🌤 Weather at Mississippi River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43–81 °F | 69–91 °F | 42–85 °F | 32–54 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Marianna 2 S, 7 mi away, elevation 234 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Mississippi River State Park is a public state park in Arkansas near Marianna in Jersey, Calhoun County. Spanning 98.69 acres and established in 2008, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Arkansas |
| Nearest City | Marianna |
| County | Jersey, Calhoun |
| Park Size | 98.69 acres |
| Established | 2008 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Mississippi River State Park is located near Marianna, Arkansas. The park’s coordinates are 34.8311, -90.6981.
Things to Do
Arkansas state parks showcase the Natural State’s stunning Ozark and Ouachita landscapes — ancient mountains, spring-fed rivers, dramatic bluffs, and pristine caves. Activities include hiking scenic bluff trails with panoramic views, swimming in clear Ozark streams and resort-style park pools, fishing in trophy bass lakes and trout-stocked rivers, camping in forested valleys, kayaking and canoeing spring-fed waterways, caving on guided tours, mountain biking world-class trail systems, rock climbing sandstone bluffs, and exploring Native American heritage sites and Civil War battlefields. Devil’s Den, Petit Jean, and Pinnacle Mountain rank among the finest state parks in the South.
Best Time to Visit
Arkansas parks are best from March through November. Spring brings wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid (90s°F) — swimming, floating, and early morning hikes are the way to go. Fall (October–November) delivers beautiful Ozark foliage peaking mid-to-late October, with excellent hiking conditions. Winter offers peaceful trail solitude and mild temperatures (40s–50s°F) that make hiking pleasant. Arkansas’ extensive lodge system means comfortable indoor stays are available year-round at many parks.
Visitor Tips
Arkansas state parks are free to enter — no vehicle or entrance fees. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms vary in price. Reservations through arkansasstateparks.com. Arkansas is unique in offering full-service lodges with restaurants inside many state parks — a great option for non-campers. The Diamond Crater and Crystal Mine parks let visitors keep whatever gems they find. Cell service is spotty in the Ozark backcountry. Ticks are very active March through October — take precautions.
Explore More Arkansas State Parks
Mississippi River State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Arkansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Arkansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Mississippi River State Park provides access to the great river — the fourth-longest river in the world at 2,340 miles and the backbone of North America’s interior drainage. The Mississippi’s influence on Illinois cannot be overstated — the river defined the state’s western border, powered its commerce, and shaped its ecology. The river’s floodplain forests support the Mississippi Flyway — the most important bird migration corridor in North America, used by 40% of all North American waterfowl and 60% of all US bird species. Bald eagles — America’s national bird — concentrate along the river in winter by the hundreds. American white pelicans form spectacular feeding cooperatives. River otters, beaver, and mink inhabit the backwater sloughs.
Nearby Attractions
Great River Road — a National Scenic Byway — runs through historic river towns. The Mississippi Palisades region features dramatic limestone bluffs. Savanna and Galena offer historic character and shopping. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge protects 261 miles of river corridor. Lock and Dam systems provide bald eagle viewing in winter. Mississippi River barge traffic — 500 million tons annually — is visible from many overlooks. Chestnut Mountain Resort near Galena offers skiing.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Louisiana Purchase State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Parkin Archeological State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Mississippi River State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 45 sites — Beech Point Campground (Bear Creek Lake) sites 1-14: Class AAA with electricity, water, sewer, bathhouse, free Wi-Fi; sites 15T-17T: tent-only with group water access, no electricity. Lone Pine Campground (Bear Creek Lake) sites 18-31: primitive, no utilities. Storm Creek Lake Campground sites 32-45: full hookups (electricity, water, sewer), bathhouse, Wi-Fi; sites 38-40 are bike-in tent sites with electricity and shared water. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 5 camper cabins at Storm Creek Lake, sleeping up to 4 (1 queen bed, 1 bunk bed). No kitchen, bathroom, or television; guests use the shared bathhouse and provide their own linens. Includes heat/AC and a screened porch. |
| Reservations | Book online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/mississippi-river or call 870-295-4040. Individual camping reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance; camping is limited to one 14-day stay within a 30-day period. The reservation deposit equals one night's basic camping fee plus tax and is forfeited on cancellation. |
| Special sites | Maple Flats Group Campground: primitive group area with group grill, picnic tables, and vault toilet. Boat ramps and kayak/paddleboard rentals; swim beaches. |
| Season notes | Campgrounds and boat ramps open all year. |
Camping questions about Mississippi River State Park
Can you camp at Mississippi River State Park?
Yes. Mississippi River State Park has 45 campsites. Beech Point Campground (Bear Creek Lake) sites 1-14: Class AAA with electricity, water, sewer, bathhouse, free Wi-Fi; sites 15T-17T: tent-only with group water access, no electricity. Lone Pine Campground (Bear Creek Lake) sites 18-31: primitive, no utilities. Storm Creek Lake Campground sites 32-45: full hookups (electricity, water, sewer), bathhouse, Wi-Fi; sites 38-40 are bike-in tent sites with electricity and shared water.
How do you reserve a campsite at Mississippi River State Park?
Book online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/mississippi-river or call 870-295-4040. Individual camping reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance; camping is limited to one 14-day stay within a 30-day period. The reservation deposit equals one night's basic camping fee plus tax and is forfeited on cancellation.
Are there cabins at Mississippi River State Park?
5 camper cabins at Storm Creek Lake, sleeping up to 4 (1 queen bed, 1 bunk bed). No kitchen, bathroom, or television; guests use the shared bathhouse and provide their own linens. Includes heat/AC and a screened porch.
Source: arkansas.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Mississippi River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed, caged or otherwise restrained under direct physical (not verbal) control; no maximum leash length is specified.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted at swimming beaches or pools at any time, nor in public buildings.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly cabins and lodge rooms exist at all lodging parks (about 25% of cabins at 14+ parks incl. Petit Jean, Mount Magazine, DeGray Lake Resort, Devil's Den); limit 2 dogs per unit, non-refundable per-dog fee at check-in, proof of vaccinations required.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; a non-refundable per-dog fee applies for dog-friendly cabins/lodge rooms.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs (no other pet types) are allowed in lodging units.
Are dogs allowed at Mississippi River State Park?
Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via codeofarrules.arkansas.gov. More: Arkansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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