[MomLovinLife]

We are a family of 4 (with teenagers) that just moved to Hernando, Miss. and enjoy camping in our motorhome. However, with the cost of fuel, we are limited in how far we can now travel.

Can anyone provide info. on activities for a family to do in EAST Arkansas. I understand Little Rock / Hot Springs (2-1/2 to 3-hour drive) has an abundance of camping and family activities, but we were hoping to find something closer to home for a quick weekend trip to keep costs down.

Looking to drive maybe 1-1/2 hours.

Can anyone make any suggestions? Nice clean campgrounds? Waterparks?

The kids & hubbie also ride dirt bikes - so any suggestions in that regard would be welcomed as well.

Thank you for your help!!!

[ridicter]

Yikes, just responded but was not logged in. Simply, you're not going to find attractions on the same level in East Arkansas as you are in Central and Western Arkansas. In HS you'd have a theme park + natural areas + downtown + lakes. On the other hand, the nearest state park to you is Village Creek State Park on Crowley's ridge, which is a small hill system in east Arkansas. It's 1.5 hrs away.... Unique eastern Arkansas geology on Mississippi Alluvial Plain at Village Creek State Park According to the website it hosts horseback riding, bicycling, etc. You could also check out the St. Francis National Forest. They probably have kayaking trips in the swamp lands with lots of wildlife. Again, you may want to invest in the extra hour.

[Dr. Foosball]

lol. there is nothing but rice and soy beans in east arkansas. the most boring, empty place in the world.

[Bull Winkus]

You might want to try Storm Creek Lake near Helena, AR. I haven't been there in quite awhile, but there's used to be a swimming area near the dam, and campsites (primitive only) further down. Storm Creek is a nice Canoeing and fishing lake. I'm not sure about water skiing.

There may be better campgrounds closer to you in Mississippi. Moon Lake? Coldwater Lake (Arkabutla)? Have you tried those?

You wont find any water parks in E. Arkansas. There might be some in Memphis, though.

[hotair2]

Originally Posted by Bull Winkus

You might want to try Storm Creek Lake near Helena, AR. I haven't been there in quite awhile, but there's used to be a swimming area near the dam, and campsites (primitive only) further down. Storm Creek is a nice Canoeing and fishing lake. I'm not sure about water skiing.

There may be better campgrounds closer to you in Mississippi. Moon Lake? Coldwater Lake (Arkabutla)? Have you tried those?

You wont find any water parks in E. Arkansas. There might be some in Memphis, though.

I have only driven through that part of Arkansas in route to Memphis. I have never seen anything. There may be a slip and slide behind someone's home.

[Robert_J]

I see a LOT of ski boats headed south to eather Arkabutla or Sardis. I'm not a skier so I don't know the exact destination.

As for east AR, the only nice place that I know of is Lake Village. I spent weekend before last on Lake Chicot with friends on a couple of pontoon boats. It's right at a 240 mile drive from the Hernando area.

-Robert

[J Arp]

If you consider Hardy, AR to still be eastern Arkansas that is the only place I can recommend. Spring River is good floating and lots of little camp grounds.

Can I ask why you don't want to go to the lakes in Mississippi? Just looking for something new? I ask because I recently found out about Sardis Lake...that place is freaking HUGE.

[North Pulaski Player]

Unless you consider going to Central or West Arkansas, then you would probably be better off at one of the attractions in your part of Mississippi. There is nothing in East Arkansas...NOTHING (And I am a native of East Arkansas, so trust me on this.)

[TN-rox]

Shelby Forest state park just north of Memphis has nice river (Mississippi) frontage. You could go out to one of the islands. Boat ramps if you have one, and when the sand bars are up great for riding and maybe even a dip. Just watch out for the current and dont think about what may be in the water

[gthog61]

I grew up in eastern Arkansas (West Helena) and all of our best family vacations involved driving somewhere else. Check out the casino area around Tunica. They probably have some "family" attractions designed to lure you close enough to go lose some of your money in the casinos.