Moro Bay State Park

One of the most popular fishing and water sport areas in south central Arkansas is formed where Moro Bay and Raymond Lake join the Ouachita River. Moro Bay State Park, located at the confluence of these water sources, offers a quiet, peaceful holiday retreat with all the modern conveniences typical of Arkansas' fine state parks.

Moro Bay State Park's location in the fertile land of the Gulf Coastal Plain makes it an ideal base for exploring the vast public recreation areas of southern Arkansas. Just 20 miles southwest of the park, visitors will find El Dorado, the Oil Capital of Arkansas. Nearby, in Smackover, is the Arkansas Oil & Brine Museum, dedicated to the pioneers of South Arkansas' oil and brine industries. In the opposite direction from the park, just 30 miles north, is the town of Warren, where visitors can take in the sights of the widely acclaimed Pink Tomato Festival held every June.

Whether fishing from bank or boat, the abundant bass, bream, crappie and catfish found in the many lakes and streams of the area provide fishing enthusiasts with hours of excitement. Sportsmen use Moro Bay as a camping base while hunting on permitted areas (no hunting allowed in state parks, and firearms must be cased) for the area's bountiful white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit and waterfowl.

So make Moro Bay State Park the start of an exciting vacation exploring the vast forests, fertile flatlands, abundant wildlife, and wide range of activities that truly make this section of southern Arkansas "The Land of Surprises."

Various private ferries operated intermittently in this vicinity from 1834 to 1947. Bradley County and Union County were isolated by the barrier effect of the Ouachita River, in the absence of all crossing transportation from 1947 to 1965. The ferry operation was resumed on April 28, 1965, as a free ferry, owned and operated by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. The ferry ceased operation again in 1992 when two bridges were completed over the Ouachita River and Raymond Lake. The ferry is now on permanent display near the access ramp in the park.

Facilities
The park offers camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and other related water recreation on the Ouachita River, Raymond Lake, and Moro Bay. Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 8 miles southeast of Moro Bay on the Ouachita.

Group Pavilion - A large, covered pavilion located in the picnic area on the Moro Bay side of the park may be rented for group outings or family reunions. The pavilion may be reserved for a modest fee by calling or writing the park. Reservations must be made at the Visitor Center.

Picnicking - Two large picnic areas in the park provide plenty of space for fun with friends and family. The picnic sites are equipped with tables and grills. Water hydrants, restrooms, and a playground are located nearby.

Camping - In a tent or trailer, the park's 20 individual campsites, located along Raymond Lake, provide excellent camping. (Seven sites are reservable.) Water and electricity are provided at all 20 campsites. A trailer dump station, ($2 fee charged to those not camped in the park), is situated near the bathhouse. Though park restrooms are closed December through February, self-contained campers can enjoy the quiet, off-season beauty of nature.

Trails - The Deer Run Hiking Trail, located near the campground area, offers a beautiful view of the environment at Moro Bay.

Other Facilities - The Visitor Center features a gift shop and store with items ranging from grocery staples to bait and tackle. Hunting and fishing licenses, camping supplies, souvenirs, and boat and motor rentals are available at the park's marina. This, the only marina on the Ouachita River in Arkansas, also has boat slips for rent. Complete shopping, restaurant, medical facilities, and other conveniences are located just 30 minutes away in El Dorado or Warren.

NOTE: Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site.

Location
From El Dorado off US Hwy. 82, take Hwy. 15 north 20 miles to the park; OR, from Warren, travel 30 miles south on Hwy. 15 to the park.

For further information on park fees or facilities, contact:

Moro Bay State Park
6071 Hwy 15 South
Jersey, AR 71651
Telephone: (501) 463-8555

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.