Millwood State Park wilderness guide
State Park · AR

Millwood State Park

Millwood State Park offers visitors a serene setting on the shores of Millwood Lake, providing abundant opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a peaceful Arkansas forest landscape.

State Park8244+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

824

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Millwood State Park

Millwood State Park offers visitors a serene setting on the shores of Millwood Lake, providing abundant opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a peaceful Arkansas forest landscape.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in southwest Arkansas near Ashdown, Millwood State Park encompasses forested lands and waters adjacent to Millwood Lake, a large reservoir created by the damming of the Little River. The park features pine and hardwood forests, clear waters, and diverse wildlife habitats making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Originally opened in 1976, the park has grown into an important recreational spot in the region, catering to anglers, campers, hikers, and bird watchers. Millwood Lake, stretching over 29,500 acres, supports excellent fishing opportunities including bass, crappie, and catfish. The park’s landscape offers a mix of flat lakefront and gently rolling woodlands with a network of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can enjoy calm water paddle sports or take scenic drives along the lake’s perimeter. The park is also favored for its birding, with sightings of bald eagles, osprey, and migratory waterfowl. Facilities include developed campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and rental cabins. Millwood State Park’s appeal lies in its combination of quiet natural beauty, water-based recreation, and well-maintained amenities, attracting families, anglers, and nature lovers year-round.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Millwood State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Millwood Lake shoreline with scenic fishing spots✦ Diverse forest ecosystems featuring pine and hardwood species✦ Boating facilities and multiple boat ramps providing lake access✦ Popular hiking and mountain biking trails with lake views
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Millwood State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Millwood State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Millwood State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Millwood State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Millwood State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Millwood State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Millwood State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Millwood State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Millwood State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Millwood State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fees apply for parking; camping requires reservations and associated fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Millwood State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Millwood State Park Campground

Campground near the lake with electric and non-electric sites, water, showers, and picnic areas.

South Shore Campground

A smaller campground offering lakefront access and quiet settings for tents and RVs.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Millwood State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ashdown, Arkansas
⌖ 11.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ashdown, Arkansas

Ashdown, Arkansas provides a peaceful outdoor escape with excellent fishing, paddling, and hiking opportunities around Millwood Lake and the Little River Wildlife Management Area. It’s ideal for travelers seeking quiet natural settings and easy access to water-based activities.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Horatio, Arkansas
⌖ 13.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Horatio, Arkansas

Horatio, Arkansas is a peaceful base for nature lovers seeking hiking, fishing, and paddling near Millwood Lake and the Little River National Wildlife Refuge. Ideal for quiet outdoor exploration away from busy tourist spots.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Lockesburg, Arkansas
⌖ 16.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lockesburg, Arkansas

Lockesburg offers a quiet outdoor getaway with hiking, fishing, and paddling amid southwest Arkansas’s forest and river landscapes. Its rural setting and nearby protected areas provide a peaceful base for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
De Queen, Arkansas
⌖ 19.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

De Queen, Arkansas

De Queen, Arkansas is a quiet gateway to outdoor adventure with hiking, paddling, and fishing in beautiful rivers and lakes. Its close access to the natural Cossatot River and surrounding forests makes it an excellent base for nature lovers seeking less crowded landscapes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
New Boston, Texas
⌖ 21.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

New Boston, Texas

New Boston offers easygoing outdoor fun with hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing around peaceful lakes and parks. Ideal for travelers seeking a quiet nature escape in Northeast Texas.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Texarkana, Arkansas
⌖ 27.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Texarkana, Arkansas

Texarkana, Arkansas offers a mix of relaxing outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, and fishing along scenic rivers and lakes. This friendly town is a great starting point for enjoying Southern natural beauty and easy adventure.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Millwood State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.