Location
Mississippi River State Park in St. Francis National Forest
6821-6957 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR
GPS Coordinates for the park are 7236034.709262, -90.698045
71.3 miles, 1 hour 23 minutes from Benjamin Hooks Library, 3030 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN
Marianna, AR is a town of about 3600
The 625-acre Bear Creek Lake was constructed atop Crowley's Ridge in east central Arkansas in 1938. It lies within the north end of theSt. Francis National Forest, and two national scenic byways - the Great River Road and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway.
Power boats are permitted, but limited to 10 hp.
It’s a pleasant area and might work well as a training site.
Minimum Levels for safe paddling
Depth of the lake is controlled by a dam.
When we visited, the water was drawn down 4 feet for maintenance but the lake was still accessible and usable.
Put-Ins, Take Outs
It is ok to put-in from the sand beach at the swimming area. The park also rents kayaks that put-in at that location. Parking is nearby.
There is also a concrete boat ramp near the Bear Creek Lake Dam
Places to Stop or Camp on the Lake
On the north end of Mississippi River State Park is the Beech Point Campground in the Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area. Accessed from Ark. 44, this campground is situated on a wooded peninsula in the lake. The campsites offer views of the lake and are surrounded by prime wildlife and birding habitat. Two courtesy docks provide campers with additional access to this lake known for its bream and bass fishing. The campground features 17 campsites [14 Class AAA with water/electric/sewer hookups and three Class D Walk-in Tent Sites]. Each paved site includes an adjacent, extended hardened living area with picnic table, grill, lantern hanger, and tent pad. A barrier-free bathhouse is centrally located.
In a separate location on the lake, the park's Lone Pine Campground offers 14 Primitive RV/Tent Sites (no hookups) and vault toilets nearby, and the Maple Flats Campground.
Services Available near the Lake
There is a variety of stores in Marianna including grocery, pharmacy and gas stations. Services are focused on the agricultural industry..
Potential Danger Spots
None noted, although the dam spillway might be an issue at high water levels
Places to eat
Ameca Mexican Restaurant
362 W Chestnut St
Marianna, AR 72360
870-295-5900
Cajun Express
5298 Hwy 78
Wheatley, AR 72392
870-457-2572
MJ's Grill
381 W. Chestnut
Marianna, AR 72360
870-662-6525
Pizza Pro
460 S. Alabama St.
Marianna, AR 72360
870-295-3133
Sonic Drive-In
86 Hwy 1 Bypass
Marianna, AR 72360
870-295-6600
Southern Catfish
Marianna, AR
870-270-8093
Subway
440 Forest Ave.
Marianna, AR 72360
870-295-2201
Other things to do
There is a very nice park visitor center, jointly staffed by Arkansas State Parks and U.S. Forest Service staff. It features exhibits interpreting the Mississippi River, Crowley's Ridge, and the Delta. The visitor center includes a large, multi-purpose area for hosting meetings, family reunions, and other group events.
The Bear Creek Lake Nature Trail, a one-mile loop, provides close access to the unique flora and fauna of Crowley’s Ridge. This kid-friendly trail winds through groves of large native trees, many which are identified. A great way to explore the forest regardless of the season.
Trotting Fox Trail is a 1/2-mile, barrier free path.
Hornor Neck Lake is a short wildlife viewing trail.
Base Line Trail is four-miles roundtrip.
Roads south along Crowley’s Ridge into the St Francis National Forest provide scenic overlooks of the Mississippi Delta and access to additional trails.
Medical Facilities
Marianna Medical Clinic
15 N Poplar St, Marianna, AR
(870) 295-3430
Forrest City Medical Center
1601 NEwcastle Road
Forrest City, AR 72335
Helena Regional Medical Ctr
1801 Martin Luther King Drive Helena, AR 72342
Phone: 870-338-5800