Trail of Tears Water Route Exhibit Panels
Thousands of Cherokee men, women, and children passed here on the water route of the Trail of Tears.  Implementation of the 1830 Indian Removal Act forced Cherokee off of their land and out of their homes in the southeastern US and onto a path to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).  The US government forcefully removed the Cherokee in 1838-1839.  Some Cherokee moved earlier, such as those on the Steamboat Yeatman as mentioned in these panels.

Willow Beach

Open

Open year-round. Park gates open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Willow Beach Campground is a US Army Corps of Engineers recreation area located along the Arkansas River near the David D. Terry Lock and Dam in Pulaski County, Arkansas. The campground occupies a scenic position on a narrow peninsula between the river and Willow Lake, with water views from most of the 21 sites. The forested setting provides shade and opportunities to spot wildlife including red fox, deer, and armadillo. All campsites feature paved surfaces that can accommodate RVs up to 60+ feet, with electric service (20, 30, and 50 amp) and water hookups at every site. Each site includes a covered picnic table and fire ring. Campground amenities include hot showers, a dump station, boat ramp, and playground. Three group picnic shelters are also available for day-use reservations. The location near the lock and dam creates excellent fishing opportunities in the tailwaters and old river cutoffs, with bass, crappie, bream, and catfish commonly caught. Little Rock is just minutes away for supplies, groceries, and restaurants.

Directions

From Little Rock, Arkansas, take U.S. Highway 165 east for 2.5 miles. Turn right on Colonel Manard Road and continue for three miles. Turn right again onto Blue Heron Parkway and follow signs to Willow Beach Park.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups Yes
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store
Price $26 - $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length 84ft
Max Trailer Length 84ft
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (501) 961-1332

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Trail of Tears Water Route Exhibit Panels
Thousands of Cherokee men, women, and children passed here on the water route of the Trail of Tears.  Implementation of the 1830 Indian Removal Act forced Cherokee off of their land and out of their homes in the southeastern US and onto a path to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).  The US government forcefully removed the Cherokee in 1838-1839.  Some Cherokee moved earlier, such as those on the Steamboat Yeatman as mentioned in these panels.
Trail of Tears Water Route and Point of Interest marker
Trail of Tears Water Route Exhibit Panel
This panel gives a brief account of some of the details of the many detachments of Cherokee that passed by here as a result of the 1830 Indian Removal Act.

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