Southern Arkansas RV Camping- From A- Alligators to D- Diamonds! by Bob and Pam Stephens

From Alligators to Diamonds…I know which one I’d prefer! Southern Arkansas is more of an agricultural farming area, with fields of cotton, soy and rice. There are Cypress trees growing out of the water and many dead tree stumps sticking out of the water, reminiscent of Louisiana's swamps. The lakes are not for waterskiing in some cases or swimming. Some of the lakes have dangerous residents: alligators, snakes. Whatever you choose to do in or around the water make sure you check with the local officials for safety precautions.

The South Eastern area of Arkansas, adjacent to the Mississippi river, is a great area The Community of Lake Village was very nice. There were several Campgrounds in close in: Lake Chicot State Park and Chicot County Park. There were no trees standing in the water so it appears to be ok for swimming and waterskiing, but always double check with local officials at the park. The downtown area has a great feel; historic sites.

Do you love steaks and grillin’? The town of El Dorado has the best steak cook off once a year. Enter your own, or pay a fee to purchase steaks to eat for dinner that have been entered in the cook-off contest. Many people come to this, and it is known far and wide, so have your reservations make early as RV Parks fill up fast! Magnolia is close by for campers and is very nice, with some RV parks available.

Along the Arkansas River in the Southern part of the state are several Corps of Eng. Parks. One area that is nice is the Pendleton Bend area. Park your RV adjacent to the river and have fun.

A very nice lake in the South West area is Millwood Lake. It is about 45 minutes North of Texarkana. It's a big lake great for fishing. I've been told, but not confirmed, the lake has some alligators in it. The lake also has many trees in it. Around this lake are several nice Corps of Eng. Parks and a State Park. It's a nice area, so go visit.

If the wife is asking for diamonds this year, try your luck at the Crater of Diamonds! You may find a diamond and you will pay for your whole trip! Or not! See their website: http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com

“In 1906, John Huddleston, the local farmer who owned this property then, found the first diamonds near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and started the diamond mining rush. According to the history of Crater of Diamonds State Park, after a series of ill-fated mining ventures, followed by tourist attractions, the site became an Arkansas state park in 1972†(from the Crater of Diamonds website). Contact us at Bob@campgroundimages.com