Merrisach Lake

MERRISACH LAKE

Part of Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool

Overview

Merrisach Lake Campground and Day Use Park is situated on the banks of Merrisach Lake and the Arkansas Post Canal in the lush bottomland forest of eastern Arkansas. The campground is described as off the beaten path, providing visitors with the peace and quiet to enjoy fishing, hunting, picnicking and boating.

Facilities

Campsites are spacious, with a few backing right up to the lake. Most sites offer electric and water hookups. Additional amenities include hot showers, a playground, boat ramp and dump station. Two large group picnic shelters are available, and can accommodate up to 75 guests each.

Natural Features

The Arkansas Post Canal creates a waterway from the Arkansas River to the White River, and Merrisach Lake stems from the pool between the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Lock Number 2. Wilbur D. Mills Pool boasts 96 miles of shoreline and 10,600 acres of water.

Recreation

The campground and day use park offers visitors the perfect amount of seclusion to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors enjoy fishing for bass, crappie and catfish in Merrisach Lake and other tributaries of Pool 2. The tailwaters of Wilbur D. Mills Dam provide excellent opportunities to catch many species of gamefish, especially catfish. Visitors to this area also find great hunting, birding and boating opportunities. Merrisach sits on the famed Mississippi Flyway, where millions of songbirds, ducks, geese and butterflies pass during migration.

Nearby Attractions

The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife and migratory birds, and is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. The National Park Services's Arkansas Post National Memorial is also a great place to visit while camping in the area.

Important Notices

  • Campground is open year-round
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • Please clean, drain and dry your boats and boat trailers to prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species. More info can be found at: www.ProtectYourWaters.net
  • No Swimming, Wading, or Diving allowed in Merrisach Lake
  • Only wood and paper products may be placed in the fire rings. All trash must be placed in dumpsters and trash cans. 

  • Alligators are native residents in Merrisach Lake. Please do not feed the alligators.
  • No more than 2 tents per campsite, or 1 camper and 1 tent.

  • CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec

  • STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec

Available Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
  • Hunting - Hunting
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Boating - Boating
  • Birding - Birding

Directions

From DeWitt, Arkansas, take US-165 south for 8.1 miles to State Route 44. Turn east for 5.3 miles and continue south onto Tichnor Blacktop Rd. After 10 miles, turn right onto Merrisach Lake Lane and continue into the park.

Contact Information

Phone: 870-548-2291

148 MERRISACH LAKE LANE
TICHNOR, AR 72166

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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