Jonesboro is the fifth largest city in the state of Arkansas. Like any other big city, there is the appeal of all things urban – shopping malls, critically acclaimed restaurants, Arkansas State University and fun, family-friendly activities. And minutes away from all the action is the scenic beauty and tranquility found at Craighead Forest Park, an oasis of sorts for RVers, city residents and visitors to Jonesboro.
“People love coming to Jonesboro for business and pleasure,” said Craig Rickert, with Jonesboro Unlimited, which is in charge of the City’s economic development efforts. “The town is packed with people when the Red Wolves have a home football game and Little League baseball tournaments fill the seats several times a year. Jonesboro is also the economic, educational, and healthcare hub for a 12-county area.”
Craighead Forest is a city-owned park located within Crowley’s Ridge, a geological formation that extends across the eastern part of the state. This ice-age upheaval rises 250–500 feet above the plains, making it the highest point in northeastern Arkansas. The ridge is crescent-shaped and contains natural vegetation that differs from the surrounding area, resembling more the species found in the Appalachians. Nestled within this natural environment, Craighead Forest Park makes its home.
In 1937, work on the lake and the park began, spearheaded by a local Young Men’s Civic Club. It has always been a city park and continues to attract visitors seeking adventure in Jonesboro’s Great Outdoors.
“Craighead Forest Park is one of the best parts of Jonesboro,” Rickert said. “Even on a hot summer day, it's always a little cooler there because of all the shade trees and the breeze that comes off the lake. It's kind of a metaphor for our city in that there's something new around each corner and you can go at your own pace.”
At 707 acres, Craighead Forest is the second largest city-owned park in the nation. When the neighboring Arkansas Game and Fish Commission property is added to visitor experiences, it results in miles of trails and almost unlimited outdoor experiences.
Lengthy Craighead Forest trail to discover, either by foot or bike, while on the property. [Photo/Craig Rickert]
According to Assistant Director of Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Brad Pietz, visitors don’t always know when they cross the boundary line between the city park and the state‘s property, and that is fine with him. Visitors often remark about the peace and tranquility they find within, he said.
“We do have a small, 55-acre lake,” Pietz said. “The lake is big enough to offer scenic views, but not big enough that people will launch large boats. This offers a very relaxing area without the roar of ski boats and bass boats.”
The campground includes 31 sites for RVs and five tent sites. Some of these are located on the lakeshore and others are tucked away under the trees. The sites include electricity (50 amps) and water, a picnic table, a fire ring and a grill. Other campground amenities include a bathhouse and pay laundry facilities. A dump station is located in the park, but there is no sewer at individual camping sites.
“Our RV area is a very popular use for the Park,” Pietz said. “We are always looking to improve the entire Park experience.”
The City added five new spots last year and completed the modern bathhouse with toilets and showers a few years ago. There are no current plans for any more additions to the campground, he said.
The campground is open year-round, with three out of the four seasons – spring, summer and fall – bringing in the majority of campers. Weekends are busier than weekdays and Pietz said that a number of City events, such as the barbecue festival planned in September, a spring disc golf tournament, and the regional fair also in September, help fill the spaces. In the fall, Arkansas State’s football fandom also find their weekend home at Craighead Forest.
“The campground seems to be a good mix,” Rickert said. “You see a lot of Arkansas license plates out there as well as all the surrounding states. When you're about two miles from the interstate, the world comes to you.”
Children and young adults won’t waste any time hitting the recreational areas. Equipped with a children’s playground, basketball courts, ball fields and horseshoe pits, the campground at Craighead Forest Park offers plenty of opportunity for fun and exercise. Lake fishing includes bass, bream, crappie and tilapia. There is mountain biking, hiking trails, and the newly developed, fenced in motocross area for the brazen outdoorsperson. In a pleasant addition, the park features a dog jumping pier. Pietz said this pet-friendly amenity can be enjoyed by every dog lover but the majority of its use is by local duck hunters who use it to train their retrievers in time for hunting season.
Pets are welcome throughout Craighead Forest, provided they are properly leashed.
If you want to stay at Craighead Forest Park’s campground, Pietz said occupancy is on a first come-first served basis. “We do not take reservations,” he said.
Fees for campsites with hookups start at $25 per day. Campers 55 years of age and older pay $15 per day. Weekly rates are also offered ($150/$90).
With parents who travel to Jonesboro in their Airstream and camp at Craighead Forest a couple times a year to visit with their grandchildren, Rickert said he can vouch for the campground’s appeal.
“When they come, we grab the kids and head to Grandma’s and Grandpa's trailer for a picnic, some bike riding and of course, s'mores. It's always a big hit, continued Rickert. “My parents are always making new friends at the RV park and constantly rave about how clean the facilities are. They also always have kind words about the park's superintendent. When they aren't entertaining the grandkids, they love heading to the Mall at Turtle Creek to do some shopping.”
Craighead Forest‘s unique location is certainly one of the top reasons it remains popular with campers. “Even though you are in the middle of a 700+ acre park, you are still within a 10-minute drive to countless restaurants, stores and entertainment areas,” Pietz said.