrisach Lake, and visitors are advised not to feed them. Seasonal mosquito activity can be significant, and fire ants are common.

Active AlertsNo specific active alerts were noted.

Fire PolicyCampfires must burn only local wood and paper. Burn bans may be enforced seasonally, so campers should check local restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are After 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not explicitly detailed in the source material. Null for now.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are limited to a few dumpsters, some of which lack lids, as noted in user reviews. Recycling options are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated along Merrisach Lake and Arkansas Post Canal, providing direct access to water recreation such as boating and fishing.

Camp HostMixed reviews of host availability and performance, with some hosts praised for being friendly and helpful while others are noted for poor communication or lack of presence.

Weather at Merrisach Lake

Reviews

4.3

328 reviews

Satisfactory

Merrisach Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight a peaceful, scenic setting with spacious sites and good fishing opportunities. Common complaints include issues with site maintenance, restroom cleanliness, and mosquitoes.

Review Summaries

Based on 328 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include 'peaceful and tranquil' surroundings (Jenny W), clean and spacious campsites (Jon F), and friendly and helpful staff (Lindsay A). The wildlife and birding opportunities are...

Based on 328 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised by users include 'motorboat noise' (Floyd B), 'mosquitoes are awful after dark' (Ronald W), and poorly maintained restrooms (Candy S).

Based on 328 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug spray, as mosquitoes are a common complaint. Some advise caution when backing into sites, especially for large RVs. Supplies should be brought in advance due to the...

Based on 328 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter during winter months, as noted by Tom G. Mosquitoes are less of an issue in cooler seasons, according to Crystal F. Fishing conditions may fluctuate with river levels.

Based on 328 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Great location and great cell service' (Crystal F), 'Bathrooms smelled bad' (Mallory H), 'Peaceful, clean facilities, lots of room' (Christa T).

Based on 328 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site D-10 is noted for its scenic views but has drainage issues after rain. Sites in Loop D are described as waterside and popular, while Loops A and B reportedly need better maintenance.

Based on 328 reviews