Mississippi River State Park
1 /
What to know
Mississippi River State Park provides quality access to the St. Francis National Forest, offering visitors opportunities to explore where the Mississippi River, Crowley’s Ridge, and the Arkansas Delta converge as well as the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Like the river and the ridge, Mississippi River State Park and the St. Francis National Forest work in partnership to protect natural resources and enhance visitor experiences. From clear-water lakes and hardwood forests to flat backwaters and the expansive Mississippi River, this landscape offers many places to observe, study, and enjoy nature.
The park features three lakes, two National Scenic Byways—the All-American Great River Road and Crowley’s Ridge Parkway— hiking trails, modern and primitive recreational areas. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, paddling, hiking, wildlife viewing, and access the Saint Francis WMA for hunting. Interpretive programs are offered throughout the year and may include guided hikes, paddling programs, educational talks, and special events highlighting the natural and cultural history of the region.
Mississippi River State Park’s mission is to provide quality access to the St. Francis National Forest while inspiring personal connections to the RIVER, the DELTA, and the RIDGE.
Location
SVG
Hours
Interpretive programs available year-round
Visitor Center
Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Campground/Picnic Area:
Open all year
Boat ramps open year-round (unless there is a special notice posted on top of this page)
Free swimming at beaches. NO LIFEGUARD - SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day
Brochures/Maps
Events
Trails
Plan Your Adventure
Camping
Group Facilities
Marinas & Boats
Maple Flats Group Campground
- Primitive group camping area (no water or electricity)
- Group grill, picnic tables, and vault toilet.
Accessible by dirt roads only.
Lone Pine Campground (Bear Creek Lake)
- Sites 18 - 31: Primitive campsites (no water or electricity)
Accessible by dirt roads only.
Beech Point Campground (Bear Creek Lake)
- Sites 1-14: AAA campsites with electricity, water, sewer, bathhouse, and free Wi-Fi
- Sites 15T-17T: Tent-only campsites with group water (no electricity)
Storm Creek Lake Campground
- Campsites 32 - 45 with electricity, water, sewer, bathhouse, and free Wi-Fi
- Sites 38, 39, and 40: Small bike-in tent campsites with electricity and group water
- Camper Cabins 1 - 5
Storm Creek Day-Use Area
- Swim beach
- Rentable pavilion
- Boat launch
- Fishing pier
- Kayak and paddleboard rental kiosk availble at the swim beach
Bear Creek Day-Use Area
- Picnic tables, stand grills, and vault toilet
- Bear Creek Nature Trail (1-mile loop)
- Accessible fishing pier
- Boat ramp with accessible kayak launch
- Swim beach (not accessible)
- Kayak and paddleboard rental kiosk available at the swim beach
Phillips Bayou Area
- Phillips Bayou
- Beaver Pond
- Hand-launch access for personal kayaks only
- Small parking area
- No boat ramp
- Confluence of the Mississippi River and the St. Francis River
- Federally designated Trail of Tears National Historic Trail site
- Parking available
- Approximately 0.25-mile walk to the confluence area
- Large sandy beach at the confluence
- St. Francis River boat ramp
This area offers opportunities for quiet recreation and reflection while recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Trail of Tears.
Visitor Center Meeting Room
For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-295-4040 or mississippiriver@arkansas.com.
Per Day: $200
Storm Creek Pavilion
Per Day: $45
Bear Creek Lake Recreational Area - Marianna Joint Agency Visitor Center
- Information center for both Mississippi River State Park and the St. Francis National Forest
- Exhibit Hall with interactive and interpretive displays
- Trotting Fox Trail
- Ranger Pond
- Multi-Purpose Room available for group day-use rentals
14 or 15 foot boat
Per Day :
$20
Per Day w/Trolling Motor:
$25
Per Day w/Gas Motor:
$85
Kiosk Kayak
Mississippi River State Park has two 8-slot kiosks - located at Bear Creek and Storm Creek swim beaches - where you can rent a kayak and accessories (such as lifejackets and paddles). Just scan your phone to reserve and pay for your rental. Visit HERE to reserve yours now!
Wherever Watersports reserves the right to offer special rates for slow periods or special promotions. Rates will not increase unless agreed upon by the concessionaire and Arkansas State Parks.
Kiosk Paddleboard
Mississippi River State Park has two 8-slot kiosks - located at Bear Creek and Storm Creek swim beaches - where you can rent a paddleboard and accessories (such as lifejackets and paddles). Just scan your phone to reserve and pay for your rental. Visit HERE to reserve yours now!
Wherever Watersports reserves the right to offer special rates for slow periods or special promotions. Rates will not increase unless agreed upon by the concessionaire and Arkansas State Parks.
1 hour:
$14.99
2 hours:
$24.99
4 hours (half day) :
$34.99
8 hours (full day):
$44.99
Horner Neck Lake
- Boat Ramp
- Hornor Neck Wildlife Viewing Trail