Lake Poinsett State Park

Situated among the scenic rolling hills atop Crowley's Ridge in northeastern Arkansas is Lake Poinsett, this 640-acre impoundment was constructed in 1960 by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission to provide fishing recreation. Lake Poinsett State Park was established on the northern end of the lake in 1963, and today offers park visitors camping and picnicking facilities. Fishing enthusiasts find the relatively shallow waters of Lake Poinsett excellent for catching large stringers of bass, crappie, bream and catfish.

Lake Poinsett's location makes it an ideal base for exploring the beauty and history of Crowley's Ridge, north or south. A year-round kaleidoscope of colors can be seen along the ridge ranging from the brilliant reds of maple trees in fall to the bright colors of wildflowers and dogwood blossoms in spring. North of the park near Paragould, visitors can explore the area of Chalk Bluff, made famous by General John S. Marmaduke's Civil War cavalry as they chased Union forces into Missouri.

During your stay at Lake Poinsett, take a leisurely drive (one hour) east to Hampson Museum State Park in the town of Wilson. This small museum houses an extensive collection of Nodena Phase (1400-1700 AD) Indian artifacts from the Mississippian Period. The museum's artifacts were collected in the early 1900s by Dr. James K. Hampson and his family from a village site located at Nodena, their family plantation. Due to Dr. Hampson's exacting excavation records, archaeologists today have been able to analyze and further understand the Nodena Phase Indians. Exhibits of the Nodena material at the museum explain the lifestyle of these prehistoric people and the science of archaeology. The park also offers a tree-shaded picnic and playground area, so pack up a lunch and spend the day!

South of Lake Poinsett State Park, visitors to Crowley's Ridge will find Village Creek State Park. Village Creek offers 2 fishing lakes, camping, group pavilions, interpretive programs and more than 7 miles of hiking trails. So, whether exploring northeast Arkansas or lounging in a johnboat on Lake Poinsett, your visit to northeast Arkansas will be an enjoyable one.

Facilities

Camping - The beautiful, shaded camping area overlooking the lake is open year-round. Twenty-seven campsites are equipped with dual-voltage electrical hookups and freeze-proof water connections, plus a table and grill. Plenty of room is available nearby for those who wish to pitch a tent. A bathhouse (open only during warmer months) is available to all campers. A dump station is located near the park entrance.

Picnicking - Scattered around the park are spacious picnic sites with tables and grills. Though the picnic sites are shaded by towering trees, there is ample open space in the area which can be used for impromptu softball games. A playground is located between the campground and picnic areas. For family get-togethers or group gatherings, a pavilion may be reserved for a modest fee.

Other Facilities - Rental fishing boats (no motors) are available at the park near the boat launch ramp. Camping and fishing supplies can be obtained at stores near the park. A public swimming pool plus complete shopping; laundry facilities, restaurants, and hospitals are just 3 miles away in Harrisburg. The park's boat launch ramp (near the picnic area) may be used free of charge by all park visitors.

NOTE: Campers register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites assigned; limited reservations available. The pavilion must be reserved before being used (deposit required).

Location
From Harrisburg, travel east 1 mile on Arkansas Hwy. 14, then take Arkansas Hwy. 163 south 3 miles to the park; or; from Wynne, travel east on Arkansas Hwy. 64 just 5 miles to Levesque, then turn north on Arkansas Hwy. 163 and drive 21 miles to the park.

For further information on the park, contact:

Lake Poinsett State Park
Rt. 3, Box 317
Harrisburg, AR 72432
Telephone: (501) 578-2064

For further information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.