West Helena, Arkansas, is 53 miles south west of Memphis, Tennessee. It is the largest city in Phillips County and has history that includes in the Civil War and music. West Helena borders Saint Francis National Park and offers an escape into the wilderness for camping adventures and outdoor recreation.
Places to Camp
Most of the campgrounds near West Helena can be found in Saint Francis National Park. Beech Point campground is on Bear Creek Lake, and attracting many anglers. Lone Pine campground is also close to Bear Creek Lake. Another popular site, Storm Creek Lake campground, offers distinctive geology.
Warning
This area of Arkansas sees a great deal of rain. Campers are advised to bring tarps and rain gear. The campgrounds are primitive and offer few amenities. Bring lanterns, plenty of food, water and toilet paper.
Considerations
The Lone Pine and Storm Creek campgrounds are open on a seasonal basis. Unexpected showers have been known to produce five to 10 inches of rain in a few short hours, causing flooding in the rivers and creeks -- it is best to camp at higher elevations away from these areas.
Things to Do
Beech Point Campground is offers fishing in Bear Creek Lake. The lake is stocked with large mouth bass, red-eyed bream, catfish and crappie. Lone Pine Campground offers a one-mile hiking loop around Bear Creek.
The Forest
Saint Francis National Park covers more than 22,600 acres in Eastern Arkansas. The forest rises from Arkansas delta plains and includes an abundance of hardwoods such as oak, sycamore and buckeye trees. Most of the park is on the southern portion of Crowley's Ridge.
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