Merrisach Lake
4.46132 reviews148 MERRISACH LAKE LANE, TICHNOR, AR, 72166, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$16 - $26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
75 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$16 - $26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
75 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsMerrisach 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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$75.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider870-548-2291
What Campers Say
4.46
Recommended
Based on 132 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."
Fees & Passes at Merrisach Lake
$16 - $26/night
Campsite fees
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: 14 nights during a visit and 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Cancellation: Cancellations made before check-in incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with some accommodating large RVs (e.g., a 42' camper and trailer, according to Marissa C).
Sites 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 CampsitesSites 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.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
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.
Fishing
Fishing 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.'Boating
Boating 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 viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to observe migratory birds, butterflies, and alligators. As one user noted, 'Kids enjoyed...looking for alligators.'Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible due to the year-round availability of the campground, though no explicit winter-specific activities like skiing or snowshoeing are noted.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are not explicitly mentioned but may be inferred as possible due to the boating facilities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must burn only local wood and paper. Burn bans may be enforced seasonally, so campers should check local restrictions.
- Quiet hours are After 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsAlligators 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.
Weather at Merrisach Lake
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly detailed in the source material. Null for now.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 (year-round peak season).
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are limited to a few dumpsters, some of which lack lids, as noted in user reviews. Recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated along Merrisach Lake and Arkansas Post Canal, providing direct access to water recreation such as boating and fishing.
Common complaintsFrequent issues include unmaintained facilities like restrooms and litter on campsites, noise from motorboats near the campground, and inconsistent host presence.
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.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
132 reviews
Merrisach Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 132 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 132 reviewsShow more
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 132 reviewsPro 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 132 reviewsShow more
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 132 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Great location and great cell service' (Crystal F), 'Bathrooms smelled bad' (Mallory H), 'Peaceful, clean facilities, lots of room' (Christa T).
Based on 132 reviewsSite-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 132 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features include parking and potable water, though reviews do not provide detailed insights on broader accessibility.
Based on 132 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews addressed pet-related facilities or challenges.
Based on 132 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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