Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground

Nestled along the scenic Arkansas River, Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground offers a serene and inviting escape for those seeking a tranquil outdoor experience in Central Arkansas. Located near the David D. Terry Lock and Dam, this campground is a popular spot for locals looking to unwind, enjoy nature, and partake in a variety of riverside activities. It provides a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle, yet remains conveniently close to urban amenities in nearby Little Rock.

Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground is known for its picturesque views, especially at sunset, offering a beautiful backdrop for your camping adventures. Whether you're an avid angler, a family looking for a fun weekend, or someone simply yearning for a quiet place to relax, this campground presents a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the natural beauty of Arkansas. The park's commitment to providing a clean and peaceful environment ensures a refreshing stay, allowing visitors to put down their phones and truly enjoy quality time with family and friends amidst lovely scenery.

While past reviews indicate areas where maintenance could be enhanced, the overall sentiment points to a beautiful and quiet park that offers a fulfilling outdoor experience. The park is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees many of the region's recreational waterways and ensures continued access to these valuable public lands.

Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground is conveniently located at 11690 Willow Beach Rd, Scott, AR 72142, USA. Its proximity to Little Rock, the state capital, makes it an easily accessible destination for many Arkansans. The campground is situated just minutes from Little Rock, providing a quick getaway to nature without requiring extensive travel.

To reach Willow Beach, visitors can take U.S. Highway 165 east from Little Rock for approximately 2.5 miles. From there, turn right onto Colonel Manard Road and continue for about three miles. A subsequent right turn onto Blue Heron Parkway will lead you directly to the park, with clear signage guiding the way. This straightforward route ensures a smooth journey for RVs and vehicles towing trailers. The park's setting along the Arkansas River, in a forested area close to rolling cotton farms, creates a distinct and charming East Arkansas landscape for visitors to enjoy.

• Campsites with Hookups: Willow Beach Campground offers 21 campsites, all of which come equipped with electric and water hookups, suitable for both RVs and tents. These sites can accommodate RVs and trailers ranging from 55 to 84 feet in length.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically provided with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor meals and campfires.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground features restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, offering essential comforts for campers.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV users to service their black and gray tanks.
• Group Picnic Shelters: The recreation area includes three reservable group picnic shelters for day use, perfect for larger gatherings, family reunions, or community events.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available throughout the campground.
• Playground: A playground is on-site, providing entertainment and a safe play area for children.
• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp offers easy access to the Arkansas River for boating and water activities.
• Accessible Facilities: Some facilities, including a fishing dock, restrooms, and certain pathways, are noted to be ADA accessible.
• Camp Host: A camp host is often on duty, available to assist campers with questions and ensure a pleasant stay.

• Arkansas River Access: The primary highlight of Willow Beach is its direct access to the Arkansas River, known for excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch species such as bass, crappie, and bream, especially in the old river cutoffs and the tail-waters of the David D. Terry Lock and Dam.
• Scenic Riverfront Views: The campground offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding natural landscape, with stunning sunsets frequently observed. Its location along the "old" Arkansas River, a historical route used during the Trail of Tears, adds a unique historical dimension.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviews consistently highlight the quiet, serene, and peaceful nature of the park, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding from daily stresses.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forested riverfront area is home to diverse wildlife, including red fox, deer, armadillo, and numerous species of waterfowl, offering opportunities for nature observation.
• Proximity to Little Rock Attractions: Being just minutes from Little Rock means campers can easily access city amenities, restaurants, and tourist attractions while enjoying a natural setting. This includes cultural sites like the Clinton Presidential Museum and the State Capitol.
• Open Year-Round: Willow Beach Campground is open all year, allowing for camping experiences in various seasons, from mild winters to warm summers.
• Spacious Sites: Many campsites are described as spacious and well-spaced, providing privacy and comfort for campers. Some sites also feature covered picnic tables.

Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground

Address: 11690 Willow Beach Rd, Scott, AR 72142, USA

Phone: (501) 961-1332

Mobile Phone: +1 501-961-1332

For reservations and the most up-to-date information regarding availability, fees, and any seasonal changes, it is always recommended to contact the park directly or visit the Recreation.gov website, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages reservations.

For residents across Arkansas, particularly those in the central region, Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground stands out as an excellent choice for a convenient and enriching outdoor experience. Its undeniable suitability stems from a blend of prime location, thoughtful amenities, and a consistently peaceful environment. Being just a short drive from Little Rock means that a serene riverside escape is always within easy reach, whether for a quick weekend trip or a longer vacation, reducing travel time and increasing relaxation time.

The campground offers essential comforts with its electric and water hookups, clean restrooms, and hot showers, making it comfortable for both seasoned RVers and tent campers. The presence of a playground adds a significant draw for families with children, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Anglers will particularly appreciate the direct access to the Arkansas River, known for its abundant fishing, providing countless hours of enjoyment right at their campsite.

Beyond the practicalities, Willow Beach offers a truly authentic Arkansas outdoor experience. The tranquil atmosphere, picturesque sunsets over the river, and opportunities to spot local wildlife create a restorative environment. It’s a place where you can disconnect from daily stressors, enjoy quality time with loved ones, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature without venturing far from home. Despite occasional notes on maintenance from past visitors, the core appeal of a quiet, beautiful, and accessible campground remains strong. Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground truly embodies the spirit of local Arkansas recreation, offering a peaceful haven that locals can return to time and again.

Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground

Park, 11690 Willow Beach Rd, Scott, AR 72142, USA